The first international publication dedicated to innovative Turkish real estate developer Bilgili Holding, seen through the discerning lens of architecture and design editor Catherine Shaw.

Biligili Holding is an award-winning real estate development company specialized in luxury housing, villas, and mixed-purpose and hospitality projects. Headquartered in the dynamic cultural crossroads of Istanbul, it has been of global significance for 65 years now.

Through its 12 most exciting and ambitious projects, the publication explores Bilgili Holding’s unrivalled expertise in master planning, architecture, and design, and collaborations with the finest architects. The prototypical properties include the legendary Soho House Istanbul and The Peninsula Istanbul. The 12 selected projects – which are presented with personal insights from the architects and interior designers - encapsulate Bilgili Holding’s key characteristics: an intense interest in the balance between architecture, nature and society, and their finely attuned design devices. Nine of the buildings are located in the most pictoresque districts of the metropolitan area of Istanbul, the others in Thessalonica (Greece), Miami and New York.

Not only was a new collection of photos was taken especially for the book, it is also richly illustrated with plans and lively original hand-drawn illustrations, all of them giving illuminating insights into Bilgili Holding’s contributions to architecture and interior design. It reveals an extraordinary creative energy behind projects that include student housing, heritage retail, waterfront public multi-use neighborhoods, art museums, and hotels.

Shining a light on the challenges, inspirations and design solutions of multiple projects, the volume provides a practical perspective on design in various contexts and cultures, with a direct and contemporary dialogue between nature and culture, tradition and innovation, space and materials.

About The Author

Catherine Shaw is an independent architecture, design, and art critic and published author. Originally an urban planner, she writes extensively on architecture, design, arts, and craft.