Under construction

The Blue Beacon
Being the capital to three empires throughout its history, at the crossroad between East and West, Istanbul symbolizes interaction, transformation and development; the City has been the center of commercial control and coordination, thanks to its geography; today the city maintains these functions at its "Central Business Districts- CBD".
The Levent-Maslak axis that developed during the last two decades is the main CBD of Istanbul.
In the process of becoming a metropolis, and an international hub, Istanbul, with a population of more then 10 million people, is going through a fast urban transformation, in parallel with the changing economic and social structure.

Industrial production zones have started to move to the periphery while administration and control units are getting closer to the city center. Industrial production sector being replaced by the service sector, Büyükdere region has been developing align with the global changes and contemporary needs, as its infrastructure is appropriate in terms of communications and high technology.

In the last few decades, especially due to increasing use of automobiles, luxury condominiums have been established in the suburbs of Istanbul, like in many other metropolis around the world. Recently, major investments in residential complexes are also contributing to bringing life back to city center; mix-use complexes and high rise residential towers arise or industrial buildings transform into elegant homes, designer lofts or idiosyncratic spots.

The construction of prestigious international buildings adds a permanent economic and aesthetic value to this zone. When the "buildings without architects" are replaced with structures that are programmed in a sound manner, it will be ensured that the city grows properly.

Without question, Istanbul is a city of youthful dynamism with its eye on the high-tech future and the profits and innovations.

Istanbul Sapphire, a residential, leisure zone and shopping center project, which is located in the "business administration" center of the city, will be one of the highest structures in Maslak, Istanbul. The building rises in agreement with the surrounding high-rises and still in human scale by means of nature-friendly facilities like vertical gardens.

In addition to the comfort provided by the modern technology, Istanbul Sapphire has the infrastructure and the location that will ensure easy transportation. Owing to the metro connection and the 6 underground car-park levels, the transportation and the parking problems are solved.

The building façade consists of two independent shells. The interiors are protected from adverse weather conditions and noise on account of the outer shell. This transparent shell also serves as a buffer zone between the indoor area and the outside, and has a positive effect on structural solutions.

In different levels of the building, there are residences of different sizes; the building is planned as 4 separate housing zones, and in the 4 common areas between the sections; there are various social areas and indoor gardens for the residents of the building: these buffer zones also house the maintenance and support facilities and the mechanical systems of the building.

Environmental friendly systems of the construction grant low energy consumption. Furthermore, the green areas, namely the indoor gardens at various levels, offer a natural and a warm setting for those living at higher levels as well. Besides the inner gardens, every ninth floor recreation areas, such as a mini golf course at 187 meters with a great Bosphorus view or a swimming pool at 60 meters overlooking the woods of Istanbul, are programmed.

Viewed from the outside, the building gets slightly thinner as it rises upward. As of the fourth level, it expands downwards and the glass covering the surface of the building earns a sort curve and then extends horizontally as the

2006