08 Sponza
Client: Sponza
Location: Izmir, Turkey
Program: Retail
Area: 50 m²
Scope: Concept Design, Construction Documents, Construction Management
Status: Completed (2024)
Team: Kerim Miskavi, Betül Ay, Ilkan Cemre Acar,
Photography: The Archived Visuals
The Sponza concept store in IstinyePark Izmir is an architectural interpretation of the brand’s century-long legacy of craftsmanship and innovation in high jewellery. Located in the vibrant Lifestyle Park section, the store design harmonizes the principles of visibility, functionality, and luxury while celebrating the exclusivity and bespoke nature of Sponza’s creations.
The design takes cues from Sponza’s artisanal mastery and passion for detail. The architectural language reflects timeless elegance with a contemporary edge, underscoring the uniqueness of each jewellery piece.
The 52 m² area is optimized to enhance customer movement and interaction. The strategic placement of display vitrines ensures an intuitive flow, allowing for both exploration and private consultation. Leveraging the northern orientation and the low-angle morning sunlight from the eastern façade, the design maximizes natural illumination while mitigating glare and heat gain. The transparent façade fosters a seamless connection between the interior and the promenade, drawing in passersby. The 8-meter-high façade serves as a canvas for impactful displays, framing the jewellery in curated storytelling windows. The verticality of the design exudes grandeur, aligning with the brand’s prestige.
The store offers a layered customer journey—from captivating exterior displays to intimate interior spaces for bespoke consultations. The design balances transparency and exclusivity, inviting curiosity while preserving the intimacy expected in high jewellery retail. At the heart of the store, the custom-designed lighting piece by Selin Miskavi acts as a focal point, symbolizing the transformative nature of light and its role in revealing the brilliance of jewellery. This bespoke element reinforces the brand’s dedication to exclusivity and artistry. High-quality, tactile materials such as brushed metals, fine stone surfaces, and soft textures create a sensory experience. These materials are chosen to evoke a sense of refinement and timelessness while aligning with Sponza’s identity.
Through meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful integration of architectural elements, the space becomes an experiential extension of the Sponza brand—an enduring homage to the art of jewellery-making.