Bazaars Inspired Commercial Complex with Plenty of Green and Light

The new commercial complex project "Tagh Behesht" designed by RVAD Architecture Studio, is located in Mash-had, Iran. Started with the idea to present a new perspective on public urban spaces of which many Iranian cities are in desperate need, the project carries a primary design methodology which began with an investigation of the architectural history of bazaars in Iran and the city of Mashhad. Since time immemorial, the unbreakable bond between the city bazaars and the foundations of the economy has led to bazaars taking on an important and consistent role in people’s daily lives.

Overall Street View, Photo credit: Hassan Dehghanpour

Incorporating Bazaar Characteristics

The principal morphology of the design is inspired by bazaars such as Sar-Shoor, Farsh and Reza. Among the key characteristics of such bazaars is the porch-like entrance hall that, similar to the main portal, guides the pedestrians inside. Individual arches and porches all ultimately lead to the bazaar’s main entrance. Using vaults and arches to cover large openings is yet another visual characteristic of bazaars. The building’s exterior design is also inspired by this arcs.

Front Elevation, Photo credit: Hassan Dehghanpour

Layered Garden

The Kang village un suburban Mash-had was also studied for its historical significance and its notable staircase structure which takes after the geographical position of the village in the mountain hillsides. The formation of balconies in each house on the mountain slopes, chained together in a layered fashion, has greatly contributed to the core foundation of the project's layered garden design.

Courtyard View, Photo credit: Hassan Dehghanpour

The project’s site has great potential to become an urban hub, given its proximity to one of Mash-had’s largest public parks which encourages and invites visitors of all ages. At the same time, its strategic geography allows for it to become a major attraction for tourists and visitors of nearby countries since Nation Park is among Mash-had’s first tourist attractions, inviting many travellers and tourists every year.

Street View (Front), Photo credit: Hassan Dehghanpour

In light of the project site’s analysis, Mash-had has only a few green spaces given its area. The city’s public bazaars as the main social hubs and its business districts are concentrated in the city center and away from such green spaces. Therefore, RVAS Architecture Studio decided to design a new type of “Commercial Complex” with a more serious outlook towards Mash-had’s public spaces.

Urban Interpretation - Maquette Render, Photo credit: Hassan Dehghanpour

The presence of Mellat Park next door allowed them to clear a visual path to the park to create better views and more accessible gateways for visitors. This opening, so named layered park, is inspired by the Kang village near Mash-had where ground floor layers are connected to the upper layers using a walking pathway.

Massing Evolution, Photo credit: Hananeh Misaghi

One of the main ideas in the project’s future design is connections to the city using pedestrian bridges to create safe and enjoyable walkways. The important principle behind the design of such bridges is to incorporate nature and green spaces as platforms situated in different areas around the project to produce a more pleasant experience and a net positive environmental effect. These bridges, acting as pedestrian footpaths, present a new city experience for visitors by creating a different perspective of the city away from traffic.

Layered Garden Diagram, Photo credit: Hananeh Misaghi

The flat middle garden much like a city junction is the intersection between all suspended pedestrian bridges, which invites the city in, eventually connecting the remaining business floors and bazaars. This garden acts as the project’s main connection hub and is the promenade ultimately allowing circulation between the project and the bridges. The public garden floors much like the bridges extend the available views, improving the relationship between the business units and the visitors.

Urban Interpretation, Photo credit: Hananeh Misaghi

One of the more interesting components of this project is the suspended courtyards in between the office areas which provide a green space for all floors and business units as well as sufficient and direct light for office spaces. The brick mesh crust on the exterior wall works as the second shell, blocking the unpleasant light from east and west, while still filtestring a mild degree of light into the office areas. The studio's main concern in designing such green spaces was to ensure the proper distance between current business units so as to allow for a beautiful and open landscape; a design concern that has never been considered in any of Iran’s current office building designs. The general typology and shape of this void are such that it is in continuation of the main layered garden without providing direct public access.

Office Interior - View into the courtyard, Photo credit: Hassan Dehghanpour

Sustainability

Water has always been a symbol of life and serenity and a vital cause for inhabitation. Moreover, water is a brilliant influence on producing clear air and breeze especially in dry and hot areas such as the city of Mash-had. The construction of a small pond in the lower building floors not only allows for cool airflow during hot summers but also creates a beautiful and enchanting view.

About RVAD Architecture Studio

RVAD Architecture Studio is co-founded in Tehran, Iran in 2020 by two young Iranian architects, Ms. Hannaneh Misaghi and Mr. Hasan Dehghanpour. The studio’s design ideals are focused on extending the relationship between architecture and humanity with consideration of history and culture so as to produce designs appropriate for each site and in service of both the society and its citizens. RVAD Studio aims to present architectural solutions focused on the needs of future generations and their potential in view of each project’s benefit to present a new perspective on social relationships.

The design projects range from single-family houses to residential, commercial and mixed-use large-scale complexes, to urban master plans.