DMC Ankara

Conceptually, the DMC is a simple glazed cube in response to orthogonal site. The landmark building houses Ankara studios of Dogan Group's TV channels together with regional editorial offices of the newspapers of the group, creating the basis of interaction between the brands and providing a mutual resource. The main form of the building is cube; yet starting on the surface, the cube form's re-structured by cubic annexes and subtractions. Use of articulated forms generates space, detail and performative surface conditions; each part is united with the whole work that also refers to particular geometric and topological logics which also entails interior functions. Grouping of smaller cubes within the structure of the large box can be read as a metaphor for the diversity of the company's operations. Separate sections like studios and offices of press people preserve their exclusivity and each segment is accentuated in the integral form of the re-assembled blocks. The concrete structure reaches up to 7 stories by feasible use of galleries so that extra operative space created by mezzanines. The story height is 4 meters, every two floors a cube is formed; the modular structure provides a flexible basis for planning. Intermediate floors are supported on secondary steel columns and beams. The aluminum panels filter the sunlight entering the building into shifting patterns of dappled shade. The panels' perforations are echoed in the suspended ceilings, where circular cut outs house connections for camera equipment and lighting. What most defines the interior is its transparency. There is a layering of views through the building, both horizontally, across the open-plan offices and out into the city, and vertically, in the way the different levels open onto the internal atrium. Parapet walls topped with glazing, which accomplishes the transparency approach, frame the floors. The parapets consist of frameless glass supported by a stainless steel handrail; above the rail, there is only air.

The top of the building contains a VIP lounge and terrace with teak decking. The floors below are segregated according to their specialty & newspaper or TV & but everyone comes together in the canteen in the groundfloor atrium. The first basement level contains large studios as well as support facilities like hairdresser and makeup rooms. The two floors below contain M&E equipment and parking, along with cisterns that allow the landscaped gardens to be irrigated with greywater.

The randomness arising in the facades gives the building a sense of dynamism that chimes with its media-driven function. The building is strongly perceived from afar and in diverse prospects at various angles due to perforated shield at range of sizes, resembling Braille alphabet, symbolizing that communication is for all. In accordance with topographic directions, slightly angled solutions of the modules on the front elevations and south-north axis enhance vivacity. Due to transparency, strong in-out correlation enables a well-defined description before getting in the building. Composed harmoniously with environment and open to cityscape, DMC Ankara becomes a distinctive media figure and an eye-catching 'sign'.