At the heart of one of the busiest zones of Karaj, Valiahdi Commercial Complex is located in a vehicular-pedestrian boulevard. Taking into account the high volume of pedestrians in the area, it was important 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.

The two symbolic colours in the Traditional Persian Architecture are brown ( brick colour) and turquoise. In this project the shift between the two colours was established based on the fluctuations on the façade.

2009

2015

Location: Karaj – Iran
Client: Mr Valliahdi
Architect: Hooman Balazadeh
Phase1 manager: Newsha Mirzayi
Phase 2 manager: Bahram Afsari
Design Team: Meisam Ehsanian- Mohsen Tahmasebi- Parima Jahangard
3D illustration: Mona Razavi
Presentation: Hooman Faali – Elham Seyfi azad – Amir Mohebi sefat – Atousa Shiran – Pooyeh Nouryan
Structures: Mr. Alayi
Electrical and mechanical: Mr. Negahban
Executive Director: Mohsen Tahmasebi
Resident supervisor: Danial Shamloo
Executive and advisor of façade glasses: Arisa Tek Company – Vahid Shahroozi
Photographer: Parham Taghi of – Deed Studio – Abbas Havashemi – Pooyeh Nouryan