We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer about their original and creative design work. is an award-winning creative designer, that makes our world a better place with their original works.
("") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work . Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
: The main concept of this built project originated from Iranian traditional architecture. They were using a special type of window which is locally called Orsi, made by wooden lattice and stained glasses, having had technical functions with regard to climate and natural light. Therefore we tried to make a modern Orsi window, with the aim of creating a space with an Iranian spirit or "genius loci" which respects both mental and biological needs of the users. Of course, the elements of Iranian architecture like water, plants, and light are highlighted in the project, in addition to the idea of Orsi.
: As said, the main aim was to create a space with an Iranian spirit, so our target was to achieve a sort of modernized form of the elements of Iranian traditional architecture to create a architecture in which spatial qualities are improved in both physical and non-physical senses.
: It's already been a successful built project.
: About two years: the building designed in June 2013 in Tehran and the construction works finished in September 2015 in Tehran.
: We had a client who asked us to design this building for him. With his demands in mind, we thought that we can develop the idea and finally actualize it in this project.
: As said, we had a private client, Mr.Taheri.
: An enthusiasm about the local architecture of Iran, and it's impressive atmosphere, created through manipulation of light and colors made us to use this sense for designing this residential project, "Orsi Khaneh".
: Particularly, our concept have been influenced by architecture of the old Iranian houses in Kashan/Iran.
: As said, we had a private customer in this project, but looking at the type of the building, a residential apartment, we designed it for middle-class families of Tehran/ Iran.
: The Orsi Khaneh's concept is unique at this time. In addition to our special view to traditional Iranian architecture, and trying to modernize the elements, we considered "Orsi" windows (traditional windows in Iranian architecture) as main theme of our design work. So in this work, we transformed it to a shell for the building.
: "Orsi Khaneh" adapted from "Orsi" which is the name of traditional windows of buildings: Wooden windows with stained glasses. And as the main concept of the building is Orsi window, We have called our project "Orsi khaneh" .
: Hand sketches and computer software like Auto CAD, 3Ds Max, Autodesk Revit.
: As I said before, the formal and spiritual aspects are the most unique aspects. Creating a particular spatial quality through a special form is a unique approach in this project.
: Architect in charge and Supervisor: Nima Keivani, Architect in charge: Sina Keivani, Client: Amir Abbas Taheri, Contractor: Mohammad Mashuf, Interior Design Associates: Ladan Mostofi , Plan Design Associates: Akbar Khalaj, Architectural theory consultant: Alireza Kharazmi Nezhad, Ideogram Developer: Maryam Sarshar, and Mechanical Consultant: Mehdi Bazargani
: The facade of the building is a double layer coverage of Thermowood and stained glasses which in addition to its aesthetic aspect coming from lighting effects, has an effective role in controlling the temperature. Additionally there are intangible sunshades on this facade layer that easily can open upwards through a hydraulic jacks.The balconies are framed with boxes made up of travertine and are placed in such a way that the configuration implies a dynamic composition.
: The main approach of research was to investigate the architecture of Iranian traditional houses. In this context, attempts were made to analyze special geometry, the role of vegetation, water, light, framing, Orsi windows and transparency in Iranian houses, along with measurement and attention to details using evidences on constructive experiences. According to the studies conducted before, it has been claimed that these traditional architecture have been a clear answer to the concept of Christian Norberg-Schulz, “Genius Loci”, in Persian architecture. Orsi window is practically analyzed as one of the main factors in this study. We analyzed its function and details and also effects on the residents using particular diagrams. So that there has been a creative speculations on the ways we can recreate a modernized form of Orsi, and then, a new Iranian “Genius Loci”. In fact, we conducted a research work and drew special diagrams and ideograms to discover the successful ways for using some elements of Persian architecture in an up-to-dated form in this building. So that, we focused on Orsi window and made it as a main idea in this building.
: Economic limitations, authorities and municipality potentially can be counted as strict limitations to a project. But we tried to use these factors as motivator to design and make the building with propitious, recyclable, and native materials. One of the challenges of the research was extracting the principles of Persian architecture and genius loci in residential spaces and transform it to a practical and modern language. Orsi window is studied as one of the main factors in our project.
: After a successful attempt in the most credible architectural competition in Iran, we have decided to participate in an international competition.
: As a real project, we encountered with some of particular limitations and problems. To deal with these, we learnt how to solve the problems in our design process in order to make it a real product. There has been same process in construction works, as well.
: We almost said everything about this project.
