THE FORUM | A Multipurpose Hall

Tehran, Iran

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THE FORUM | A Multipurpose Hall

Tehran, Iran

Firm

Ákaran Architects

Type

Commercial › Exhibition Center
Cultural › Gallery Hall/Theater Cultural Center

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2018

SIZE

25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

Sat within an old site with buildings aging up to 150 years, this modest multipurpose hall is located at the heart of the old Part of Tehran, in Laleh-Zar, once upon a time the Champs-Élysées of a Tehran. With a double height, the hall at its lowest level occupies the basement and at its highest the ground floor of an old carriage house. It takes up an area of approximately 110 square meters. The sheer contrast of an immaculate and engaging modern space with the old context and fabric of the site draws the audience to an uncanny sense of belonging and calmness. The very pristine composition of the interior is full of surprises for a visitor stepping in from a site setting restored to its original attire belonging to over a century ago; it almost feels like traveling in time and being thrown very much into the present.
A series of different size rhombi accumulate with each other and extrude downwards to form a curiously exquisite shelter for different audiences to gather. It especially draws the utmost attention within the space by being juxtaposed with plain white walls and very minimal surfaces in the volume. A warm ambience is created by the natural oak flooring which gives the hall the aura it needs for the various events it has been set to hold ranging from the more intimate gatherings to theatre performances, conferences and presentations. The steps, lined with cushions when needed provide seating and when not simply provide a collection of levels to interact on socially, being free to walk through the space; or provide platforms to display items to put on a show. This has given the hall the spatial flexibility in needs to cater for different events.