community & nature: vandad ecologic towers by em[sys] D.G. & challenge studio

community & nature: vandad ecologic towers by em[sys] D.G. & challenge studio
all images courtesy of em[sys] design group, challenge studio

the ‘vandad ecologic towers’, designed collaboratively by em[sys] design group and challenge studio, is an experimental approach to modern, urban living. the proposal, which is currently entering construction phases, attempts to identify and embody attributes that could lead to a more sustainable, environmentally-conscious lifestyle for residents. this occurs by re-imagining the interaction between neighboring inhabitants and the natural environment, both of which are practically extinct in comparison to even a few generations past. by investing in community and nature, the design team hopes to introduce a sense of identity seemingly lost within the current urban paradigm.

green void

the development is based on the philosophy of void design, where subtracted space becomes a literal ‘addition’ of shared nothing-ness. when utilized in the architectural concept, the void creates a valley between two facing, and connected, towers. each unit has a small green space that, when tended to, contributes to the overall view from the opposing section. it is believed that such a technique would not only heighten the quality of life for residents, but increase mutual civic dependency within the sometimes alienating city landscape. 

‘vandad ecologic towers’ 

viewed from side  

the concept utilizes void design principles 

interior 

at dusk 

form generation strategy 

ecological response 

modular adaptation 

plan samples 

cross section 

project info:

entry title: vandad ecologic towers
client name: M. baghashani
collaborators: em[sys] design group, challenge studio
project designers: mohsen marizad, marziah louise rajabzadeh, mohsen tajeddin
category: unbuilt residential (multi-unit housing high rise 16+ floors)
project status: concept design complete 2014, project in progress
location: ladan ave. mashad, iran
size: 40.000m²
parking: 3 floors sub-ground
program: parking 3 floors. levels +1 through +3: multifunctional use (lobby, retail, community rooms, conference areas, gym, indoor garden, swimming pools, etc.) levels +4 through +14: small 55-90m² units and 25m² studio apartments. level +15 through + 21: 90-150m² apartments. levels +22 through +24: three story penthouses

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom