I hold a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and have been working as an architect, interior designer, and visual artist. My concern is exploring how architecture and the human body create space across various mediums—architecture, object design, visual art, installation, and performance art. I believe atmosphere is shaped by these interconnected elements, not just architecture alone. The interaction between the body, mind, and space fascinates me. To me, architecture is the art of creating space and for me, the medium is not a limitation but an opportunity to explore and create.
SAHAR GHORBANI
EDUCATION
Designer | Visual artist| AI artist
Freelancer
June 2022 | Present
Design developer | Visual artist
Shift Process Practice
Sept 2020 |Oct 2022
Design developer | Interior Designer
| Visual Artist
Bracket Design Studio
March 2019 | May 2021
Interior Design | Graphic Designer
Shabahang Architecture Office
April 2018 | March 2019
Intern | Assistant Designer
ADA Architecture & Design firm
Nov 2014 | March 2015
Graphic Designer
Darsib Co
March 2015 | April 2017 PROFESSIONAL
Rhinoceros teaching assistant
Soft School
Mat 2017 | Nov 2017
English teaching|young learners
Simin english Inst
June 2016 | Sep 2016
SKILLS
Drawing : architectural drawing blueprint by autocad and rhino.
3 D Modeling : by rhinoceros and 3 dsmax.
Rendering : Realistic Achitectural rendering by corona,Vray and lumion.
Diagram Design : designing conceptual architectural diagrams by Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Booklet and sheet design : designing presentaton booklet and design sheets by Adobe Indesign.
Video and Animation : Video editing and moving pictures by Adobe Aftereffect. walkthrough architectural animation by Lumion.
TUIC
Tehran Urban Innovation Center
Urban Micro-units|
Sep 2021
Bachelor of Arts In Architecture
Islamic Azad University South Tehran Branch
Four years ( program: Architecture)
2012 | 2016
High school diploma Mathematics and Physics
Shayestegan High school | Farhang High school
2008 | 2012
LANGUAGE PROFECIANCY
English: Fluent
Farsi: Native
INTERESTS
Pottery
Performance art
Contemporary dance
SELECTION OF MY WORKS
Tehran is in the midst of a housing crisis, raising questions about the sustainability of its current development strategies. Addressing this issue requires rethinking fundamental concepts, such as whether housing ownership is non-negotiable or can be reconsidered.
Discovering the potential in the city
In response, this project introduces «Pixotopia» an alternative urban model that identifies and repurposes neglected urban spaces—such as gaps between buildings, rooftops, and under-bridge areas,third façades, leftover areas—that hold significant potential for habitation. Like early humans who sought shelter in natural environments, Pixotopia comprises living micro-organisms that occupy and revive these dead urban zones, creating an organic system with a bottom-up order that coexists with the city. This network of small, flexible units, or «spatial pixels» integrates seamlessly with the existing urban fabric, offering a new, adaptable mechanism for Tehran’s development.
PIXOTOPIA
Urban Micro-units
Opportunistic Urbanism Studios
Proposed by: Sathar Ghorbani
Supervisors : Nashid Nabian, Rambod Eilkhani
This Project is an educational studio project that took place in (2022-2021) at the Tehran Urban Innovation Center (TUIC).
Junk spaces and city void ,leftover spaces examples as a new opportunity identifying spatial voides existing in saturated city fabric.
Providing a pattern for occupying space
Pixotopia challenges traditional concepts of housing ownership by proposing an expandable system. This system is dynamic and alive; each active member makes a space livable after discovering it. It operates like the natural mechanism of fungi, which return dead tissue to the cycle of nature by networking through it. Detailed analysis of Tehran’s physical structure revealed a hidden network of underused spaces. to capitalize on these spaces, we designed a modular structure of repeatable units that expand within urban gaps, functioning as a parallel city.
