Kagithane Gardens: JDS Architects Unveil Green-Roofed Daylit Office for Istanbul

<a href="http://jdsa.eu/kag/" target="_blank">JDS Architects</a> just unveiled an exciting new <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-roof/">green-roofed</a> office for the modern and vibrant city of Istanbul. <a href="http://jdsa.eu/kag/" target="_blank">Kagithane Gardens</a> has a close connection with the surrounding hilly landscape, which it mirrors with terraced green roofs. Daylight streams into the M-shaped building from all sides, and louvers protect the interior from overheating. Public plazas on the street level connect to retail spaces, and the upper floors provide premier office spaces for small to large firms. Construction on this project is expected to start this summer.

<a href="http://jdsa.eu/kag/" target="_blank">Kagithane Gardens</a> is a premier office and retail project that is designed to catalyze a new business district in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ka%C4%9F%C4%B1thane" target="_blank">Kagithane</a> in the northern part of Istanbul.

The project is designed to take advantage of the site and to create a connection with the surrounding hilly landscape.

The M-shaped building rises up from courtyards and gardens and provides all office areas with a narrow floor plate to provide views and plenty of natural light.

Passageways on the street level cut through the building to facilitate pedestrian traffic in and around the complex.

The 100,000 sq m project will include shopping, restaurants, fitness areas and more on the publicly accessible lower levels.

Flexible open plan office spaces on the upper floors connect to private terraces and rooftop gardens.

Daylighting and heat gain are tempered with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/louvers" target="_blank">louvers</a> on the exterior of the glass-walled building.

JDS <a href="http://jdsa.eu/kag/" target="_blank">says</a>: "The project acts as a catalyst of business life for a new Istanbul, that promotes contemporary culture, architecture and lifestyle. We’ve thought a building where inside interacts with outside, where the plan is flexible to allow for anyone to find its desired space and place, whether it be a small one man show company or a large corporate office employing hundreds."

"We believe life is plural and various entities should coexist and exchange their experiences. The Kagithane Gardens is where such a rich diversity can find its place."

Close up of the model for the Kagithane Gardens office project.

Kagithane Gardens at night.

Daylighting strategy for Kagithane Gardens.

Construction is expected to begin in June 2013.