Location: Istanbul, Turkey.

Architect: Tabanlioglu Architects.

In Constantinople, close to the Hagia Sophia and next to the Chalke gate of the Great Palace is Magnaura, a part of the Byzantium Grand Palace. This is a brick-paved, interior vaulted stone building that connects the building units to each other with tunnels and ramps. The Staircase (ramp) Tower is the only remained section of the palace that had changed for centuries and is being renovated to restore its original character and become a part of contemporary life. The minimal intervention proposed enhances the spirit of the place, but through the introduction of modern infrastructure, the historical characteristics are brought forth via timeless materials and design decisions. The two storied new volumetric additions as glass and steel boxes with vaulted openings are carefully designed to reflect the original façade, housing exhibition, and multi-purpose halls respectively. Contemporary architecture is grafted to its skin, obtaining the utmost harmony and balance with the cultural entity and its values.