New York, NY – December 23, 2013 – International architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) has shared its design for a new headquarters for Turkey’s largest and oldest financial institution, Ziraat Bank, in a modern, suburban district of Istanbul.
The two-tower, over 400,000m2 Ziraat Bank headquarters will be the centre?piece of the new Istanbul International Financial Centre (IIFF), exemplifying Istanbul’s status as a global financial centre and Ziraat Bank's position as the country’s leading bank. The new complex, designed in association with locally? based architects A Tasarim Mimarlik and planned in tandem with KKS, will reflect the corporate image of financial service buildings currently emerging across the globe, whilst taking inspiration from its rich architectural context.
Drawing on the cultural heritage of Turkey and its great buildings over the course of history, the silhouette of the structure will create a significant architectural presence, distinguishing the new headquarters from its immediate neighbours within the future masterplan. The form of the building and its facade adopts motifs, geometrical patterns and symbols of the Ottoman Empire, including the Ottoman symbol of the Tugra; the seal of the Sultan. The Tugra symbol is prevalent throughout the design.
The podium is designed as a plinth for the towers, organising the interior and exterior spaces to create vibrant and dynamic public realm around the buildings. The towers, of 46 storeys and 40 storeys respectively, will rise from the podium, progressively becoming more transparent as they reach towards the sky. Facades and interior materials are inspired by their locality, combining high quality glass and metal frames to accentuate the building’s geometry.
KPF Managing Principal, Paul Katz commented, “With the support and encouragement of a visionary client, we have designed a modern financial service, high rise which is inspired by the intricacies of Istanbul’s incredible cultural, urban, and historical legacy.”
About Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) is one of the world’s pre?eminent architecture firms, providing architecture, interior, programming and masterplanning services for clients in both the public and private sectors. Operating as one firm with six global offices, KPF is led by 24 Principals and 27 Directors. The firm’s 600+ staff members come from 43 different countries, speak more than 30 languages and include over 80 LEED accredited professionals.
KPF’s diverse portfolio, which features over 70 projects certified or pursuing green building certification, comprises corporate, hospitality, residential, academic, civic, transportation and mixed?use projects located in more than 35 countries. The firm’s recent work includes the Abu Dhabi International Airport,
the Shanghai World Financial Center, the International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong, New Songdo City in Korea, the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, the RBC Centre and Ritz? Carlton in Toronto, and Heron Tower, Sixty London and Unilever House in London.
Related Stories
Cultural Facilities | Jul 16, 2015
Louisville group plans to build world's largest disco ball
The sphere would more than double the size of the current record holder.
Education Facilities | Jul 14, 2015
Chile selects architects for Subantarctic research center
Promoting ecological tourism is one of this facility’s goals
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 14, 2015
New city-modeling software quantifies the movement of urban dwellers
UNA for Rhino 3D helps determine the impact that urban design can have on where pedestrians go.
Industrial Facilities | Jul 14, 2015
Tesla may seek to double size of Gigafactory in Nevada
Tesla Motors purchased an additional 1,200 acres next to the Gigafactory and is looking to buy an additional 350 acres.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 14, 2015
Nation’s first 'drone park' breaks ground in North Dakota
This is one of six testing sites around the country that are developing flight standards and evaluating the utility of drones for different tasks.
Sponsored | Building Team | Jul 10, 2015
Are you the wrong type of ‘engaged’ leader?
Much of what’s written about employee engagement focuses on how leaders can help their employees become more involved at work. But what about the leaders themselves?
Architects | Jul 9, 2015
NCARB: Record number of aspiring architects on path toward licensure
More than 37,170 design professionals either reported hours through the Intern Development Program or tested for the Architect Registration Examination last year, according to a new NCARB report.
Architects | Jul 7, 2015
Why AEC firms should be cultivating 'visible experts'
A new study pinpoints the true dollar value of having knowledge leaders and market shapers on your team.
Green | Jul 7, 2015
Philips sheds new light on growing fresh food indoors
A research center in The Netherlands is testing the latest techniques in urban farming.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 6, 2015
BIM/VDC training is more than learning the features
Training can be a taxing experience for both the class and the instructor. CASE's Nathan Miller offers four ways to make training more relevant to practitioners.