Piyalepaşa _ CUTIS
Biophilic Balcony and Retaining Wall Installation
Keywords
Built
Landscape
Design
Biophilic
Location
Istanbul, Turkey
Year
2022
Urbanites +
Designed by Urban Atölye, the Cutis installation, part of Polat Gayrimenkul's Piyalepaşa residential development project in Istanbul, exemplifies a pioneering biophilic approach, focusing on creating a seamless relationship between the urban and natural environment. Conceived as a sculptural intervention, this installation redefines the two staircases and retaining walls in the Piyalepaşa courtyard, transforming functional architectural elements into organic and artistic structures and bringing life to the open space in the heart of Istanbul.
UA, involved in the project as both artist and builder, developed the Cutis panels by mixing cement, water, and plant-based elements. The name 'Cutis' means "living skin," and was given by architect Saro Zorlu, who first used this panel system in his project…the installation refers to the systematic yet ever-present unique textures of natural surfaces. These panels are handcrafted to exhibit richly textured, organic forms that dynamically interact with the outdoor environment. Amorphous shapes and earth-toned textures reflect the biophilic design principles curated by Gökhan Karakuş, the project's curator, fostering an experience that integrates tactile, visual, and ecological dimensions.
Nilüfer Kozikoglu's work is informed by her savvy in biourbanism, grounding the Cutis installation within a framework that unites architectural form and living nature. The panels were assembled to foster interactions with light, weather, and seasonal change. As greenery weaves through the installation’s contours, it enhances the structure’s biophilic qualities, inviting residents and visitors to experience a living space that evolves with time and climate. The organic materials and plant elements blend seamlessly, with native flora sprouting from crevices and naturally integrating with the cement-based composition.
In the context of the development of the Piyalepaşa Istanbul residential complex, the Cutis installation is part of a larger project undertaken by the architectural practice Mimaristudio, under the guidance of Gökhan Karakuş. The project aimed to reintroduce nature into urban life by rethinking mass housing design through biophilic principles. Kozikoğlu's unique contribution, particularly through channeling “Biomorphic Forms and Patterns,” echoes natural forms and textures within an urban setting. This installation demonstrates how architectural elements can serve beyond their structural purposes, enhancing human well-being and fostering a deep connection with nature.
Curated by biophilic designer Gökhan Karakuş, the Cutis installation is realized on the vertical spaces and balconies of two massive retaining walls that emerge between the residential complex and the surrounding neighborhood; it combines biophilic design with urban landscape art, providing a meditative space in the heart of a bustling city. Through its innovative use of natural materials, textures, and living vegetation, the Cutis installation demonstrates how biophilic design can transform traditional architecture into an ecological and experiential interface, blurring the line between the built environment and the living world.
In collaboration with
Küratör: Gökhan Karakuş
Mimari Tasarım: Mimari Stüdyo
Püskürtme beton ve Terrazzo uygulama: SYM
Peyzaj: Polat İnşaat
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