Today, I would like to share with you a renovation project which i have found very succesfull. The before and after of Bursa Mercantile Exchange, rebuilt within the restoration project of Bursa’s Old Business District, Turkey.

A general view of the historical business district…

Yes, in my country, embedded in this magnificent historical texture there is such an ugly form of urbanization that we need thousands of archi-magicians..

Bursa Mercantile Exchange building, side view, before the renovation…

Bursa Mercantile Exchange building, side view, after the renovation…

Bursa Mercantile Exchange, before…

A respectful aproach, first, the two top floors, later additions, were knocked down so as to create a wider perspective for the Grand Mosque and the historical business district. And believe me, that's a big move in my country, to knock down 2 floors when the laws give you the permission to..

The structure successfully shed its heavy concrete looks. For the building to look both modern and in touch with the surrounding historical texture, natural stone and wood were chosen to be the materials used.

We need to have an extra education and insistance to assure the landowners. Yes, we absolutely have to learn to be magicians..