THIS PORTFOLIO PRESENTS A SUMMARY OF MY ARCHITECTURAL WORK FOLLOWING MY GRADUATION WITH A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE MULTI-SCALE ARCHITECTURE FROM POLITECNICO DI MILANO IN 2017. SINCE THEN, MY PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY HAS SPANNED DIVERSE ROLES. NOTABLY, I HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO PROJECTS RANGING FROM URBAN REGENERATION TO RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE, WHILE INTEGRATING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PRINCIPLES.
THROUGHOUT MY CAREER, I HAVE WORKED ON VARIOUS SCALES, FROM URBAN DESIGN TO DETAILED ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS, WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON LANDSCAPE INTEGRATION, REGENERATION, AND SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES. ADDITIONALLY, THIS PORTFOLIO INCLUDES HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES IN CANADA, AUSTRALIA, ITALY, IRAN, AND SPAIN.
MY WORK ALSO EXTENDS INTO TEACHING, HAVING CONDUCTED 3D MODELING WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS, AND FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE DOCUMENTATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES. THIS PORTFOLIO REFLECTS BOTH MY ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS, SHOWCASING A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN ACROSS MULTIPLE SCALES.
Address: British Columbia, Canada Tel: +1 672-558-6249
O’RAI N, OCEA N RAIN WATE R HA RVESTIN G IN C BC, CANADA
Designer 2019-Now
2021-2022
EN TEKHA B DESI GN STU DI O, SN OWATECH, ES FAHAN, IRAN ARCHITEC T AND MANAGER
Supervising Architectural Design and Shaping the PERSIANA/ARTE Start-Up A start-up for people who want to renovate their house.
FA RSHA D MEH DI ZA DE H DESI GN (FMZD), TEHRAN, IRAN
PROJEC T ARCHITEC T
Suspended Pergolas Residence, at Farmanieh, Tehran, Iran
R ES EA RCH IN STI TU E FOR CU LTURA L HERI TAGE, MINI STRY OF CU LTURA L HERI TAGE, TEHRAN, IRAN
Research on Guidelines for Documentation of the Heritages of Landscape Architecture and Documentation of 3 cases of Persian Gardens
SHAH R_O_KHANE H CONSU LTIN G EN GINEE RS, ESFAHAN, IRAN
JUNIOR ARCHITEC T
Concept Design of a Residential Tower in Chabahar, Iran
A ZA D UNI VE RSI TY OF N A JA FA BA D, NA JAFABAD, IRAN
TEACHING ‘Design in Rural Settlements ’ TEACHING ‘ARCHITEC TURAL SOF TWARE (RHINOCEROS)’
SERR A / VI VES / CA RTAGEN A, A RQUI TEC TES (SVC), BARCELONA, SPAIN INTERNSHIP, ERASMUS+ SCHOLARSHIP
POLI TECNI CO D I MILAN O (POLIMI), MILAN, ITALY
TEACHER ASSI STANT OF KARIN HOFERT, FROM UPC, BARCELONA hofertstudio wixsite.com/intro
MODER N ESKA N, ISFAHAN, IRAN
DRAFTER AND JUNIOR ARCHITEC T Supervisor: M.A.Najafi
E D U C A T I O N
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE
POLI TECNI CO D I MILAN O (POLIMI), MILAN, ITALY
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITEC TURE IN MULTI-SCALE PROJEC TS
Entirely in English, Awarded Merit Gold Scholarship, Average 110LODE/110, Graduated with honor (Cum laude)
2020-2021
2018-2020
2018-2019
2017 QS Ranking in Architecture and Built Environment: World’s 9th 2014-2017
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY (UTS), AUSTRALIA
EXTR A EUROPEAN EXCHANGE, ERASMUS S CHOLARSHI P
Design Thinking, Landscape Ecology, and Sustainable Urban Design and Development
2017 QS Ranking in Design: Oceania's 2nd rank
2016-2017
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE 2009-2014
IS F AHA N A Z A D UNI V E R SI T Y (KHUISF), IRAN
AVERAGE: 85.6/100
S C H O LA R SHI P S AN D AWAR D S
