CONNECTED TO THE CITY This project explores the subject of connection. We know that the real target is to plug a new building into a consolidated urban reality that often shows its hostility towards western models. Connection is the key-word to define the building’s elements and create a relationship between the building and the city of Teheran. Connection is a clear sign without flaunting, a new interpretation of local architectural language. Connection is to trespassing disciplinary boundaries: a Persian carpet can become a piezoelectric pavements. CONNECTED TO THE SUN Building’s shape is studied in each part to reduce solar impact at summer and exploit thermal gain at winter. The main object of the study is the definition of south and west elevation. On the south side, the floors projections is dimensioned to prevents sunbeams penetration during the summer and to allow the direct solar radiation at winter. The west side – suffering low angle sunbeams – is protected by an uninterrupted steel-net screen. CONNECTED TO THE EARTH The earth is life. The earth is energy. The building exploits geothermal energy, rain water and solar collectors. VERTICALLY CONNECTED Four elevators and two stairways connect the twelve floors. Another connecting system, called “CONNECTION KERNEL”, creates a poetics of movement between the office spaces. It is composed by a tridimensional shape containing an elevator and a ramp. The ramp provides a gradual ascent through the office floors, from second level to conference room (sixth level). Underlined by light, this shape generates a cut into the floors, creating different sensations.
