BENETTON
Contest.
2009 TEHERAN. IRAN.

A series of boxes atop a pedestal, sheathed in mobile and fixed transparent laminates, internally and externally illuminated using spot lights which interact with natural light, providing changing effects of space and time.

The building is integrated within the surroundings area, with a stepped structure above the commercial level, serving as a focus of attraction within the urban environment.

An aesthetic reference point which offers a synthesis of traditional culture, harmony, sustainability and contextualisation of the architectural design.

The facade is conceived as an exterior tunic created by curved glass panels, interwoven in a stainless steel mesh, forming a dynamic spiral structure which is separated from the surface of the facade creating a form of wing suspended in the air, a wing which defines the surface.

Under this tunic, there is a second, tighter layer which models the interior spaces, leaving the lower borders of the pedestal exposed under the exterior woven structure.

This transparent skin encloses the commercial areas, offices and apartments with flat glass tempered panels providing an intermediate air chamber and inserted into an aluminium structure opening and closing from the interior of the building.

From the exuberant profusion of colours to the naked austerity of the subtle transparencies, the building offers a chameleonic nocturnal image as a combination of lights illuminate each of the pieces of curved glass.

Between the interior and exterior surfaces of the facade, rising air currents moderate the effect of high daytime temperatures and sunlight and, by taking advantage of synergies, provides a bio-climactic equilibrium in harmony with vernacular architecture. A veil formed by vertical stretches of fabric, which can be raised and lowered automatically between the facade laminates, shields the structure from the sun’s rays while serving as a support for images and messages.

The gardens, planted with low maintenance species, are distributed over horizontal and vertical planes on different levels and paraments of the building, integrating nature into the structure. This technologically sustainable solution brings nature into the urban environment.

The garden areas situated on the ground, first, second and fifth floors as well as the roof, are configured as multi-purpose areas: for relaxation and recreation, meetings, exhibitions, receptions, etc, complementing the other activities in the building.

The vertical communications systems are grouped and extracted from the surface as an exterior architectural element with windows of different forms and dimensions which divide the diagonals formed by the concrete panels of the facade.

Vehicle and pedestrian access is provided through the garden areas located on the ground floor. A portico gives access to the main lobby, where the stairs and lifts, fully wheelchair accessible and equipped for the visually and hearing impaired, are located. The stairs and lifts connect the twelve floors of the building and the garden areas located on the ground, second and fifth floors as well as the roof. From the building portico entry ramps provide access to the four basement parking areas.

Energy systems are planned to make use of alternative sources of energy: solar, geothermal and wind, complimented with non-fossil fuel energies: electricity, hydrogen, etc.

Environmentally responsible construction practices, such those recommended by LEED, ISO, etc, have been employed to achieve an eco-friendly and sustainable building.

 


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