SPACE June 2025 (No. 691)
©ZM Yasa Architectural Photography
Originally built in 1986 following a commission from Izmir Chamber of Commerce, the IZTO building has been a symbol of the city’s coastal identity but struggled to serve contemporary needs. Through adaptive reuse, the building was transformed into the IzQ Innovation Center, incorporating structural and technological interventions to support modern public demands. In spite of the challenges posed by the building’s location and design, a number of innovative updates, such as a yellow vertical circulation spine, a kinetic façade, and a responsive roof, were introduced to enhance connectivity and interaction. Strategic micro-habitats and amphitheater-style spaces foster engagement with the environment and interaction between users. Emphasising innovation as both a function and a design philosophy, the centre aims to nurture creativity and community. The renovated structure not only reflects architectural ingenuity but also reestablishes a dynamic relationship between the city, its people, and the sea. Now thriving, the centre has become a hub for diverse activities, successfully redefining its role within Izmir’s urban landscape.
©ZM Yasa Architectural Photography
©ZM Yasa Architectural Photography
Ofisvesaire
Principal |
Melis Varkal, Gökhan Çelikağ |
Year of establishment |
2013 |
Location |
Izmir, Türkiye |
Number of staff |
10 |
Ofisvesaire (Melis Varkal, Gökhan Çelika
Izmir, Türkiye
office, exhibition, public space
4,706㎡
RC, steel frame
2021 ‒ 2022
2020 ‒ 2021
Izmir Chamber of Commerce