yinjispace

INTERIOR
URBANJOBS
PHOTOGRAPHY
İbrahim Özbunar
WORDS
Gina
Collection

URBANJOBS, the multidisciplinary design studio celebrated for its material-driven approach, has unveiled Scalla, a 120-seat luxury Mediterranean restaurant in Beykoz, Istanbul. Grounded in the principles of spatial fluidity, and sensory engagement, Scalla invites guests on an experiential journey through architecture. Named after the Italian word 'scala', meaning staircase, the project embodies a philosophy of shifting perspectives, where form, function, and materiality seamlessly intertwine. At its core is the Glass Curtain, a curvilinear architectural system inspired by the undulating lines of the Mediterranean coast. By dissolving traditional spatial boundaries, URBANJOBS transforms the restaurant into a dynamic living environment, one that fosters discovery, connection, and a heightened sense of place.

URBANJOBS has developed a strong spatial composition by redefining the physical boundaries typically found in restaurants. Instead of adhering to an internal façade aligned with the column grid, the design team introduced what they have coined the ‘Glass Curtain’ – a curvilinear framing system inspired by the undulating forms of the Mediterranean coast’s water and shoreline. This glass surface transcends the conventional understanding of boundaries, sometimes folding inward and at other times extending outward to serve various functions. Rather than being strictly defined by rigid lines, the perimeter of the space becomes a breathable, fluid, and flexible shell. It offers a permeable architectural language that echoes Beykoz’s natural coastal texture. The Glass Curtain system presents a significant construction innovation, designed as a three-dimensional curved form. Supported by specially manufactured copper-coated aluminium profiles, this structure addresses technical challenges whilst reinforcing the architectural identity aesthetically. This approach embodies an architectural philosophy that questions boundaries not only functionally but also experientially.

URBANJOBS’ Founder and Lead Designer Murat Dede describes the experiential journey within the restaurant:“Guests first pass in front of the bar and then the kitchen pass-through window before ascending to a higher level, offering a shift in perception. On their way back from the bathrooms toward the back of the restaurant, they re-engage with the interior before once again encountering the bar, reinforcing spatial continuity.

Descending the steps, they first frame the wine cabinet and then, once again, the pass-through window. This deliberate spatial sequencing ensures that the key architectural elements remain imprinted in memory, transforming circulation into a layered experience rather than a mere movement path.”

The ceiling of Scalla was conceived as an additional unifying architectural surface, but URBANJOBS adapted it to meet various spatial needs. Consequently, in some areas, it has been elevated, while in others, structural beams define the transitions. Certain sections are accentuated with woven leather inserts, and lower ceiling heights in specific zones create an intimate, home-like ambience. The lighting scheme at Scalla begins with daylight filtering through the Glass Curtain system during the day and gradually transitions into night with a lighting arrangement that emphasises its architectural features. Bespoke wall sconces, table lamps, and integrated LED systems contribute to creating a more theatrical atmosphere in the evening.

Every design detail and furniture piece at Scalla has been crafted bespoke for the project by URBANJOBS in a scheme of copper, leather, and wood—materials chosen for their warmth, tactility, and visual coherence. This bespoke approach reinforces the restaurant’s crafted identity and architectural clarity. A focus on material honesty and fine detailing elevates the dining experience, transforming it into something deeply personal and impossible to replicate. Key examples include the striking blue marble-effect cabinetry, used at the central bar and throughout the space, featuring refined copper-toned hardware from Turnstyle Designs and an engraved floor plaque bearing the restaurant’s name. Upholstered seating in rich fabrics from Dedar and Ralph Lauren introduces layers of texture and softness, while the flooring features a subtle, geometric tile pattern that lends rhythm and continuity to the space. Walls are adorned with a tactile mix of wallcoverings by ARTE and Phillip Jeffries, adding further depth and material interest.

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