By Introduction
The Creative House of Hezareh, located in Tehran’s “Ab o Atash” Park near the Tabiat Bridge, is a remarkable project by the Criteria Group that transformed an old stable into a vibrant coworking space. This renovation aimed to revitalize the abandoned building while preserving its historical identity and introducing a new social character.
Preserving Identity and Introducing New Elements
The building, which had been unused for years, required extensive repairs and refurbishment. While maintaining the original form and facade, the architects focused on modifying the interior to suit its new purpose. The design sought to harmonize the building with its lush park surroundings and nearby highway by creating circular windows on the ground floor. These windows ensure that users remain connected to the outdoor environment, enhancing the workspace’s ambiance. Additionally, skylights were installed to allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere.
Innovative Spatial Design
To address the considerable length of the ground floor and prevent the space from feeling overly elongated, the design introduced two elliptical areas. These ellipses serve as functional partitions: one as the entrance and partitioning area, and the other as a rest space and atrium. This innovative design ensures spatial separation while maintaining a cohesive layout.
Permeable Walls and Custom Concrete Blocks
A key feature of the renovation was the creation of permeable walls around the internal courtyard. These walls were constructed using handcrafted concrete blocks made on-site. The process involved designing and fabricating a metal frame to produce the blocks, with polymer concrete chosen for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Approximately 2,000 concrete blocks were crafted during the construction, becoming a distinctive element of the project.
Bringing the Building Back to Life
The transformation of the stable into a coworking space has reinvigorated the building, bringing it back into the economic and social fabric of “Ab o Atash” Park. The newly opened Creative House of Hezareh now hosts numerous teams engaged in various daily activities, making it a hub of creativity and collaboration.
Conclusion
The Creative House of Hezareh is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and adaptive reuse. By preserving the building’s historical identity while introducing modern elements, the Criteria Group has created a dynamic coworking space that enhances its surroundings and meets the needs of contemporary users.
