At the World Architecture Festival, held in Berlin from 15-17 November, EEA- Emre Arolat Architecture won the category “Residential - Future Projects” with their project, Göksu Residences, in Istanbul, Turkey. 

Following the founding of the Turkish Republic, many industrial buildings were built in a nationwide industrial development plan. Most of these buildings are gone today, however most of the units of Istanbul Cotton and Hemp Factory, built in 1933 on the shores of Goksu River, remain intact. Emre Arolat Architecture aimed to regenerate these buildings by re-functioning them in order to incorporate them with the area.

During the initial phase of the design, a detailed evaluation was performed on the existing state and constraints of the buildings. Scientific restoration methods were considered to transform the compound, subject to its physical and sociological context.

Significant portions of the buildings in the compound could not be used with their existing conditions, but the new design strategy deemed the buildings to be renovated substantially while sustaining the existing aura as much possible.

The exterior forms determined the dimensions of the residences, with some structures utilized as a small scale hotel. The vertical and horizontal surfaces were re-designed according to the constraints of the buildings. New galleries formed in the interior spaces enabled light and air to penetrate deep into the structure.

EAA - Emre Arolat Architecture was founded in 2004 in Istanbul by Emre Arolat and Gonca Paşolar, and has become one of the largest architectural offices in Turkey, with offices also in London and New York. The group also has a considerable presence in the academic world, with the founder Emre Arolat being active at various prestigious schools of architecture. They have won many notable awards including the Aga Khan Award, The European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture - Mies van der Rohe Award, and World Architecture Festival Awards.

For more information and images of the Göksu Residences and other projects by EAA, visit the Emre Arolat Architecture website.

Email EAA via the contact details below for more information about them and their award winning projects.

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