Istanbul TV and Radio Tower: The New Landmark of Istanbul Comes to Life with Şişecam

The strong connection between glass and light contributes to the formation of architectural form. Spatial continuity between the interior and the exterior is ensured by the use of Şişecam products.

Istanbul TV and Radio Tower is one of the reference projects brought to life with the innovative products of Şişecam Flat Glass that is the largest flat glass manufacturer in Europe. The tower has already become one of the city's landmarks. Şişecam Tinted Float Glass Grey and Şişecam Laminated Low-E Glass are preferred in the project; to provide low reflectance, effective heat and solar control, safety, security and noise control in order to meet the different needs of the project. 

Architect Melike Altınışık describes the project and the use of glass in the project as follows: 

“The art of natural lighting allows the designer to use light as a design material in the design process, as well as shaping the space and designing extraordinary spaces. 

While the relationship between architecture and light is shaped by physical environmental conditions, architectural space is created by limiting the space to surfaces. In this context, glass plays one of the most important roles and the magic of extraordinary elegance in the space is hidden in its transparency. Light spatializes the space while enriching the function of the space besides that it makes an emotional contribution to the users of that space.

The light creates a transition between mysterious shadows and sharp colors in the futuristic design of Istanbul TV and Radio Tower rising 369 meters. The design resembles an organic natural system in such a complex where elegant compositions are naturally processed and cannot be easily separated from the whole. Balanced design established by the trio of light, curved surfaces and mysterious shadows, the function of the architectural form and the space it borders, creates visual integrity in accordance with the character of the design. The tower offers an adventure focused on nature and landscape. 

The contribution of glass surfaces to the form that takes its existence from the strong bond it establishes with light, actually says a lot in regards to glass. “Panorama Elevators” rising on both sides of the tower are architectural elements that both feed and divide the monolithic body. Visitors have the opportunity to watch Istanbul from the observation floors and restaurant floors at an altitude of about 400 meters above sea level, while experiencing a vertical journey that extends 180 meters across the Historical Peninsula and the Black Sea coast on the other, with panorama lifts. In this adventure, thanks to the grey tinted  glass that form a threshold between the exterior and the interior, while the thermal conditions are optimally provided for the users. Also they assume the necessary role in the formation of spatial continuity between the interior and the exterior through the opacity and contrast offered in the facade setup.”