Architects: Mohsen Kazemianfard, Parima Jahangard
Client: Mr Safyari
City: Karaj
Country: Iran
Area: 4500 m²
Year: 2017
The Gohardasht Office–Commercial Building is a mixed-use development located in Karaj, comprising a ground-floor commercial level, six office floors with four office units on each level, and two basement levels dedicated to parking.
The central design concept emerged from rethinking the conventional role of light wells. In typical urban office buildings, light wells are often positioned along the sides of the building, enclosed by both the project’s walls and neighboring structures, limiting their spatial and environmental potential. In this project, these voids were relocated to the front and rear of the building and directly connected to the main façade.
This strategy transformed the light wells from purely functional elements into active spatial generators. By opening them toward the street and the rear courtyard, natural light is drawn deep into the building, significantly improving daylight penetration throughout the office floors. As a result, spaces that would traditionally become deep and dim are instead experienced as deep yet bright and visually connected environments.
The voids also play a crucial role in shaping the building’s spatial identity. Upon entering the project, visitors are welcomed into a dramatic multi-storey atrium that extends vertically through the building. Within this volume, the office spaces appear to float around the central void, creating a dynamic relationship between circulation, light, and workspace. The experience of moving through the entrance is therefore defined not only by the building’s program but also by the perception of openness, natural illumination, and vertical spatial continuity.
Through the integration of these interconnected voids, the project establishes a strong dialogue between the interior and the urban environment, enhancing both the quality of the workplace and the architectural character of the building.