Foster’s Istanbul megablock: a mixed-use machine that hides its size by turning the roofline into a public topography.
Building complex in Istanbul, Turkey.
Featured in Norman Foster's definitive monograph, Norman Foster: A Life in Architecture.
Visitor Guide
Go up and find the outdoor steps/terraces — the building is better when you treat it as urban landscape, not a shopping mission.
From the terrace steps looking back across the complex; late afternoon for depth and readable layering.
Public mall access; shops commonly operate around 10:00–22:00 (varies). Performing arts center is ticketed per event; box office hours are typically long daily.
It’s Foster’s classic move: the real architecture is circulation and daylight control — big projects succeed when the ‘boring’ systems are elegant.
1–3 hours
Design & Structure
Mega-project BIM coordination: mixed-use stacking, circulation modeling, and façade performance optimization; roof/terrace geometry developed as public realm.
Stone/metal/glass in a restrained palette that can survive retail churn while keeping the overall composition calm.
Transfer structures and long spans to accommodate large retail/performance volumes under mixed-use loads.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with Zorlu Center — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
More by Norman Foster
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University of Turin
University of Toronto
Copenhagen Zoo
Lürssen
Stanford University
London Underground
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Zorlu Center?+
Zorlu Center was designed by Norman Foster and completed in 2013. It is located in Beşiktaş, Turkey.
Where is Zorlu Center located?+
Zorlu Center is located in Beşiktaş, Turkey. Its coordinates are 41.0667°, 29.0169°.
When was Zorlu Center built?+
Zorlu Center was completed in 2013. It was designed by Norman Foster.
Can I visit Zorlu Center?+
Zorlu Center is a real building in Beşiktaş that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.