Works of Hossein Sheykh Zeineddin

Sharp slope of the site and the pleasant view over surrounding landscape are two significant features in giving form to the spatial structure of the building. Architectural elements and spaces of the interior are arranged in a style to facilitate descending from upper levels to lower levels, but gradual ascending from the yard level to the street level in the exterior is swift, creating various volumes.

An outdoor stairway passing through the building and its open space toward the lowest border of the site is a distinguished element in this building.

Diplomatic buildings possess specific characteristics which distinguish them from conventional office buildings. The most significant characteristics are symbolic aspects which reflect the political and cultural mission of the guest country in the host country, ceremonial functions of a foreign mission and finally, security considerations of the building. Symbolic characteristics are organized using the contextual and traditional elements and their reinterpretation as a way that is integrated with the context and the architectural trends in the host country.

Architectural Concepts

In designing the I.R. Iran's Embassy in Tokyo, the prime consideration was conformity with the context and the customs, while using some concepts of the Iranian traditional architecture in two different approaches. First, using implicit and refined concepts oriented to the context in the exterior volume and facade. Second, with explicit explained and symbolic functional concepts resolved as a new function in the interior spaces.

Main elements of the building are: The bridge, as the symbol of connection and relationship, with some reference to the traditional Iranian bridges, namely Khaju bridge in Isfahan. By departing the two side planes from the main volume of the building and creating transparent spaces in between, the concept of bridge is invoked further. Eivan (verandah), is created by designing a garden on a portion of the second floor's ceremonial lobby roof. Central Courtyard, a focal point of the building, is divided into outdoor and indoor sections by a glass plane covering the facade and the roof.

The monumental concept of the building necessitates a noticeable quality. In spite of various functions, the building would accommodate according to different scenes, the physical form was considered as a massive single landmark resembling the heroic defence and hardship. Located on a site adjacent to the eastern side of the famous garden "Jabc" in Isfahan. The main volumes of the building are in the form of a fortification and a fort; the fortification as the symbol of strength and defining element of the garden's eastern border, and the latter representing both the defensive character of the war and famous towers in Isfahan.