This week we are looking back at the wayfinding and signage developed in 2015 for the highly complex mixed-use destination, Kanyon, located in the Levent business district of Istanbul, and owned by commercial giant Eczacıbaşı.

This urban oasis is arguably Turkey’s most distinguished and contemporary mixed-used complex with a 30-floor office tower, a 22-floor residential block with 179 apartments, a fitness centre, 9-screen cinema and a 160-store shopping mall with a GLA of 37,500m2.

The mall includes gourmet restaurants, popular local and global brands, and is anchored by fashion-leading retailer Harvey Nichols. The diversity of amenities has made Kanyon a vibrant place of choice, style, and sophistication – in fact it is THE place to be seen. With its name meaning Canyon in Turkish, the architecture by leading experiential architectural practice Jerde Partnership, mirrored the form of a canyon with its multiple levels and curved shape. It went onto win the Cityscape Architectural Review Award in 2006.

However, this extraordinary structure came with its problems – the space was difficult to navigate, due to the multiple levels with vertical circulation particularly challenging. Our role was to introduce a new, elegant wayfinding and signage system, to facilitate movement around this urban space, focussing on accessible mapping and clear, well organised information delivery.

One of the interesting points about the signage system was its focus on recyclability. Wherever possible we used recyclable products. Art elements such as the stacked, illuminated glass beacons (very heavy) topped out the floor mounted signs with etched real stone at the base. Suspended signs reflected the architectural canyon form with layered, natural flowing patterns.

We used integrated digital touchscreen directories, with technology and application from Dreambox, to deliver further information in a comprehensive and flexible manner.

Manufactured by Nova, the result is highly original system, influenced by and sitting very well within its “canyonesque” architectural environment. The installation improved customer journey at all levels, helping to strengthen this blended and seamless urban community at the heart of Istanbul!