Connect To Turkiye Aegean Part Културен настан by Turkish Airlines

Connect To Turkiye Aegean Part Културен настан by Turkish Airlines is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Железна награда A' Design Award in Дизајн на настани и случувања Competition Category.

ЖелезнаНастан· 2026

Connect To Turkiye Aegean Part Културен настан

by Turkish Airlines

Client: Turkish Airlines

Железна награда A' Design Award Winner in Настан Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #175016

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Connect To Turkiye Aegean Part Културен настан

Connect To Turkiye Aegean Part е културен настан кој се одвива во повеќе градови, осмислен како движечки наратив, а не како фиксен настан на едно место. Гостите се водени низ неколку градови, при што секој град нуди своја тема и сетилно доживување. Интеракцијата се остварува преку простор, приказна и амбиент, наместо преку екрани. На археолошкиот локалитет Ефес, сите инсталации беа изградени на подигнати модуларни платформи, така што никакви лепила, анкери или тешка опрема не го допреа античкото тло. Зачувувањето на наследството и локалната автентичност се ставени пред спектаклот и обемот.

The Recognition

About the Железна награда A' Design Award

Connect To Turkiye Aegean Part Културен настан е добитник на Железната награда A' Design Award, престижно признание што се доделува на добри дизајни што ги исполнуваат професионалните и индустриските барања очекувани од добро дизајнирани творби. Железните добитници ја покажуваат големата вештина, високата специјализација, стручното разбирање и креативниот капацитет на нивните творци. Се очекува Connect To Turkiye Aegean Part Културен настан да биде високо ценета, восхитувана и сакана творба што е практична и иновативна. Овој дизајн со Железна награда ги интегрира најдобрите индустриски практики и има компетентни технички карактеристики поврзани со знаење и талент. Connect To Turkiye Aegean Part Културен настан е почитуван за својата темелност и е дизајниран да го подобри квалитетот на животот и да помогне светот да стане подобро место.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This project is a multi-city cultural experience designed as a moving narrative rather than a fixed event. What makes it unique is its seamless integration into historical landscapes, use of non-invasive design, and guest flow tailored for emotional impact. It prioritizes heritage preservation, local authenticity, and meaningful interaction over spectacle or scale.
Tags: Turkish Airlines, Cultural event, destination, marketing, experiential design, sustainability, heritage, UNESCO sites, Ephesus, Gala
Production Technology: To ensure the protection of the archaeological heritage of Ephesus, the entire event infrastructure was designed with non-invasive methodologies. All installations—including the stage, exhibition units, and audience areas—were constructed on elevated modular platforms, preventing any direct contact with the ancient ground. The stage design was intentionally compact, respecting the spatial proportions and sightlines of the Agora.

Power distribution was planned with minimal intervention; temporary cabling systems and lightweight, low-impact lighting were used. Materials were selected for their reversibility and minimal environmental footprint—no adhesives, anchors, or heavy equipment touched the original structure.

Logistics, including transportation and setup, followed strict preservation protocols. Each element of the build was prefabricated and assembled onsite with manual labor, avoiding machinery that could compromise the site. The design approach prioritized cultural sensitivity, heritage compliance, and operational safety at every stage.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was designing a large-scale event within protected heritage sites without altering or damaging any historical elements. Navigating local regulations, gaining permits, and aligning with archaeological preservation laws required intense coordination. Balancing cultural authenticity, guest comfort, and logistical feasibility—across five cities—demanded precision, sensitivity, and adaptive creative planning.
Research: Qualitative design research was conducted to explore how experiential travel shapes perception of place and brand. Objectives included measuring emotional engagement in heritage environments. Methods included cultural analysis, field visits, and interviews. Participants were 200+ international guests. Results showed higher recall and emotional affinity. Insights informed the user-centric, mobile event structure, influencing brand perception and sustainable tourism models.
Inspiration: This project was inspired by a desire to showcase Türkiye not through spectacle, but through substance—its landscapes, heritage, and human warmth. Instead of relying on a single venue, we envisioned a multi-location narrative, rooted in authenticity and respect. The concept was informed by cultural research, sustainable practices, and a belief that experiential design can connect people more meaningfully than traditional formats.
Project Duration: The project started in January 2025 with concept development and planning in Istanbul. On-site preparations began in April 2025 across the selected cities. The event was held from May 26 to May 30, 2025, covering Istanbul, Afyonkarahisar, Denizli, İzmir, and Ephesus. It concluded with a gala evening at the Agora of Ephesus on May 29, 2025.
Operation Flow: The project unfolds as a guided cultural journey across multiple cities. Guests move through carefully planned stages—each city offering a unique theme and sensory experience. Interaction happens through space, story, and setting rather than screens. Seamless logistics, local immersion, and meaningful pacing ensure comfort and emotional connection, resulting in stronger memory retention and deeper brand engagement.
Image Credits: All visual and media credits: Turkish Airlines