Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) has completed the Ziraat Bank Headquarters, a landmark twin-tower complex forming the centrepiece of the Istanbul International Financial Center in Turkey. Rising 40 and 46 storeys, the interconnected skyscrapers establish a strong institutional presence, combining office headquarters, auditorium, retail spaces, and underground parking within a single integrated development.

The complex spans approximately 450,000 square metres and was delivered by KPF in collaboration with local architect A Tasarim Mimarlik. Structurally engineered by Arup, the towers are conceived as glass-dominated volumes that gently widen toward their upper levels, generating a sculptural profile that symbolises the long-term growth of Ziraat Bank. A shared podium base physically and visually links the two towers.

The façade strategy defines the architectural identity of the project. Both towers are wrapped in interconnected glass façades articulated by strong horizontal banding, clearly expressing each office level while reinforcing vertical scale. Façade engineering was delivered by ALT, supporting performance requirements across height, exposure, and climatic conditions specific to Istanbul.

In contrast to the glazed towers, the podium is enclosed by ornate, screen-like façades inspired by Islamic architectural traditions, introducing layered shading and cultural reference at street level. Designed as an extension of the public realm, the podium integrates ground-floor retail spaces, accessed through courtyard-fronted entrances, with landscape design by DDS reinforcing its civic character.

Internally, the building opens into a bright eight-storey atrium, crossed by bridges that connect different programme zones. Office interiors were developed by A+I Asia, supported by workplace consultancy from KKS Strategy. The interior material palette makes extensive use of local stone and timber, continuing into the auditorium, which is clad in CNC-milled limestone panels and lined with timber surfaces to enhance acoustics, developed with Mezzo as acoustical consultant.

The towers incorporate office floors with shared amenities, including prayer rooms, indoor gardens, and landscaped roof terraces equipped with seating areas. Lighting design was delivered by PJC, while AV, IT, and BMU consultancy was provided by WSP. LEED consultancy was handled by Altensis, with Turner International acting as construction manager and Kalyon İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi as contractor.

Photography by Dirk Lindner.