N ATI ONA L ELI TES FOUN DATI ON PRI ZE
Granted the Prize of ‘Supplantng the Conscripton by a Research Project’ for Ministry of Cultural Heritage on Landscape Architecture Heritage of Persian Gardens
QAVA M A L-DI N A RCHI TEC TUR E COMPE TE TI ON WOR KSH OP 5TH E DI TI ON Finalist Prize Winner, Shiraz, Iran
RIS BAA F UR BA N R EGENER ATI ON COMPE TI TI ON WINNER: 4TH/5WINNERS
Held by the Ministry of Housing and Urbanism, Iran Urban regeneraton for industrial heritage of Isfahan city
ERAS MU S+ TRAINE ESHI P AN D FUN D BARCELONA, SVC ARQUITEC TOS
EX TR A EU ROPEA N E XCHAN GE, FUN DE D BY ERAS MU S, POLI MI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
GOL D S CH OLA RSHI P POLITECNICO DI MILANO, MERIT FULL FUND SCHOLARSHI P
Publications
Images-based 3D documentation of a Persian garden using a low-cost technique
Rajabi, A. and Danesh, M.M.
ICOMOS Austria/ Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies · Dec 3, 2021 2023
Danesh, M.M. and Rajabi, A.
Importance of digital techniques of documentation for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage Conservation of Architectural Heritage, pp. 415–425. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-74482-3_32.
SKILLS AND PROFICIENCIES
SOFT WARE SKILLS
Rhinoceros Sketch Up AutoCAD Revit
Pix4Dmapper
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Adobe After Effect
Adobe Premiere Visoid Rendair.ai
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
D5 Render Twinmotion English Persian
French Italian
O’RAIN FEASIBILITY STUDIES
O’Rain 2023-2024
British Columbia, Canada
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 depict diagrams illustrating various rainwater harvesting systems designed for different environments. Fig 1: This diagram shows a system that combines solar panels with a rainwater collection membrane. The collected water is stored, filtered, and treated for consumption, integrating renewable energy and water resource management. Fig 2: Tailored for coastal communities, this setup involves collecting rainwater, storing it temporarily, filtering through sand and chlorine, and keeping it in a covered reservoir for quality before consumption. Fig 3: This focuses on a floating platform where rainwater is collected, filtered, and stored in a reservoir with a floating cover, ensuring freshwater supply in remote island settings. Fig 4: The system is designed for inland remote communities. It collects rainwater, stores it in a temporary pool, filters it, and then stores it under a floating cover for consumption.
NOOR HOUSE, AN INTERIOR INTERVENTION
Interior Project 2022
Isfahan, Iran
This project began as the renovation of a residential unit located on the basement level. From the very beginning, numerous issues arose. A strong and unpleasant odor in the unit forced us to remove all the flooring and rebuild the plumbing system. The old building lacked sufficient ventilation to expel waste odors effectively. Since the structure had numerous smoke ducts for gas heaters, we repurposed these ducts to carry drain vents to the rooftop. Additionally, the original entrance view of the backyard was obstructed. As a solution, we relocated the room and added an ensuite bathroom along with a walk-in closet. The two steps leading to the entrance were removed, unifying the unit’s level. The final design aligns with the lifestyle preferences of the younger generation in the city of Isfahan, Iran.
WALK-IN CLOSET
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM LIVING ROOM
Noor House, Living Room. Noor was the name of my Grand Mother, meaning the light.