Spatial Concept
To realize this idea and form the system, we need an expandable, self-sufficient network with a specific pattern composed of smaller elements. These elements, though simple, can be repeated to allow the development of the whole and create a habitable spatial environment. The simplest method of occupying space is by using a surface or « wall».junk leftover spaces within the urban gaps are typically undefined and shapeless. The spaces enclosed by these walls act like spatial pixels, creating meaningful and functional areas for living. The «wall» serves as the fundamental building block, enabling the definition of space, integration of services, and rapid, cost-effective construction. Discovery, occupation, and activation are the essence of this system.
with others, it can define a three-dispace
changing architectural conventional layout and solve the plan into the thickness of walls
Analysis of unit behavior in proximity to each other and the city
The base unit consists of three walls and a roof, which naturally needs to attach to a fourth surface. This surface can be an existing urban boundary or the surface of an adjacent unit.Therefore, our repeatable module consists of three walls forming a U shape, with at least one wall serving as the fourth wall of the neighboring unit, connecting to an existing urban surface to form a self-sufficient living space.
An abstract depiction of pixelating urban micro-spaces and expanding the new pattern.
Thick walls can integrate functions within themselves.This leaves the central enclosed space free for the user to aasign any function to it.
the system›s continuity is achieved by sharing walls between units. The behavior of these U-shaped units as they arrange themselves within the urban fabric was observed and analyzed. Their interaction resembles a game of Tic-Tac-Toe, where each unit›s placement influences the overall configuration. This behavior mirrors the principles of cellular automata and swarm dynamics, where simple individual actions lead to complex and diverse outcomes.
Analysis of the behavior of units next to each other/neighborhood.
phenomena of «swarm» behavior and «cellular automata,» where the simple actions of components result in complex, diverse outcomes.
The cohabitation of units in the city and Overall design at an urban scale:
To ensure the system’s continuity, we established specific rules(exactly like cellular automata systems): cells tend to adhere to existing surfaces, maintain horizontal and vertical accessibility, avoid blocking each other, and do not require secondary structural support beyond the ground. These rules naturally arise from observing how these spatial pixels interact within their environment, guiding the system’s expansion and evolution.
In this dynamic, self-sufficient system, the placement of the first unit and subsequent choices determine the colony’s growth, much like a living algorithm. The overall form of the structure is unpredictable, influenced by initial conditions and the ongoing interaction of units, embodying the essence of cellular automata and swarm behavior.
Analysis of the behavior of cells in a hypothetical void in city.
Meeting domestic Needs / Functional definition of walls
To address domestic needs, we assigned different functional identities to the walls, allowing them to meet needs while also defining space. Walls are categorized into Wet Walls, Bed Walls, and Connection Walls, each designed for specific purposes while maintaining flexibility.
This minimal micro-unit made of walls which are at minimum standard size possible.
Wet Wall: Designed for areas requiring plumbing and wet facilities, such as bathrooms, restrooms, and kitchens.
Exploded diagram illustates elements of micro uitsize possible.
Connection Wall: Facilitates spatial connections, ensuring horizontal and vertical access within and outside the unit.
Bed Wall: Designed for the needs of seated and reclining activities, like sleeping areas, workspaces, and storage.
Vertical and Horizental connection
The primary challenge in unit self-sufficiency was vertical connections. By incorporating modular features like attachable stairs to the surface of all walls, ensuring fluid movement between units. Wall connection mechanism: Pre-installed openings allow the attachment of standard joints for stairs. These openings, present across the wall surface, can be used as stairs or tiny windows.
Structure
Structurally, walls and slabs interlock using a dry tongue-and-groove system, efficiently distributing loads without the need for additional support. This allows the system to evolve into various forms, depending on the urban context and initial placement of units.
Conclusion
The project introduces a living system with a unique organization that allows for flexibility at the micro scale (individual units) and the macro scale (urban networks). In conclusion, Pixotopia offers a flexible, self-sufficient urban living system that transforms underutilized urban spaces into a dynamic network of habitable units. This innovative approach provides a potential solution to Tehran’s housing crisis by introducing a new model of development based on organic growth, adaptability, and intelligent design.
