inci SHOAINIA

advisor

Gazi University, Faculty of Architecture, Ankara

Turkey

İnci Shoainia is an architect and co-founder of Spika Architecture, based in Turkey. She holds a… more

The project's approach, organizing a dense program vertically while leaving the ground floor as open as possible, has been quite successful. Making the vehicle circulation visible on the facade gives the building a strong sense of movement and accentuates its architectural identity. The inclusion of ramps and red exterior stairs in the facade composition is a particularly effective design decision that distinguishes the project from an ordinary parking garage. Despite its large scale, the building's permeable character and its unobstructed public flow at the lower level create a positive spatial effect. Bringing natural light into the interior through skylights, voids, and permeable facades allows for a more qualitative perception of a technical program like a parking garage. The rhythmic vertical elements used on the facade give the project a strong sense of depth and shadow. The fact that the building can be read as a single mass with its large roof element creates a striking silhouette. Bringing together different functions within a single building transforms the project from just a parking garage into a hybrid mobility center. From various perspectives, the building creates a strong architectural statement and establishes an iconic focal point in its surroundings. Overall, the project presents a successful proposal that addresses a technical problem at the infrastructure scale with architectural quality and a strong spatial design.

Although the project establishes a strong architectural identity, a richer experience could be created by increasing spatial diversity in some areas. In particular, supporting the open spaces at ground level with more active public uses could strengthen the building's relationship with the city. Treating the landscape not merely as an environmental buffer, but as a public layer that draws the user into the building, could make the project more vibrant. The repetitive horizontal bands in the parking levels create a monotonous effect on some facades; this rhythm could be varied at certain points. The large scale of the building sometimes overshadows the human scale; stronger meeting spaces could be defined, especially in the entrance areas. By increasing the connection between the showroom, restaurant, and social areas and the exterior, the building could become a vibrant center throughout the day. While the strong use of natural light in the interior perspectives is striking, more visual openness could be provided in some areas. Continuing the strong architectural language created by the exterior staircases more prominently in the interior could enhance the overall impact of the project. Increasing permeability in some parts of the mass could further alleviate the building's heavy feel. Overall, the project has a very strong foundation, but it could become an even more impressive urban focal point if developed in terms of public use and spatial diversity.
11.05.2026