Didar Cafe: A Modern Oasis in an Old Space

Alireza Shafiei Tabar's Award-Winning Design Merges Classic and Modern Elements

The inspiration for the Didar Cafe project came from the desire to maintain the old space as intact as possible and add a modern concept to the building. The word "Didar," meaning "visit" in Persian, reflects the cafe's intention to offer its customers a closer engagement with nature. The design's unique properties provide a pleasant experience of coexistence with the surrounding nature, allowing visitors to feel the color of flowers, the green of the trees, and the blue of the sky in an unconscious interaction.

The cafe's main structure is made of double-layered solar energy glasses, designed with modern and minimal fittings. The dimensions of the cafe vary, with a length of 14.40m, a width of 4.80m, and a height of 4.50m. The outer and inner spaces of the cafe are directly related, providing a relaxing environment that combines elements of the classic world and modernism.

The design process, which took 12 weeks, was not without challenges. The main difficulties included controlling the indoor temperature, creating fresh air, calculating the seismic resistance of the building, and designing its fittings. Despite these challenges, the design team, including Mohannad Nazemzade, Behkam Moslehi, and Maral Arabanvari, managed to create a unique and innovative space.

Didar Cafe is a perfect example of how a commitment to preserving the status quo can lead to innovative design solutions. The idea of using the swimming pool as the platform for designing the cafe came to the designer's mind in his first encounter with the situation and condition of the existing building. This design translates the concept of purity into form, offering visitors a close encounter with nature.

The design was recognized with the Silver A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.