Promising project Studio Dror in Istanbul
Istanbul Design Week presents a very ambitious and futuristic project: HavvAda, a cutting-edge net-positive-energy residential island conceptualized by New York-based Studio Dror and Turkish developer Serdar Inan.
A green island made of 6 hills of different sizes circling the downtown center of the land. Each hill up rises on top of a mega structural sphere that supports the residences on the hillsides and a community life at the center.
Traditionally, communities have built their residential areas around the center of the town where political decisions or trade was made, and spiritual and religious temples were built—the community would grow around those centers with extended skirts of residence buildings and neighborhoods. The center valley of the island offers ideal space and planning for parks and recreation centers. Some of the buildings are covered with green living-roof. They fade in the natural environment in an organic way, while contributing to the constant energy recycling of the island.
Articles you also might like
For our 2026 print issue: TLmag41: The Art of Collecting, Simon de Pury interviewed Steffan Ahrenberg, owner and publisher of Cahiers d’art, the iconic publishing house and gallery that celebrates 100 years in 2026. As part of their 100th anniversary, there will be a host of exhibitions and events in various institutions including the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice and MoMA, NY.
On Saturday, March 14th, Belgian textile designer Vera Vermeersch will open her studio between 12-20h, offering visitors the opportunity to see her latest work, works-in progress, and have a unique glimpse into this prolific artist’s process and vision.
Just ahead of the opening of the 13th edition of Design Shanghai, we spoke to Zhuo Tan, Co-Founder and Event Director of Design Shanghai, to learn about the history of this prestigious design event, its support of contemporary Chinese design, and what she is looking forward to seeing realised this year during the 4-day event.
For ten days, Villa Empain becomes a living ecosystem of Belgian contemporary collectible design and art, with 32 designers and artists from Zaventem Ateliers taking over the historic building.