Platform Bosphorus
A new “Third Place” experience
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The graduation project aims to convert one of the iconic city lines ferries into a floating, modern cultural center.
It strives to enhance the bridge function between Istanbul, the Bosphorus, and the ferries by creating an innovative workspace and socialization opportunity, with a particular focus on the design of the working deck.
in collaboration with
Istanbul & Bosphorus
How are they connected beyond geography?
The Bosphorus is not only a geographical element of Istanbul, but also a central part of its social and cultural life.
For centuries, it has hosted everyday rituals, collective experiences, and forms of public life that helped shape the identity of the city.
Role of the Ferries
How did ferries connect Istanbul to the Bosphorus?
Ferries have long been one of the main mediators between Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
Beyond transportation, they made this relationship accessible in everyday life by turning movement across the water into a shared urban experience.
Rethinking the Ferry
What potential of the ferry remains unused?
Despite their strong place in Istanbul’s cultural memory, ferries today are reduced mostly to functional transit.
What remains underused is their potential to host reflection, interaction, and alternative forms of public experience.
Interior design of an old Fenerbahçe ferry 1950’s
The Concept Proposal
The concept rethinks Bosphorus ferries as floating cultural spaces instead of purely transport vehicles.
The ferry is reorganized into distinct functional segments: a main café, working floor, exhibition/workshop area, and outdoor performance hall.
This project specifically focuses on the design of the working floor.
Visual Referances
How can the ferry’s identity be reinterpreted visually?
These visual references informed the project’s material and formal language by translating recognizable elements of the Bosphorus ferry into a contemporary interior expression.
The ferry emblem, curved surfaces, industrial detailing, and characteristic color palette were reinterpreted to create a space that remains connected to the identity of the vessel while feeling current and adaptable.
Desinging a Product Language
For the visual language of the chairs used on the working floor, I drew inspiration from the outdoor seating found in ferry cafés.
For the separators, I referenced the zigzagged product language used in the small café structures on ferries, while the CMF decisions across these elements were informed by the visual references developed earlier.
Floor Plan
Add water to the line on the reservoir to ensure the product functions within the expected timeframes.
Creation Floor / Individual Working Spaces
Individual working space is designed to support focused work while allowing users to enjoy the Bosphorus view throughout their journey.
Each seat is equipped with its own power outlet and cup holder, and positioned to provide a direct view through the window whenever users lift their heads from their work.
Enterance
Mini Cafe on the creation floor
Individual spaces for working
A sequence of spaces arranged symmetrically along both sides of the floor.
Co-Working Space
Shared working areas were designed as enclosed, bookable workspaces in two different sizes, allowing users to rent them according to their needs for group work, meetings, or more private working sessions.
A total of four meeting rooms are placed on each side of the floor: two rooms for 8 people and two rooms for 6 people.
Exterior view of a 6-person meeting room.
Interior view of an 8-person meeting room.
Recreation Area
The recreation area was designed as a space where users can relax after working, socialize with others, or spend time on their own while reading and enjoying the view.
Small-scale socializing space that can accommodate up to 8 people. It offers relaxed setting for informal conversation, short breaks, and enjoying the Bosphorus view.
A total of 10 reading units are placed on the floor, arranged side by side and facing one another.
Prototyping Process
In 2023, this project became one of the first experiences that truly challenged me in prototyping.
Although the process was demanding, it was also highly rewarding and played an important role in turning prototyping into a personal interest for me.
The following images show selected moments from that journey.
The Prototype
