Project description from Davide Marchetti Architetto:
Planning choices: The main idea is to create a solid, massive and “sculptural object” by simply stacking volumes one above the other and twisting them more and more as they overlap: what seems to be a banal gesture becomes rather a way to obtain a complex and articulated shape.
The different volumes placed in different heights and directions generate a geometrical method to have large terraces and flat roofs. These places are gently lightened and shaded by the multiple angles and corners of the building. In the ground level there are separated areas and volumes for three commercial units facing a public space (a sort of “mall”) that connects Vali Asr Avenue to Tajirish Square and Salmak Street. In this way every shop has more window area to show goods and there a covered public small “piazza” in-between the stores. In the same area there are private entrances to stairs and elevators carrying people to the office spaces and apartments floor on upper levels.

Access ramp to underground levels for parking areas and storage spaces is located on the back of the building in Tajirish Square. Commercial areas take the 1st floor in different shape: every shop has his own dedicated elevator and stair.

Office spaces (from 2nd to 6th floor) are designed so that they can be easily divided in 3 or more separated areas: the narrow shape of the volumes can be fitted with different layouts letting property owners to accommodate any office workplace density.

An opaque clay patterned sunscreen (a true façade system) envelops the entire building in all floors and creates a strong visual identity. Based on a simple square, one of the simplest and most ancient patterns in Arabic art, the filigree provides shading while also creating a dynamic play of light and shade in the interior spaces. Designed also to include solar captors, the screen will provide energy for the running of the building as well as cooling for the interior spaces.
On the top of the building there’s an apartments floor: by facing the main street the volume bends towards the city as an observation platform.

Project: Designing in Teheran;
Program: International architecture competition for the development of designs for two Benetton Co. multistorey buildings in Teheran, Iran;
Location: Teheran, Iran;
Client: Benetton Group Spa;

Dimensions: Multistorey building located in Teheran, at No. 1742, corner of Salmak St., Vali Asr Ave., Tajrish Sq., in about 1500 m² lot, comprising twelve floors (including four below ground level). The gross floor areas and intended use of each floor are as follows: 1.Underground levels from -4 to -2, 1200 m² each, for use as car parking space; 2.Underground level -1, 1200 m² for use as car parking and storage space (in equal proportions); 3.Ground level and first floor, 1200 m² each, subdivided into 3 commercial units, each spanning both floors; 4.Floors second to fourth, 900 m² each, for use as office space; 5.Floors fifth to sixth, 675 m² each, for use as office space; 6.Seventh floor, 675 m², for use as apartments.;
Budget: N/A;

Status: International Design Competition, Selected Project, June 2009;
Project team: Arch. Davide Marchetti.

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