Çamlıca TV Tower Rises with Schindler’s Panoramic Lifts

Çamlıca Hill on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, which is an ancient city, now has a brand-new view. Dozens of radio and television transmitters on the hill now operate on a single, 369-meter-high tower.

by Mete Araz

In 2011, in order to prevent visual pollution on Çamlıca Hill, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality organized a competition called “Çamlıca Hill TV and Radio Tower Project.” The top three projects were awarded, and it was decided to proceed with the one prepared by Melike Altınışık from Istanbul Technical University, which received the third prize.

The TV and radio tower, which is 369 meters high, seeks a sense of motion and rhythm within its silhouette that changes when viewed from different directions around Istanbul. Those architectural formations combine elegance and beauty with math and geometry, creating an innovative concept that allows inhabitable spaces to be attached to the whole of the tower’s core. The project hopes to symbolize the growth of the megacity of Istanbul.

The TV tower will replace several transmitters currently in use, and will support more than 100 broadcasting transmitters. Visitors will be able to enjoy an Istanbul view from Asia to Europe with the project which also has two stories of restaurants and observation deck. There will also be a public foyer, a cafe, and exhibition areas inside the podium, which is transformed by the existing park walkway in Küçük Çamlıca Grove. 

Schindler elevators were preferred 

The elevators of the iconic building had to be harmonious with the architecture, and Schindler achieved this with the project. Schindler 7000 high-rise panoramic elevators rise on both sides of the building as elements that feed and divide the monolithic body. Visitors will experience a vertical travel along the 180 meters toward the historical peninsula on the one side, and Black Sea Coasts on the other side. They will be able to watch Istanbul from the observation and restaurant floors located 400 meters above sea level.

The construction of Çamlıca TV and Radio Tower started at March 2016, and its concrete, steel and exterior lining works were completed by the end of 2019. Then, after the delivery of the elevator hoistway, Schindler teams started working heavily in the office and onsite. 

The elevator tender for Çamlıca TV Tower was held in 2017. Three units of the Schindler 7000 rel. 4 model, which were designed by a special team located in Switzerland, were used in the project. There are 2 panoramic elevators and a service elevator in the tower. The panoramic elevators, which have glass panel doors, have a travel distance of 184 meters and only 5 stops. Emergency doors, which are required to be placed at a maximum distance of 11 meters, according to EN 81-20 code, have been placed at the back of the hoistway and the rear wall of the elevator. To preserve the aesthetic of the car, the evacuation door has been designed to look  like the car wall, not a standard door.

Installation was completed in 45 days through the SLIM method

The SLIM method, an installation method developed by Schindler specifically for its 7000 series elevators, was used in the project. The SLIM method and tools provide a safer and faster installation, and also bring great advantages in terms of travel comfort.

The elevators, with a travel distance of 202 meters and 4 m/s speed, have been installed in four and six months, on average but at the field meeting held in January, it was decided to speed up elevator manufacturing.    

The project was closely followed by the General Directorate of Infrastructure Investments, affiliated to the Ministry of Transportation. Weekly meetings were held. The S1 technical elevator was completed in 65 days, and the L1 panoramic elevator was completed in 45 days, which set a the record. Installation was completed in a short time, thanks to Schindler’s experienced installation team, experienced field management, shift work and customer support. 

Some difficulties were faced during the installation of the elevators, due to the architectural structure of the building. The problem was solved by making a contract with a private company to carry the motors up and place them into the machine room. Through the help of this well-planned and unproblematic operation, installation was been completed in a short time, and the shifts were more productive. Despite some difficulties that were faced at times, installation was completed on the promised date, thanks to the good organization and coordination.

LED screens were installed on the walls of the panoramic elevators to enrich the passenger experience. Elevator passengers will be able to view Istanbul in 360 degrees. Screens have been integrated with the elevator’s speed, and the images on the screens will change in line with the elevator motion. 

 “Security has been the focus of the project”

Schindler Project Coordinator Semih Kızılay made his remarks about the project:

“Security has been our focus at every stage of this project, as it is always Schindler’s priority. I am proud to say that, although the project was completed in an untried installation time, we did not experience any security problem. In order to reflect the sense of quality, which is one of the priorities of Schindler — in addition to security — there are some procedures that are determined and supported by Schindler Global for such tailored-solution elevators, which must be followed step by step. Without skipping any procedures and following the working schedule precisely, the installation of the elevators was completed, and a high level of performance was achieved in terms of quality. Schindler’s management experience and quality in iconic projects, both globally and nationally, has been an important element in carrying the process to this stage successfully.

“Istanbul Airport, Marmaray, Keçiören Metro line and Etlik Integrated Health Campus projects are among the national projects that can be given as reference. The Çamlıca TV Tower project has been a motivation for Schindler, given its strategic importance and its challenging deadline. Thanks to the strict followup at the level of the AYGM General Directorate and the active participation of the Minister of Transportation, problems were solved quickly and effectively. Schindler’s field force commitment to the project, as well as their coordination and constant communication, were the most important factors in completing the installation in a short time. The most important issue about such iconic buildings and elevators depends on carrying out the project by competent people and completing it in one shot and properly after completing the required controls. One of the most important investments of Schindler Turkey is our training base in Gebze Şekerpınar, where we can train experts on each type and model, and also on installation. In this way, we are able to meet the needs of trained people for important projects at each level within the borders of the country and even on a global scale.

“We, as the Schindler family, are proud of having a contribution at such an exceptional project, which brings a brand-new silhouette to Istanbul, and hope the people in Istanbul and in the whole country will enjoy it.”