HEI Schools, the globally recognized Finnish education company co-founded with the University of Helsinki, today announced the development of a landmark K–12 international school within ION Riva, the visionary new residential community developed by ION Global in Istanbul.
Designed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed architecture and design firm Snøhetta,
the new campus will combine research-based Finnish pedagogy, nature-integrated learning,
and community-centered design to create a new benchmark for holistic education in Türkiye.
Serving up to 1,000 students from early years through secondary education, the campus is
envisioned not only as a school, but as a central community hub for ION Riva — a place where
learning, outdoor life, wellbeing, and social connection come together.
Finnish Research-Based Education
The ION Riva campus will offer a full educational pathway from early childhood through
secondary education, combining Finland’s world-renowned educational approach with an
internationally aligned academic framework. The project responds to growing demand for
holistic, AI-ready education that nurtures not only academic achievement, but also emotional
wellbeing, creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning skills.
The school will feature:
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Early Years Education rooted in Finnish play-based, child-centered, and research-driven pedagogy
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K–12 International Programme designed to support academic excellence, creativity, collaboration, and global competencies
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Capacity for up to 1,000 students across all grade levels
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Purpose-built learning environments designed to foster wellbeing, curiosity, and creativity
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Flexible indoor and outdoor learning spaces that support collaboration and exploration
Outdoor Learning and Nature as Part of Everyday Education
Inspired by Nordic outdoor pedagogy and forest school principals, the campus is designed to
make nature an active part of everyday learning. Surrounded by the natural landscape of the
ION Riva area, students will benefit from learning environments that extend beyond classroom
walls.
The integration of nature into everyday school life reflects HEI Schools’ belief that wellbeing and
learning are deeply connected — and that the best learning environments foster curiosity,
concentration and out-of-the-box thinking.
Designed for The Larger Community
Photo: A sketch of the upcoming ION Riva community, where the HEI Schools campus is located.
More than a school, the HEI Schools campus is envisioned as a social and cultural heart of the
ION Riva community, strengthening connection among families, residents, educators, and the
broader neighborhood.
By integrating education into the fabric of the residential community, the project aims to redefine
how schools contribute to urban life and community wellbeing.
“This project represents the future of education and community living coming together in one
shared vision,” said Inkeri Aimonen, CEO of HEI Schools. “Together with ION Global and
Snøhetta, we are creating a school where Finnish research-based education, outdoor learning,
wellbeing, and community are seamlessly connected.”
More information
About HEI Schools
HEI Schools is a Finland-based education company co-founded with the University of Helsinki.
The company provides a globally scalable education model rooted in Finnish pedagogy,
combining curriculum, teacher training, ongoing support, and learning environment design. HEI
Schools operate in more than 30 countries worldwide.
About ION Riva
ION Riva is a residential project in Istanbul’s Riva area developed by ION Global. Designed for
3,000 residents, the first phase of ION Riva brings together small neighbourhood clusters,
100,000 m² of biodiverse green space and a new school, alongside cultural, retail, hospitality
and wellness spaces. The masterplan is structured around four key cultural buildings designed
by notable international architecture firms such as BIG, Snøhetta, and MVRDV.
About Mehmet Kalyoncu
Founder of ION, Mehmet Kalyoncu - a Turkish architect, businessman, and civic leader known
for combining urban planning, design, and large-scale infrastructure development. He studied
architecture at Istanbul Technical University and pursued executive studies at Oxford, Harvard,
Tufts, and Babson. In urban planning, he is especially recognized for promoting “humane urbanism” — a planning approach focused on resilient, livable, culturally sensitive cities. He coordinated international collaborations involving architects, planners, and firms such as Foster + Partners and BIG to help redesign damaged urban areas while preserving local heritage and identity. Kalyoncu is serving on the board of İGA Istanbul Airport, one of the world’s largest airport projects, and has been active in real estate and urban development ventures in both Türkiye and the UK through ION Global. He is the founder of Turkiye Design Council andpreviously chaired GYODER, the Turkish Real Estate Investors Association.