Merkez Ankara Showroom

Merkez Ankara Sales Office/Showroom is a 2.414 sqm building located in Ankara, Turkey. The building works as a sales office/showroom for Merkez Ankara Project which is a mixed-use project of residences and offices. The project contains mock-up apartment flats, administrative and sales offices, and small innerouter gardens.
The primary design idea stems from the wish to integrate nature into architecture. Different spaces are organized in a sequential manner, while separated physically with horizontal inner garden strips, thus achieving ideal dimensions and clear divisions for different functions; visual continuity is maintained through transparency and the perception of depth is increased. The atriums make sure that natural light reaches every corner within the building, blurring the distinction between inside and outside in a way. Nature is integrated into the daily life inside. The trees also help filtering the sunlight, thus prevents the people inside to be disturbed by the excessive light level. The function of spaces changes gradually following the sequence; starting from entrance and waiting hall; it leads to an area where physical models of the project are exhibited and sales representatives are ready to give relevant information, allowing visitors to get an overall idea; finally it ends with the display of fully furnished sample apartment units that are built in true dimensions and materials. Service areas and circulation cores are gathered as one strip on the eastern façade, and administration offices are gathered as another strip on the western façade of the building, leaving center solely for the display of the project and inner gardens. Service areas, offices and sample apartment units continue to the first floor while the entrance hall and the model area achieve double height and visual relationship with the upper floor.
The effect of the tree shadows was an important subject in the design process. Not only the physical quality and its dramatic effect that is created in the interior, but also its technical knowledge was taken into account. Its possible effects was considered in determining the mechanical and technical systems of the building.
Folded shell that wraps around the building is one of the important features of the project. Fabric is used as a material for the shell allowing for sun shading while drawing a strong image of the building differently during the day and night.