SUSPENDED PERGOLAS RESIDENCE
Project Architect, FMZD
Concept, Design and Development 2020-2021
Tehran, Iran
Lead Architect
Farshad Mehdizadeh
Project Architect
Ahmad Rajabi
Intern Architect
Kian Hashemi
The interior of the living room and the view of the terrace revive the memory of Persian gardens
Entrance Foyer of the Residential Unit on the Bridge
I independently conducted the documentation of three historical gardens as part of my alternative service for elite individuals with the Research Institute for Cultural Heritage, under the Department of Historical Buildings and Contexts – Garden and Landscape Group. This project also involved developing recommendations for future documentation practices concerning landscape heritage and historical gardens.
The gardens, located along the ancient EastWest trade route, were documented at various scales—from continental to architectural. In addition to documenting the physical features, I incorporated non-physical, historical, and socio-cultural elements to provide a comprehensive understanding of each site’s significance.
By undertaking this project, I further developed my expertise in documenting and analyzing landscape and architectural heritage, with a focus on blending historical and modern design principles.
HISTORICAL GARDENS (DOCUMENTATION)
Research at Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Tehran, Iran
Ardestan - SarhangAbad - Naein, Iran
2018 - 2020
Documentation Process:
Techniques used: traditional surveying, photogrammetry, photography, sketching, archival research, redrawing, analysis, and creation of new diagrams.
Scope of documentation: architecture, topography, irrigation systems, and plant life.
Theoretical research: Included historical texts, travelogues, and other resources to enrich our understanding of the gardens’ broader context.
Technological tools: 3D modeling and photogrammetry were applied to enhance insights in both architectural and landscape design.
MOSALLA GARDEN OF NAEIN
GHAL’EH GARDEN OF ARDESTAN
CHEHELSOTUN GARDEN OF SARHANGABAD
HABITATGES CAROLINA CATASÚS
IMPSOL Competetion for Habitatges Carolina Catasús, BLOCK T-ILLA5
Internship at SVC
Serra Vives Cartagena Arquitectes
Barcelona, Spain 2017-2018
“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
MILAN UNIVERSITY OF PERFORMANCE ART
SILENCE BETWEEN : CASERMA MAMELI
MSc - Thesis 2017
Milan, Italy
Professors: Karin Hofert
Riccardo Genta
An old Italian barrack, soon to become a vital part of the city, will be transformed into a performance art university near Bocconi University and the train station, connecting the site to the Italian railway network. The existing U-shaped building, along with the wooden roof structure, trees, and sections of the original wall that had no reason for removal, were preserved or refurbished in the design.
System of Courtyards
Courtyards in Milan, particularly in the Bicocca area, possess a significant characteristic. Initially, it may not be apparent, but after analyzing the morphological inconsistencies of the area, the importance of voids becomes clearer. As the tangibles fade from focus, the intangibles emerge. Voids begin to appear as visible as the built masses. The system of courtyards throughout the area forms a well-structured urban condition. Similarly, as will be explained later, this system also functions within the site and offers great potential for future design.
Serial Vision
On the borders of the site. (Orrange is the site and BW is the surrounding) This serial vision shows the closure on both sides
The system of courtyards among the existing morphology
Effect of the lines
The existing lines in the surrounding area could inform the creation of new in-site lines.
The enclosure of both the surrounding area and the site itself is a key characteristic that must be considered. This enclosure contrasts with the modern concept of universities, which emphasizes freedom of movement. However, the enclosure of the Caserma is also an important part of its historical memory. Therefore, the site’s walls could be removed where necessary and preserved where removal is not required.
The most important corners and edges are highlighted in the images. They are located in the east and north, with the northeast and southeast corners being the most significant. These corners require special attention. Regarding the edges, it is essential that their prominence does not obstruct the visual connection to the rest of the site.
The best approach is to avoid building along the most critical edge to enhance the significance of the rest of the site. The system of courtyards could also be reinforced.
The residential morphologies influence the site, particularly from the areas where residences are located, which are primarily to the west and north. Therefore, placing the homes and dormitories in the northwest of the site, near other residential buildings, would be ideal.
