A Window To Tehran

International Competition for the Benetton Complex in Tehran

The design proposal for the Benetton building in Tehran presents a multifunctional architectural element that serves as a building, a square, and a concentrated piece of the city, all in one. The concept aims to create a dynamic environment that actively engages with the urban context while offering a unique vantage point to experience the city. The program effectively integrates parking, retail, offices, and residences around a central public space, fostering an open yet reflective environment that invites interaction while maintaining its core functions.

The building’s southern façade features a large window partially shaded by a screen of trees planted along Vali Asr Avenue, while the northern side opens up to sweeping views of Tehran, with the mountains forming a picturesque setting. This strategic integration of natural and urban landscapes is central to the design, creating a space where the city's vibrancy and natural elements converge in harmony, enhancing the overall experience of the space. The thoughtful design encourages passersby to engage with the building, promoting exploration and interaction within the urban fabric.

The building's architecture includes a sophisticated double-skin façade, with an outer transparent grid that varies in permeability and an inner load-bearing structure. This approach not only optimizes energy efficiency but also facilitates natural ventilation by leveraging the temperature differences across the building's exposures. The southern façade incorporates a void that promotes sustainable airflow, allowing light and air to move freely, fostering a more sustainable indoor environment. This innovative design solution enhances the connection between the interior and exterior, creating an engaging urban space.

An elevated public square serves as the development's communal core, providing access to retail and office spaces while also serving as a adaptable gathering point—a welcoming oasis for shoppers, a resting place for office workers, and a sheltered area protecting visitors from both the summer heat and winter elements. This space symbolizes the collective life of the building, acting as a stage for urban interaction and community engagement.

As the project leader of this initiative at Studio Barreca & La Varra in 2009, I led the development of this proposal for the Benetton complex during the Tehran International Competition. This project was recognized for its innovative design approach, receiving an honorable mention among approximately 600 international entries, underscoring its potential to significantly contribute to Tehran's architectural identity and character.

In essence, the Benetton building proposal functions as more than just an architectural structure; it acts as a lens to experience the city, harmoniously integrating diverse urban experiences with Tehran's natural and built environments. It stands as a testament to contemporary design that fosters interaction, sustainability, and a deeper connection between the city's people, its culture, and its landscape (Credit: Studio Barreca & La Varra).