Epoca
In this project, colour was used to reinterpret the warmth and vibrancy of Latin American culture through a soft, harmonious palette. Designed to support both daytime dining and evening ambience, the scheme enhances comfort and emotional connection. Inside, natural tadelakt plaster and the integrated kitchen counter tones create warmth and cohesion. Outside, a green bar referencing lush landscapes, patterned handcrafted ceramics, and double-toned façade tiles establish distinction while maintaining a unified, expressive identity.
Epoca emerges in Istanbul's prestigious and vibrant İstinyePark as a new-generation restaurant that interprets its name — "a new era" — through both gastronomy and spatial design. More than a dining venue, it is a declaration of intent: that food, atmosphere, and design can converge into something genuinely transformative.
Designed for a young and energetic audience, the concept draws inspiration from the rich and layered culture of Latin America — its warmth, its colour, its rhythm, and its deeply rooted traditions of communal gathering. The primary design goal was to create a venue that harmonises with the mall's architectural language while standing out through its distinctive façade and outdoor bar area, carving out a presence that is immediately felt and easily remembered.
- Located in Istanbul, Türkiye
- KONTRA
- Finalists 2026
Colour Codes
The restaurant façade was conceived as a sculptural surface, clad in custom-made handcrafted ceramics that make the venue instantly recognisable within the corridor. Each tile carries the trace of the hand that made it a deliberate choice in an environment where surfaces are typically uniform and impersonal. The boundary between inside and outside is treated not as a threshold but as a continuation.
Epoca
In this project, colour was used to reinterpret the warmth and vibrancy of Latin American culture through a soft, harmonious palette.
Inside, the open kitchen is designed as a theatrical stage, placing the act of cooking at the heart of the spatial experience. Natural materials and a warm colour palette come together to create a dynamic yet inviting atmosphere — one that energises without overwhelming. Carefully selected indoor and outdoor furniture, artisanal craftsmanship, curated artworks, geometric forms, and brand-driven details contribute to a cohesive spatial narrative where every element earns its place.
Epoca positions itself as a compelling experiential destination where gastronomy and spatial storytelling intertwine, inviting guests to explore, feel, and connect.
Designed to support both daytime dining and evening ambience, the scheme enhances comfort and emotional connection. Inside, natural tadelakt plaster and the integrated kitchen counter tones create warmth and cohesion.
KONTRA
