Casa Foscolo
Casa Foscolo, executed by I-AM, is a multifaceted design project encompassing the restoration, architecture, adaptive reuse, interior design, and branding of a historic building that has stood since the 19th century. As a significant piece of Istanbul's cultural heritage, the building is located in the Asmalımescit area, a district renowned for its layered history and cosmopolitan character. The project revives the structure with utmost respect for its cultural roots while reimagining it as a boutique hotel, a public meeting hub, an art gallery, and a café.
Beyoğlu is a neighborhood where people of different ethnic backgrounds have historically coexisted, influencing and blending their cultures to create a more integrated social fabric. Casa Foscolo, a historic building at the heart of Beyoğlu, required not only a comprehensive restoration but also a modern reinterpretation to preserve its cultural significance. The design challenge was to merge the building's layered past with a contemporary approach, creating a space that appeals to guests, locals, and visitors alike. The goal was to reflect Beyoğlu's unique cultural essence while delivering an inspiring and contemporary experience.
As a revitalization project, Casa Foscolo was envisioned as more than just a boutique hotel. By preserving its historic fabric and integrating modern elements, it aimed to transform into a vibrant cultural center—a living meeting point for locals, visitors, and artists.
Previously known as Çubukçu Han, the five-story building was transformed under MV Holding's cultural and artistic initiatives to create a space where art, culture, and community converge. The structure now houses 25 rooms, service areas supporting boutique hotel operations, a terrace, exhibition spaces, and café areas. During the restoration process, the building's original character was meticulously preserved while accommodating modern needs through thoughtful enhancements.
Casa Foscolo features two entrances: one leading to the lobby and café area and the other to exhibition and workshop spaces. The red arches in the lobby reference the building's historical significance while highlighting a bold, sculptural, and contemporary architectural approach. In tandem with the architectural design, the brand identity was inspired by Beyoğlu's iconic intersection, “Dört Yol Bölgesi” (Four-Way Junction), symbolizing the convergence of past and present, tradition and modernity. This design language was applied across various elements such as the logo, flooring, lighting fixtures, and wayfinding systems, seamlessly integrating the brand into the space. The intersecting lines and textured layers of the branding add depth and a sense of discovery to the building, presenting Beyoğlu's rich history through a contemporary and inviting lens.
The Casa Foscolo project aims to provide a multifaceted experience by balancing the historic structure with modern aesthetics. The common areas are enriched with plays of light and shadow, illustrations, intricate details, and art pieces referencing the building's past, creating a dynamic narrative for visitors to explore. Room designs emphasize natural light and warm tones, balanced with vibrant touches such as coral-colored wardrobes. These spaces are completed with minimalist furniture and contemporary artworks, fostering a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance.
One of the building’s key features is the staircase core, where the original brick texture has been uncovered and preserved, connecting the floors while showcasing the structure's authenticity. Every detail of the building has been thoughtfully designed to provide a sensory experience, ensuring that the cultural depth of Asmalımescit is felt in every corner of the space.
Casa Foscolo bridges Asmalımescit's historical and cultural heritage with modern architecture, offering visitors a multidimensional experience. Beyond serving as a place to stay, its architecture, interiors, and functional spaces create an inspiring environment for art enthusiasts and local communities, fostering meaningful interactions and enriching the neighborhood’s cultural landscape.
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