A blend of tradition and transparency

The Japanese architectural practice Kengo Kuma & Associates designed the art museum as an ensemble of eleven interlocking cubes. The topography of the site, which has a height difference of several metres, resulted in the construction of two entrances. The main entrance including the foyer and reception is located on the lowest level. The second entrance is located one level higher on the plaza, where there is also an inviting museum café for visitors. The rooms that are used for the permanent exhibitions and events as well as the offices are located on this level and the two levels above. A light well that stretches the full height of the building not only floods the interior with daylight, but also gives visitors a variety of different perspectives on the exhibition.

The architects opted for the VISS steel profile system for the large glass façades in the entrance areas as well as the façades opening out onto the terraces. The VISS façade makes highly thermally insulated façade constructions that achieve passive house certification possible, which is essential in view of the harsh Anatolian winters. At the same time, a high requirement in fire protection had to be met, which was achieved using the VISS Fire steel profile system alongside the other VISS façades. An extra-high pivot door supplements the impressive design of the VISS façade in the lower entrance area.

The Odunpazarı Museum houses an internationally important collection of modern art, including exhibits from the 1950s right through to the present day. It was curated by the architect and building contractor Erol Tabanca. The new museum building in the centre of the old town is also thanks to his initiative. His professed aim as the art patron is to challenge people with new perspectives – and that is what he has succeeded in doing, at least architecturally. He may also be hoping that the sensational architecture will have a "Bilbao effect" and that cultural tourism will help to revive the economy.