- Project: Özlenir Headquarter
- Architect: URBANJOBS
- Location: Turkey, Istanbul
- Year: 2023
- Area: 3500 m2
- Photography: İbrahim Özbunar
In the heart of Istanbul, renowned design studio URBANJOBS has brought to life a remarkable office space for textile giant Özlenir Group. Named Özlenir Headquarter, this 3,500 m² project transforms the ground floor of a residential building into an architectural statement—balancing minimalism, function, and expressive form.
A Clean Desk Philosophy Rooted in Design Discipline
URBANJOBS approached the project with a strategic vision: implement a “clean desk policy” to ensure the workspace remains clutter-free and visually streamlined. No personal items, monitors, or stationery clutter the view—thanks to a masterful integration of fixed and mobile furniture. Every item, including desk surfaces and shelving units, was custom-designed by URBANJOBS to align with this concept.
Material Harmony and Light Refraction
The design language is centered around linear clarity, light control, and material interplay. Reflective surfaces multiply natural light and create depth, while warm wood tones and natural textures soften the aesthetic. URBANJOBS orchestrates a dialogue between steel, chrome, mirrors, and wood—achieving a bold yet welcoming interior.
Chrome elements on desk edges and shelving add structural definition and lightness. These reflective materials enhance spatial dynamics while emphasizing strength—a contrast that exemplifies URBANJOBS’ philosophy of duality in design.
The material palette used in the Özlenir Headquarter reflects a carefully curated balance of industrial refinement and natural warmth. URBANJOBS employed a combination of chrome, mirror-finished surfaces, natural wood, and textured wall panels to create a sophisticated, layered interior. Mirror-like materials were strategically used to enhance light diffusion and spatial depth, while chrome detailing on shelving and desk surfaces provided a sense of structural precision and elegance. Warmth was introduced through wood elements, including the signature identity wall in the reception area, subtly referencing textile weaves to reflect the client’s industry. This juxtaposition of reflective and tactile materials reinforces the office’s minimalist ethos while ensuring a welcoming, human-centric environment.
Geometry Meets Softness
Sharp geometric volumes and fluid transitions shape the spatial experience. Mirror-like surfaces refract light throughout the open floor plan, while soft textures create tactile warmth. This contrast gives the Özlenir Headquarter a signature look—refined yet inviting.
The organization of space flows effortlessly around furniture that’s not just functional but also directional. These fixed masses subtly guide movement through the office, facilitating a smooth and coherent layout.
A Reception Area That Speaks Subtle Identity
The entrance to the headquarter defies traditional expectations. There’s no overt logo or signage—just an “identity wall” crafted from wooden panels that echo woven textiles. This understated statement connects to the client’s textile roots while blending into the refined ambiance of the office.
Flanking the wall are two concealed doors leading to the restrooms and service kitchen. Nearby, a 15-person meeting room rests on a raised platform with access from all four sides—a functional centerpiece that exemplifies URBANJOBS’ mastery of spatial organization.
Custom Furniture as Architectural Elements
In keeping with URBANJOBS’ approach to holistic design, every piece of furniture—excluding only the task chairs—was custom-designed. From tables and shelves to even the door handles, each component was purpose-built for this project—drawing inspiration from small office layout ideas that maximize spatial efficiency without sacrificing style. This elevated the office from a workspace to a curated architectural experience.
Design Philosophy: Layering and Functionality
This project underscores a core URBANJOBS principle: material layering as a design mechanism. Rather than stark contrasts, the team employed a composition that allows disparate materials to coexist harmoniously. Functionality guides aesthetics—and vice versa.
Through careful coordination of color, texture, and form, URBANJOBS achieved a sophisticated rhythm within the interior. Each element contributes to a cohesive whole without overpowering the other—creating a space that’s intuitive to navigate and inspiring to inhabit.
Lighting Design That Shapes the Experience
URBANJOBS also spearheaded the lighting design, using directional light and reflection to craft a layered spatial perception. Whether it’s subtle accent lighting on furniture edges or the interplay between mirrors and light sources, every glow serves a purpose.
In areas like the meeting room and corridors, indirect lighting enhances spatial volume and contributes to the serene atmosphere. It’s not just illumination—it’s experience design.
A Model for the Future of Workplace Design
Özlenir Headquarter is more than an office—it’s a model of what future workspaces can aspire to be, blending the best in luxury and minimalist office design with functional intelligence and spatial fluidity. It reflects a synergy between brand identity and architectural storytelling, brought to life through custom detailing and visionary spatial planning.
Explore more inspiring projects by URBANJOBS and other top design studios in our Projects section.
