KPF's dual towers in Turkey will incorporate motifs, symbols of Ottoman Empire

The architecture for the two-building headquarters of Ziraat Bank, Turkey’s largest and oldest financial institution, is inspired by the country’s cultural heritage.

The 40- and 46-story towers will incorporate motifs, geometrical patterns, and symbols of the Ottoman Empire, including the Turga, the seal of the Sultan.

The scheme consists of a podium that acts as a plinth for the two towers, which will become more transparent at higher levels. The project will encompass more than 400,000 sm of space and is the centerpiece of the Istanbul International Financial Centre, a new complex intended to exemplify Istanbul’s status as a global financial center.

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates is leading the Building Team, which also includes local architect A Tasarim Mimarlik and co-planner KKS.

The editors of Building Design+Construction present 10 “Great Solutions” that highlight innovative technology and products that can be used to address some of the many problems Building Teams face in their day-to-day work. Readers are encouraged to submit entries for Great Solutions; if we use yours, you’ll receive a $25 gift certificate. Look for more Great Solutions in 2012 at: www.bdcnetwork.com/greatsolutions/2012.

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