continued

The architects decided to leave the existing walls, which express the palace's former nobility, and design within them a thin but strong stainless steel and glass box. This juxtaposition, they say, "constantly reminds us of the multiple histories reflected in the new design."

Glass inside Brick

The glass box is tethered to the brick walls with suspension rods, which reinforce the two separate structures, helping them to withstand extreme weather conditions and earthquakes. Glass buildings are often inappropriate in hot climates, and are rare in Turkish architecture. But in this case, the glazing is well shaded by the brick surroundings. The brick walls also shelter the transparent inner box from the winter's rain and wind.

The new two-story building houses a bar and restaurant on the ground floor and a conference room/ event space on the upper floor, which is entered through a curved steel and wood structure.

From the outside, the building gives the illusion that the palace remains in its original state. From inside, guests are reminded of the building's former incarnation with views of the Bosphorus through the original arched windows.

The combination of modern and ancient construction methods and the layers of disparate materials make a statement about the city's past and future and create a delightful architectural experience.

The Marmara Esma Sultan was short-listed for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001.

Discuss this article in the Architecture Forum...

Layers of old and new simultaneously visible in the Esma Sultan by GAD Architecture. Photo: GAD Architecture Multipurpose event space on the upper floor of the Esma Sultan. Photo: GAD Architecture Longitudinal section, Esma Sultan. Image: GAD Architecture Sleek modern steel contrasts with rough ancient masonry. Photo: GAD Architecture The glazed structure is protected from Turkey's direct sun by the surrounding masonry walls. Photo: GAD Architecture   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.