B.

Surrounded with dense green landscape and registered historic trees, housing three important cultural heritage buildings, having a site bordered by lands owned and ruled by the military, already having an unfinished construction… This project was the most challenging one to realise!

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The permit process was complex, as well as permits from the municipality, fire and security department, it included, permits from the Ministry of Culture, Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation Board. It was subject to more detailed reports for the preservation of existing landscape, and existing unfinished construction’s history and material analysis. When all these permits were satisfied, press needed to be confronted and convinced with correct information through press conferences.

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Design and form of the new design is shaped with the concept of completing the natural hill, which was excavated and replaced by the existing abandoned construction on site. This mixed-use building with cultural functions is isolated from the city with dense green areas. Once a forest, in 19th century, this land was the hunting area of the Sultan. Ayazağa Kasrı was build for his temporary accommodation. Süvari Köşkü was for his companions and Çinili Köşk was for hunting dinner celebrations. All motives and hand made details were showing the extreme quality of talented workmanship of its time. After being inaccessible for a long period of time, with renovations these buildings were open for public view.

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Located within UNIQ Istanbul in Maslak, Volkswagen Arena stands out as a key component of a larger mixed-use real estate development that blends culture, entertainment, and business functions. As part of a 151,000 m² “new generation life center,” the arena contributes to a hybrid urban model where offices, exhibition spaces, retail, and performance venues coexist in a landscaped, campus-like environment. This integration reflects a contemporary development strategy aimed at extending user engagement throughout the day, transforming the project from a single-purpose venue into a continuous urban destination. In terms of management and operation, the arena functions as a multi-purpose, high-capacity venue hosting international concerts, corporate events, and sports competitions.

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Today, the building is vibrant with its music shops, restaurants, outdoor cinema, museum, offices, meeting rooms, congress, small concert hall and music hall for 7,000 audiences, art galleries and outdoor activity areas. All these functions are connected within a simple form. The concert/performance spaces with night concerts and performances of national and international artists, add to the cultural dynamics of Istanbul.

The development achieved LEED Silver Certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainable design, resource efficiency, and environmental performance.