Spatial fluidity and a layered experience: Luxury Restaurant, Istanbul
May 21, 2025
Turnstyle Designs The Interior Designers Architects Furniture Makers Artisans Choice
SCALLA - Istanbul, Turkey
Speaking with Urban Jobs about their latest project Scalla, this exciting new addition to Istanbul’s dynamic culinary landscape is a space defined by architectural grandeur and effortless elegance.
“Scalla, a luxury Mediterranean restaurant, embraces a design approach centred around permeability and spatial fluidity. Taking its name from the Italian word Scala (staircase), the space metaphorically reflects gradation, shifts in perspective, experience, and spatial exploration.”
THE BRIEF
“The spatial composition was designed by redefining physical boundaries. Instead of following a rational façade aligned with the column grid, the design team introduced what they call the Glass Curtain, a curvilinear framing system inspired by the undulating forms of the water and shoreline of the Mediterranean coast. This surface transcends the conventional understanding of boundaries, sometimes folding inward and at other times extending outward to serve different functions. Rather than being strictly defined by rigid lines, the perimeter of the space became a breathable, fluid, and flexible shell.”
THE BAR
“Completing this fluid structure is the centrally positioned bar, which serves as a social anchor and an architectural reference point, visible from different perspectives within the space and guiding user movement. Regardless of their location, visitors can easily navigate the space using the bar as a landmark, ensuring seamless circulation. More than just a service station, the bar was designed as a strong architectural statement, reflecting the restaurant’s identity through lighting, materiality, and formal language.”
"As users move toward the WC, they first pass in front of the bar and then the kitchen pass-through window before ascending to a higher level, offering a shift in perception. On their way back, they re-engage with the interior before once again encountering the bar, reinforcing spatial continuity. Descending the steps, they first frame the wine cabinet and then, once again, the pass-through window. This deliberate spatial sequencing ensures that the key architectural elements remain imprinted in memory, transforming circulation into a layered experience rather than a mere movement path.”
“A similar structural language to the outside space was repeated within the interior, where curved separators positioned behind sofas provided spatial depth and definition, extending throughout the space in various materials.”
THE HARDWARE
Choosing our 16mm Shagreen Recess Amalfine design as part of this multi-layered design aesthetic adds yet another level of texture and interest. These clients opted for our exclusive Sand finish, only available in certain designs, alongside Fine Antique Brass. A beautiful and complimentary finish combination for all the wood and natural tones throughout the space.
A smaller cabinet T bar was also used in the same design for the smaller drawers and cupboards, matching the cabinet pulls placed all around the restaurant area.
Our Shagreen design is unique and beautifully intricate. Using our trademark Amalfine™ material, we took a single mould from one ethically sourced sting-ray skin. From this one mould we can sustainably replicate the same look and feel with our Amalfine™ material to create a range of products. Our Amalfine™ handles are highly durable and made to last, warm to the touch and incredibly versatile, making them a great choice for any interior environment.
"It was a pleasure to work on such a beautifully imagined project, offering Architectural grandeur, timeless elegance and an exciting new offering to Istanbul’s vibrant culinary scene.”
As well as our Shagreen design, other ancillary products were used to complete the look. These includes Turn and Release sets for doors, as well as door stops.
To fully complete the look for your projects, view our collections page via the website or speak to one of our expert team today.
Brand information of the materials used in Scalla:
Arte, Phillip Jefferies, Ralph Lauren, Casamance, Dedar, Jab, Axmor, Tabu
ABOUT URBAN JOBS
“Urbanjobs approaches space not merely as a form, but as a holistic experience shaped by material, texture, and light, completed through user interaction. Their design approach ensures that spatial composition is both legible and fluid while meticulously crafting sensory layers to build an atmosphere. In every project, from door handles to custom-designed furniture, a unique spatial language is developed. As Urbanjobs’ founder, Murat Dede, says:
“The true power of design lies in its ability to create an experience. Design is not merely about form; it is a proposition about how a space will be lived in and aged over time.”
Today, some of Istanbul’s most prominent gastronomy and hospitality venues—such as Batard, Zula, Momo Bebeköy, Momo Beach, Clove and Saku at İstinyepark, the rising star Scalla, and many more—have come to life through Urbanjobs’ designs. Their portfolio extends internationally, with projects for world-renowned restaurateur Alan Yau, Italian dining giant Obicà, luxury chocolatier Butterfly, and iconic brand Johnnie Walker.
Beyond food and beverage spaces, Urbanjobs designs retail, residential, and office projects, creating unique identities for brands such as Beymen, Getir, İş Bankası, Assembly Buildings, Kolektif House, Doğuş, Nef, and Renault.
Currently, Urbanjobs is designing the new project of 2-Michelin-starred chef Osman Sezener, bringing its hospitality expertise to new scales and geographies. With a timeless design philosophy, Urbanjobs merges spatial organization with the nature of materials and the user’s experience, crafting a distinct spatial language in every project.”
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Alternatively, if you are in the UK, visit our London showroom located at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour or contact us directly for a quote and to find out more.
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