Istanbul opens the Istanbul Canyon

Istanbul gained a new architectural landmark as the opening ceremony of Istanbul Canyon took place on May 30, 2006, in front of a crowd of visitors amazed by the contemporary masterpiece of curves and well used space.

Designed by The Jerde Partnership of Los Angeles and structurally engineered by Ove Arup & Partners of London, Istanbul Canyon is a work of art in it's own right. It sets the foundation for a new style of contemporary architecure in the city, in a time when famous architect Zaha Hadid is appointed as the chief planner of Istanbul's new CBD developments and Dubai Holding announced its intention to start the construction of the "Dubai Towers Istanbul" twins soaring 100 floors above ground in the summer of 2006; not to mention other exciting projects such as "Diamonds of Istanbul" and countless similar developments which will bring new standards of contemporary architecture to a city that already boasts some of the world's most magnificent historic buildings.

The design of Istanbul Canyon brings together a mall, office tower and residential block around a man-made canyon which is also the namesake of the project. Istanbul Canyon features a special engineering technique which is used for the first time in the world: An air circulation system ventilates the open areas of the canyon-like mall and creates an invisible "thermostatic shield", making it possible for visitors to enjoy open-air shopping regardless of the weather outside.The total construction area of the project is 250,000 m², with 30,000 m² of rent-able office area, 37,500 m² of rent-able retail area, 180 residential flats, 160 stores, 9 theatre halls with a capacity of 1,600 spectators and a parking facility for 2,300 vehicles.