vehicular-pedestrian boulevard. Taking into account the high volume of pedestrians in the area, it
was important for the design team to create a multidimensional facade which respects the observer
from various angles and creates an intimate connection between the building and the city.
Inspired by the existing street network and urban context, a geometrical grid was created which was
later modified to optimize the viewing angles. This geometry gradually transforms from negative to
positive volumes at the top and bottom, creating two major voids at these sections. These voids
then form the main entrance and the balconies on the top two floors. The new geometry was
further developed to create a repetitive module defining both the exterior façade and the interior
spaces. These modules also act as diaphragms, controlling south sunlight exposure.
Multidimensionality on the façade also creates a dynamic visual connection between the building,
the city, and the observer, so that the perception of the observer varies while moving toward or
against the building. This perception is also affected by the sunlight variations, resulting in a dynamic
light and shadow pattern on the façade during the day.
Inspired by Orosi from the traditional Persian architecture, stained glass was used to further develop
the idea of the dynamic presence of light and shadow and to enhance the quality of the interior
atmosphere. Moreover, this technique helped to control the heat generated by the excessive sun
exposure on the south side by catching most of the generated heat. Vitray stains were used on the
inner side of the two glazing layers making the system highly durable against external influences.
The two symbolic colours in the Traditional Persian Architecture are brick and turquoise. The ancient
bazaar in Kashan is a great example where there is a gradual shift from brick in lower parts
(representing earth) to turquoise up at the dome (representing sky). In this project the shift
between the two colors was established based on the fluctuations on the façade. There is a more
concentration of the brick color at the concave sections whereas a more concentration of the
turquoise color at the convex sections.
In some parts of the interior surfaces transparent and semi-transparent glasses were used parallel to
the façade glazing. This allows most of the mid-spaces to have natural lighting during daytime.
