Foster + Partners to "breathe new life into Istanbul's waterfront" with luxury retail complex

A flying saucer-like restaurant will cantilever within Golden Horn Plaza, a retail development that British studio Foster + Partners is creating on Istanbul's waterfront.

Described by Foster + Partners as "a luxury retail plaza", Golden Horn Plaza will accommodate premium brands across a cluster of two-storey interconnected volumes with adjustable storefronts and interiors.

The development will be positioned to overlook the Golden Horn estuary – the main inlet of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, after which the project is named.

By breaking up the site into separate yet interconnected stores, the development is hoped to give rise to a visually layered streetscape that emulates the surrounding waterfront.

"We are delighted to be working on this project, which will breathe new life into Istanbul's waterfront with a spectacular luxury retail offering and a range of vibrant public spaces," said studio partner Nicola Scaranaro.

"The scale and proportions of the development reflect the city's maritime industrial heritage – ensuring it is in keeping with the layered historic surroundings," added head of studio Nigel Dancey.

"Architecture and landscaping work in harmony with one another to create a year-round cultural and lifestyle destination."

According to Foster + Partners, Golden Horn Plaza will be within walking distance of some of "the city's most notable historic landmarks" and is being created as part of a wider masterplan called Tersane.

Tersane is revamping 1.6 kilometres of unused waterfront in Istanbul into a landscaped public promenade with a mix of retail, residential and cultural offerings.

In line with this, Golden Horn Plaza will be designed to be accessible and walkable, incorporating shaded walkways between the retail pavilions.

While these volumes will all be linked, Foster + Partners has designed them with individually adjusted features to meet a brand's changing needs over time.

On the project's upper level will be a dramatic cantilevered restaurant with a curved roof that evokes a flying saucer. This floor will also feature covered terraces with views across the estuary.

As part of the project, Foster + Partners is also developing a landscape design that takes cues from Istanbul's historic gardens.

This will include a tree canopy and water features, both used to help cool the site. There will also be a green public square positioned between the plaza and the waterfront for use as "a new public space for the city" where public cultural events can be held.

Foster + Partners was founded by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Norman Foster in 1967. Elsewhere, it is also developing the Queen Elizabeth II memorial in London and Paraguay's tallest skyscraper.

Other studios to have recently worked in Istanbul include Renzo Piano Building Workshop, which completed the landmark Istanbul Modern museum, and KPF, which created the twin skyscrapers for Ziraat Bank Headquarters.

The visuals are courtesy of Foster + Partners.

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