This project brings new functions to life in multiple areas of the site (a neighborhood park), which was misused before. The neighborhood park is considered a green area for public meetings, recreational activity, walking, and relaxing. With its evergreen trees and flowers, the park offers the residents a chance to unwind. Footpaths surrounding the park connected it with surrounding homes, maximizing the length of the pedestrian path and increasing accessibility.

Following the neighbors’ request, the trees in the site were planted twenty years ago and they have been watered ever since by those who desired them. Hence, there was a deep emotional attachment between them and these trees. Over time the growth of the trees and the side fields’ vegetation had transformed the site into a dark crime zone which worried the locals.

 

Once the project was assigned, the architects did field studies to collect proposals and future user’s concerns. Neighbors proposed a unique way of design, ensuring the safety of users. 

Therefore, the design proposed has two aims:

1- Preserving and strengthening the existing trees and taking advantage of the identity they have given to the land.
2- Creating a safe leisure space for residents.

 

The design aims to emphasize the identity that residents have constructed over the years by strengthening the linear axes of the pines. The axes function as an appealing way to get everyone to walk to the end of the path. 

There were limitations for planting under pines, so some decisions needed to be made to select plants that are ecologically compatible with the environment. In the hot and dry climate of Shiraz, the current trees provide a pleasant shade that we used to place seats for rest.

 

Besides this linear and direct geometry, a dynamic children’s playground has been designed to meet the needs of little users. The playground in this design is not stereotypical and does not follow the ordinary set of urban playgrounds. By designing Euclidean volumes, this project seeks to create an interactive space for exploration and competition that develops children’s creativity.

 A multifunctional design with sharp colors gives the children ample opportunities for both physical activity and social gathering next to each other. 

 

Here the children can engage in playing freely, following their interests, and getting to know themselves and others. It provides an opportunity for all kinds of free movement and role play, as each child makes up his/her mental image of this space. Some see the hemispheres as islands in the ocean and some as colorful planets, mountains and valleys.

Next to the playground, there are lounge areas for users to interact with each other, which also overlooks the playground and provides security.

 

Project details

Design: TAA Design Group
Project Location: Farhangshahr St, Shiraz, Iran
Typology: Urban design, public space
Design year: 2019
Built: 2020
Project manager: Hamidreza Esmaeili
Architect: Maryam Mohammadian
Landscape architect: Zahra Dalvand
Client: Shiraz Municipality

Taa Design Group

Taa Design Group

Taa Design Group is an award-winning studio, working in the field of urban design, landscape architecture, architecture and interior architecture based in Shiraz. Over the last four years it has established itself as a leading practice with a national team of architects and landscape architects. With a multi-disciplinary approach to complex design issues, it has extensive experience in large-scale urban master planning and design, landscape interventions, parks, squares, gardens, houses, libraries, and interior designs. They also develop concepts and visions for large-scale planning issues that address global warming, urbanization and infrastructure. They design spaces that encourage social interaction, recreation, play and physical activity.