Iron Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2025
Art in the Soul Office
by Sema Yazici
- A' Design Award 2025 Iron Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Sakura Architecture
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 8,276
- Verification code C04D209021 · Verify this award
About Art in the Soul Office
Art in the Soul is an office interior located in Istanbul. The office occupies the ninth floor of a business center and has a net usable area of 250 square meters. The plan includes a reception, meeting rooms, executive offices, a common working area, a kitchenette, a lounge and a balcony. Veined grey marble, wood veneer, patterned parquet and carpet are used across the spaces. Glass partitions carry daylight into the corridor. Artwork, sculptures and plants were added to create a calm and inspiring working environment.
Sakura Architecture's Art in the Soul Office engages the contemporary corporate interior typology through a sophisticated material and spatial vocabulary that positions professional environments within broader conversations about workplace culture, aesthetic experience, and the humanization of commercial space, this reception area demonstrating how thoughtful design integration can elevate functional corporate architecture into memorable spatial experience that communicates organizational values through considered formal gestures and material selections rather than through overt symbolic display, the technical execution reveals accomplished spatial planning with clear circulation hierarchies, effective lighting layering that provides both functional illumination and atmospheric warmth, and material detailing that evidences careful coordination across finishes, the walnut veneer millwork seemingly continuous and grain-matched suggests craft attention to visual coherence while the large-format stone flooring installation demonstrates technical precision in alignment and joinery, the glass partition system employing minimal framing maximizes transparency while maintaining acoustic and functional separation, allowing visual connection between public reception zone and semi-private conference space, thereby suggesting organizational transparency and collaborative culture, the lighting design particularly succeeds in creating dimensional complexity through the interplay of concealed linear sources tracing architectural geometry, focused downlights creating pools of illumination that subtly guide movement and establish hierarchy, and the warm decorative pendants introducing human scale and hospitality within the otherwise rigorous architectural framework, the chromatic strategy balances corporate professionalism through neutral stone and refined wood tones with moments of vitality and creative energy introduced through the large-scale artwork visible within the conference room, this painting's explosive gestural abstraction in saturated yellows, magentas, and purples providing chromatic and expressive counterpoint to the restrained material palette, suggesting an organizational culture that values both professional rigor and creative innovation, the black sculptural element atop the reception desk functions as both aesthetic focal point and symbolic gesture, its organic twisting form introducing handcrafted artistic presence within the precision-manufactured architectural context, perhaps evoking themes of growth, transformation, human creativity, or the intersection of nature and culture, the spatial composition employs asymmetry and layered transparency to create visual interest while maintaining clarity of function, the reception desk commanding but not dominating the space, positioned to welcome arriving visitors while the glass partition reveals deeper spatial layers and hints at the activities beyond, the material selections communicate through their inherent properties and cultural associations, walnut suggesting warmth, natural beauty, enduring value, and craft tradition, while stone evokes permanence, solidity, geological time, and tactile luxury, and glass represents transparency, lightness, contemporary technology, and visual connection, together these materials construct a narrative about the organization's character that balances tradition with innovation, warmth with professionalism, permanence with adaptability, the overall design invites consideration of how corporate environments might transcend purely functional requirements to become spaces that inspire, welcome, and reflect the deeper cultural aspirations of the organizations they house, how material choices and spatial gestures accumulate into atmospheric effects that influence human experience and behavior, and how contemporary commercial interior design increasingly draws upon artistic sensibilities and gallery-like presentation strategies to create environments that employees and visitors experience as culturally significant rather than merely instrumental, one might observe how the integration of art, craft objects in the display niche, and sculptural elements alongside refined architectural finishes suggests a holistic approach to spatial design where aesthetic experience becomes integral to professional function rather than applied decoration.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This business center project in Istanbul extended its modern, minimalist design to the ninth floor office, which features an open layout, a spacious balcony, and a glass facade. Maximizing natural daylight was a key focus in workspace planning. What started as a basic shell was transformed into a fully functional and aesthetically refined office, incorporating artwork, sculptures, a coffee machine, and greenery to create a cohesive and inspiring environment.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- This office is characterized by a net usable area of 250 square meters. In the entrance section, a reception area, a meeting room for 15 persons, and a CEO office are provided. In the adjacent area, a common working space, a kitchenette, a lounge, and a balcony are incorporated. The third section is comprised of a meeting room for 6 persons, two executive offices, separate WC facilities for men and women, and a technical room.
- Tags
- Office project, artistic details, design office, art in the office, plaza office, employee motivation, pleasant working space
- Production Technology
- At the entrance, the floors of the reception and meeting room were covered with veined grey marble, whose natural patterns and shimmering sand inclusions created an elegant atmosphere. The meeting room was separated by a glass partition system, allowing the two spaces to be perceived as a unified whole. The entrance walls and reception counter were clad in wood veneer, which imparted warmth to the space. By extending the marble flooring to the reception counter, a sculptural bust effect was achieved, thereby breaking the static appearance of the wood. The sculpture on the counter and the vibrantly colored painting in the meeting room created a striking impact, ensuring that visitors were immediately greeted by art and design.
In the executive office, fish-scale patterned parquet was used for the flooring and decorative paint was applied to the walls. The work desk was designed to function as both a meeting and work area, while the cabinet area behind it was finished with a marquetry veneer and brass details on the shelves, adding an element of sophistication. A special painting and strategically placed plants in front of the glass completed the decor.
In the common working areas, carpet was chosen for its sound-insulating properties, with its colors carried over into the desk partitions to achieve a cohesive color scheme. Light grey tones were generally preferred in the furniture to create a minimalist and non-distracting environment.
Decorative hanging birds from the ceiling, flowers in the library, and brass accents were employed to establish a warm working atmosphere. In the rooms, glass partitions with a transparent and modern appearance were utilized, thereby allowing daylight to be extended to other areas of the corridor. - Design Challenge
- In this project, each section was designed with a distinct approach. The entrance needed to exude elegance and sophistication, while a warm and inviting atmosphere was created for employees. Common areas were designed to be functional while maintaining a cohesive spatial perception. Various materials were carefully balanced and integrated to ensure aesthetic harmony without disrupting the overall design unity.
- Project Duration
- This project was completed in Istanbul in 2018.
- Operation Flow
- In the office, the main entrance facade was designed as a solid wall, while the fully glazed front facade served the work areas. Natural daylight was harnessed to maintain a connection with the outside. The entrance area featured a reception and meeting room to discreetly guide guests, and an executive office was established behind the reception for the firm owner. A seamless transition between the reception, workspace, and kitchenette was achieved- with a bar counter, stools, library, and seating forming a compact social area. Additionally, a mini meeting room, enclosed executive offices, WC areas, and technical spaces were arranged to optimize space utilization.
- Research
- The goal of this project was to ensure that both employees and clients felt they were in a well-designed and artfully curated office from the moment they entered. The spaces were designed to be functionally efficient while remaining distinct through special details without obstructing one another. The dynamic presence of the sculpture at the entrance, the vibrant colors of the paintings, and the use of transparent surfaces played a significant role in achieving this vision.
- Inspiration
- Primary aim is that offices reflect one’s soul rather than one’s strength. Regardless of scale, business sector, or management style, the sense of belonging and motivation among employees is prioritized in the designs. In this project, which was executed in accordance with this philosophy, art and timeless designs were regarded as the main sources of inspiration.
- Image Credits
- Ali Bekman
Colors of Art in the Soul Office
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