Fatih Library | Aysel Serbetci

Project Summary

Located on the ground floor of the Fatih Municipality service building, the Fatih Central Library redefines the public identity of the municipal structure, transforming it into an accessible civic hub. As one of Istanbul’s largest libraries, the project aims to integrate public engagement into an institutional function.

Design Strategy

The Fatih Municipality building comprises Blocks A, B, C, and a Cultural Center block. The central courtyard, which was originally used for circulation and later covered, has been reprogrammed into a “public open learning space” based on user needs.

As part of the program revision, certain municipal service units were relocated to upper floors, enabling a reconfiguration of the area. The entrance sequence was redesigned based on the principle of functional separation, clearly distinguishing the flow of municipal users from library users.

The main design principle is to ensure acoustic comfort. Acoustic wooden wall panels, used from the entrance hall onward, create a sense of warmth and welcome, establishing an inviting interior layout.

Between the existing building façades and the newly created library, angled acoustic fabric panels define an “acoustic envelope.” This boundary acts as both a visual and auditory filter between users.

 At the center of this acoustic shell lies an amphitheater-style seating area, conceived as a multifunctional space that supports both individual study and community gatherings. In the zones where ceiling height allows, additional service units such as a closed seminar room, information desk, and printing/copying area have been incorporated.

 With the new layout introduced on the ground floor, the design responds to various study scenarios with:

Silent Study Areas

Group Study Rooms

Individual Reading Units

 Cafeteria Zone

Material and Color Palette

A simple and natural color palette has been chosen to help younger users focus: shades of grey, olive green, natural wood finishes, and indoor plants are emphasized.

Cultural Integration and Narrative

At the library entrance, the story of Fatih—one of Istanbul’s oldest and most profound districts—is told through verses by poets who wrote about Istanbul. Inside, an art installation inspired by the birds of Istanbul, along with selected quotes from poets, offers users a rich cultural and historical context.