Building the Future While Honoring the Past
CAA Studio, helmed by the dynamic duo of Alişan Çırakoğlu and Ilgın Avcı, is reimagining architecture with a delicate balance of tradition and innovation. From Istanbul’s bustling streets to its ancient harbor relics, their projects blend modern design with cultural resonance.
by Merve Eker
In Istanbul, a city where past and future collide with the force of tectonic plates, architecture is storytelling. Nestled in the labyrinthine streets of Beyoğlu, CAA Studio tells its story quietly yet boldly. Led by architects Alişan Çırakoğlu and Ilgın Avcı, the studio is a playground of ideas, where tradition shakes hands with innovation and the result is never less than poetic.
Their office, a minimalist haven tucked into one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods, reflects their ethos: clean lines and modern touches coexist with the charming imperfections of an old structure. And in this setting, while discussing sustainability, site integration, and the future of architecture, Kimchi, Ilgın’s ever-curious dog, added an unscripted, furry flourish to the conversation.
Two Journeys Converge
Founded by Çırakoğlu in 2002 and later joined by Avcı in 2007, CAA Studio evolved into a dynamic force in architecture. Çırakoğlu initiated his career path with an emphasis on the technical and artistic aspects of architecture, while Avcı, influenced by his archaeologist father and enriching internships at the ancient city of Ephesus, brings a deep historical perspective.
Together, they have propelled the studio to national and international acclaim. Both architects have earned multiple honors, enhancing the studio’s prestige. Early in his career, Çırakoğlu won the Altın Portakal Film Museum Competition and was named Young Architect of the Year in 2002. Avcı’s achievements include the National Architecture Award and recognition in the Europe 40 under 40 list.
A Philosophy Built on Respect
For CAA Studio, architecture is a responsibility—one that requires careful consideration of natural, built, and cultural environments. Their designs integrate seamlessly into their surroundings, prioritizing sustainability, site sensitivity, and innovation. Aimed solely to create harmony, not dominance, in the spaces they occupy. This philosophy leaves an innovative and timeless touch.
Their projects, such as The Theodosius Visitor Center and Dolmabahce Gasworks, exemplify this philosophy. The Theodosius Center connects visitors to Istanbul’s ancient maritime history, weaving through Istanbul’s historical layers to create an immersive narrative of the city’s rich past. Avcı describes their approach to this significant site:
Producing projects in a city with a dense palimpsest history like Istanbul is always challenging. In our Theodosius Harbor visitor center project, the method we discovered for relating to the site was to design the structure as a circulation network that integrates into the area’s heavy pedestrian traffic.
Similarly, the Dolmabahce Gasworks project reflects the studio’s commitment to cultural sensitivity and sustainable design working to bridge the gap between the city’s industrial heritage and its contemporary cultural life. The proposed design includes an amphitheater, green belts, and interactive spaces, which are envisaged to host a variety of cultural events, thereby making it a key cultural and recreational focal point in Istanbul. the duo explains:
We aim to strengthen the relationship between the structure and its surroundings, transforming it into a high-quality cultural and recreational focal point for urban residents.
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Explore CAA Studio’s full profile in the first issue of Centre Mag.
