FARHANG PLAZA – alirezashahi.com

Design Frim: Cama Circle

Role: Coordinate the Design Team, Design, Supervise Construction Team

Client: Falavarjan Municipality

Location: Falavarjan, Isfahan, Iran

Date: 2021

“We intentionally refrained from imposing rigid constraints upon this location, enabling the project to offer a malleable space that users can autonomously configure according to their preferences. Our design methodology was further informed by meticulous observations of human behavior and activities. For instance, we derived the concept of circular planters and stair steps from our observations of communal gathering patterns within public spaces.”

Context

Falavarjan in Isfahan province

Falavarjan in relation to Isfahan

Flavarjan and surrounding habitants that use Falavarjan city services

Farhang Plaza as a connection point in the neighbouring areas

Farhang Plaza as a connection point in the city center

History

1591: During the Safavid dynasty, the Vargan Bridge was erected over the Zayandeh Rood river in Falavarjan, Isfahan. Subsequently, the adjacent areas surrounding the bridge underwent a significant transformation, evolving into the nucleus of the village’s public spaces.

1967: A pivotal development occurred as the Zob-Ahan factory was established 18 kilometers away from Isfahan. Under Russian supervision, responsible for the factory’s construction, the bridge’s function was altered. A concrete slab was placed atop the bridge, and a concrete retaining wall was introduced, repositioning the bridge as the primary route for commuting to the factory’s premises.

1971: Following the completion of the Zob-Ahan freeway to the south of the Vargan bridge, the bridge assumed a central role in facilitating access to the factory. Nonetheless, the retaining wall persisted on the bridge, resulting in the sole public space of the town becoming dysfunctional and severed from its surroundings.

2021: In a significant restoration effort, we dismantled the retaining wall, breathing new life into the public space originally established four centuries ago.

Safavid dynasty – 1591 AD

Pahlavi dynasty – 1967 AD

Pahlavi dynasty – 1971 AD

Present – 2021 AD

People

“Among the activities categorized as necessary, optional, and social, the site primarily accommodates optional activities, albeit with a limited presence of necessary undertakings. Notably, optional activities are predominantly conducted through one specific modality, characterized by informal gatherings and interpersonal dialogues. Moreover, the demographic composition of space users is notably confined, primarily comprising men within the age cohorts of young adults and adults.”

Space Using – Linear or Radial

Orientation in use of space

Suitability of place and activity

Physical Form

The site was bounded by two concrete barriers, resulting in a pronounced demarcation between the urban environment and the project site, as well as a distinct separation between the riverside area and the project site.

Strategy

From a Diconnected Area

To an Integerated Area

Policy

The introduction of novel activities into the site’s design has been achieved through the implementation of a versatile platform that accommodates a diverse range of age and gender groups, thus enriching the spectrum of optional activities. This adaptable platform serves to augment the likelihood of fostering social interactions and engagements.

Goal

Opening space into the city and letting people access the plaza by demolishing the concrete wall.

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Social Impact

The project’s most pronounced impact is in the realm of social engagement. Initially, the site remained concealed, concealing untapped potential. Through judicious intervention and minimal resource allocation, the space underwent a transformation that prompted its utilization by individuals, even prior to the project’s full completion.

Before

BREAKING THE WALL

After

Presently, the site serves as a communal hub where individuals of all demographics, including children, women, individuals with disabilities, and bicyclists, convene for various social activities. These activities encompass gatherings, leisurely interactions, event attendance, recreation, exercise, as well as celebrations that honor and commemorate their township. This development stands as an emblem of democratic principles in Falavarjan, marking Farhang Plaza as the singular social arena within the town.

At present, this location has evolved into a vibrant and dynamic urban space harmoniously integrated with the historic bridge. It has transitioned into a secure thoroughfare accessible to all, including commuters and shoppers, who traverse the historic Vargoon Bridge as they enter the town. In the foreseeable future, we envisage this civic space assuming an even more prominent role as a focal point for social gatherings and public events.