- Project: AATOLYE
- Architect: BAB Architects
- Location: Turkey, Ankara
- Year: 2023
- Area: 550 m2
- Photography: Egemen Karakaya
A Transformable Space for a Global Media Leader
At the Ankara headquarters of Anadolu Agency (AA), Türkiye’s leading international news outlet, BAB Architects have completed AATOLYE, a state-of-the-art broadcasting and event studio. Conceived as a space where technology, adaptability, and design converge, AATOLYE redefines how a single venue can support diverse functions—from live broadcasts and podcasts to concerts, seminars, and conferences.
The project was executed with remarkable speed, with just two months of design development and five months of construction, showcasing BAB Architects’ precision in delivering complex, multifunctional environments.
Redesigning an Existing Conference Room
The studio emerged from the adaptive reuse of a former conference hall within the Anadolu Agency campus. While the outer shell was preserved, the interior was completely stripped back to allow for a fresh reconfiguration.
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Spatial flexibility: The new plan prioritizes openness, avoiding permanent walls and instead relying on adaptable infrastructure.
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Functional layering: Broadcast studios, a greenbox, podcast rooms, and director’s control rooms are integrated into the core, while the open hall can host large-scale events, panels, or performances.
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Geometric reconfiguration: The design team leveraged the volume’s height and structural openings to shape a space both functional and aesthetically refined.
Engineering Versatility
The hallmark of AATOLYE is its transformative infrastructure. BAB Architects designed the studio to function like an atelier, adaptable to changing needs without compromising form or function.
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Movable platforms: Hidden within the floor, these can rise or retract depending on program requirements, shifting the space seamlessly from conference seating to concert stage.
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Mechatronic systems: Broadcasting tables can be leveled with the floor or raised for on-air programs, maximizing functional flexibility.
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Comprehensive electrical grid: Future-proofed systems accommodate advanced broadcasting technologies while supporting large-scale lighting and sound installations.
This integration of architecture and technology ensures that AATOLYE remains relevant for evolving media needs.
A Hub for Creativity and Communication
More than just a studio, AATOLYE was designed as a cultural and media hub. Its versatility allows Anadolu Agency to host events such as AA Talks, workshops, and live performances, making the space a symbol of innovation and adaptability.
By balancing mathematical precision in planning with emotional impact in design, BAB Architects achieved a rare combination: a space that is both technically rigorous and experientially engaging.
With AATOLYE, BAB Architects have delivered a next-generation media space that embodies Anadolu Agency’s global ambitions. By merging broadcast design, event infrastructure, and spatial flexibility, the project sets a benchmark for multifunctional cultural architecture in Türkiye.
AATOLYE is not just a studio—it is a stage for ideas, performance, and storytelling, adaptable to the ever-changing needs of media and culture.
