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Cultural Centre

Re-thinking Iranian Architecture

Bachelor Thesis by Reihaneh Esfandiari

Advisor

Prof. Mozayan Dehbashi Faculty of Architecture

Central Tehran branch of Azad university

August 2021

Persian Gardens

Iranian Architecture, renowned for its sustainable techniques; rich sociocultural concepts and forms, was a majestic response to the challenges of living in harsh environment and arid climate of Iran. It dates back to 5000BC and is mostly recognizble by the Persian gardens, which was inspired from Iran’s ancient literature and influenced the landscape design from Andalusia to India and beyond.

Figure1: Naghsh-i Jahan square, the charbagh Royal Square (Maidan) in Isfahan, constructed between 1598 and 1629, is one of the six styles of Persian Gardens.

Charbagh structure

This diamond in the middle of a desert symbolizes the paradise on the earth and is consisted of important elements: Pavilion, Water pond and water pool, footpath and Plants. “One of the hallmarks of this master piece is the four-part garden laid out with axial paths that intersect at the garden’s centre. This highly structured geometrical scheme, called the chahar bagh, became a powerful method for the organization and domestication of the landscape, itself a symbol of political territory.”1 Water plays a vital role not only for beauty, But for irrigation. The most symbolic plant in this paradise is definitely Cypress tree, providing visitors with unique perspectives. The pavilion is located in the middle or the upside of the garden, a well-designed structure to stay and rest. This

D. Fairchild Ruggles, Islamic Gardens and Landscapes, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008, p.39

2. Farahani & Jame, Landscape online 2016, p17

Figure 3: Charbagh Structure Diagram

Figure 2: Shazhdeh Mahan garden, Located in the desert city of Kerman

Pavilion (Kooshk)

Cypress tree

Figure 4: Relationship between symbolic meanings and Persian gardens features and architecture2

Program

This thesis propose a cultural center in newly constructed part of Tehran. the project is aims to revolve the stunning Gardens in ancient persia, meanwhile provide a space for educational and recreational purposes. the building is folded into four blocks, each one’s functions concentrates on specific subjects: artistic workshops, book, game and amphitheater.

Figure 5: This digram illustrates my mindset about the entry to the complex and the four groups of spaces in the project; how they relate to eachother and different scenarios and experiences for visitors.

Nature

- Northern mountains

Entertainment zone

-mountain park

Site selection

The 3000 m2 site is selected on a new constructed district in western Tehran, between residential blocks and entertainmnet zones. This location is of great importance due to its easy access from all parts of Tehran and even neighbor cities; furthermore, it was selected to be a role model for further constructions in the future. Following images show different aspects of the site and its surroundings.

Residential zone

Project’s site

Residential zone

Entertainment zone

-Artificial lake

Entertainment zone

-Forest Park

Figure 6: Site and Neighbors

Figure 7: Site and Neighbors

Design process

In addition to the Charbagh structure, there are other components that should be considered during the design process. For example, the key role of several terraces to secure semi-open spaces and the the presence of voids to provide passive ventilation and visual continuity. In conclusion, four blocks were designed and connected to one another through a walking path, which is covered by a semitransparent layer to protect visitors from harsh climate condition.