Zhiar Project: Cultural and Artistic Complex

Location: Tehran, Iran
Type: Master’s Thesis in Architecture

The Zhiar Project, derived from the Kurdish word meaning life, is a multifunctional cultural and artistic complex designed to promote Kurdish culture and foster cultural dialogue in Iran’s capital. The project draws inspiration from Kurdish architecture and culture, aiming to preserve traditional values while meeting modern needs, thereby creating a bridge between tradition and modernity.

Reason for Choosing the Project

Iran is a country with cultural and ethnic diversity, where people from different backgrounds, languages, and traditions coexist. Tehran, as the nation’s capital, serves as a hub for this diversity.

As someone with a Kurdish identity and given that my grandfather, Dr. Saleh Ebrahimi Mohammadi, made significant contributions to preserving and promoting Kurdish culture, I chose this project as my master’s thesis to introduce Kurdish culture through architecture. My goal was to use design as a tool to showcase a culture that deserves greater attention and recognition in a modern and elegant way, while fostering cultural connections and understanding.

Design Concept

The design of the Zhiar Project is based on two essential elements of Kurdish culture:

1. Kurdish Dance (Halparke):
   This traditional group dance, where men and women hold hands and form a circular pattern, symbolizes unity, friendship, and harmony. In the project, this idea is represented by cubes of varying heights, symbolizing the diversity of individuals coming together in harmony.

2. Terraced Architecture of Oramanat:
   Inspired by the stepped houses of Oramanat, the design incorporates continuous ramps and stairways to guide visitors from one level to another, offering an experience akin to exploring a mountainous landscape.

The interior spaces feature curved forms instead of sharp angles to evoke a sense of calmness and warmth for users.

Central Courtyard and Sacred Tree

A key feature of the project is the central courtyard, located at the heart of the complex. This space features a sacred Olive tree, a symbolic element in Kurdish culture representing peace, resilience, and spirituality.

The tree is surrounded by a reflecting water pool, which symbolizes life, flow, and dynamism. This pool also serves as a natural exit pathway from the museum, guiding visitors to other parts of the complex. The courtyard connects different areas of the project while providing a serene gathering space.

Materials and Textures

The project incorporates local Kurdish materials such as wood, stone, and brick, reinterpreted in a modern context. These materials not only strengthen the connection to the region’s natural environment and cultural heritage but also contribute to the project’s sustainability and durability.

Spaces and Circulation Flow

• Museum: The museum entrance is distinct from the other service areas of the complex, offering seamless pathways that guide visitors toward the central courtyard and other spaces.
• Exhibition Space: This section is designed to showcase Kurdish art and cultural artifacts.
• Library and Educational Area: These spaces provide a calm and functional environment for learning and reading.
• Open Space and Greenhouse: Designed to connect visitors directly with nature, these areas use transparent materials for better natural lighting.

Circulation paths in the project utilize ramps and stairways to create a sense of dynamic movement and natural flow, reminiscent of the stepped paths of Oramanat.

Introversion and Environmental Integration

Following the introverted design philosophy of traditional Kurdish houses, the Zhiar Project focuses inward while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding environment and landscape. All spaces are thoughtfully connected to the central courtyard, fostering a sense of cohesion and tranquility.

Objectives and Cultural Significance

The Zhiar Project was designed and implemented with the following goals:

• Preserving and promoting Kurdish culture: Creating a space to introduce Kurdish heritage and art to the people of Iran
• Bridging tradition and modernity: Blending traditional elements with modern architectural techniques
• Creating a human-centric and social space: Strengthening social and cultural interactions among visitors
• Focusing on sustainability: Using local materials and environmentally conscious design

Conclusion

The Zhiar Project goes beyond being just a cultural and artistic complex. It represents an effort to create a space where visitors can connect with nature, history, and culture, experiencing a unique fusion of tradition and modernity. By emphasizing themes of life, peace, and dynamism, the project transforms architecture into a tool for cultural preservation and social cohesion.