Forum Studio has released plans for “The Pearl of Istanbul”, a mixed-use development situated along a natural bluff overlooking the Marmara Sea that will provide residential, cultural and retail venues for the city of Istanbul. The project’s centerpiece will be the new marina, a string of man-made islands for boat parking that will function as an alternative to a seawall, protecting the development from harsh weather.
The chain of islands are centered around a central “pearlescent” node activated by a variety of uses including nightlife, entertainment, family activities and marine research facilities. The marina will contain slips for up to 500 yachts as well as a cruise ship dock, and has been formed to evoke the character of the natural landscape.
“The islands that shelter a tranquil marina resemble a string of pearls; a cascade of terraces on land is an homage to a shell’s undulating ridges,” the architects explain.
On land, six sculptural towers rise from a podium containing public spaces, restaurants, cafes and retail areas. Terraces in the base step gently down to the water, mimicking natural plateaus of the region and creating outdoor areas for residents and visitors.
The residential towers have been designed to optimize visual corridors, so each unit receives ample natural light and views out to the surrounding scenery. A range of residential options will be available, from luxury condos to lower priced apartments to hotel rooms, ensuring a diverse mix of people will occupy the complex.
The project is expected to be completed by July 2023.
