REX, known for its innovative and adaptive architectural designs, transformed an abandoned hotel in Istanbul into the stunning Vakko Fashion Center and Power Media Headquarters. This ambitious project, completed in record time, showcases REX’s ingenuity and ability to blend architectural vision with practical constraints.
From Caltech Cancellation to Istanbul Innovation
Originally designed for Caltech’s Annenberg Center, REX’s “Ring” concept found new life when Vakko, a leading Turkish fashion house, and Power Media, a prominent media company, sought a new headquarters. The abandoned hotel, with its fortuitous structural similarities to the Annenberg design, provided a unique opportunity. The existing structure had the same floor plan dimensions, floor-to-floor heights, and servicing concept as the original “Ring,” enabling a rapid adaptation of the existing blueprints. Construction began a mere four days after REX was commissioned, demonstrating the firm’s agility and responsiveness.
This accelerated timeline, driven by the client’s desire for completion within the year, became a defining factor in the design process. The tight schedule necessitated a concurrent approach, with construction on the perimeter office block progressing simultaneously with the design of the building’s more distinctive features.
The Showcase: A Structurally Independent Interior
Unlike the Annenberg Center’s “Ring,” which relied on a steel interior for support, the existing concrete structure in Istanbul was significantly over-engineered to withstand seismic activity. This presented a unique challenge for Rex Fashions: designing a striking interior without compromising the structural integrity of the existing building.
The solution was the “Showcase,” a structurally independent interior housing the auditorium, showrooms, meeting rooms, executive offices, vertical circulation, and restrooms. This innovative approach ensured that the new additions wouldn’t interfere with the building’s earthquake resistance.
Power Media’s television and radio studios, located on the upper floor of the subterranean parking area, required specific acoustic and lighting considerations. These specialized requirements were seamlessly integrated into the overall design. REX leveraged prefabricated steel boxes, assembled in various configurations to create the “Showcase,” allowing for design flexibility while ensuring structural stability.
A Kaleidoscope of Glass and Steel
The “Showcase’s” sloping surfaces, defining the auditorium, showrooms, and meeting rooms, create a dynamic circulation path winding through the building. Clad in mirror-glass, the “Showcase” transforms the interior into a kaleidoscopic spectacle, reflecting light and movement.
Externally, the mirrored glass cloaks the “Showcase,” creating a mirage-like effect. To address the aesthetic challenges posed by the existing concrete structure, REX designed an exceptionally transparent and thin glass façade for the “Ring.” This façade features structurally reinforced glass panels with embedded X-shaped supports, eliminating the need for perimeter mullions and resulting in a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.
The resulting “Saran Wrap” effect subtly reveals the original concrete skeleton while hinting at the dynamic “Showcase” within. REX’s innovative use of glass not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also maximizes natural light penetration, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
REX Fashions: A Triumph of Adaptive Reuse
The Vakko Fashion Center and Power Media Headquarters stand as a testament to REX’s mastery of adaptive reuse and ability to deliver innovative solutions under challenging constraints. The project’s success lies in its ability to transform an abandoned structure into a vibrant hub for fashion and media, showcasing REX’s signature blend of creativity, practicality, and architectural excellence. The building has won numerous awards, solidifying REX’s position as a leader in contemporary architecture.
