SUN Beam  / MURATCAN ARAS 

Istanbul is more than just a geographical location; it is a cumulative memory of people who have lived, breathed, and left their mark here for centuries. Situated across from Dolmabahçe, within the historic fabric of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, this museum project transforms the “invisible veil” of Istanbul’s layered structure into a physical and conceptual journey. 

The core philosophy of the museum is to trace the quantitative and qualitative elements that define Istanbul. The city is a colossal entity extending from skyscrapers piercing the skyline to the depths of the Bosphorus, and from ancient cisterns to the vibrant veins of commerce. Starting with the question, “What makes Istanbul, Istanbul?”, the project adopts a subterranean architectural approach that treats the soil itself as the city. Every human trace on the surface has either raised this “veil” or carved it deeper. Following this vertical hierarchy, the museum invites visitors beneath the surface into the very essence of the city. 

The most critical challenge of the design was the limited access to sunlight inherent in underground structures. In response, the project treats light not merely as a necessity, but as a primary element that shapes the architectural experience. Light is channeled to the lower levels through strategically designed solar chimneys, breaking the darkness of the depths. As visitors descend through expansive ramps, their movement is guided by a natural inclination toward these light sources. 

The solar wells and geodesic domes that characterize the museum serve as a tribute to the way humans shape the Earth’s surface. Positioned in harmony with the core concept, these domes maximize solar efficiency while blurring the boundary between the world above and the world below. With its open-plan layout, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to discover the multi-layered, chaotic, yet mesmerizing spirit of Istanbul through the silent dialogue of light and earth.