Armada Foods Offices – Istanbul
Udesign Architecture designed offices for Armada Foods in Istanbul, Turkey, shaping a climate-responsive workplace with internal courtyards, a sheltered entrance setback, and a façade of vertical sun-shading elements that bring in daylight while supporting comfort and interaction.
Located within the Tarsus 3rd Organized Industrial Zone as an integral part of the production facility, the Armada Foods Office Building offers an environment shaped by a contemporary architectural vision that prioritizes functionality and aesthetics.
In its spatial configuration, elements of functionality and ergonomics have been thoughtfully considered, creating a spacious, bright atmosphere that enhances both user experience and overall well-being. This approach not only encourages interaction and streamlines processes but also fosters an environment that strengthens social connections within the interior layout.
Design Concept
A key starting point of the design was to adapt to Mersin’s warm climate while maximizing indoor comfort. To achieve this, various internal voids were strategically incorporated into the building’s mass, allowing natural light and airflow to penetrate the interior spaces effectively.
The office entrance is designed with a setback, and the cantilevered first-floor slab creates a protective overhang, forming a sheltered transition space that warmly welcomes visitors. This entrance is defined both physically and visually, seamlessly integrating with the building’s overall massing and balance.
The introduction of internal courtyards breaks the static form of the monolithic mass, increasing the façade’s surface area and promoting a more even distribution of daylight. These voids serve not only as channels for natural light but also as social courtyards that encourage interaction and connection among users.
Interior Organization and User Experience
The interior spatial layout emphasizes fluidity and functionality. The ground floor features a reception area, a gym, technical spaces, and storage units. The first floor accommodates open-plan spaces, meeting rooms, and various social facilities, all designed to enhance the experience of users and foster collaboration.
Meeting rooms and social areas are strategically arranged around the internal courtyards, benefiting from direct natural light. The spaces follow an open layout with a winged configuration, centered around social zones. This design strengthens communication and interaction while positioning social facilities as vibrant gathering hubs, establishing a sense of spatial coherence.
Façade Design and Climate Responsiveness
The façade design emphasizes shading and light control, integrating solutions that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic expression. A generous terrace running along the first floor allows for balanced daylight penetration into the interior while providing shading that mitigates the impact of direct sunlight.
Vertical sun-shading elements, positioned rhythmically around the terrace, contribute to the building’s architectural identity without disrupting the overall façade integrity. These elements introduce a dynamic visual rhythm, acting as both design features and climatic filters that enhance indoor comfort.
Conclusion
The Armada Foods Office Building presents a contemporary environment that embraces climate-responsive design principles, enhances user comfort, and reflects the company’s vision through its architectural language. By thoughtfully integrating functionality, aesthetics, and environmental sensitivity, the building offers a space that is both efficient and inspiring for all its users.
Design: Udesign Architecture
Design Team: Umut Uzuner, Mert Metin, İrfan Güçlü
Photography: İbrahim Özbunar
