Cinema Topography
Location: Tehran, Iran, Shemiran Office Commercial Center, Fourth Floor
Architects: AmirHossein Ashari, Zahra Jafari
Client: Seyed Mojtaba Nemati
Operator: Mohsen Khabbaz
Design Team: Elnaz Amini Khanimani, Ehsan Shabani, Zahra Rahimi
Function: Cinema
Executive Team: Pezhman Zamanifar
Structure :Saman Mehr Design & Equipment Company (Shahrad Farifteh)
Mechanical Structure: Saman Mehr Design & Equipment Company (Shahrad Farifteh)
Supervision: AmirHossein Ashari
Graphics: Zahra Jafari
3D Renders: Mostafa Yektarzade, Ehsan Shabani
Coordinator: Asma Sirjani Asl
Research: Elnaz Amini Khanimani
Photographer: Navid Atrvash,Hamid Yazdanpanah
Date: 1398
Area: 1800 m2
Shemiran office and commercial center has been built in Shemiranat neighbourhood in Tehran.One of the neighbourhood features is the existence of Shemiranat gardens that provides delicate views from different floors in this complex.The fourth floor of the complex was designed as commercial use in the original design,and the cinema-related infrastructure, such as floor-to-ceiling height,the distance between the columns,facilities,etc.,were not considered.To compensate for the lack of space,despite the height restrictions,the team had to design various sections on two levels.For instance,under the cinema platforms,above the office and the bathroom were utilized as an auxiliary space.
The main design objective of the Shemiran cultural and cinematic complex was to create a focal point as an mediator between other floors by creating a different atmosphere.The circulation was designed to create a pause moment for visitors when entering the complex. As a complement,natural elements were incorporated to the interior.
Therefore,natural materials such as vegetation and wood were replaced with hard materials. Also,in this project,cultural gathering space were created as a natural landscape area in the interior space.
The design team goal was to create an interesting hang-out indoor space in a natural fashion. The intention was,after visitors enter the site and circulate through the floors and finally reach the fourth floor,suddenly experience an outdoor natural space inside the complex.The soul of this space entices the visitors and provide excitement,ample discourse and increase human interaction.
The connecting element of the halls is a green lobby(cultural platform),which acts as the focal point of the complex.
The sitting as the turning point of the space,is a monument in the form of topographic lines with gardens of natural plants,which provides the opportunity for people to stay longer and perform social and cultural interactions while waiting and holding various events.
The form of topographic lines has also been used in the design of functional objects such as ticket and snacks counters and planter boxes designed in different parts of the lobby.The simulation of the natural environment and the creation of an interior landscape are enhanced by the design of green walls and wooden strips curved walls in the cinema halls.
The conical shape of the cooling tower, a primary product of the factory, was chosen as the foundational form. This conical design plays a crucial role in unifying the identity both inside and outside. Its slope resonates with adjacent buildings and the surrounding context.
By repetitively adjusting the conical volumes—shifting them forwards, backwards, and in various directions—natural light penetrates from multiple angles, offering enhanced views and crafting a dynamic skyline. On the lower floors, these conical modules are interconnected, ensuring smoother access between them.
Based on the required space, the conical shape, featuring a longitudinal slope, was designed as multi-story. This led to a significant height discrepancy, particularly at the cone’s apex, when compared to the surrounding project area. To mitigate this, sections of the structure, including parking, facilities, and services, were relocated to the basement. To ensure natural light for these spaces and delineate a well-defined open space for the office, sunken gardens were incorporated around the structure to generate various spatial quality . Additionally, vegetation was strategically placed to separate the office space from nearby buildings.
In this project, a paramount consideration was the design of office spaces tailored to employee comfort and satisfaction, cultivating a sense of belonging.
This approach not only enhances individual productivity but also bolsters the factory’s overall output. Recognizing that employees dedicate significant hours within these spaces, and acknowledging the profound influence of the physical environment on performance, it’s vital to address elements that enhance overall well-being and satisfaction.
The design accommodates diverse functional needs. It delineates zones specifically for concentration, collaboration, interaction, and learning. Given the crucial nature of boundaries between these zones, our design strategy integrates a mix of open, closed, and transitional spaces. Each area’s configuration and dimensions were crafted based on its intended function. Emphasis was also placed on ergonomic considerations, safety, health, and thermal comfort, with solutions integrated to cater to each aspect.