Diversity of Landscapes
Diversity of Landscapes
The open-air theatre
College corridors
The two sided theatre
Museum gallery
The Library
The college courtyards
RIFORMARE MILANO : CASERMA MONTELLO
MSc - Multiscale Urban Design Studio 2015
Milan, Italy
Professors: Karin Hofert
Andrea Cammarata
Sandro Rolla
Riccardo Genta
Arunjyoti Hazarika
Massimo Galluzi
EXPO 2015 in Milan attracted significant attention from various design fields to this economic and urban hub of Europe. The Municipality of Milan introduced the Riformare Milano initiative, aimed at regenerating multiple sites across the city. One of these locations is Caserma Montello, a large military site established before the First World War. This design proposal addresses the regeneration of Caserma Montello, integrating it into the fabric of the city. The main building, located in the south and built in 1910, is considered the most significant part of the site and is designed to be refurbished as a community center for the neighborhood.
MASTERPLAN
CASERMA MONTELLO
The Scale of Design Not in Human-Scale
Homogenious, Low Diversity
The Scaffolding and Glass boxes as a connection with transparency; and a gate to the site as it is visible from the Firenze
Opening the Open Spaces
Open spaces were created at various levels and locations across the site. These spaces also define subtle, invisible lines between the residential area and the rest of the site, as well as between the fablab area and the adjacent street on the west side. The importance of these open spaces becomes evident when considering the nearby urban nodes, such as those close to Piazza Firenze.
Multi-Culture
The open spaces, public areas, and fablab buildings are well connected, creating the potential for an international atmosphere. Transitioning from a sushi exhibition in the food fablab to an Indian dance show in the open space or art fablab is seamless. Additionally, the residential units are designed with high diversity to accommodate the needs of various cultures, allowing them to fully enjoy the vibrant city of Milan.
Agriculture and food production are among the most important factors in achieving a sustainable society. There is an opportunity to bring the benefits of rural life into the city, which would not only produce food but also promote mental well-being for residents. The FabLab area is designed as three interconnected volumes with a unified theme: the Food FabLab, Art FabLab, and Techno-Scientific FabLab. These three FabLabs collaborate with each other, fostering interactions between scientists, artists, and other professionals. This section focuses on the FoodLab.
The Underground Exhibition Area, ends to an agri-courtyard
The Food FabLab is an architectural space dedicated to food and connecting people from different cultures. As food is the most universal language, it serves as the first step toward building a multicultural community. The FabLab is integrated with Agricultural Courtyards and includes a fish-agri-lab. The underground level, which leads to the courtyard, hosts food exhibitions. The architecture also provides designated areas for learning and practicing all aspects of food production and preparation.
LAND-ARCH
Workshop - Architecture in Landscape 2016
Porto, Portugal
Professors:
Camillo Robello
Kiana Jalali
The city of Porto, Portugal, offers a pleasing landscape. The number of airplane trails in the sky is far fewer than in central Europe, highlighting one of the many contrasts across the continent. Porto is calm, with a stunning ocean view and a westward orientation that provides breathtaking sunsets with vibrant colors. It is one of the best spots to relax and appreciate the beauty of the moment.
A three-day workshop. How Architecture and Landscape design could develop simultaneously.
A Museum for Landscape and landscape arts.
LAND-ARCH
ARCHITECTURE ON PORTUGUESE COASTAL LANDSCAPE
The Art Museum of Porto is an architectural design that seamlessly connects the natural landscape with the urban environment. The museum is not confined to a single building; it extends to include the park at the back and the beach in front. The existing square features an underground level, which serves as a connective element in the design. Parts of the exhibitions take place in both the park and on the beach. The main museum building is a white structure with high transparency on its interior facade, enhanced by red glazing. This red glazing, combined with the red maple trees, creates a striking contrast that draws people toward the inner courtyard
Museum merged in the Landscape
MINHOCÃO
Msc - Landscape Architecture
2016 São Paulo, Brazil
Professors: Pessoa Pereira Alves Henrique
Minhocão is an elevated highway running through the urban landscape of São Paulo. Since its inception, it has posed challenges to the city’s urban fabric. Recently, the municipality has shown interest in transforming the highway. This urban reform initiative has led to a large-scale urban landscape design, with a focus on a specific section of the highway.
