undulating steel canopy by GAD architecture tops historic building in istanbul

Divan Kurucesme’s dynamic design Weaves Past and Present

GAD Architecture‘s Divan Kurucesme project in Istanbul stands as a unique response to the challenges of preserving historical architecture in a city with a deep, 6000-year history. The architectural landscape of Istanbul has faced disruptions due to modern development, resulting in the erasure of significant Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks. While historical buildings have been eliminated in the past few decades, some underwent repurposing in a superficial manner, preserving them by name only. In this context, GAD approached the Divan Kurucesme project with a delicate balance, considering the historical importance of the Bosphorus shoreline and adhering to strict building codes governing the cultural heritage zone. The project, commissioned as an event space for the Divan Hotel Group, subtly integrates a new architectural language inspired by the vanished Bosphorus yali or mansions. Visible features are limited, with a notable addition being the undulating steel structure and canopy extending the main event hall terrace.

all images by Cemal Emden

GAD Architecture preserves traces of Historical Istanbul

The main multipurpose event salon, primarily used for weddings and corporate meetings, is housed within this structure, cleverly disappearing behind a glass facade. GAD’s architectural strategy combines steel and reinforced concrete, creating a dynamic, modern space. The project meticulously preserves traces of the older building’s elements, such as a pool, hammam, and laundry facility, showcasing them as patterns in the terrazzo flooring. Notably, the foundations of a preserved hammam building are suspended on a steel frame, visible under a glass floor in the main banquet hall. The design team commits to preserving historical remains and weaving the past’s structures, materials, and urban character into the present making Divan Kurucesme a standout project in Istanbul’s contemporary building landscape.

GAD’s approach Balances preservation and modern development

the undulating steel structure draws visitors toward the entrance

glazed expanses reflect the historic brick-laid building remains

traces of the past are showcased in terrazzo flooring

Divan Kurucesme weaves the past’s structures, materials, and character into the present

the foundations of the preserved hammam building are suspended on a steel frame

the project preserves the older building’s elements, such as a pool, hammam, and laundry facility

1/14

 

 

 

construction

construction

site plan

ground floor plan

entrance floor plan

elevation

section

ground floor plan

event terrace A and B plan

room A and B plan

exhibition terrace plan

project info:

name: Divan Kurucesme

architect: GAD Architecture | @gadarchitecture

lead architect: Gokhan AVCIOGLU

design team: Nesime Onel, Oguz Cankan, Semih Acar, Okan Dedeoglu, Bahar Yılmaz, Deniz Galip, Ipek Yelekci, Suzan Bozfakioglu, Yigit Ogutogulları, Emre Bilol, Beste Dabakoglu, Aylin Degirmen, Aysu Aysoy, Efe Ilgen, Scott Baltimore

location: Istanbul, Turkey

photography: Cemal Emden | @cemalemden 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom