Located in Balat, one of Istanbul’s most layered neighborhoods, BalatKapı Café is a small community space designed in a contemporary language that remains sensitive to its historic surroundings. Facing directly onto the street, the project seeks to establish a fluid relationship between interior and exterior, echoing the everyday life of Balat’s urban fabric.
The façade composition is both transparent and rhythmic. Steel frames and operable windows strengthen the café’s dialogue with the street, allowing the activity inside to blend naturally with the life outside. Throughout the day, changing natural light transforms the atmosphere of the interior and creates a warm tonal quality.
The interior design is built on a sense of intimacy and continuity. Wooden flooring and furniture bring warmth, while black metal elements form a light yet characterful structural skeleton. Paper lanterns suspended across the ceiling introduce a playful touch and distribute a soft, diffuse light throughout the compact space.
Despite its modest scale, the café offers a rich and layered experience. Shelves filled with books, plants, and personal objects allow users to make the place their own, fostering a sense of belonging within the neighborhood.
