This project is located in a site areaا of 34500 m2 and around the city of Yazd in Iran. Yazd is one of the oldest cities in Iran, which is located in the central desert of Iran.
The client plans to build a multi-functional complex that will focus on tourism, recreation, wellness, and education. The intended spaces were:
-Shopping center
-Periodic exhibition
-Wellness center
-Women's Center
- Nature school
- Conference halls
- Theme park with walking and cycling path
Initially, we pay attention to Iran's traditional architecture in that context; So we started by asking some questions:
- Which buildings in Iran's past are closest to the subject of this project?
- The definition of public space among Iranian in the past and where life and even entertainment flowed in them?
- How about nightlife? What public buildings were open to nightlife?
The answer is nothing but / Caravanserai /
Caravanserais were roadside inns along major trade routes like the ancient Silk Road, that doubled as hubs for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.
Therefore, the design started with the inspiration of 4 porch caravanserais, the brightest type of Iranian caravanserais. In addition to being close to the subject of the project, within our new definition this pattern enables each of the porches welcome social spaces, restaurants and cafes related to its lower spaces.
Other main idea intends to evoke nature, climate, and environmental conditions. The city of Yazd known as the "Bride of the Desert" is located in the central plateau of Iran; Some deserts are salty and some have beautiful hills and dunes. so the proposal tries to evoke an abstract image of hills and desert sands.
Therefore, the upper surface of the project got a shell-shaped structure that iscombinated with the central courtyard in the middle
One characteristic element of the traditional architecture of the desert is the Sunken courtyard. The proposal turns part of the central courtyard into a Sunken courtyard. A part of it is dedicated to a pond, and the other part of the sunken courtyard works as a meeting place or a theater.
We considered 2 aspects when designing theme park:
First, how can it mirror Yazd's own climate and desert areas and tell its story in relation to the context. And secondly, this park not only covers the entire project site, but forms the first sequence of encountering this complex and project.
Therefore, we decided to design the park in such a way so it's placed above the complex and integrates with its buildings in a way that evokes the feeling of being in the desert and desert sands. we put springs in the corners of our desert shell and placed trees and green spaces around these springs to create a narrative; to provide tangible and rich exposure to the desert. These oases create pleasant pause and rest spaces under the shade of trees for the audience.
