Project: Moxy Afrika Han
Architects: Designist
Location: Istanbul, Turkiye
Area: 66,198 sf
Year: 2022
Photographs by: Courtesy of Designist
Moxy Afrika Han by Designist
Moxy, the dynamic, brave and young brand of Marriot International, is being brought to life by Venue International in the historical Afrika Han in Beyoğlu, İstanbul. Turkey’s first Moxy hotel with 168 rooms, planned to open in 2024, is being designed by Designist under the leadership of Aslı Arıkan Dayıoğlu.
The first hotel of the Moxy Hotels chain of Marriott International, which has a very different design line from standard hotel concepts, is being designed by Designist in Afrika Han in Beyoğlu, İstanbul. Moxy Afrika Han, which will offer a fun, dynamic and stylish lifestyle targeting the new generation tourists, is aimed to identify with the dynamic character of Beyoğlu. Grab&go concept is applied in the brand, where the minimal room design is balanced with the extraordinary general space design. In the structure that encourages the user to socialize in the general area, the lobby, bar and retail areas are fluidly constructed together. The general space, which will host all meetings day and night, is aimed to carry the spirit of Beyoğlu.
Designist, who cleverly uses the architectural elements that give the building its soul; plans to integrate Moxy’s energetic, fun, industrial concept with the history of the place. Aslı Arıkan Dayıoğlu and her team, who have been designing hotels for various big chains for 15 years, state that the historical building is technically challenging, but this is an advantage for developing new techniques. Interior Architect Aslı Arıkan Dayıoğlu, who stated that they will overcome the obligations of the building as a historical structure in the best way and that they are very excited about this issue, believes that the project will come to life as a center that respects its history and adds added value to its surroundings.
Located in Beyoğlu Büyükparmakkapı Street and built by Ragıp Sarıca, Afrika Han, Anadolu Han, Rumeli Han and Sirkeci Station Building were designed by German architect Agust Jasmund. The fact that it was built with cement-mortared voltaic flooring, which is called a new type of construction technique, gives the clue that it was built between 1905-1915. Afrika Han, an inn between two streets, has an eclectic style. While the Küçükparmakkapı Street facade has a calmer design, the facade facing Büyükparmakkapı Street is more ostentatious.
Designed as a 7-storey residence with 57 flats, witnessing history, Afrika Han has hosted the oldest families of Pera, the Ottoman pashas. The building, designed as 55-60 square meters flats with an understanding far ahead of its time, became the first representative of today’s studio apartment concept. Afrika Han is also known for hosting Hayal Kahvesi, the most popular venue of its time, between 1992 and 2017. Feeling the excitement that a building that has lived so long in both the recent and distant past will be brought back to Beyoğlu, Designist aims to preserve the spirit of the building in its designs.
-Project description and images provided by pRchitect
