Ipek University Preparatory School

A Contemporary Approach to Education

The Ipek University Preparatory School stands out with its unique features and strengths. Spanning an impressive 16,500 square meters, this seven-story building houses amp classes, meeting rooms, office floors, lecturer rooms, two cafes, and a foyer. Craft312 Studio has meticulously designed all the interior elements, while their realization has been entrusted to other application firms.

One of the notable aspects of this design is its contemporary approach. The key frames of the project revolve around creating a new typology for schools, incorporating modern aesthetics and functionality.

The project, which commenced in 2012 and concluded in 2013, was located in Ankara, Turkey. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted on schools worldwide, resulting in an original and innovative solution for the local context.

The Ipek University Preparatory School posed several challenges, particularly due to its affiliation with the larger University Buildings, spanning a massive 200,000 square meters. Designing a building of this scale required immense creativity, technical expertise, and research. However, Craft312 Studio successfully overcame these challenges, delivering the first completed building within the university.

The design of the Ipek University Preparatory School is characterized by its thoughtful spatial arrangement. The ground floor entrance seamlessly blends with the welcoming part of the café, while each floor features gallery spaces that create distinct layers and enhance the perception of the building. This design approach sets it apart from conventional school designs.

The Ipek University Preparatory School has been recognized for its excellence in design. In 2015, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that exhibit exceptional creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skills, contributing to the improvement of quality of life.

Photography by Deniz Karlidag.