Displaying the Turkish modern art collection amassed by the owner of the construction company that built it, the OMM realises his ambition to make a cultural contribution to his native town and is inspired by the public nature of Ottoman mosque complexes. It is composed of stacked, interlocking boxes, marrying human and urban scales and echoing the cantilevered forms of neighbouring traditional Ottoman wooden houses. Its volumes accommodate large installations at ground level and are conceived for smaller works further up. The predominant material reflects the district’s historical function: Odunpazari means "timber market". Engineered timber, worked following advice from Japanese specialists and chosen for its durability and stability, clads outer facades and inner atrium. A new plaza in front, onto which the café and common area open, promotes public gathering and cultural activities. An exterior stair leads to a multifunctional first-floor event space with terrace that can be used independently.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture