Tabiat Bridge

Tabiat Bridge in Tehran, designed by Leila Araghian and Alireza Behzadi of Diba Tensile Architecture, won First Place in the Urban Design category at the 15th Memar Award (2015). At approximately 270 meters in length spanning the Modarres Highway in the Abbas Abad Lands, it is the country's largest pedestrian bridge, connecting Taleghani Park in the east to the Water and Fire Park in the west across two main levels, with a third level added above two tree-shaped columns on either side of the highway.

The bridge was designed around five core ideas: rather than connecting two points like a line segment, the bridge branches into multiple paths connecting several points on each side; it was conceived from the outset as a space for staying, not merely passing through, with greenery, seating, and amenities like restaurants and cafes where both parks continue onto the bridge; the non-linear path prevents the single-point perspective that suggests only movement; column placements and bridge termini were chosen where fewest trees exist, minimizing natural intervention; and structure and architecture are inseparable — the structural height needed for large spans was calibrated to create usable architectural space.

The bridge spans are 68, 94, 68, and 39 meters from east to west, with widths varying between 6 and 13 meters. The third level atop the two main columns is fully open, serving as a venue for music, performances, or art activities. Since its opening, Tabiat Bridge has become an urban destination in its own right, attracting citizens and tourists alike.