EAST RIVER HOUSE
BSc - Architecture Studio 2012 Isfahan, Iran
Professor: M. Boroumand
EAST RIVER HOUSE
A house designed for a specific family, tailored to a particular climate and site. The location is nestled between a river to the west and a street to the east, on a steep slope. The average temperature is rarely cold, but summers are very warm due to intense sunlight. The most striking feature of the site is the view of the winding river stretching across the plain. Another key factor in the design was the orientation and spatial planning to protect the house from excessive sunlight. Cultural and generational differences within the family played a significant role in shaping the overall design. The family is characterized as a middle-class Persian family spanning three generations: Grandparents, Parents, and Children.
FAMILY MEMBERS
Extended Roof
Provides Shade Reduces the Excessive Sunlight
The Void in the Roof
Provides Sunshine for Northern Wing Side Rooms and Terrace
Terraces on Top of The Wings
Provide Sunbathe and exercise space
Provide Lanai Space for the whole family
Extended Wings
Provide shade and space by the volume of Architecture
Provides Playing and Partying Space in addition to rare posibility if river rises.
-Solar Panels
-Flat Thermal Plate
-Water Supply
Pilotti
PedestrianOnly
WOLLONGONG URBAN SUSTAINABILITY
OPPORTUNITIES AND REALITIES
Essay - Sydney Exchange - Urban Sustainable Design and Development 2017
New South Wales, Australia
Professors:
Helen Gilbert
Margaret Liu
3.1. Urban Scale
Wollongong’s central business district (CBD) is situated between the beach and the train tracks, and to the west, it is bordered by vast, low-density suburbs. Given that Wollongong’s CBD is predominantly low-rise and low-density, achieving a sustainable city—with minimal impact on the land—requires increasing its density and providing more urban public spaces. To prevent urban sprawl, it is essential to follow the indigenous proverb: “touch the earth lightly.” (Vale 2014)
The issue of density
In the short term, the demand for increased density may be low, but in the long term, even existing high-rise buildings may need to grow taller. Therefore, expandable towers and medium-rise buildings could prove useful. These buildings should be designed with structural and mechanical systems that allow for height expansion, as well as the flexibility to adapt their functions. A similar approach is needed near public transportation hubs in the suburbs of Wollongong.
Sustainable Transportation
The existing pedestrian oriented path:
Crown Street has been partially redesigned as a pedestrian pathway, featuring numerous seating areas and a variety of shops, along with free Wi-Fi for citizens. The beginning and end of the street are marked by overpassing bridges that resemble gates, but this definition alone is insufficient.
The pedestrianized Crown Street cannot be considered a successful pedestrian path, as it does not effectively connect two significant points. It appears to hold more commercial value than urban-social significance. While free Wi-Fi may attract people to shop, it is the shops themselves that should play a key role in revitalizing the city. Crown Street could be seen as a project that should be extended along a different axis. Ultimately, Crown Street remains an important thoroughfare for vehicles, particularly due to its connection with the final square and the streets leading to the beach.
An important point previously mentioned is the potential of connecting the train stations to the beach through at least one defined path (not necessarily straight). Such a route, starting from a station and leading to the city’s most pleasant and frequently visited area—its beach—could serve as a well-defined pedestrian path.
Since Crown Street is a long thoroughfare with only part of it designed for pedestrians, it would be fitting to use the Latin prefix “Pedo-”, relating to “foot,” and call this pedestrian section “Crown Pedo-Street.”
Figure 5. The diagram of urban pedestrian- bicycle paths proposal in urban scale. (Author’s proposal)
The proposal in this case
Other Sustainable Transportation
The Crown Pedo-Street should be continued by shifting to the Market Street through the Church Pedo-Street. Consequently, The Market Street connects few parks and greeneries, and it reaches to the beach. The whole axis will work like a Decumanus in ancient Roman cities.