A. First Alternative: Connection of Valiasr Street to Gonbad Mina at ground level via Palizvani Street and crossing over Africa Street through an overpass bridge.
B. Second Alternative: Connection of Valiasr Street to Gonbad Mina via an underpass beneath Gandhy Street and crossing over Africa Street through an overpass bridge.
C. The choosen Alternative: Connection of Valiasr Street to Gonbad Mina via a pedestrian underpass running beneath Gandhy and Africa Streets.
Circulation of Valiasr Street’s water channel along an underground route.
A Water-themed Underground Urban Pathway
Collaboration with Shift Studio Design develop|presentation|2022
The physical challenge of the competition topic was to establish a connection along the north-south axis of Valiasr Street, linking three key sites: Gonbad Mina, Norouz Park, and Jostojo Park, along Palizvani Alley. Any east-west connection must cross through Gandhy Street, Africa Street, and South Didar Street. Considering the natural topography of the city in this area and the misalignment of the north-south axes mentioned, an east-west connection could be proposed as a bridge over Africa Street and extending along Palizvani Alley.
C.
Visual and physical connection between the overpass and underpass through skylights.
connection between the overpass and underpass routes.
Underground Level plan
Ground Level plan
Physical
However, due to the narrow width of Palizvani Alley, such a design strategy would not provide an adequate spatial quality for the activities taking place along this street. As a result, we propose this connection as an at-grade underpass aligned with Valiasr Street. This pedestrian pathway connects with the city at strategic points along Palizvani Alley, forming a public space that essentially functions as a walk-through museum narrating themes related to «Water, the Essence of Life.» The flow of water currently running in the western channel of Valiasr Street is rerouted and organized along this underground pedestrian pathway-museum, creating streams, ponds, and fountains along this linear project. Through this design strategy, the connecting axis between two urban destinations is itself proposed as a new urban destination with a cultural theme.
Kelachai Villa
Housing design
Collaboration with Amirali Rastegar,Fahime Roustai|Interior Design |Arch-viz |2022
The project idea is formed around the relationship between architecture and nature, and the dialogue between these two entities. Emerging from it and standing against it, it nestles among the trees, transforming into an artifact that can no longer be separated from its environment. A human landmark within nature, much like a statement—both in contrast and harmony with it. Massive, spatial columns form the main structure of this project. Like tree trunks emerging from the earth, they house all the service functions within them, freeing up the floors to ensure that the primary living spaces can take full advantage of the view in a unique and impactful way.
These cores take on different roles on each floor (except for the access core, which is entirely dedicated to stairs and elevators):
- On the ground floors, they accommodate functions such as a jacuzzi, bar, and shower space.
- On the upper floors, they serve the kitchen, provide fireplaces and restrooms, and transform into en-suite bathrooms in the bedrooms. These en-suites offer varying qualities of light and views. (Refer to the section, diagrams, and interior visuals.)
Finally, the landscape extends from the building, reshaping the ground to make it usable and active. Courtyards/platforms are created, each with its own unique and entertaining function. For instance, in one area, a firepit and a gathering space are formed, while in another, a covered play area takes shape. These spaces are spatially organized and connected in alignment with the topography.
It is as if the roots of the structural cores extend into the landscape—a metaphor of a forest within a forest.
A single family house located in Isfahan for a quiet wealty client. we decided to combine traditional values , forms and visions with modern needs. instead of showing off the luxuriness in the materialistic way we tried to bring quality to the spaces that matched the client desires. I worked as design developer and interior designer.I also presented the whole project.
