The School of Architecture and Design at Wozyein University is a young private institution located in Türkiye. This project represents the culmination of ARK’s ten years of expertise in comprehensive master planning and architectural design. ARK, a rising design studio founded by AIA architect Roger L. Klein, collaborated closely with the local BG Architects studio to co-lead the building’s design.
For architects, the chance to design a building for a prestigious architectural research institution like the School of Architecture and Design is truly unique. Meeting such high standards within a moderate budget posed an exciting challenge and a remarkable achievement.
Our design concept is rooted in a timeless and dynamic architectural language that unites all surrounding campus buildings. It incorporates diagonal lines integrated with the original quadrilateral campus layout designed a decade ago. The base plan’s initial spatial form defines geometric shapes, revealing each complementary part of the composition.
Notably, the building features distinctive triangular weathered steel exterior panels that mitigate low-angle sunlight on the west facade. This triangular panel system also provides an elegant transition along the building’s elongated, inclined facades.
The interior of the tall studio strictly follows the triangular geometry, influencing spatial flow and detailed design elements. This geometric form inspires the building’s unique central feature, where the floor splits into staggered levels with a 3-meter height difference, creating a lively social and interactive space for students and faculty.
The new School of Architecture and Design (FAD) offers over 25,000 square meters of design education facilities and anchors the campus’s southwest corner, designed by ARK. Its location establishes a strong new entrance plaza for the existing campus, significantly transforming the use and activities in the lower quadrilateral area, while maintaining a firm connection to the upper main quadrilateral in front of the student center, also designed by ARK ten years prior.
The building’s overall form, strict geometric design, and spatial organization stem from three key factors:
- The “layered studio” at the building’s center, which creates visual and physical connections across stacked spaces.
- The triangular geometry derived from a proportional system linking all parts into a coherent whole.
- The internal diagonal spatial flow that directly connects the main entrance of FAD to the central campus area and the social lounge at the building’s core.
A continuous line of sight runs through the creative and critical spaces, fostering interdisciplinary communication and expanding peripheral views for both students and faculty. The triangular west-facing facade reflects the internal functions of the large, tall studio and the central staggered social space, offering panoramic views of the nearby forest and the expansive Istanbul cityscape.
The weathered steel facade’s solid and void pattern effectively reduces low-angle sun exposure while echoing the slope of the building site and the adjacent forested hillside.
Design Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Plan & Sectional View
△ West Elevation View
△ Abstract Elevation Diagram
△ Abstract Elevation Diagram
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Sketch
△ Sketch
Project Information
Project Type: University
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Architects: ARK itection, BG Architects
Area: 26,000 m²
Year: 2020
Photographers: Ibrahim Ozbunar, Studio Maho
Suppliers: Cuhadaroglu Aluminum, Delta Furniture, Heradesign, Kasso, Kasso Engineering, Knauf, SISECAM, Serifoglu, Sika, TRİMLİNE, Tacer, Tarkett, Tas Mimarlık, Zivella Office Furniture
Design Team: Roger L. Klein, Bulent Gungor, Can Dagarslani, Chris Shusta, Ben Kinghorn, Caner Olcusenler, Gokce Su Akdag, Ozan Duvarci, Emir Cil, Mustafa Ozdemir, Tugba Cetin, Mirhac Bayoz, Eda Yigit
Client: Özyeğin University
Structural Engineer: Balkar Engineering
Mechanical and Electrical Engineer: Eko Tasarim
Electrical Engineer: Latek
Landscape Design: ON Tasarim
Consultant: Exterior Wall Consultant – FMT Façade Consultancy
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