Although Istanbul has expanded into a multicentered metropolis, its heart remains along the banks of the Golden Horn. The Tersane Istanbul project is reviving this historic waterfront, restoring its original character as a lively urban center focused on connection to the water and the continuity of local culture.
© Foster + Partners
New designs have been revealed for a luxury retail plaza on the north bank of the Golden Horn estuary. Created by London-based Foster + Partners, the plaza is a key element of the broader Tersane Istanbul masterplan, which will transform roughly one mile of underused waterfront into an accessible public promenade. The scheme blends retail, residential, hospitality and cultural buildings with generous green landscaping, reconnecting the shoreline to the city and celebrating the area’s rich heritage.
“The Golden Horn Plaza is an integral part of the transformative masterplan for Istanbul’s waterfront,” said Nigel Dancey, head of Foster + Partners. “The scale and proportions of the development reflect the city’s maritime industrial heritage and are designed to sit comfortably within the layered historic surroundings. Architecture and landscape work together to create a year-round cultural and lifestyle destination.”
© Foster + Partners
Planned to host some of the world’s leading luxury brands, the plaza aims to deliver a refined retail experience that emphasizes craftsmanship and quality. Interconnected pavilions are designed to be adaptable to each brand’s needs, with cohesive yet flexible storefronts and interior layouts that allow for long-term change. The entire development is intended to be pedestrian-friendly, with a network of shaded streets weaving between the pavilions. Upper-level covered terraces and a striking cantilevered restaurant will provide sweeping views across the water.
A canopy of trees will shade the plaza, reduce urban heat island effects, and act as a wind buffer for the development. Fountains and water features are integrated into the landscape to provide evaporative cooling and improve thermal comfort. The planting design takes cues from Istanbul’s historic gardens, creating a pleasant, healthy environment for visitors and residents. Between the plaza and the waterfront, a new green square will serve as public open space with a year-round cultural program intended to draw locals and tourists alike.
Overall, Tersane Istanbul’s Golden Horn Plaza seeks to revive the waterfront’s spirit by combining sensitive urban design, adaptable retail architecture, and generous landscaping. The project emphasizes walkability, thermal comfort, and cultural programming to ensure the area becomes a vibrant, sustainable destination that honors its historic context while meeting contemporary needs.