Bridging the land and sea at Istanbul Modern
Published
Pedrali contributes a thoughtful design synthesis between the land and the ocean in Turkey’s first museum of modern and contemporary art.
Nestled along the enchanting Karakoy waterfront, where the Bosporus and the Golden Horn converge, perches the Istanbul Modern—an architectural marvel which stands in harmony with the scenic beauty of Turkey’s artistic heart.
Designed by the visionary Renzo Piano, founder of Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Turkey’s first museum of modern and contemporary art has become a city landmark which welcomes global art enthusiasts into a space that transcends the boundaries of beauty and art.
Established in 2004 within a former customs warehouse, Istanbul Modern underwent a transformative renaissance under Renzo Piano’s careful guidance, setting the stage for the Renzo Piano Building Workshop’s Turkish debut. The museum spans 10,500 sqm across five levels, its architectural poetry seamlessly blending Ottoman-era buildings, the Bosporus, and vast glass windows that dissolve conventional spatial constraints.
Acclaimed Italian furniture design brand Pedrali takes centre stage inside this artistic haven. Snow Junior, designed by Odo Fioravanti, brings effortless cheer to a dedicated children’s educational space – epitomising Pedrali’s signature adaptability and playful design. In vibrant yellow hues which capture the essence of the collection’s curiosity, energy, and optimism, Snow Junior’s polypropylene structure aligns with the museum’s commitment to art accessibility for all ages.
Venturing outdoors, Istanbul Modern unveils a 650 sqm panoramic terrace which seems to float dreamily over the sparkling waters below. CMP Design’s Nolita and Tribeca take the lead here, allowing Pedrali to create a comfortable oasis from which to absorb the breathtaking panoramic views.
Nolita, inspired by Mario Pedrali’s first metal garden chairs, encompasses a family of outdoor seating which recalls the origins of a historic course started by Mario Pedrali in 1963.
Tribeca takes us back in time with a modern reinterpretation of classic Sixties patio chairs made from steel and woven material which evoke the colours of the sea and the sky – another stitch in the tapestry of Pedrali’s connection to the scenic landscape. Completing this sun-drenched haven are the Fluxo tables by Luca Casini, characterised by their primary geometric shapes and their stem-like base.
Pedrali’s collaboration with Istanbul Modern unfolds as a symphony of artistry, where every piece – indoor and outdoor – becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of Turkey’s city iconography. It’s a testament to Pedrali’s enduring dedication to crafting contemporary furniture that seamlessly integrates with the aesthetics of cultural icons, furthering Pedrali’s guiding principles of beauty, tradition and innovation.
Explore the full project with Pedrali.
Pedrali
pedrali.com
Istanbul Modern
istanbulmodern.org
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
rpbw.com
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