In Constantinople, close to the Hagia Sophia and next to the Chalke gate of the Great Palace, Magnaura, a part of the Byzantium Grand Palace, is a brick-paved, interior vaulted stone building that connects the building units to each other with tunnels and ramps, located in different elevations. Like other palaces, it was possible to access to Hagia Sophia through various galleries.
Some scholars have claimed that the Magnaura was founded in 425 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II. However, others dispute this assertion on the grounds that it arises from an incorrect conflation of the University of Constantinople with the later palace school (ekpaideutērion) housed at the Magnaura that was founded by caesar Bardas in the mid-9th century. The location and architectural features of the Magnaura seem to correspond with those provided by Procopius in his description of the Senate House, which was rebuilt by Justinian I. Around 682, the Magnaura was restored. Later on, this site was often used as a throne room for receptions of foreign ambassadors as well as for public addresses by the emperor and for public assemblies which were often held in the atrium on the western side of the building. Amongst the different ceremonies held at the Magnaura was the silention held at the beginning of Lent, at which the imperial household and members of the Byzantine bureaucracy would gather on its great staircase.
The Staircase (ramp) Tower is the only remained section of the palace that had changed for centuries. Tower of Stairs which has been unprotected for a very long time is now being renovated to restore its original character and to become a part of contemporary life. The minimal intervention proposed enhances the spirit of the place, but through the introduction of modern infrastructure.
Completing and enhancing the remaining structure, the historical characteristics are brought forth via timeless materials and design decisions that introduce revitalization through functional and contemporary additions, purposefully do not overpower the original texture, on the contrary they become unified with the original structure through their transparency and through neutral and complementing material choices like Byzantinian stucco and glass. Structural and spatial 'traces' of former unity of the building is restored, with the introduction of two former large volumes, one in the front entrance and one in the back. The extensions are a contemporary layer reflecting the shadow of the history in today's terminology. The two storied new volumetric additions as glass and steel boxes with vaulted openings are carefully designed as a reflection of the original façade, housing exhibition, and multi-purpose halls respectively. Contemporary architecture is grafted to its skin, obtaining the utmost harmony and balance with this cultural entity and its values.
Not through imitation, but through an architectural design that values reinstating at the most, the parts of the building that can be maintained are protected, and reinstated to their original conditions meanwhile new contemporary additions are introduced, completing the functionality, integrity and the programmatic layout of the building.
