Eram Project: Revitalizing Qom's Historic Street with Traditional Architecture

Eram Project: Embracing Tradition in Qom's Historic Walking Street

The Eram Project, undertaken by VIRAFORM architectural firm, is a remarkable addition to the vibrant streetscape of Qom, Iran. Completed in 2018, this architectural gem is situated on Eram Street, near the city's historic bazaar and in close proximity to the revered Fatima Masumeh Holy Shrine. Led by the talented architect Reza Jafari, the project aimed to pay homage to the historical context of Eram Street and restore a sense of unity and order to the area.

Extensive urban research was conducted prior to the project's commencement, focusing on the facades and sidewalks of Eram Street. Through a study of the street's evolution during the first and second Pahlavi periods, it became evident that numerous buildings with distinct architectural features had been erected in this location. Unfortunately, unregulated additions and the proliferation of advertisement signs had led to a visual chaos and lack of harmony in the streetscape.

To address these issues, the project focused on designing a facade that would minimize disorder and reject excessive billboard advertisements. The choice of turquoise color and white brick materials was influenced by their historical prevalence in the area. Furthermore, the height of the facade was carefully considered to comply with new regulations, ensuring minimal disruption to the future skyline of Eram Street.

The design solution adopted for the project was a double skin facade, characterized by a clean square shape. The outer skin incorporated vertical layers of white bricks, while the inner skin showcased turquoise tiles arranged in a grid pattern alongside glass bricks. This composition created a visually striking grid of squares, allowing filtered light to permeate the commercial interior spaces. The double skin facade effectively prevented the need for additional panels or intrusive elements.

Furthermore, the design cleverly incorporated a recessed section on the right side of the facade to accommodate the installation of the Eram brand nameplate. This thoughtful addition not only enhanced the overall aesthetic but also contributed to the warp and weft structure of the facade. The vertical stretching of the brickwork added dynamism to the streetscape, offering pedestrians a unique visual experience that harmonized seamlessly with the surroundings.

The double-skin facade, with its warp and weft structure, pays homage to the traditional Iranian carpet, evoking a sense of aesthetic memory and nostalgia. The use of turquoise tiles and brick materials further establishes a connection to Iran's rich architectural heritage. The Eram Project is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and contextual design approach employed by VIRAFORM architectural firm.

In conclusion, the Eram Project successfully revitalizes the historic Eram Street in Qom, Iran. Through careful research and a thoughtful design approach, the project restores unity and order to the streetscape while embracing the cultural heritage of the area. This architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to the talent and vision of the project's lead architect, Reza Jafari, and the entire design team at VIRAFORM.

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