. 2A architecture awards 2018 candidate in interior design category
. 11th award of architecture and interior design of Iran 2018
. Shortlist of 97 Memar competirion and published in Memar magezine no.01/2019
. Published in Retail Design blog: https://retaildesignblog.net
The Nini Mah baby shop is located in Qom, Iran. The renovation transformed the existing 3 story 865 square meter space into an airy, fun, and colorful baby retail store. In visioning session, we had difficulty locating the store because of all similar cold structures in the district. The store building was very uninviting in external appearance and gloomy within. The concept of the design was based on capturing the attention of visitors. Therefore we chose a warm and bright color for the exterior. Passersby young and old may feel a pull starting with the vibrant yellaow color of the exterior.
Under Construction
Lidoma Foodhall design concept
Collaboration with Shabahang Office Concept Design |Collage|Tehran|2018
The challenge In this Project that i have overcomes for the first time was that in the office we had a very limited time to present our idea to get the project it shoulde been fast undrastandble and brilliant enough to compete with other competitions, so i decided to create picture collage to demonstrate the concept at it’s finest. the project was a food court dinning at the top a shopping mall. The Easily assembled modular units by Scaffolding that build a whole adabtable stucture and creats dynamic space with the lowest budget.after creating the collage image i modeled a concept model in sketchup as well to demonstrate a little more details to client.
All work and no play
Conceptual digital art
3D art based on personal idea
«All Work and No Play» is a conceptual 3D visual art project that explores the entrapment of the working-class within the relentless cycle of modern capitalism. It portrays the erosion of mental health and identity through a distorted, symbolic merging of workspace and bathroom—a metaphor for a life lost to labor and monotony. Inspired by The Shining, this piece conveys a haunting sense of alienation, where life’s meaning evaporates as work consumes every facet of existence. Real handwritten notes and personal sketches add a layer of authenticity, amplifying the visceral feeling of exploitation and despair. This piece invites viewer to reflect on the psychological impact of an imbalanced system and the moments of chilling realization that accompany a life overtaken by routine. I wanted to expose the feeling of being exploited and find your life meaningless by Working, eating and shitting in one place; you work all night and day without noticing how you live till you suddenly look away contemplate and realize how scarry it is... Besides, it was a great practice for me to form a story with proper lighting and materials.
Tools were invented for (getting things done) and accelerated the process of evolution of what we are now. But what turned these tools into a focal point from being a mere object was the conditions they provided by which legends and human imagination was nourished and how todays complicated culture and social relations were taken shape. The spear that the primitive man sharpened for hunting is a Katana hanging on the wall now which is a reminder of cultural bonding of a nation instead of slaughter.
MORPHSTONE OBJET table design
Collaboration with Bracket design studio Design participant|presentation|Built|2020|Exhibition http://objet.ir/
A stool with the fire and a matress on it, used for keeping a crowd warm, was turned into an excuse for gathering together and the function became more than a heating device, as a reason for spending the winter, tales were born around it and stories were the object›s change of functional pattern and now these two stone tables run from their functional role to take a new body and bear a new weight on shoulders. A solid rock becomes soft and takes shape to ironically point to the thing u want to put on it not your cup. told and legends took shape. Gatherings need a space, maybe the corner of a wall or a table, even if we don›t put anything on it, it has kept us together and we sit or stand beside it. It›s as if a table is turned into an abstract tool for supporting social aspects with the passing of time, without us even noticing.
Pottery Practice
Hand made|Pottery wheel
My other practices in pottery medium for designing and making functional objects|since 2019
I often use Midjourney the Ai image generator to visualize my ideas and concepts that comes to my mind,here are some images i created based on idea of rokhsare kariminezhad furniture designer.using architectural materials as a fashion look. I also playing with boundries of body/ space /architecture /performing art and installation as result generated theatrical moods and sceneries .it countinues and its still my passion to work with AI to generate more concepts.
AI-generated image
Concept design
Prompt Programming
Please check my online gallery for more Projects that I’ve done such as Interior design and arch-viz: https://www.artstation.com/thisissahar
