ECZACIBAŞI SPORTS HALL
Located in Istanbul, the Eczacıbaşı Sports Hall is a multifunctional sports and event venue designed for Eczacıbaşı Sports Club, one of Türkiye’s leading volleyball organizations. Developed in compliance with both international FIVB and European CEV volleyball standards, the building comprises a 4,000-seat competition arena capable of hosting top-tier volleyball matches as well as large-scale cultural and entertainment events; a training hall with three full-sized courts; four private suites with a total capacity of 250 VIP guests and 80 additional seats; the Eczacıbaşı Sports Club Museum; and a lodging facility featuring 12 rooms and 22 beds. The sports club’s administrative offices have also been relocated into the complex. The entire roof of the 24,000 m² building is covered with photovoltaic panels.
The irregular pentagonal shape of the urban parcel is one of the primary determinants of the design. Despite the narrow plot, the locker rooms are strategically positioned between the main hall and the training hall for rapid and convenient access by athletes, while a healthcare unit, fitness center, lounge areas, and dining hall are attached to their periphery. This configuration enables a fluid network of spatial relationships. Distinct user groups—first team, youth teams, visiting team, referees, management, lodging unit, training hall spectators, service staff, press, VIP/CIP arrivals, and general spectators—can circulate through the building without intersecting one another.
One of the most prominent architectural elements of the building is its parametrically designed façade developed through coding. The front façade forms an interactive, 120-meter-long band parallel to the main road and oriented toward the sea, allowing visual communication between the dynamic interior and the urban exterior. It simultaneously functions as an environmental filter. The perforation densities and levels of transparency in the aluminum mesh panels are defined according to interior programmatic needs: up to 72% openness and a horizontal slit for visual comfort and daylight access in office areas, and 40% transparency in the foyer for balanced daylight and solar control. These values were determined through parametric optimization based on energy performance, daylight distribution, and thermal comfort targets. The varying permeability ratios are designed on a hexagonal grid composed of circular perforations, creating a graduated and visually soft transition along the façade. The movement of sunlight contributes to this parametrically diverse surface, producing varying shadows, reflections, brightness, and color tones throughout the day.
Spectators reach the entrance plaza through a natural passage beneath the 120-meter façade. Due to the sloped terrain, this transition zone incorporates amphitheater-like seating and stepped platforms. Across the converging elevation differences of the parcel’s four corners, a complex topography of parking areas, stairways, wheelchair ramps, seating terraces, planters, shafts, sidewalk arrangements, and the main entrance plaza is formed between the building and the setback boundary at basement and ground levels. This three-dimensional sculptural surface is among the most intricate components of the design and construction process, enabling the structure to integrate seamlessly with its site and surroundings.
From the main entrance hall, stairways and escalators lead to the first-floor circulation level. This foyer encircles the arena and contains spectator entrances, restrooms, and concession areas. Dedicated viewing zones are provided for spectators with disabilities.
The main arena is configured to intensify the volleyball match experience. The geometry of the stands is designed according to sightlines, approach distances, and spatial atmosphere, ensuring that spectators are physically and perceptually close to the game. Since volleyball is the primary function, seating can be positioned at the shortest possible distance from the court. Through a carefully selected color palette, advanced lighting systems, and LED screens, the playing surface is emphasized like a theatrical stage, offering a highly focused and elevated viewing experience.
Although optimized for volleyball, the arena can be rapidly adapted for alternative sports competitions, concerts, and large events thanks to retractable seating systems and adjustable acoustic solutions. The spatial composition and scale can be reconfigured without compromising the primary function.
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Roofs of both the main and training halls utilize an aluminum standing-seam system due to its lightness, high insulation performance, and compatibility with photovoltaic integration. This approach supports the project’s LEED certification goals and reflects a holistic sustainability commitment. All construction materials were selected in accordance with EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) criteria, aiming to minimize environmental impact throughout the building’s life cycle.
Given Istanbul’s tectonic conditions, the structure was engineered to meet seismic performance requirements corresponding to a building importance factor of 1.5, designated for facilities meant to remain operational following an earthquake.
The Eczacıbaşı Sports Hall becomes part of the city as an advanced facility that combines parametric design, operational adaptability, and sustainable architectural principles, reinforcing Istanbul’s contemporary sports and cultural infrastructure. It contributes to the cultural and athletic future of the Kartal district and stands out for its long-term capacity to accommodate evolving needs of athletes and the wider public. With its architecture, technical systems, and the opportunities it provides, the complex is designed to support the continued success and future development of volleyball—one of Türkiye’s most accomplished sports branches.
PROJECT FACTS
CLIENT Eczacıbaşı
PROJECT DATE
2023-2024
PROJECT DATA
Total Construction Area 25.852 m²
PROJECT TEAMS
Architectural Project Yazgan Design Architecture
Interior Design Project Yazgan Design Architecture
3D Image Credits Yazgan Design Architecture
Structural Project Probi Engineering
Mechanical Project YMT Engineering
Electrical Project MPY Engineering
Infrastructure Project MPK Project
Landscape Design Project Yazgan Design Architecture
CONSULTANTS
Fire Consultant Knot
Acoustical Consultant Mezzo
Facade Consultant Baymim
Lighting Consultant Lab 1
CONSTRUCTION
Construction Date 2024-2025
Contractor Eczacıbaşı
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
Cemal Emden 2025