The Absolute Just, Turkiye

The Tophane-i Amire building, deeply rooted in Istanbul’s urban memory and silhouette, is a landmark that lends its name to the district it inhabits. Built as an Imperial Cannon Foundry in the 15th century and having undergone various functional transformations over the centuries, this significant piece of industrial heritage currently serves as one of Istanbul’s prestigious Culture and Arts Centres.

For the temporary exhibition curated within the historic atmosphere of this five-domed monumental structure, our lighting design approach was founded on the concept of the space itself being a “realm of experience.” Just as in the building’s past, we aimed for light not to overshadow the architecture, but rather to act as an element that supports its dramatic power and reinforces the atmosphere.

We developed a multi-layered and hierarchical lighting strategy, compatible with the architectural plan, for the traditional Islamic calligraphy and illumination artworks that formed the core content of the exhibition. In this composition, we placed the “artworks” at the peak of the luminance hierarchy, defining them as the brightest surfaces. While information graphics followed these focal points, the domes and circulation areas were kept at lower, dimmer levels to enhance the perception of depth within the space. The resulting high-contrast surfaces and interplay of shadows maximised the dramatic impact of the venue.

Through this atmospheric approach, traditional arts were transformed into a contemporary and immersive space of discovery, particularly for young visitors. Merging seamlessly with the applied lighting design, the building evolved beyond a mere exhibition hall into an inviting and memorable experiential space that draws visitors in.