‘The true power of design lies in its ability to create an experience,’ according to Urbanjob’s founder Murat Dede. He and his team of designers have been creating memorable experiences across Istanbul, working on some of the city’s top destinations, from Batard and Zula to Momo Bebeköy and Momo Beach. Their work has earned them the status of rising stars of the design world in Turkey, and beyond.
That is why the completion of the studio’s recent project, Scalla restaurant in Istanbul’s Beykoz district, caught our attention. Named after the Italian word for staircase, the Mediterranean-inspired venue’s scheme is all about shifting perspectives.
The centre of that concept is a glass curtain that undulates throughout the 120-seater venue, mimicking waves hitting the coastline. Framed by copper-coated aluminium, the structure is elegantly light in its visual impact.
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Another focal point of the design is the bar, holding a central location in the restaurant, with its blue marble-effect cabinetry. It is a fine example of the elevated materials palette used by Urbanjobs, which takes its colour cues from the sea and the land.
The natural and comforting hues continue with seating upholstered in rich fabrics from Dedar and Ralph Lauren, while the flooring features a subtle, geometric tiled pattern and areas of the ceiling are clad in woven leather. Walls are adorned with wallcoverings by the likes of Arte and Phillip Jeffries. The effect is a space that is visually rich and intimate, with a flow that has been carefully considered to enrich people’s visits.
‘Guests first pass in front of the bar and then the kitchen pass-through window before ascending to a higher level, offering a shift in perception. On their way back from the bathrooms toward the back of the restaurant, they re-engage with the interior before once again encountering the bar. This deliberate spatial sequencing ensures that the key architectural elements remain imprinted in memory, transforming circulation into a layered experience rather than a mere path,’ explains Dede of his detailed approach to movement through this space.
Every last detail (down to even the trip to the bathrooms) has been considered. We look forward to Urbanjobs’ next move. urbanjobs.istanbul
