MAA completes istanbul’s futuristic radio tower with panoramic views from europe to asia

melike altınışık architects (MAA) releases new images of its rhythmically undulating telecommunication and observation tower, which now soars above the city of istanbul. defined by its sculptural and organic geometry, the project seeks a sense of motion within its silhouette that changes when viewed from different perspectives across the city. the form of the tower offers a reflection of the rolling topography on which the city is built, and is further informed by wind direction and the optimization of views across both europe and asia. its architectural language seeks to hybridize elegance and beauty with mathematics and geometry, whose innovative concept allows occupiable spaces to be attached to the whole of the tower’s core. 

images by NAARO

melike altinisik architects (MAA) realizes its 1,210 foot-tall TV and radio tower to introduce a dialogue with the urban fabric of istanbul and the surrounding context. while the organic form of the tower reflects the city’s topography, the structure houses a two story restaurant and observation deck which overlooks distant, 360-degree views across both asia and europe. the project will be also host a public foyer, café, and exhibition and mediatic areas inside the entrance podium. in designing the interiors, the team seeks to includes unique spaces that offer a new experience with futuristic design characteristics. the design team seeks to generate surprising encounters through its use of light, nature, and spatial spaces.

MAA’s landmark istanbul radio tower completed construction and has started its main telecommunication functions in november 2020. the public function, including its observation deck and restaurant, is expected to open its doors in late spring of 2021.

project info:

architect: melike altinisik architects (MAA)

location: istanbul, turkey

project design team: melike altınışık in collaboration with daniel widrig

project architects: özge çağlayan, tuğba okçuoğlu, ayça yontarım

project team: melih altınışık, tan akıncı, begüm aktaş, i̇rem coşkun, gül ertekin, büşra güler, çiğdem nur kebapçı, selçuk kişmir, thomas kleinow, samed tezgah, ahmet ünveren, alev cansu ovalı

architectural assistants: ali arslan, yunus emre demirkıran, zoe georgio, mazyvdas samuolis, beste sensöz,

structural engineer: balkar

structural peer review: thorton tomasetti

telecommunication engineer: abe teknoloji

electrical engineer: HB teknik

mechanical engineer: çilingiroğlu

wind engineer: RWDI

facade engineer: newtecnic

landscape architect: DS landscape

fire strategy consultant: etik

vertical circulation consultant: 3TEK

acoustic consultant: pro-plan

lighting design consultant: realities united, darklighting

wayfinding design consultant: POMPAA

quantity survey and fee estimation: entegre project management

client: UDHB — ministry of transport and infrastructure

area: 29,000 square meters

completion: 2020

photography: NAARO