SCALLA Restaurant Design By URBANJOBS | Urbanjobs Istanbul

URBANJOBS, led by Murat Dede, has designed Scalla, a luxurious Mediterranean restaurant, with a timeless design approach associated with spatial organization and the nature of materials through experience.

Designed by URBANJOBS, Scalla is based on permeability and spatial fluidity. The name derives from the Italian word "scala," meaning "ladder," metaphorically representing gradation, shifts in perspective, experience, and spatial exploration.

Scalla is a restaurant project that redefines physical boundaries. Instead of a rational façade aligned with column axes, a curvilinear framing system called the "Glass Curtain," inspired by the winding Mediterranean coastlines, was designed. This breathing, fluid, and flexible shell contrasts with rigidly defined borders, curving inward to serve different functions and sometimes opening outward to contribute to space utilization. In the Scalla project, the bar area is not just a social gathering point but also a spatial reference element that can be perceived from different angles and guides user movement. This allows visitors to navigate the space effortlessly, using the bar as an orientation landmark regardless of their location within the restaurant.

URBANJOBS founder Murat Dede describes the spatial journey inside the restaurant as follows: "As users move toward the WC, they first pass by the bar, then the kitchen pass-through window, and ascend to a higher level, experiencing a perceptual shift. On the way back, they re-engage with the interior and ultimately encounter the bar once again, reinforcing spatial continuity. As they descend the stairs, they first frame the wine cabinet, then the kitchen pass-through window once again, solidifying the key architectural elements of the space in their memory. This intentional spatial configuration transforms circulation from a mere movement path into a multi-layered experience."

In the outdoor area, the curvilinear overhead structures above the pergola-covered section integrate lighting and acoustic comfort solutions. Curved dividers positioned behind the sofas add spatial depth and definition, blending with various materials while maintaining a consistent architectural language indoors. The system was constructed using special aluminum supports coated in copper, complemented by wood, leather, and light-toned marble details. Integrated wall sconces, table, and floor lamps take inspiration from these structural forms, reinforcing spatial cohesion. The glass curtain on the façade, along with flooring patterns and furniture details, creates a seamless visual and functional rhythm.

Scalla’s metal frame system was applied across various functional areas, from service stations to back bars, integrated shelving units, and façade display systems, ensuring a cohesive spatial identity. The ceiling was designed as an architectural surface that unifies the space while accommodating different functional needs. In some areas, it was elevated; in others, structural beams defined transitional zones. Specific sections were highlighted with textured leather inserts, while lower-ceilinged areas created a cozy, home-like atmosphere.