Grimshaw to design Istanbul art museum

The firm was selected by the Vehbi Koç Foundation to design the Koç Contemporary art museum in the Beyoglu area of Istanbul, which is undergoing rapid redevelopment.

The museum is due to be open to the public in 2016.

Grimshaw’s winning proposal was selected from a long-list of 20 global architects.

Grimshaw said the design derived from the building’s context with the mosaic tiled forms of traditional Ottoman architecture providing the inspiration for the design’s materials concept.

Working in a multi disciplinary team of Thornton Thomasetti,  Max Fordham, Neill Woodger Acoustics, lighting specialists Jason Bruges, the Grimshaw-led design will function as a civic icon, visitor attraction, a location for study, as well as a place to conserve, preserve and restore.

Kirsten Lees, partner in charge of the design, said: “Koç Contemporary is a hugely exciting and ambitious project that will have a significant impact not only on the role of contemporary art in Istanbul, to educate and exchange ideas, but on the regeneration of a rich and diverse area of the city.

“The inter-relationship between architecture, place and the collections informed our proposals to enrich the visitor experience.

“The brief provided a remarkable opportunity for integrating a wide range of activities, events and disciplines in a single complex. We are honoured to be a part of designing such a vital cultural landmark.”