Istanbul Airport, one of the most modern and largest global hubs in the world, shows how infrastructures between mobility, architecture and culture can be used in a targeted way to communicate national identity and international ambitions. With this in mind, the airport is inspired by Ottoman ornamentation and the diverse dynamics of the city and not only impresses with its modern architectural concept and consistently clear design language—it is also a space for experiences, a platform for temporary art installations, exhibitions and a meeting place for international travelers and Turkish culture. The national airline Turkish Airlines, which operates its operational center at Istanbul Airport, also wants to consistently pursue this special vision and cultural connection.
Connected
With more than 300 destinations and one of the densest route networks in the world, the renowned airline, which has received numerous awards for its high quality, emphasizes its close ties with the metropolis of Istanbul, the important link between the Orient and the Occident and the country’s creative and cultural driving force. With an enormously rich cultural heritage, Istanbul is also a city in which the constant interaction between tradition and modernity, between history and new beginnings, between conservatism and openness can be felt on almost every corner. Cultures meet, interact and combine to create something new every day. For Turkey’s national airline, a company that sees itself as a modern bridge-builder between East and West, it is particularly about that very moment of connection that ideally gives rise to a form of solidarity.
Metropolis Istanbul: The most important link between Orient and Occident and the country’s creative and cultural driving force.
Human Centered
The Turkish Airlines Lounge at Istanbul Airport, which is considered one of the most luxurious airport lounges in the world and was designed by the renowned design studio Autoban, which is also based in Istanbul, is also an important element of this. The design of the lounge is intended to reflect both the outstanding hospitality and cosmopolitanism to which Turkish Airlines is committed as an airline. To achieve this, the studio opted for warm, natural materials such as wood, leather and stone, as well as combining traditional Turkish design elements with modern, minimalist forms. Organic shapes and arcade-like structures characterize the 3,000 square meter lounge, which is divided into different areas. In addition to luxurious seating, it offers private cabins, comfortable work areas and an almost endless gastronomic offering as well as a wellness area.
Left: Center of Turkish Airlines: Istanbul Airport, one of the most modern and largest global hubs in the world.
Right: Turkish Airlines Lounge at Istanbul Airport, designed by the renowned design studio Autoban.
This human-centered design approach is also reflected in the cabin design of Turkish Airlines, an excellent example of human-centered design in the aviation sector. By continuously focusing on the needs of passengers, a cabin experience is created that addresses both physical and psychological needs—from ergonomic comfort to user-friendly technology and a psychological feel-good atmosphere.
Turkish Airlines’ cabin design—is an excellent example of human-centered design in the aviation sector.
Modern
As a global ambassador of Turkish art and culture, Turkish Airlines also relies on partnerships with museums and cultural institutions. This includes, among many others, the cooperation with Istanbul Modern, the first museum for modern and contemporary art in Turkey, founded in 2004, whose collection covers a period from 1945 to the present day. The original Istanbul Modern building, converted from a former warehouse on the Bosphorus and designed for temporary use, was designed by the Turkish architecture firm Günay-İbrahim. The new, larger building, which was designed to meet the growing requirements and expansion of the collection, has been under construction since 2018. The internationally renowned architect Renzo Piano was commissioned with the project. The star architect stands for the transnational significance of Istanbul Modern as a cultural institution that establishes the museum in the global architecture world.
The new building by star architect Renzo Piano stands for the transnational significance of Istanbul Modern as a cultural institution that establishes the museum in the global world of architecture.
Istanbul Modern is the first museum for modern and contemporary art in Turkey, founded in 2004, whose collection covers a period from 1945 to the present day.
In particular, this example of Turkish Airlines’ integration with local cultural initiatives positions the airline as an authentic mediator of a national identity—, a strong narrative engine that also functions as a differentiator from other leading premium airlines with comparably high-quality services and a modern design language: A successful creation of a stringent travel experience that skillfully fuses mobility with aspects of design, architecture and culture. [DM]
The trip and on-site research were carried out at the invitation of Turkish Airlines.