The junctions are another issue, which will be explained later. The future Market Pedo-Street will serve as a strong pedestrian path, beginning at the beach and passing through several parks before reaching the Church and Church Square. From there, it connects to Crown Pedo-Street via the existing Church Pedo-Street, continuing on to the station.
The Pedo-bike-routs should be defined at least by lines on the way between the station and significant destinations such as the University of Wollongong; since there are no exact defined paths for bicycles and pedestrians separately from The North Station of Wollongong to The University. The same thing is true from the main station to the Hospital of Wollongong.
The Wollongong bike-sharing is almost at level zero. Therefore, it is essential to provide bicycle-sharing stations all over the city. Moreover, as Sydney region has a moderate climate comparing to leading sustainable countries in case of transportation such as Germany, the idea of ‘Bike Autobahn› could work if they connect strategic points of cities and all suburbs. These bicycle highways are not necessarily following the existing routes. They can show different scenes of nature and the environment.
The issue of junctions between Pedo-streets and the other streets
Very low-speed limits and single lane cars passing across the Pedo-streets could help to avoid using traffic lights in these specific junctions.(fig7) The Car-Unfriendly pavement could contribute to improving safety for pedestrians and bicycles. (Cullen 1971)
The Wollongong CBD has grid pattern which could help the city to improve its sustainable public transportation, such as trams and electrical buses connected to the power network. The grid system provides the ability to change the parallel streets to be oriented for combinations of alternative methods of transportation.
Moreover, there is a great need for a reliable public transportation system in suburbs to connect them to the train station and from there to the rest of the Wollongong CBD, in a way that to use private cars become irrational. This is more critical for distant suburbs such as Figtree suburb. For instance, these suburbs could have a denser area with higher buildings located close to tram station.
Smart City in Sustainable City
The sustainable city has been highly mixed with the concept of the smart city. As recently they are complementary of each other both in theory and reality. The smart city is not just about high-tech equipment as many people believe. Smart Citizen as the core of Smart/Sustainable City has to be engaged with the daily life of the city. The idea of Free-WiFi in Crown Street could be interesting, but it is not smart enough. The better proposal is to divide low-speed and highspeed Wi-Fi between active citizens and passive citizen. If we consider the free low-speed internet as the right of people, it could be provided all through the Pedestrian Area. However, the high-speed internet could be provided for those citizens who gain credits by walking/jogging/biking over the city. Those who walk more can get more high-speed free WiFi as a gift of being smart-sustainable-healthy citizens. This will make a very active pedestrian path which could be even paved by high-tech generators to generate electricity by walking.(Fox 2015) Besides, each person could be informed by mobile apps that how much electricity they have provid-
Figure 6. The main proposal of Pedestrian-Bicycle path like a Decumanus passing through the width of Wollongong CBD. The orange dashed lines are the junctions of Pedo-Street and the other streets (see the next figure for more detailed diagram of junctions fig.7). (Author’s proposal)
ed for the city by walking and living healthy. Being informed and caring about the environment is a key concept to be a smart citizen and consequently smart city. The use of soft-GIS and the data provided by smart citizens could be significantly helpful for planners of future Wollongong. (Zubizarreta, Seravalli & Arrizabalaga 2016)
Water Resources
Wollongong is the leading city in Australia in the case of recycling the waste water, and it is improving. It is recycling 40 percent of its waste water which is the highest rank in the country. (Sydney Water) The city could use more rain collecting systems as the city has significant rain during a year. By increasing the density of CBD, the costs of pipelines will decrease significantly.
Waste
The city could invest on citizen›s recycling-repairing centers and let them recycle their stuff by their own in some centers all around the city. They will separate the glasses in different colors by themselves for instance, and they might receive gifts instead (e.g. High-Speed Internet). They might need tools to repair their stuff instead of throwing them out. These centers could help people to repair and recycle by themselves, by providing tips and tools. These centers could educate people in this case as well.
