One to look out for

We’re pleased to introduce URBANJOBS—a multidisciplinary design studio based in Istanbul, known for its thoughtful, material-led approach to interior and architecture design.

The studio has just unveiled its latest project, the interiors for Scalla, a 120-seat luxury Mediterranean restaurant in Beykoz, Istanbul.

Designed around the principles of fluidity and sensory engagement, Scalla invites guests on an immersive journey through the space.

Natural materials, custom furniture, and layered spatial transitions create a refined atmosphere that seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor environments.

Scalla, named after the Italian word ‘scala’, meaning staircase, embodies a philosophy of shifting perspectives, where form, function, and materiality seamlessly intertwine.

At its core is the Glass Curtain, a curvilinear architectural system inspired by the undulating lines of the Mediterranean coast.

By dissolving traditional spatial boundaries, URBANJOBS transforms the restaurant into a dynamic living environment, one that fosters discovery, connection, and a heightened sense of place.

URBANJOBS has developed a strong spatial composition by redefining the physical boundaries typically found in restaurants.

Instead of adhering to an internal façade aligned with the column grid, the design team introduced what they have coined the ‘Glass Curtain’ – a curvilinear framing system inspired by the undulating forms of the Mediterranean coast’s water and shoreline.

Rather than being strictly defined by rigid lines, the perimeter of the space becomes a breathable, fluid, and flexible shell.

It offers a permeable architectural language that echoes Beykoz’s natural coastal texture.

The Glass Curtain system presents a significant construction innovation, designed as a three-dimensional curved form.

Supported by specially manufactured copper-coated aluminium profiles, this structure addresses technical challenges whilst reinforcing the architectural identity aesthetically.

This approach embodies an architectural philosophy that questions boundaries not only functionally but also experientially.

Alongside its fluid structure, a centrally located bar functions as a social anchor and an additional architectural reference point.

Visible from various perspectives within the restaurant, it fosters a sense of wayfinding, acting as a social magnet that helps guests orient themselves in the space.

More than merely a service station, the bar is designed to reflect the restaurant’s identity through its lighting, materials, and overall aesthetic.

The ceiling of Scalla was conceived as an additional unifying architectural surface, but URBANJOBS adapted it to meet various spatial needs.

Consequently, in some areas, it has been elevated, while in others, structural beams define the transitions.

Certain sections are accentuated with woven leather inserts, and lower ceiling heights in specific zones create an intimate, home-like ambience.

The lighting scheme at Scalla begins with daylight filtering through the Glass Curtain system during the day and gradually transitions into night with a lighting arrangement that emphasises its architectural features.

Bespoke wall sconces, table lamps, and integrated LED systems contribute to creating a more theatrical atmosphere in the evening.

The materials used at Scalla have been thoughtfully chosen to enhance the space’s natural fluidity.

Wood, leather, and light-toned marble create a warm and inviting ambience, while copper-coated aluminium structures offer both durability and aesthetic coherence.

The consistent use of these materials in structural elements establishes a harmonious rhythm throughout the space.

Additionally, the use of natural and local materials supports the principle of sustainability.

Scalla’s colour palette consists of warm, natural tones derived from the Mediterranean flora and fauna.

Light beige, sand, earthy tones, and copper accents combine with blue details, creating a calm yet refined atmosphere that references both sea and land.

Every design detail and furniture piece at Scalla has been crafted bespoke for the project by URBANJOBS in a scheme of copper, leather, and wood—materials chosen for their warmth, tactility, and visual coherence.

This bespoke approach reinforces the restaurant’s crafted identity and architectural clarity.

A focus on material honesty and fine detailing elevates the dining experience, transforming it into something deeply personal and impossible to replicate.

Key examples include the striking blue marble-effect cabinetry, used at the central bar and throughout the space, featuring refined copper-toned hardware from Turnstyle Designs and an engraved floor plaque bearing the restaurant’s name.

Upholstered seating in rich fabrics from Dedar and Ralph Lauren introduces layers of texture and softness, while the flooring features a subtle, geometric tile pattern that lends rhythm and continuity to the space.

Walls are adorned with a tactile mix of wallcoverings by ARTE and Phillip Jeffries, adding further depth and material interest.

Together, these elements form a cohesive and immersive spatial narrative, one that is as sensorially rich as it is visually refined.

The outdoor area features a pergola, further emphasising the repetition of curvilinear structures, this time overhead and integrated above the sofas.

The sculptural planting has been designed by the renowned plant designer Yunus Karma, which fosters a sense of spatial enclosure and a microclimate, while also incorporating lighting and acoustic comfort solutions.

The repetition of elements and materials throughout Scalla, whether through the concept of fluidity, flooring patterns, or furniture details, creates a seamless visual and functional rhythm that allows guests to feel instantly at ease.

Scalla is more than a restaurant; it is a spatial narrative where design becomes an integral part of the dining experience. From the sweeping curves of the Glass Curtain to the intimate interplay of materials, textures, and light, every detail invites guests to slow down, explore, and connect.

By dissolving rigid boundaries and embracing fluidity, URBANJOBS has created a space that is both visually striking and profoundly human, where architecture doesn’t merely frame an experience but embodies it.

Photography:  Ece Pekbaşaran