The Drop

Positioned along the Black Sea coast, The Drop forms part of the larger Ion Riva project - a new neighborhood organized around nature, community, and art just north of Istanbul. Located at the end of the central axis, The Drop is one of four landmark projects within the development, alongside buildings by Snøhetta and MVRDV, connecting the neighborhood to the coastline.

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THE DROP

RIVA Country Beach Club

Credits: BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group
Partners in charge: Bjarke Ingels, Hanna Ida Johansson
Project Manager: Francisco Abajo Duran
Project Leader: Petros Palatsidis
Role: Pre Concept, Concept, Schematic Design

Named after its shape, The Drop appears as a linear bar toward the street aligned with the surrounding masterplan, while a curved volume opens toward the sea, framing a sheltered courtyard and expansive northern views.

Set on a rocky coastal hillside defined by low shrubland and basalt formations, the building responds directly to its immediate landscape. Visitors arrive at street level on the upper floor, where a café overlooks the sea. From here, a terraced reading lounge steps down toward the restaurant below. Large openings along the northern facade draw daylight deep into the space and frame uninterrupted views of the sea, creating a continuous visual connection between the inside and the surrounding landscape

The material palette reflects the landscapes of the Black Sea coast. Exposed timber structure and ceiling introduce warmth to the upper floors, while basalt stone flooring anchors the spaces to the rocky terrain outside.

Below ground, a spa is carved into the hillside, forming a quieter retreat, where indoor and outdoor pools extend toward the coastline.

Outside, a slate roof rises above the vertical timber lamellas that subtly rotate to reduce solar exposure. Paths of stone and a corten boardwalk weave through the landscape, linking the building to the beach below. The journey unfolds through a series of outdoor spaces, including seating areas, a small amphitheater, fire pits, and lookout points toward the water.