Sangan is a small city located in the North-east of Iran, bordering Afghanistan. Recently due to the discovery of an iron mine, its local commerce which was originally based on agriculture, product exchange and handicrafts, mostly shifted towards the development of steel factories.Even though these developments have had a positive impact on this town, still, it suffers from a lack of residential and hospitality functions for the mounting number of visitors. The project brief included designing a 20-story tower structure in a 50,000 m2 plot between Sangan and the industrial zone. The client’s objective was to attract visitors through an iconic destination point as well as providing accommodation for industrial tourists.
The design challenge was to solve the contradiction between the high-rise structure proposed and the existing low rise urban fabric of Sangan. Furthermore, a destination hotel would negatively impact the locals’ vulnerable source of income and this would result in a pushback as well. Inside of the volume, is organized by a repetition of void spaces at different scales; a central yard acts like an oasis and performs as a public space for the hotel. Small courtyards in two levels, provide more privacy for rooms. The complex is surrounded by an interactive and flexible outdoor space, suitable for temporary local markets, certain businesses and activities.
This market is organized and protected by a perforated shelter made of local mat and wood. It is the extension of the complex’s ceiling with the dynamic and form of traditional primitive tent structures. Using this typology as a reference, provided us with the contextual tools to lower the hotel tower and increase the footprint of the building to be more familiar and interactive with local people.
