GUR-GGN Headquarter
Type | Architecture | Interior | Landscape
Area | 6000 m2
Year | 2018-2019
Status | Concept Design
Location | ASO 2.OSB | Ankara
Project Overview
An architectural project of GUR-GGN Headquarters that embodies the strength and versatility of concrete design while delivering a functional, modern, and aesthetically powerful workspace. Spanning a large urban site, the headquarters serves as the central hub for GUR-GGN, a renowned corporate entity. The design focuses on both structural integrity and aesthetic expression, using concrete as the primary material to create a visually stunning, durable, and innovative building.
The GUR-GGN Headquarters is a perfect blend of form and function, showcasing the raw, industrial beauty of concrete while offering a dynamic environment that fosters productivity, collaboration, and creativity. With cutting-edge facilities and thoughtful spatial design, the headquarters is a bold statement of the company’s modern identity and commitment to excellence.
Design Concept
The design concept of the GUR-GGN Headquarters is deeply rooted in the aesthetic power of concrete, reflecting strength, permanence, and modernity. The building’s architecture embraces the material’s raw, unrefined beauty, highlighting its structural and visual potential. The project is characterized by its minimalist approach, where concrete is both the primary material and the defining element of the design.
The concept is centered around creating a monolithic structure that feels open and inviting despite its heavy, industrial appearance. Large open spaces, strategically placed courtyards, and expansive glass elements break up the rigidness of the concrete, offering a more fluid interaction between the interior and the surrounding environment. The design aims to balance the mass and solidity of the building with lightness and transparency, allowing the headquarters to feel both monumental and approachable.
Key Design Features
Raw Concrete Aesthetic
The defining feature of the GUR-GGN Headquarters is its use of raw concrete as the primary design material. The exposed concrete walls and floors create a bold, industrial aesthetic, emphasizing simplicity and strength. The natural texture of the concrete adds warmth and character to the otherwise minimalist spaces.
Monolithic Structure
The building is designed to be a monolithic structure with large, solid volumes that communicate permanence and stability. The design emphasizes the heavy, enduring nature of concrete, while incorporating large glass windows and open spaces to create a sense of openness and connectivity within the building.
Open and Flexible Office Layouts
Inside the headquarters, the floor plans are designed with flexibility in mind. Open office layouts encourage collaboration and communication, while flexible meeting areas and workstations allow the space to evolve with the company’s needs. The minimalistic design and use of concrete partitions create a clean, organized environment that promotes productivity.
Strategic Courtyards and Green Spaces
To break up the solid form of the building and enhance the connection with nature, the design incorporates strategic courtyards and green spaces. These outdoor spaces are framed by the concrete structure and provide areas for relaxation, social interaction, and informal meetings. The integration of greenery into the concrete environment softens the building’s industrial feel, bringing a sense of tranquility to the workplace.
Glass and Concrete Contrast
The use of glass and concrete creates a striking contrast that defines the building’s architectural language. Expansive glass facades allow natural light to flood the interior, while also offering stunning views of the surrounding urban landscape. This balance between concrete’s solid, grounded nature and the transparency of glass creates a dynamic and modern architectural language.
Concrete Ceilings and Flooring
The exposed concrete ceilings and flooring throughout the building are a defining feature of the design. This not only reinforces the industrial aesthetic but also ensures durability and ease of maintenance. The raw finish of the floors and ceilings adds texture and depth, contributing to the building’s unique character.
Sustainable Design Elements
The GUR-GGN Headquarters embraces sustainable design principles, ensuring that the building not only looks impressive but also functions efficiently. The design includes energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, and the use of sustainable materials, minimizing the building’s environmental impact. The large windows help regulate temperature by optimizing natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Spacious Atrium and Reception Area
Upon entering the headquarters, visitors are greeted by a grand atrium that serves as the focal point of the building. The atrium is defined by its soaring concrete walls, which surround the space and create a sense of grandeur. The reception area is seamlessly integrated into the atrium, offering a welcoming atmosphere that contrasts the heavy, industrial feel of the concrete with lighter, inviting furnishings.
Employee Well-Being
The design also focuses on employee well-being, with spaces for relaxation, dining, and exercise. These areas are integrated into the building’s layout, offering employees a balanced work-life environment. The use of natural materials like wood and stone in key areas further enhances comfort and adds warmth to the concrete-heavy spaces.
Innovative Lighting Design
Lighting plays an essential role in softening the raw concrete elements. The design incorporates innovative lighting solutions, such as indirect LED lighting, which highlights the texture and form of the concrete surfaces without overwhelming the space. The play of light and shadow creates a dynamic atmosphere throughout the building.
Impact
Architectural Expression of Strength and Innovation
The GUR-GGN Headquarters stands as an architectural expression of strength and innovation. The use of concrete as the primary material conveys the company’s values of durability, resilience, and forward-thinking design. The building’s bold presence and industrial aesthetic make a powerful statement in the urban landscape.
Fostering Collaboration and Productivity
The design’s open and flexible office layouts promote collaboration and communication among employees. The integration of common spaces and courtyards provides opportunities for social interaction, helping foster a sense of community within the workplace. These spaces encourage creativity and teamwork, which in turn contributes to increased productivity.
Sustainability and Efficiency
The headquarters’ sustainable design elements ensure that the building is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The use of energy-saving systems, natural ventilation, and rainwater harvesting minimizes the building’s ecological footprint. This sustainable approach reflects GUR-GGN’s commitment to responsible and forward-thinking business practices.
A Monumental Yet Inviting Space
The GUR-GGN Headquarters successfully balances the monumental, concrete-heavy structure with an inviting atmosphere. The transparency of glass and the strategic use of courtyards break up the rigidity of the concrete, making the building feel open, accessible, and approachable while still maintaining a strong sense of presence and prestige.
Timeless and Durable Architecture
Concrete is known for its longevity and durability, ensuring that the GUR-GGN Headquarters will remain a timeless symbol of strength and design excellence for years to come. The building’s architectural language is grounded in the idea of creating a space that is both resilient and adaptable, capable of evolving as the company grows.