Nova Baran Plaza

Sisli | Istanbul, 2014
Landscape Design and Application

As part of the design and implementation project for an office center in Sisli, Istanbul, the entrance and terrace areas were reconfigured to create high-quality outdoor spaces that complement the existing architectural character of the building.

At the entrance, corten steel plinths were introduced to enhance the building’s visibility and strengthen the perception of the main entrance at an urban scale. These elements were combined with fiber-reinforced planters containing Magnolia grandiflora and Cupressus sempervirens ‘Pyramidalis’, establishing a strong rhythm along the entrance axis. The warm, naturally oxidized tones of the corten steel create a distinctive contrast with the green texture of the planting, resulting in an elegant, visually striking, and welcoming entrance.

On the terrace, reinforced-concrete parapets were designed to provide the required soil depth and growing medium for the proposed planting scheme. Rather than functioning solely as boundary elements, the parapets were conceived as integrated landscape and seating components. At selected points, built-in benches were incorporated into the parapet geometry, increasing the usability of the terrace and allowing for a variety of seating configurations. The benches were completed with iroko timber seating and backrest surfaces, selected for their natural texture, durability, and suitability for outdoor use.

The existing floor finish was preserved wherever possible, minimizing intervention to the original surface. Ceramic paving and steps with ceramic risers were introduced only in the areas required to define transitions between different levels. Podima gravel was also selectively incorporated into the landscape composition, adding a natural material layer and reinforcing the relationship between the hardscape and planting.

Within the winter garden and its terrace area, timber decking was used for the flooring and steps to create a warm and natural atmosphere. The timber surfaces establish a visual and tactile connection with the surrounding planting while reinforcing the more controlled, semi-interior character of the winter garden. Galvanized steel separators were designed to define different functions and usage zones within the space, maintaining visual continuity while providing clear spatial organization.

The terrace implementation was carried out through a coordinated crane operation and by a professional installation team, taking into consideration the existing structural conditions, site constraints, and access requirements. Throughout the construction process, material selection, detailing, fabrication, and installation were considered as an integrated whole, ensuring that the design intent was maintained while responding to the technical requirements of the site.