snøhetta, BIG and MVRDV shape coastal masterplan in istanbul

snøhetta, BIG and MVRDV shape ion riva in istanbul

Ion Riva, an 84-hectare master-planned neighborhood, is taking shape along the Black Sea coastline in Istanbul’s northern Beykoz, bringing together international practices Snøhetta, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), and MVRDV alongside local studios KEYM, DB Architects, Rasa, and Bilgin Architects. Currently under construction, the development will accommodate around 3,000 residents in its first phase, with the first homes expected to be completed in 2027.

Four cultural buildings anchor the civic life of the neighborhood, including The Ring by Snøhetta, The Drop by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), and The Lantern by MVRDV, alongside a central hub for arts, learning, and recreation. Together they frame Ion Riva as more than a residential development, positioning culture, ecology, and community life at the heart of the masterplan.

Ion Riva Masterplan | image by Snøhetta

four cultural buildings anchor the life of the neighborhood

The Ring by Snøhetta is a circular structure spanning the river that acts as ‘a place for learning, cultivation and everyday encounters, shaped by the rhythms of the river valley and the community who will use it. Architecture here is not an object, but a set of relationships between people and nature, evolving over time.’ as Kjetil Thorsen, Founding Partner, Snøhetta describes. Nearby stables and allotments support local food systems and environmental education.

Along the Black Sea coastline, BIG introduces The Drop, a teardrop-shaped timber structure housing a café, restaurant, wellness spaces, and areas for public art, positioned to frame views of the dramatic shoreline.‘With The Drop, we wanted to make a place where the landscape and the coastline do as much of the work as the architecture. The Black Sea shore is dramatic and wild, and our role has been to create a structure that allows people to experience that environment up close – to feel the wind, the light and the rhythm of the sea and that invites people to gather in simple, joyful ways.’ Hanna Johansson, partner at Bjarke Ingels Group shares.

Meanwhile, MVRDV designs The Lantern, a cultural hub containing a performing arts center, cinema rooms, an art gallery, a bookshop, and community spaces. Its roof doubles as a public terrace overlooking the landscape. ‘Our approach has been to design a framework that invites people in and gives them a sense of ownership, whether they are attending a renowned classic ensemble, the monthly school ballad or simply passing by.’ notes Fokke Moerel, partner at MVRDV.

A fourth cultural building will occupy the center of the neighborhood, hosting spaces for arts, learning, and recreation, including studios, exhibition areas, co-working spaces, and sports facilities.

the development will accommodate around 3,000 residents in its first phase | image by Snøhetta

a landscape-led neighbourhood shaped by forest, river and sea

The masterplan is structured around the existing ecology of the site, which combines forest, river and sea along the northern edge of Istanbul. Homes and public spaces follow the contours of the terrain, preserving views toward the coastline while limiting intervention in the landscape. The first phase includes 969 homes, organized into smaller residential clusters surrounded by 100,000 square meters of biodiverse green space, alongside a new school and a mix of cultural, hospitality and wellness programs.

Walkability underpins the layout of the neighborhood, with shaded pathways and green corridors linking homes with everyday amenities. Recreation and well-being are supported through an interconnected network of parks, trails, and sports facilities that weave through the landscape. The housing typology draws from regional traditions, with each villa centered around a private courtyard. Residents can adapt these spaces through 26 courtyard configurations, while shared facilities within each cluster include community spaces and swimming pools.

The first residents are expected to move into Ion Riva in June 2027, marking the beginning of what the developer describes as a new model for human-centered neighborhood development along Istanbul’s northern coast.

The Drop | image by Beauty & The Bit

low-impact construction and integrated digital infrastructure

Ion Riva emphasizes low-impact construction strategies and renewable infrastructure. Buildings rely on locally sourced stone and cross-laminated timber, with modular timber construction helping to reduce embodied carbon while enabling efficient delivery. Renewable energy systems are integrated across the site, including solar panels connected to the grid, while rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling aim to cut potable water demand by around 50 percent.

Green infrastructure is also embedded throughout the development to regulate microclimates, improve air quality and support biodiversity. At the same time, the neighbourhood incorporates a digital layer of AI-enabled controls, IoT systems, 5G connectivity and EV infrastructure, designed to support long-term sustainability and everyday convenience for residents.

a teardrop-shaped timber structure | image by Beauty & The Bit