Project Overview

Gabellini Sheppard was commissioned to design, in collaboration with hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International, The Istanbul EDITION, debuting as the brand's first European hotel. Although now closed, this 77-key hotel located within the vibrant Levent district was the ultimate destination where East meets West, harmonizing worldly sophistication with the cultural context of a historic city that stands at the gateway between Europe and Asia. The Istanbul EDITION stands as a landmark example of Gabellini Sheppard's luxury hotel design—a boutique hotel interior that fused local, traditional Turkish craftsmanship with the studio's signature vocabulary of elevated simplicity.

Guest Experience

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed into the elegant, double-height atrium embellished with hand-applied gold leaf and lined in Italian silver travertine stone. As guests progressed through the layering of public to private spaces, a series of spaces unfolded to reveal an environment of relaxed luxury and impeccable service that extended throughout the hospitality experience of The Istanbul EDITION. The generously scaled suites combined contemporary and traditional considerations through the blending of artisanal materials with modern finishes recalling historical motifs. Wrapped entirely in exotic woods, the guestrooms provided warmth and luxurious comfort for the duration of guests’ stays. Glass-enclosed bathrooms featured a variety of stones, while the sleeping areas were defined by a rich material palette of marbles, artisanal metals, and decorative accents.

Design Approach

Through the transformation of traditional Turkish materials and techniques incorporated with contemporary considerations, Gabellini Sheppard created an immersive hospitality environment, providing guests with a memorable customized lifestyle experience unique to Istanbul. The Istanbul EDITION preserved tradition while introducing a modern twist, welcoming visitors from around the globe to the EDITION's world of contemporary luxury.
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Photography by Nikolas Koenig.

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