Revitalization of Tehran’s Dead Corridor
Academic Project - Spring 2016
Professor: Dr. Kaveh Rashidzadeh
Group Project
Ali Farajmandi, Shiva Sharifi, Maryam Jahanpoor, Kimia Moradi
Ali Farajmandi, Shiva Sharifi, Maryam Jahanpoor, Kimia Moradi
Software and Tools:
Rhino · AutoCAD · Illustrator · Photoshop
Rhino · AutoCAD · Illustrator · Photoshop
Description:
This project focuses on transforming a neglected 8-Mile stretch beneath high-voltage power lines in Tehran into a vibrant, functional urban space. By rethinking the interaction between essential infrastructure and the urban environment, the design aims to connect neighborhoods, enhance spatial quality, and encourage public engagement. The continuous pathway running through the project fosters community interaction, turning a previously unresolved area into an integral part of the city’s fabric, improving both urban connectivity and quality of life.
This project focuses on transforming a neglected 8-Mile stretch beneath high-voltage power lines in Tehran into a vibrant, functional urban space. By rethinking the interaction between essential infrastructure and the urban environment, the design aims to connect neighborhoods, enhance spatial quality, and encourage public engagement. The continuous pathway running through the project fosters community interaction, turning a previously unresolved area into an integral part of the city’s fabric, improving both urban connectivity and quality of life.
Site Analysis and Spatial Insights
This set of maps analyzes critical aspects of the project site, including land use, green space distribution, and public infrastructure. By examining both existing conditions and proposed interventions—such as built vs. open spaces and public vs. private areas—we aimed to understand the site’s current state and suggest improvements. These maps, alongside other analyses like traffic flow and public transport (not shown here), guided our design decisions to create a more connected and functional urban environment.
Bike Routes and Bridge Design
One of the Main goals of this revitalization project was to design and implement bike paths, bike rental docks, and bridges to connect neighborhoods along the previously underutilized corridor. These additions enhance accessibility and create continuous, safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians. Complementing these pathways, we also proposed dog parks, urban agriculture spaces, and multipurpose public parks to transform the corridor into a vibrant, active community space.
Wrapping Powerline Towers with Polypropylene Fabric
This proposal introduces a partial covering of powerline towers using polypropylene fabric, creating a visually striking element along the corridor. The fabric serves as a canvas for creative interventions using recycled materials, such as plastic bottle caps, to produce unique patterns and designs.
This proposal introduces a partial covering of powerline towers using polypropylene fabric, creating a visually striking element along the corridor. The fabric serves as a canvas for creative interventions using recycled materials, such as plastic bottle caps, to produce unique patterns and designs.
The use of recycled materials for tower beautification at the urban scale offers several benefits:
• Highlighting the towers and transforming them into recognizable urban landmarks.
• Emphasizing the corridor route through colors coordinated with the bike path paving.
•Encouraging public participation by involving citizens in the collection of recyclable materials and contributing ideas for tower designs.
•Promoting waste separation and recycling awareness as part of a cultural initiative.
• Highlighting the towers and transforming them into recognizable urban landmarks.
• Emphasizing the corridor route through colors coordinated with the bike path paving.
•Encouraging public participation by involving citizens in the collection of recyclable materials and contributing ideas for tower designs.
•Promoting waste separation and recycling awareness as part of a cultural initiative.
This concept is inspired by the works of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, pioneers of environmental art. Their approach combines aesthetic and socio-cultural objectives, aiming to elevate public spaces through creativity and community engagement.
We compiled all the information, diagrams, maps, photos, and drawings from this project into a comprehensive 32-page booklet. This document presents a cohesive overview of the entire process, from analysis to design, highlighting the key ideas and proposals.
The following images offer a glimpse into the content and structure of this publication.
The following images offer a glimpse into the content and structure of this publication.
