Architectural Cases

Ferrari has introduced its inaugural fully electric vehicle, the Luce, representing a bold new direction for the esteemed Italian marque. Launched in Rome, the Luce challenges traditional perceptions of a Ferrari with its innovative design and functionalities. Developed in partnership with LoveFrom, the design studio co-founded by Jony Ive and Marc Newson, this electric grand tourer features an unexpected five-seat layout, a refined sedan-like silhouette, and distinctive rear-hinged doors, signaling a recalibration of the brand's aesthetic and practical offerings.

The exterior of the Luce cleverly integrates Ferrari's signature design cues with novel proportions, creating a captivating yet subtly unfamiliar presence. A prominent S-duct at the front not only visually reduces the overhang but also establishes a striking horizontal graphic that extends along the vehicle's body. This dark band effectively breaks up the car's volume, lending the lower section a robust, armored appearance. Inside, the collaboration with LoveFrom shines through, emphasizing a tactile and intelligent cabin experience. Eschewing the prevalent screen-dominated trend in electric vehicles, the Luce's interior features physical controls crafted from metal, providing satisfying weight and feedback for every adjustment. The steering wheel, a central design element, is meticulously constructed from recycled aluminum with an anodized finish, glass accents, and leather grips, embodying a product design sensibility within a high-performance machine.

Beyond its striking aesthetics, the Luce is engineered to deliver an engaging driving experience, focusing on active control and distinctive sensory feedback. Drivers can finely tune power delivery and engine braking through intuitive paddles, moving beyond simulated gear changes to a new method of torque management. The vehicle's unique sound profile is equally innovative; instead of artificial engine noises, Ferrari employs an accelerometer on the rear axle to capture and amplify real vibrations from the electric powertrain, creating an authentic and compelling auditory experience. This approach provides the Luce with its own voice, respectfully acknowledging its electric nature without mimicking combustion engines. Furthermore, the Luce redefines the social dimension of a Ferrari, being the brand's first five-seater and boasting the largest trunk in its history at 597 liters. While practical, this design choice primarily reflects a shift towards shared experiences. With a 122 kWh battery, four electric motors, and a combined output of 830 kW, the Luce accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, reaches 200 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 310 km/h, offering a range of over 530 kilometers. Its 800V architecture supports fast charging up to 350 kW, underscoring its extreme engineering and the thoughtful translation of performance into touch, proportion, and feedback.

The Ferrari Luce stands as a testament to innovation, blending legendary performance with forward-thinking design and sustainable engineering. This revolutionary electric vehicle transcends conventional automotive boundaries, demonstrating that embracing new technologies can lead to an enriched driving experience that is both exhilarating and environmentally conscious. It symbolizes a future where luxury and responsibility coalesce, inspiring us to reimagine what is possible when heritage meets progress, setting a new benchmark for the automotive industry.

Ehsani Sharafeh Associates has crafted the “Hezar-Too” installation, a captivating urban art piece that reinterprets classic Iranian architectural principles for contemporary public spaces. This innovative structure, situated in Mashhad's Lale Park, acts as an engaging maze, encouraging visitors to interact with their surroundings through a journey of discovery. By seamlessly blending historical influences with modern design, the installation transforms the park into an immersive and dynamic environment.

The "Hezar-Too" Installation: Blending Heritage with Modernity in Mashhad

In the vibrant city of Mashhad, Iran, following the revitalization of Lale Park in 2022, the visionary architectural firm Ehsani Sharafeh Associates unveiled their groundbreaking “Hezar-Too” installation. Located at the prominent entrance from Hafte-Tir Square, this interactive urban artwork is a deliberate invitation for public engagement. It encourages visitors to explore the revamped landscape through motion, discovery, and spatial interaction, moving beyond a mere static object to become a navigable environment.

The installation's design draws profound inspiration from the intricate circulation pathways found in traditional Iranian architecture, encapsulated by the concept of 'Syntactic Hezar-Too.' This approach mirrors the sequential spatial experiences characteristic of historic Islamic Iranian homes, where interconnected interior spaces naturally cultivate layered journeys of movement and revelation. Far from being a stationary display, the structure functions as an active, explorable space, defined by a series of compressed pathways and intertwined chambers.

Structurally, “Hezar-Too” is composed of a cellular arrangement featuring eight extended octagonal units and four square modules. At the core of each octagonal section, a revolving door system orchestrates the flow of movement, requiring physical interaction from visitors to navigate through the space. This interactive element subtly evokes the gradual transitions found in traditional Iranian residential architecture, where progress between areas unfolds through a series of thresholds and layers.

For the design team at Ehsani Sharafeh Associates, color is an integral part of the sensory experience. Inspired by the vibrant stained-glass windows of historical Iranian houses, each modular segment is infused with a distinct hue through transparent acrylic panels. These shifting color dynamics serve to differentiate various spaces and transform the ambiance within the maze-like configuration. Complementing this, mirrored ceilings amplify the perception of space by reflecting and fragmenting the circulation paths. These reflective surfaces create visual ambiguities, enhancing the labyrinthine quality of the installation. The project ingeniously combines prefabricated metal modules with safety glass, colored acrylic panels, and mirrored elements, all meticulously fabricated off-site and then assembled within the park, including the precise calibration of the revolving doors and structural components.

By artfully integrating a complex circulation system into the expansive urban square, “Hezar-Too” delivers a participatory spatial experience deeply influenced by movement, color, reflection, and interaction. This installation elegantly bridges traditional Iranian architectural references with a contemporary public setting, elevating circulation itself to a central architectural theme.

The “Hezar-Too” installation stands as a testament to how architectural heritage can inspire innovative public spaces. It demonstrates that by reinterpreting historical design principles, we can create engaging and meaningful experiences that encourage interaction and discovery. This project challenges us to consider how public art can not only beautify urban environments but also foster a deeper connection between people and their surroundings, transforming everyday movements into a curated journey of exploration and appreciation.