Aerial View of Riva Masterplan © Snøhetta
Curated by ArchiRev Editorial | Feature Story | Published April 22nd, 2026 | Source: Snøhetta
Typologies: Master Planning, Public Space, Residential
Status: Ongoing
Location: Beykoz, Türkiye
Client: Ion
Images: Proloog
Riva, a fresh new 84-hectare suburb on Istanbul’s Black Sea coast, is being developed in the Beykoz district, where the forest meets the river and the river meets the sea. Ion is developing Riva as a residential master plan, with a circular structure spanning the river gorge, bringing new life and personality to the new town; it is part of a broader collaborative effort with MVRDV and Bjarke Ingels Group.
The site will be designed as a series of distinct districts, each with its own architectural landmark and shared social program. It will also include approximately 1,000 residential units, 100,000 square meters of biodiverse green space, a school, and a variety of cultural, retail, and hospitality uses. The Greenhouse District at Riva will contain The Ring, which will have approximately 400 residential apartments as well as a range of retail and business space.
Circular Ring spanning the valley © Snøhetta
The ring serves as both a visible and physical anchor in the heart of the neighbourhood. The construction is open and circular in shape, giving it the appearance of hovering above the valley’s edge while also providing visual framing… It leaves a relatively tiny footprint on the land. The building’s mass adds intensity to the surrounding region while also serving as a home for programs like the Longevity Centre, which focuses on well-being.
The building will act as a link between the two sides of the gorge, as well as a retreat place. The project’s goal is to emphasize the importance of living in close proximity to nature. Ground-related activities, such as stable requirements and gardens, foster a sense of connection to the Earth while also raising ecological awareness through the production of local food.
The residential phase will strike a balance between distinctiveness and community. The different housing options will be divided into five clusters (50-80 homes each) depending on their unique environmental qualities and program disciplines, while maintaining a single architectural style influenced by the area’s history.
Each residence will offer various layers of outdoor experience, including shared amenities (such as leisure centres) for both residents and guests. Digital infrastructure will be interwoven throughout the neighbourhood to ensure long-term efficiency, comfort, and performance.
Residential clusters within the terrain © Snøhetta
The master plan takes advantage of the site’s natural features, allowing the building and public areas to blend in without altering the existing landforms. Buildings and public areas can thus enjoy ocean and valley vistas without requiring considerable ground change. To support the master plan’s philosophy, locally produced stone and timber serve as the principal construction materials. The adoption of a modular building approach increases efficiency while decreasing embodied carbon.
Shaded routes and green corridors © Snøhetta
Environmental performance is a vital component of total development. Renewable energy generation (solar energy) takes place on-site and is grid-connected, resulting in a lower operational effect. Green infrastructure (landscaping and drainage) promotes microclimate regulation, whilst stormwater management systems (rainwater collecting and greywater recycling) can reduce potable water consumption by 50%. Both of these technologies will work together with the landscaping to reduce the amount of irrigation required to maintain the landscapes.
The neighbourhood was developed for simple strolling and near access to residences, amenities, and common places, resulting in a network of direct and short connections based on the natural nature. Pathways are shaded, and green corridors connect parks, trails, and leisure areas, allowing them to operate together cohesively. This design improves daily life while preserving the natural interaction between how people move, the environment they encounter, and, as a result, the communities in which they live.