The Ziraat Bank headquarters is the centre-piece of the new Istanbul International Financial Centre (IIFF). The design draws upon the cultural heritage and historic architecture of one of the world’s oldest and most diverse cities.
The office towers, which rise to 40 and 46 storeys, have been designed to support employee wellbeing. Amenities include prayer rooms, naturally ventilated areas and planted balcony break out spaces. Double-height atria create different working environments that encourage social interaction across floors.
Designed as separate but interconnected buildings, the podium unites the two towers. A common entrance with an eight-storey atrium is defined by the pebble-like form of the Ziraat Bank’s auditorium and conference centre. Bridges cross the atrium at multiple levels, creating visual and physical links.
The building occupies a prominent position within the ICFF, the curving profile of the towers, viewed together with the podium, alluding to a traditional Ottoman calligraphic signature, the Tughra. On the tower façades, louvers of various sizes are used to allow high-levels of natural daylight whilst reducing glare and preventing excessive solar gain. In contrast to the simple treatment of the tower facades, the podium is designed with a rich pattern of flat arches and vertical fins, which set up an elegant rhythm.
