The Quartz Plaza by Salon Alper Derinbogaz is an office building in Istanbul, which was conceived with a design philosophy deeply connected to the geological history of its location.
The architectural concept draws directly from the site's substrata, which consist of schist rock from the Miocene Epoch. This inspires the facade's textured cladding and the building's overall mineral-inspired aesthetic. The exterior utilizes a double-layer glass system where angled panels are treated with special coatings to mimic the light-refracting properties of crystals. Meanwhile, this geological history-inspired design decision intentionally alters the quality of daylight that enters the interior spaces. The double-skin facade also functions as a way to improve the structure's thermal efficiency by creating a buffer zone that can be ventilated in summer and sealed in winter.
Image Credit: Cemal Emden
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Geological-aesthetic Architecture
- Designs that incorporate local geological history into building aesthetics represent a shift towards more site-specific and context-rich architectural practices.
- Light-refracting Facades
- Building facades that replicate the light-refracting properties of natural minerals highlight an innovative approach to interacting with natural light.
- Double-skin Facades
- The use of double-skin facades as thermal efficient systems showcases a growing trend in energy-saving building designs.
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- The architecture industry is being transformed by designs that draw inspiration from geological contexts, blending science and art.
- Construction Materials
- The development of materials that mimic natural minerals opens new pathways for innovations in exterior cladding.
- Sustainable Building Solutions
- Innovative facade systems are becoming crucial in creating energy-efficient buildings, driving advancements in sustainable building solutions.
