The Indian Embassy Residance



Designed by Sedad Hakkı Eldem (About the architect) , built in 1965, located on a flat terrain created by a high retaining wall on the slope which has a panoramic view above the valley. Modular logic of elevations, intersections of vertical and horizontal planes appearing in the overal role of masses and surfaces; observing the building one can recognize the expression of the spirit of an abstract and rational charachter, most probably influenced from De Stijl.



Enterance floor is designed as the public part of the residence while the upper floor is seperated as dwelling. On public level there is a large reception surrounded by dining halls. On the upper floor dominant figure is a continuous balcony standing on bedrooms, all located on the view side. In correspondence with a modernist ethic, there is an expression created by use of different materials which can be observed both in the outside and the interior design.








 Almost all surfaces reflects this characther with their materials of different texture and color. It also provides contrast which is easily seen between the white strips of painted concrete and the polished wood surfaces of ceiling.



With it's exposed concrete on vertical facade elements more recent embassy building has a more brutal expression. It is square block, seemed as an overall mass, three-storey high atrium has sky light from above. This atrium is surrounded by overlooking galleries where offices are lined up along. On the building's overall charachter an unique nature was given to it thanks to Eldem's play with proportions. There is an attempt to constitute a harmony with the old building as seen in the infill parapet walls under the windows which are faced with yellow ceramic tile. Again a contrasting color scheme is dominated in interior design; white structural frame versus infill walls and parapets contrasted with the same yellowish ceramic tile.

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References:

Bozdoğan S, Özkan S, Yenal Y. (2005) Sedad Eldem Architect In Turkey Literatür Yayınları

http://arkiv.arkitera.com/m181-sedad-hakki-eldem.html