Sustainable Energies
The off-grid culture should be expanded by giving loans and informing people about lower costs in future for their personal economy and society as well. Moreover, which in longer-term the establishing costs will return. It is a positive point that the city is located in an area and climate which could use many varieties of renewable energies, such as wind, solar and waves.
References: Figure 7. The diagram of junctions between the Pedestrian path and the street. (Author’s proposal)
Cullen, G. 1971, The concise townscape, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co, New York. Fox, K. 2015, 'The floor tiles that use foot power to light up cities', The Guardian, 11 January, viewed 20 September 2016, <https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jan/11/floor-tile-generates-power-from-footsteps-energy-electricity-startup>
Sydney Water, viewed 20 September 2016, <https://www.sydneywater.com.au/web/groups/publicwebcontent/documents/document/zgrf/mdq2/~edisp/dd_046181.pdf>.
Wheeler, S.M. & Beatley, T. (eds) 2014, The sustainable urban development reader, Routledge, NewYork. Vale, B. & R. 2014, ‘"Principles of Green Architecture" from Green Architecture (1991)’, in Wheeler, S.M. & Beatley, T. (ed.), The sustainable urban development reader, Routledge, NewYork. pp. 318-322. Zubizarreta, I., Seravalli, A. and Arrizabalaga, S. 2016, 'Smart City Concept: What It Is and What It Should Be', Journal of Urban Planning and Development, vol. 142, no. 1, p. 04015005.
RISBAAF INDUSTRIAL URBAN REGENERATION
Ministry of Roads and Urban Development (Iran)
Competition for Best Ideas to Regenerate Isfahan’s Industrial Heritage
2018
First National Urban Regeneration Contest
The Risbaf Factory is an important part of Isfahan’s urban heritage and reflects the identity of its citizens. This site is connected through a significant historical route to other, much older cultural sites. Its significance comes not only from its status as an industrial-era heritage — from a time when Isfahan was known as the “Manchester of the Middle East” due to its thriving textile industry — but also from its location next to Chaharbagh Bala, a historically significant boulevard in Isfahan. Furthermore, the open spaces in the factory complex reflect the original vision of Chaharbagh as a garden-centered urban space.
The overall structure of the Risbaf site is itself considered heritage, and any changes made must aim to revitalize the site while engaging the lives of Isfahan’s citizens with this historic space. The goal is to fully integrate this complex into the daily life of the city, so it can become a more livable and dynamic part of Isfahan.
The axis of Chaharbagh Bala, with its extension into a public square, helps shape a pedestrian-friendly zone. With the metro station located on one side and the main entrance to the Risbaf complex on the other, this configuration provides the best possible access for a site of such size and importance within the city. Removing a small wall will make the Risbaf complex more visible and accessible to the public, offering a clearer definition of the main entrance in line with urban design principles.
Era (mostly 16-17 Centuary)
As a testament to the importance of the Risbaf factory in the fabric of Isfahan, pay attention to the scale of these three sites, which show the significance and vastness of the Risbaf site. It complements a route that defines important layers of Isfahan’s history, connecting the old city square to the industrial era of Isfahan. This pedestrian path tells the story of our identity.
The city of Isfahan, as one of the main contenders for the artistic hub of Iran and the Middle East, cannot hold its place without preserving its heritage, continuously creating art, and presenting it widely, creatively, and consistently. One of the most important tasks that can be undertaken is revitalizing spaces like Risbaf, which reflects the city’s artistic and industrial heritage. In the past, Isfahan was referred to as the “Manchester of the East,” similar to the role Barcelona plays in Spain. This identity must be revived in modern urban applications within the city. What can truly set Isfahan apart from its regional competitors is precisely this heritage. The goal we strive for is an Isfahan where harmony and identity are visible throughout the fabric of the city. An Isfahan that becomes the capital of design and art in the Middle East. Achieving this requires the existence of communities and numerous centers in this field. Considering its own history and the city’s past, Risbaf can play a new role within the ancient urban fabric. We will explore this discourse further in the usage plan.
