Architectural Cases

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.

Near the picturesque Lake Żywiec in Poland, MUS Architects has unveiled a groundbreaking residential project dubbed 'The Periscope.' This innovative dwelling defies conventional architectural norms, ingeniously overcoming topographical challenges to offer its residents unparalleled vistas of the tranquil waters and surrounding natural splendor. The design, deeply inspired by the optical principles of a periscope, redefines how homes can integrate with their environment, transforming an obstacle into the core of its aesthetic and functional brilliance. It stands as a testament to creative problem-solving in modern residential design.

The Periscope House: A Visionary Design Overcoming Topographical Challenges

In the serene landscape bordering Lake Żywiec, Poland, MUS Architects faced a unique challenge: an elevated earth embankment obscured direct views of the water from the building site. Their innovative solution, the Periscope House, draws inspiration from the optical instrument used to see beyond obstructions. This architectural marvel, completed recently, features a reverse vertical layout, placing its primary living areas on the uppermost level to secure breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the lake and the majestic Beskid Żywiecki mountains.

The three-story residence is meticulously organized. The ground floor serves as the entrance hub, housing a spacious two-car garage and a luxurious spa zone with direct access to the garden. Ascending to the first floor reveals the private sleeping quarters, complete with bedrooms and bathrooms, designed for tranquility and comfort. The pinnacle of the home, the top floor, is dedicated to social interaction and relaxation, featuring a expansive living room, an elegant dining area, a contemporary kitchen, and an additional restroom. This elevated space boasts a fully glazed facade on the lake-facing side, blurring the lines between interior and exterior and inviting the stunning scenery indoors.

A distinct staircase, elegantly positioned along the northern side of the structure, seamlessly connects all levels. Complementing this vertical circulation, a practical freight lift within the garage facilitates the effortless transfer of groceries and household items directly to the kitchen on the upper floor. Clad in pristine white aluminum, the monolithic exterior of the Periscope House boldly reflects its conceptual roots, echoing the functionality of its namesake. This design triumph by MUS Architects not only navigates the site's inherent limitations but celebrates them, creating a residential experience that is both visually captivating and remarkably functional.

The Periscope House by MUS Architects is more than just a residence; it's a profound statement on how architectural design can innovate and adapt to its environment. It inspires us to reconsider perceived limitations as opportunities for creative breakthroughs. This project challenges architects and homeowners alike to look beyond the obvious, encouraging the development of spaces that not only fulfill practical needs but also enrich the human experience through unexpected perspectives and harmonious integration with nature. It reminds us that sometimes, the most challenging constraints can lead to the most ingenious and beautiful solutions.