Works of Polsheer Consulting Architects

A “bank,” in its traditional sense, was merely a place for collecting and preserving capital. However, in this new approach, a “bank” is conceived as a venue for the broadest possible formation of social relations, proximity to the people, faster circulation of capital, and, in short, a place for the formation of public connections. For this reason, the transition and connection between interior and exterior spaces holds particular importance.

The overall architectural scheme of the Bank Maskan Regional Headquarters in Isfahan is composed of a cubic rectangular volume resting on a platform as its base. This cubic volume defines the bank’s space. The cubic volume is positioned on the platform in such a way that two transparent joints at the connection point of the cubic volume and the platform allow the building volume and the platform to be better differentiated.

In this design, light has been employed as a transparent, fluid, connective, and guiding element. The starting point of movement and penetration into the interior space is transparent, receiving light from a ceiling slit and the rotation of transparent stairs that guide it toward the administrative layers.

The openings have been shaped with consideration for the orientation of the beautiful Zayandehrud River, drawing the maximum view toward it, while the overall form of the volume has remained intact and legible.

The architectural design for the Embassy of Iran in Jordan has been prepared with consideration for the cultural ties between the two countries, the adjacency to the Queen’s Palace, the architectural traditions of both countries combined with contemporary architectural innovations, the functional identity of a building complex, and the climate and nature of the region as influential factors in the architecture.

This building complex has been designed and sited on sloping terrain in a manner that reflects and accentuates the natural slope of the land. The taller building (the embassy) sits at the higher elevation, while the shorter building (the consulate) is positioned below, offering a broad panoramic view toward the city and surrounding hills to the building’s occupants.

The building volumes enclose a garden-like space — much like a central courtyard. Two distinct paths begin from two entrances at the top and bottom of the complex, and each path, with a rotation around the complex, leads to one of the main buildings at either end of the site.

The spaces have slid over one another in layers, and while maintaining the desired hierarchy and enclosing the central open space (courtyard), they form an integrated and cohesive complex.

Unity and coherence of the complex as seen from two main buildings at either end of the site, functional integration, a synthesis of tradition and contemporary architecture, openness combined with safety, identity combined with modesty, and the balance between open and enclosed spaces are among the distinguishing characteristics of this architectural design.

The architectural design for the Embassy of Iran in “Abuja,” the new capital of Nigeria, has been prepared with reference to the principles of “Iranian architecture” (garden and pavilion), the hot climate and natural environment, regional architecture, emphasis on local building materials, the connection and simultaneous separation of functional spaces, the formal and functional identity of the building (embassy/consulate), openness while observing safety regulations, and especially with attention to contemporary architecture appropriate to the function and context of the design.

The general form of the design, with regard to the rectangular site and especially the role of shade in achieving comfort within the buildings, has been shaped accordingly. The architecture is characterized by lightweight construction beneath an expansive shade-casting roof, latticed and porous walls, maximum use of favorable regional winds, and natural ventilation — these are the prominent features of this design.

An orderly grid of horizontal surfaces, sliding over one another, creates a relatively open, transparent, and welcoming space that defines movement and circulation spaces within a turbulent horizontal plane surrounding a network of individual volumes connected to one another, accompanied by a tall, unified roof resting on slender supports — this constitutes the visual characteristics of this architectural design. This roof, as an independent shell serving as a shade-casting cover and shelter, is positioned with a slight distance from the unified volume, providing the possibility of wind circulation inside the building and the required natural ventilation.

The lightness of the architecture and the openness of its countenance, in addition to climatic goals, also conveys the openness and welcoming nature of this architecture.