GENERAL VIEW

Fehmi Kobal Design Architects is a Turkish Architecture & Design firm based in Istanbul Turkey focusing on distinctive and comprehensive works of architectural projects in and around Turkey. The firm was founded in 2004 by Fehmi Kobal as a small practice and has been specializing in various types of projects ever since.

As FKD ARCHITECTS we take great pride in our work that reflects the distinct imagination and design philosophy which is embodied in our projects. Each Project is unique and in that sense reflects the SPACE MAKING AGENDA contributing and significantly enhancing the lives of those who encounter with.

We work with a great aspiration and commitment to the PRACTICE of ARCHITECTURE to ensure the quality of our projects to be at the highest level. We are committed to work from Preliminary Design Stage through all stages in collaboration with engineers and consultants until the end of Construction phase. We provide all project teams organization’ coordinate and manage the project development process. We provide extensive project documents with full working  details as well as project specifications.

 

PHILOSOPHY 

“WE SHAPE OUR BUILDINGS AND THEREAFTER; THEY SHAPE US” W. Churchill. Our design philosophy can be described as combination of many different aspects but most importantly as space making agenda. This idea of creating and developing well designed urban spaces with true understanding of their historic and contextual inputs will create  functionally healthier environments. In order to achieve this agenda we use many different elements and design tools containing different methodologies, computer technology, model making, 3d modeling, material research libraries etc..

Most of our studies evolves around the articulation of a BUILDING SHELL. A shell is sometimes defined or more emphasized in canopy structure or as a continuous element. Some other cases the shell is the façade which continuous to become the roof as part of the public space and/or the landscape.

Our process of design has numerous affiliations and side factors from which the applicable building design and form evolve. Biophilic design parameters are one of them and has extemely significant impact in our  design approach in which we could take ordinary items from our natural environments and turn them into extraordinary structures which allows for successful spaces to become alive.

Designing a building is to search for the best plan diagram and this has been the most sensitive aspect of our design approach. Good archıtecture could only be achıeved by a well defıned plan with the understandıng of the program, context & sıte parameters. PLAN IN ARCHITECTURE IS LIKE THE NOTES IN MUSIC. IT IS WHERE EVERYTHING HAPPENS.

We are highly interested in integration of sustainable design ideas in our projects. Energy consumption technologies are indispensable part of our building design. Implementation of numerous technologies, engineering systems, green building concepts defines our concept of INTEGRATED DESIGN APPROACH. Design innovation by means of complex geometries is part of our vision for future projects.

 

PROJECTS

We have extensive experience and know-how on MIX USE PROJECTS comprised of Housing, Retail, Office and Entertainment facilities. Most of our projects are comprised of significant outside spaces, courtyards, public squares, green parks, roof gardens and most importantly gathering spaces for the public.

These projects are essentially critical design challenges in terms of their integration in to the urban fabric and existing contexts considering their complex programming and planning requirements. We also have extensive knowledge in Office buildings, highrise structures, urban design and master planning, residential & housing projects, hospitals and health care facilities, hotels and marina proejcts, government offices such as city hall and Municipal Buildings. We have designed Kadikoy Municipality council building as well as conference center with 500 seat theater facility.

Our projects consist of competition projects, colaborative works with other architecture firms from the US, Europe. Some of our projects are from invitational competitions by private investors and real estate developers. We have over 1 MILLION SQUARE METERS of building space completed worth over 1 billion dollars as initial investments. We have more than 130 projects designed over the past 15 years.

 

TEAM

The absolute strength of our firm is undoubtedly the relentless and dedicated work of our architectural team. The non compromising, perfectionist approach to design and detailing is the key word that best defines the true nature of our team with the guidance and leadership of Fehmi Kobal who has over 25 years of experience in the field of ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN as PRINCIPLE DESIGNER both in the US and in Turkey. As a group we have undertaken some of the most challenging and outstanding projects in Turkey and gained the trust and admiration of our clients with their projects.

Our project teams compriesd of principles, senior architects, architects and junior architects ranked based on their experience, individual talent and knowledge.

 

ERHAN FEHMİ KOBAL Principle
fkobal@fehmikobaldesign.com
1996 VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
1992 MACHADO&SILVETTI ASSOC / BOSTON
1996-1998 BAY STATE DESIGN ASSOC / BOSTON
1998-2000 ELLENZWEIG ASSOC / CAMBRIDGE
2000-2004 TABANLIOGLU ARCHITECTS Principle Designer / ISTANBUL, TR
2004 FEHMIKOBALDESIGN ARCHITECTS / ISTANBUL, TR
2010 YILDIZ TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY Architecture Faculty 3rd Year Design Project / ISTANBUL, TR