AMIN MOLAZADEH
A R C H I T E C T
| Monument and Cultural Complex of professor Hesabi |
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| Year: 2017 |
| Area: / |
| Type: Cultural |
| Status: / |
| Team: Amin Molazadeh and cooperation |
| A cultural complex in Iran's north-western province of Markazi honours Mahmoud Hessaby, the country's father of modern physics. Designed by Amin Molazade, the Hessaby Monument, currently under construction in Tafresh, a city in Iran's north-western province of Markazi, consists of renovation plans for Mahmoud Hassaby's existing tomb, as well as a new design for the historical site. A noted Iranian nuclear physicist and senator, Hassaby, who once studied under Albert Einstein and is largely considered the father of modern physics in Iran, was also Minister of Education for the Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh's short-lived cabinet. The design of the structure not only draws inspiration from Hessaby's scientific theories, but it also looks at the culture of Tafresh and approaches traditional dome and monument architecture from Iran with a contemporary lens. The monument includes a public plaza, a museum that houses Hessaby's works, as well as a library, security room, gathering area, prayer rooms, yard and the building for a physics foundation. "The factors that affected the design of the commemoration included Hessaby's outstanding personality, Iran's identity and Hessaby's interest in culture and art. Upon entering the site, visitors are encouraged to walk across the plaza before stepping up the raised platform where the monument sits. To the left is the building for the physics foundation, the museum and public seating areas, while to the right is a stairway to the exit. Behind the monument, there is an institution in the complex site, which has been visually improved with a new improvement plan due to its asymmetry with the complex. The most notable feature of the design is the memorial's dome that features a parametric geometry inspired by traditional dome architecture from Tafresh, as well as Hessaby's physical theory 'Infinite Particles'. The reverse geometrical module is also repeated across the dome, creating a spiral affect. The distinct feature of Persian domes, which separates them from those of the Ottoman or Mughal empires, is the use of colourful tiles with which the exterior of the domes are covered, much like the interior. The distinct blue shape would dominate the skyline of Iranian cities, reflecting the light of the sun. Also considered traditional Iranian gardens that featured rectangular water features informing the design of the plaza. |
