UK-based firm Foster + Partners has completed a new Apple store in Bağdat Caddesi in Istanbul, Turkey. 

Named Istanbul’s Apple Bagdat Caddesi, the new store marks the avenue with its "simple and harmonious form". 

The new store intends to create a new green oasis of creativity in the heart of the city. Known one of the most iconic and lively shopping destinations in Istanbul, the store is situated in the tree-lined avenue and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Designed as a standalone building, the transparent store is set back from the busy shopping street, offering a generous tree-lined square - a public plaza for the celebration of urban life.

Foster + Partners conceived the building "to respond to the site and its unique environmental conditions to create a simple and harmonious form." 

To create a column-free interior volume, the structure spans the entire width of the store and emphasizes the visual connection throughout the length of the building.

"I love the energy and vibrancy of Istanbul. Apple Bagdat Caddesi is a calm, green oasis that creates an island of repose from which to enjoy the bustling energy of the city," said Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners.

"With publicly accessible green spaces on three sides, the building provides a space for the local community and is set to be a new destination for everyone."

"With warm natural materials throughout, it provides a calming and elegant space for visitors to enjoy," Behling added.

The building appears as a simple single story volume at the main street level with a floating roof above. The studio used the same stonework as the pavement and the carefully designed steps and slopes along the forecourt create a gentle transition towards the store entrance. 

As commonly seen in Foster + Partners' other Apple stores, the firm used the glazed facade that offers a glimpse through to the lush tree-filled garden at the back, inviting people into the store. 

"Visitors enter the building at the upper ground level, which leads into a spacious double height volume. The large tree-filled pocket park draws people through the store, providing a natural sanctuary for visitors to relax under the shaded canopy of trees," said Foster + Partners.

The garden is enveloped by a tall green hedge, immersing visitors in its natural environment and adding welcome greenery to the site. A rainscreen façade made from beautifully crafted local travertine stone provides a pleasing contrast to the lush landscaping.

According to the architects, the substantial 15.7-foot (4.8-meter) slope across the site allowed the store to be spread over two levels, with the lower floor tucked below the main level. 

Inside, the display area is situated on the upper level, flanked by Avenues, connects to the Forum below via a grand flight of stairs which descend to the garden level. 

Reaching at 9.7 meter, the glass curtain blurs the boundaries between inside and outside. While the interior is bathed with natural light through two large skylights, the skylights also allow natural ventilation. 

The studio used the Aksaray Yaylak Granite in the floors, timber in the ceiling and cladded walls in travertine to add warmth to the space, complemented by naturally tuned lighting.

The store boasts of a green roof which insulates the building and utilizes a rainwater harvesting system and grey water recycling for irrigation.

All images courtesy of Foster + Partners.

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