shape-shifting rod curtain and curved walls take over parkway clinic in tehran

asnow designs the interior for parkway clinic in tehran

Located on the Modares Highway in Tehran, Iran, this interior design project by AsNow Architectural Firm prioritizes the client’s needs, using the maximum potential of the 85 sqm clinic. The color palette chosen for this space is ruled by soft white versus a rough green, creating a unique duality. The architects propose a clean layout with curved corners to create the illusion of a larger space, which is taken over by a grid structure that takes different forms to serve various purposes, enhancing the overall flow of movement in the clinic. This rod network takes shape as a seating bench in the waiting area, stretches as a curtain in front of the windows, and crawls on the ceilings.

all images courtesy of AsNow

the clinic’s curved walls increase space perception

Due to the clinic’s small space, AsNow removes any additional items or suspended ceilings from their proposal. The space is separated into two parts: waiting and treatment, each with its own spatial, functional, and visual demands.
The color palette chosen for this project is ruled by soft white versus a rough green, creating a unique duality. The design team introduces a white sculptural volume to solve the functional challenges of the plan’s irregular geometry. This curved form also reduces the initial impression of a compact space by blurring the sharp lines in the corners and creating ambiguity in understanding the boundaries of the space. Leaving the waiting area, a functional visual axis guides the audience to the treatment rooms. A small window at the end of the corridor allows natural light and outside views to enter the space. In addition to separating the treatment rooms, the opening allows the visitors to have a complete view of the building, from the border of the south facade to the edge of the north facade. 

the growing plants on the network create a gentle shade for the dazzling light of the south-facing windows

shape-shifting rod structure takes over every space in the clinic

The whole space is filled with a fluid curtain, woven from delicate rods with climbing plants. This grid emphasizes the direction of movement and the flow within the clinic. Apart from the small scale of the space and its amorphous geometry, another challenge was the south-facing wide windows. These windows provide city views and ample natural light, but they also cause dazzling light and penetrating heat. The growing plants on the network create a gentle shade for the light of the south-facing windows, giving a lively spirit to the place. The rod structure is also used to create a green border between the two treatment rooms, when necessary, using smart glass technology. 

the shape-shifting structure serves different purposes depending on the needs of the clinic

the whole space is filled with the fluid curtain, made from delicate rods

the color palette chosen for this space is ruled by soft white versus a rough green

the rod structure enhances the overall flow of movement in the clinic

the architects propose a clean layout with curved corners to create the illusion of a larger space

the curved forms blur the sharp line and create ambiguity in understanding the boundaries of the space

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leaving the waiting area, a functional visual axis guides the audience to the treatment rooms

a small window at the end of the corridor allows natural light and outside views to enter the space

the structure creates a green border between the two treatment rooms using smart glass technology

floor plan

AsNow removes any additional items or suspended ceilings from their proposal

shape-shifting rod structure diagram

lighting and flow diagrams

project info:

name: Parkway Clinic
architect: AsNow | @asnow_design
design team: Solmaz Tatari, Ehsan Tavassoli, Nila Shahmohammadi 
location: Tehran, Iran
area: 85 sqm (914.9 sqft)

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom