Tree

Bu-Ali Sina University

Project idea

The story of this building revolves around designing a complex aimed at supporting start-ups in the realm of technology and the digital economy. Nowadays, many students and recent graduates face significant challenges due to the high costs of renting office spaces, making it difficult for them to start their professional journeys. They often cannot afford the rent or the necessary equipment for such spaces. Moreover, as these individuals are at the initial stages of their ventures, they need guidance and support from experienced experts in the field, often referred to as "mentors," to nurture and grow their ideas.
A complex that caters to such needs was decided to address these issues, creating a space within a bustling urban location. One of the key challenges in this project was the presence of an ancient tree on the site. So, how could this challenge be addressed? The designer sought to turn it into an opportunity, choosing not to cut the tree down but instead to use it as a central element and a symbol of inspiration. At the outset, the designer adopted keywords to guide the design process: growth, tree, prayer, and whirling dervish dance (Sama).
But why these particular words? The designer believes a building is a dynamic and active entity that should always interact with its site and surroundings rather than being a static, lifeless mass on a street corner. A vibrant, active building fosters greater community interaction and engagement. With this philosophy in mind, the designer approached the project by dividing it into three sections: combining café and bookstore functions and allocating the working spaces of the complex to two separate floors.
Another challenge arose with this division. The building's height was restricted to no more than two floors, and, given its location at the intersection of a busy crossroads, it faced significant foot traffic. The client requested to incorporate a large café and restaurant. The designer addressed this challenge by utilizing the ground, situating the café space below street level, and extending the underground building.
Given the nature and purpose of the complex—nurturing start-ups—the designer drew inspiration from the tree and the process by which a seed becomes a towering tree. The concept mirrors how a seed splits the earth, sprouts from the ground, and grows upward (towards sunlight) through sheer willpower. Its branches extend skyward like a person in prayer, spinning as though performing a mystical whirling dance, carried upward by the inner wind of spirituality. Similarly, the designer applied these inspirations to the lines and volumes of the building, reflected in elements like the skylights designed to preserve the tree, the forms of the café roof, and the main façade of the building.
Cleverly, the designer also utilized the building's façade to achieve another objective: controlling the direct and harsh sunlight during the morning and noon while effectively utilizing the angled light of the evening and sunset.
Another prominent feature of the design is the theme of growth and determination (the act of "wanting"). This is expressed in the building's access routes to the upper floors. While an elevator is provided in the lobby for convenience, the main highlight is the abundance of uniquely shaped stairs on the opposite side of the building. Resembling musical notes, these stairs entice users to take them instead of the elevator, showcasing their resolve to grow and progress.
In conclusion, the project's recesses and projections convey a sense of invitation, friendliness, and interaction, drawing people to visit—even if only to admire it momentarily. The use of special, attractive materials like traditional Iranian glazed tiles, symbolically shaped like a cypress tree and handmade miniature tiles and bricks, creates an enchanting harmony that further enhances the building's charm.

Project description

The complex supports young people by eliminating office startup costs and the needs of startups. Inspired by a bud to an old tree that symbolizes growth, the building is divided into two parts: an office and a cafe below street level. Design features: a central void, a cafe roof shaped like a dance of Sama, a concrete facade that controls sunlight, and stairs inspired by musical notes that symbolize progress. Traditional Iranian tiles and handmade bricks increase attractiveness and interaction.

Technical information

This building is built on three floors: the location of the cafe below the level of the passage and in interaction with the street, the use of a sunlight controller made of GFRC concrete that gives a special form to the facade of the building, the use of special and handmade materials, special entrance stairs that are very attractive, the shape of the cafe's roof, and finally, the preservation of the tree as a symbol of inspiration in this complex, which symbolizes growth and progress.

Documentation

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