Situated between the main highway D-100 and TEM in Istanbul, near Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Pendik, this project transforms the former chemical plant site into a vibrant science and technology park. The owner is one of Türkiye’s most dynamic banks.
The design draws inspiration from the natural terrain surrounding the site, aiming to create a striking contrast against the chaotic urban fabric nearby. A transparent volume, serving as the main workspace, gently rests atop several artificial hills. Various facilities are housed beneath these hills, including 600- and 200-seat auditoriums, educational conference areas, self-service restaurants, lounges situated on bridges, data centers, and other functional spaces.
The technology park spans approximately 142,000 square meters of constructed area on a 51,000-square-meter site, divided into three main zones: 53,500 square meters of open-plan offices; 16,000 square meters dedicated to auditoriums, educational spaces, and buffet restaurants; and 72,500 square meters comprising parking, a Tier 4 data center, sports facilities, public spaces, archives, and service areas.
The horizontally floating volume connects two site plots via a 30-meter suspension bridge with a glass curtain wall. The building’s main structure features a flat concrete system for the office levels and an exposed frame structure below. The outer office areas are column-free under overhanging beams spanning between 4.5 and 11 meters, with the four office floors sharing a similar layout.
The widest cantilevered section is supported by large composite beams installed on the roof. The four-story office building partially occupies a structural transition level, creating generous space for an auditorium tucked within one of the hills. Prioritizing flexibility and natural light, office spaces are arranged around open-air courtyards elevated in the air, encouraging circulation, relaxation, and social interaction in the lounges located on the bridges, all while offering stunning views.
The transparent volume seamlessly integrates the workspace with the city, offering users year-round interaction and varied experiences. The elevated transparent structure projects a stable, tensioned suspended image, reflecting the sky, landscape, and urban surroundings. Inside, the orthogonal grid layout contrasts sharply with the free-form voids, leaving a strong visual impression.
Outside, users can stroll along a path mimicking a flowing stream, weaving between the artificial hills. In harmony with the outdoor spaces, the elevated volume offers a daily experiential journey. The pond’s design helps reduce outdoor temperatures, while the glass curtain wall minimizes heat absorption during warmer seasons.
(BIM training)
The building incorporates sustainable features, including single- and double-layer facade skin systems, dynamic shading combined with lighting controls, and specialized heating and cooling systems that supply fresh air indoors. The exterior employs a modular system with high-quality insulation and soundproofing to mitigate the effects of nearby heavy traffic.
During the initial design phase, after the land acquisition, the old chemical factory had already been demolished. Soil pollution was further assessed, and remaining industrial debris was sorted into multiple categories for recycling and disposal. Most of the original pine trees were preserved, with a few relocated. The rainwater collection system integrates with the landscape, and the artificial hill surfaces are covered with sedum planting supported by cables—one of Türkiye’s largest green roof applications to date. The park has achieved LEED Gold certification.
Design Drawings:
▲ General Layout Plan
▲ Underground Second Floor Plan
▲ Underground Floor Plan
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Mezzanine Plan
▲ Standard Office Floor Plan
▲ Elevation View
▲ Sectional View
Project Information:
Architectural Firm: ERA Architects
Location: Pendik, Türkiye
Category: Office Facilities
Lead Architect: Ali Hiziroglu
Design Team: Ertun Hızıroğlu, Faik Barutçu, Fahrettin Chiloğlu, Rağdem Duman, Serap Aydınel, Gökçen Irmukır, Melis Uysal, Love Paçcı, Age-specific, Elif Taşal, Okim Orhan Name, Süreyya Numanoğlu, Gülizar Bozdoğan, Zuhal Özen, Dawn Burning, Elif Özil
Building Area: 142,000 m²
Project Year: 2018
Photographer: Cemal Emden
Client: Garanti Bank BBVA
Structural Engineer: MPI Melih Bulgur
Electrical Engineer: Proma Erdogan Duman
Facade Consultant: Tim Macfarlane / Glass Limited
Interior Design: Midek Mingü
Lighting Design: Planlux, Speirs + Major
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