The Risbaf site in Isfahan can be revitalized by connecting it to the city’s public transport, particularly the nearby Si-o-Se Pol metro station. This connection, along with the creation of open public spaces, will help integrate the Risbaf complex into the urban fabric. Key features include a pedestrian plaza on Chaharbagh, accessible to both pedestrians and wheelchair users, where vehicle traffic will be limited to prioritize human-centered spaces. The north and south areas of the site will provide open spaces for community use, enabling activities for all age groups, including children and the elderly, promoting social interaction.
The project aims to preserve the historical significance of nearby industrial sites like the wool factory and the Hamedanian House, using green spaces and transparent structures to enhance the experience. By designing multifunctional spaces and rethinking traffic flow, the Risbaf site will become a vibrant, accessible hub for the entire city, supporting both cultural heritage and modern urban needs.
The Layer of the Industrial Era
The possibility of creating public open spaces More opportunities for a creative city
Risbaf Factory
Pre-Safavids’ Era mostly 9-12th Centuary
Safavid
Bazar
Naqsh-i-Jahan Square OldSquare
Jom’eCourtyardMosque
ChaharBagh AbbasiAxis
ChaharBagh Bala Si-o-se-pol Bridge
Vehicle passage is possible but limited. The pavement is made of cobblestone.
The mid-section of Chaharbagh has been expanded and transformed into a human-centered square.
In this section, two pedestrian movement axes intersect: the Chaharbagh axis and the Metro-Risbaf axis.
Statue of the architect, founders, and prominent figures of Isfahan's industry.
A canopy that defines the path to the rear open space, with different paving stones underneath. Si-o-se Pol Metro Station
of the prominent figures of Isfahan's industry.
Images 1, 2, 3, and 4 illustrate the Chaharbagh axis and the metro axis leading to the main entrance of Risbaf, which align in a clear and straight line, forming a pedestrian/semi-pedestrian square.
In the middle of Chaharbagh Bala, in front of the main entrance of Risbaf, numerous cultural and entertainment events take place. Extending from there, it leads to the small courtyard of Risbaf, which in the current design has become part of this square.
The main entrance, which has been defined by removing part of the wall, connecting the courtyard with Chaharbagh, and creating a plaza (square). A building with restored verandas will serve as a café connected to the theme of textiles, clothing, and fashion, serving the city.
The hidden plaza will be part of the open space of the museum and both temporary and permanent galleries. Temporary Markets
Statue
Pavements to the back of the site.
Temporary Markets
FABLAB
Shops
CHILDREN LIBRARY: PINOCCHIO
YAC 2017: Pinocchio Children Library in Collodi, Italy
The large-scale analysis and strategies
The exis�ng Pinocchio's park is not in direct touch with the city of Collodi. Both look more isolated than connected. The paper factory has the main element that has all the main characteris�cs of its iden�ty, removing the unnecessary added elements could be more helpful than saving them. This primary volume is the key in propor�ons of design. The Church of Collodi is one of the other significant building in the surrounding context. This church has a plaza in front as most of the italian churches, but this one is a bit forgo�en and became a parking place for the cars. The interven�on connects the church's plaza to the Pinocchio's Park through the library and its landscape. This helps to make the city of Collodi as live as possible, by not isola�ng it.
Exis�ng Context
The schema�c interven�on in the context
The Connec�ons in the interven�on:
The front plaza of the library in touch with the plaza in front of the church in Collodi, with the main courtyard to the Pinocchio’s Park
Collapsed roof
The height propor�ons
Simple diagram of interven�ons
The Connec�on on a side
The Connec�on on both sides of the river The significant
and architectural feature in Collodi that is effec�ng the project’s iden�ty
