The Vehbi Koç Foundation is a unique organisation which has made an extraordinary and sustained contribution to the cultural and social life of Istanbul and Turkey. The new project has been conceived to fulfil the Foundation’s vision of showcasing the growing Koç collection to the broadest possible audience and to place these works in a national, regional and international context of contemporary artists.
The site for Koç Contemporary is situated in the Beyoglu area of Istanbul, which is undergoing rapid redevelopment and fast becoming one of the most dynamic districts in Europe. Grimshaw ’s design will create a building which is an extension of this vibrant public realm where the boundary between inside and out is blurred and where passing pedestrians are tempted through exciting public spaces, which are rich in activity and surprise.
The creation of Koç Contemporary will result in a landmark building entirely derived from its context with the mosaic tiled forms of traditional Ottoman architecture providing the inspiration for the design’s materials concept. Resolving the conflicts between the needs of the visitor and the needs of the collection were crucial to the competition-winning scheme.
Grimshaw ’s design will embrace the collection in all its diversity; its works on paper, paintings, video, media installations, performance art and music events are integral to the design of the visitor spaces. Kirsten Lees, Partner in Charge of the design, commented “Koç Contemporary is a hugely exciting and ambitious project that will have a significant impact not only on the role of contemporary art in Istanbul, to educate and exchange ideas, but on the regeneration of a rich and diverse area of the city.”
The inter-relationship between architecture, place and the collections informed our proposals to enrich the visitor experience. The Museum is due to be open to the public in 2016. Grimshaw ’s winning proposal was selected from a long-list of 20 world-renowned entries.