Horizon Finance Hub Open Office

In the Horizon Finance Hub, our design approach was guided by the ambition to merge cultural continuity with contemporary efficiency. We viewed the heritage of Turkish-Islamic architecture not as an aesthetic layer, but as a design system built on geometry, rhythm, and balance. Inspired by the architectural traditions of regions such as Khorasan, Hejaz, the Balkans, and Andalusia, we distilled their forms into abstract geometries that subtly informed the spatial organization, light composition, and circulation patterns of the workspace.Rather than applying traditional motifs as decoration, we embedded their logic into the architecture itself. The geometric order became a framework for proportion and flow, guiding how employees move, interact, and perceive the environment. Advanced fabrication methods—such as CNC-milled panels and digitally printed glass—allowed us to reinterpret historical patterns with precision while preserving a modern aesthetic language. This fusion created a workspace that feels rooted yet forward-thinking; a place where cultural identity enhances rather than limits innovation.

The limited ceiling height was one of the most critical physical challenges in the Horizon Finance Hub project. With an initial height of only 2.40 meters, the space risked feeling compressed and visually heavy — conditions incompatible with the openness and transparency we aimed to achieve. Our solution stemmed from a design philosophy centered on spatial perception and psychological comfort rather than pure technicality. We decided to relocate all mechanical systems to the service floor above, effectively exposing the structural ceiling and gaining a significant sense of vertical expansion.This intervention completely transformed the atmosphere of the office. The increased height allowed natural light to spread more freely and improved acoustic balance through strategically placed suspended elements. We emphasized vertical rhythm through lighting and architectural fins, creating an impression of fluidity and airiness. Beyond its physical benefits, the change symbolized a conceptual shift — transforming a limitation into an architectural statement of openness, flexibility, and transparency. The workspace now feels more uplifting, reflecting the forward-looking identity of the organization.

The user research phase was fundamental to the development of Horizon Finance Hub. Engaging with over 450 employees and managers allowed us to understand not only their functional needs but also their emotional and cultural expectations from a workspace. We conducted interviews, surveys, and observational studies to map daily behaviors, communication patterns, and comfort thresholds. This process revealed critical insights: employees desired transparency and collaboration but also needed zones for privacy and focused work.These findings directly shaped the spatial organization. We adopted a modular planning strategy that transitions seamlessly between collaborative areas, flexible meeting points, and quiet zones. The layout encourages movement and visibility while maintaining controlled boundaries through acoustic elements and furniture composition. Beyond physical configuration, the research also influenced the emotional tone of the space — we integrated culturally inspired graphics and materials that foster a sense of belonging and corporate unity. The result is a workplace designed not only for productivity but also for psychological well-being and collective identity.