
Majd Commercial-Residential Complex ( Second Place )
Location: Mashhad/Iran
Year: 2012
Client: Mehr Mashhad Co.
Architect: Jila Norouzi
Partner: Fanavarn Consultant Engineers
Design Team:
Khosro Hajseyedjavadi
Parisa Sadeghi
Marjan Shiraziadi
Azam Omrani
Siavash Ghorbani
Area: 56000 m²
Project description
The design concept is based on continuity and the creation of unity among the blocks. The residential blocks are oriented approximately 22 degrees southeast, positioned on two perpendicular axes within the site, and their overall form is shaped like a Z, conveying a sense of unity to the entire complex. However, the blocks are appropriately spaced apart to allow airflow between them. The arrangement of the blocks maximizes the views from the residential units toward the holy shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH).
Additionally, the configuration of the blocks creates two main courtyards and entrances on the eastern and western sides adjacent to the newly constructed pedestrian boulevard, as well as two smaller courtyards on the northern and southern sides of the complex. The main entrance and its courtyards, located near the new boulevard and opening to the west (in accordance with the detailed plan), integrate pedestrian spaces and enhance the appeal of the commercial sections with garden pits and diverse courtyards, providing significant attractiveness for pedestrian-centric activities.
This spatial opening along the main pathways eliminates conflicts in pedestrian movement for accessing the residential and commercial blocks while facilitating their connection. Access to the residential section is from the eastern and southern courtyards, while the main access to the commercial units is from the western side, allowing these two groups to have separate entrances and independent usage hours.
Volume Design Concept
One of the main features of the design is the creation of continuity between the residential blocks and fostering unity within the complex. Given the mentioned constraints and the detailed plan, the complex is divided into three separate blocks, each on its own plot of land. To achieve cohesion and a sense of continuous integration, a frame-like structure with a canopy idea has been placed above the three towers, casting its shade over them.
Another volume design idea is based on creating gardens and courtyards at different levels. Since the adjacent surfaces of the main pedestrian pathway and the newly constructed boulevard are dedicated to commercial pedestrian use, the residential blocks lack independent courtyards. Therefore, one of the best ideas is to create collective spaces and rooftops on the residential blocks, transforming these areas into places for communal activities. The courtyards that extend beneath the rooftop canopy represent one of the potential assets of the design.











