This week we are looking back at the Kanyon Wayfinding and signage. Developed in 2015 for the highly complex mixed-use destination, located in the Levent business district of Istanbul, and owned by commercial giant Eczacıbaşı.
Kanyon
This urban oasis is arguably Turkey’s most distinguished and contemporary mixed-used developments. It is home to a 30-floor office tower, a 22-floor residential block, a fitness centre, 9-screen cinema and a 160-store shopping mall with a GLA of 37,500m2.
The mall includes gourmet restaurants, popular local and global brands, and is anchored by fashion-leading retailer Harvey Nichols. The diversity of amenities has made Kanyon a vibrant place of choice, style, and sophistication. Meaning Canyon in Turkish, the architecture by leading experiential practice Jerde Partnership, mirrored the form of a canyon. It went onto win the Cityscape Architectural Review Award in 2006.
However, this extraordinary structure came with its problems – the space was difficult to navigate, due to the multiple levels with vertical circulation particularly challenging. Our role was to introduce a new, elegant wayfinding and signage system. Our aim was to facilitate movement around this urban space, focussing on accessible mapping and clear, well organised information delivery.
Recyclability
One of the interesting points about the signage system was its focus on recyclability. Wherever possible we used recyclable products. Art elements such as the stacked, illuminated glass beacons topped out the floor mounted signs with etched real stone at the base. Suspended signs reflected the architectural canyon form with layered, natural flowing patterns.
We used integrated digital directories, with technology and application from Dreambox, to deliver information in a comprehensive and flexible manner.
Manufactured by Nova, the result is highly original system, influenced by and sitting very well within its “canyonesque” architectural environment. The installation improved customer journey at all levels, helping to strengthen this blended and seamless urban community at the heart of Istanbul!