Project Type
Office & Sales Office
Location
İstanbul, Türkiye
Year
2013
Project Service
Concept to Construction
Project Status
Completed
Total Area (m²)
18000.00
Total Construction Area (m²)
95000.00
Employer
Ofton İnşaat
Located in the heart of Istanbul, the Next Star project is positioned within the Riyalepaşa district an area long overlooked despite its centrality and strong transportation connections, yet one that has steadily gained value over the years. This transformation offers an opportunity to redefine the spatial dynamics of a site that has remained dormant amid the city’s constant motion.
Unlike many commercial projects where façade design dominates, Next Star adopts a holistic massing approach, prioritizing context and architectural restraint. The structure carefully acknowledges the presence of the historic Riyalepaşa Mosque situated just behind the site. Rather than overshadowing this spiritual landmark, the building is deliberately positioned to remain secondary in hierarchy, drawing strength from the mosque’s presence while offering a contrasting expression. While the mosque is perceived as a solid, grounded mass, Next Star seeks to be read as a transparent and abstract counterpart ephemeral and fluid.
This transparency is also functional: it preserves the rhythm of the surrounding urban fabric. Glass becomes the dominant material not just to dissolve the boundaries between interior and exterior, but also to avoid disrupting the spatial cohesion of neighboring blocks. In line with this, colored glass panels are inserted at intervals to break the neutrality of grey tones and inject a subtle vibrancy into the façade.
When viewed from Riyalepaşa Boulevard, the building avoids a monolithic presence. Through deliberate volumetric breaks, the mass is articulated into three distinct parts, each responding to the scale and silhouette of adjacent buildings. The fragmented roofline, inspired by the diverse roof typologies of the surrounding context, is reflected in the design of the project’s own rooftop.
Originally conceived as an office building and now housing the pharmaceutical company Bilim İlaç, the project includes multiple internal courtyards. These voids provide natural light, passive ventilation, and moments of calm for employees offering a workspace that balances productivity with spatial comfort.
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