Seeking Knowledge Amid Life’s Labyrinth

The Garden-School Project is a place where education and experience intertwine like the branches of a tree, creating an environment that invites the mind to move, explore, and discover. Spanning 23,000 square meters, this educational complex goes beyond the conventional notion of a school—it is a living garden where the community and students walk together on a shared path toward growth and flourishing.

Winding and Diverse Pathways:

Just as nature resists uniformity, the design of this complex features interconnected spaces and diverse pathways. Each step reveals a new experience and a fresh discovery. This design draws inspiration from the organic structure of ancient cities, where the interplay of solid and void spaces breathed life into the urban fabric.

Interaction as the Essence of Design:

This garden-school is not just a place for student learning, but also a space for community interaction and coexistence. Facilities such as the mosque, auditorium, and gymnasium have been designed as the beating hearts of the complex, remaining open to the public during non-school hours and offering opportunities for learning and connection.

Balance Between Vastness and Human Scale:

The project’s vast land posed the challenge of preserving a human scale. Through carefully designed access routes and the subdivision of the site into more human-friendly sections, the resulting space not only offers expansive vistas but also provides a close and relatable experience aligned with the human pace.

Light, Nature, and Wisdom Embedded in Architecture:

Just as mountains and plains have inspired the archetypes of Iranian architecture, this design harnesses light and topography as key elements. Classrooms are embraced by northern and southern light, and communal spaces blossom like petals around interactive axes.

Architecture Inspired by Iranian Tradition:

The spirit of Iranian architecture flows through the details of this garden-school.

• The sunken courtyard (Godal-Baghcheh), like a jewel set in the earth, creates a peaceful space for gathering and reflection.
• The arcades (Ravaq), with their generous proportions, form pleasant walkways throughout the complex.
• The verandas (Iwan), historically shelters for conversation and rest, serve again here as hubs for interaction.
• The platforms (Soffeh) are designed for gatherings and contemplation, while the central courtyards embody the living soul of Iranian architecture.
• Brick ornamentation (Fakhr-o-Madineh) elegantly plays with light and shadow, and the semi-shaded areas alongside gardens and arcades offer a delightful spatial experience.

Separation and Connectivity:

Each school level is divided into two phases, each with its own entrance and courtyard. However, this separation is designed in a way that maintains connectivity and unity across the whole complex. The structure gives users a sense of independence while fostering belonging to a greater whole.

Light, Shadow, and Authentic Architectural Concepts:

The design of this garden-school is based on the core principles of Iranian-Islamic architecture, taking into account the architectural standards of Karim Mirnia as referenced in the national building codes. South and north light flow into the classrooms, while the play of shadow and semi-shadow creates spaces of calm and breathability.