Sama: A Music Pavilion Inspired by Sama Dance

Respecting Street Music with Innovative Design

Sama draws inspiration from the costume of a Sama dancer, an ancient dance that holds significant cultural importance in Iran. Traditionally performed in group ceremonies, Sama is accompanied by instruments, songs, and dances. The designers saw an opportunity to address the challenges faced by street musicians and create a space that respects the essence of street music, much like the Sama dance.

One of the main problems faced by street musicians is the lack of adequate space. Sama provides a dedicated area for performing street music, ensuring that musicians have a suitable space to showcase their talent. Additionally, the structure is designed to withstand various weather conditions, protecting the instruments from the destructive effects of climate change.

What sets Sama apart is its unique form and material selection. The pavilion's design enhances acoustic quality and ensures proper performance in different weather conditions. The special form of Sama prevents the focus of sound, allowing for an integrated play of sound and creating an immersive experience for both musicians and listeners of street music.

The realization of Sama involves a structural system consisting of a metal frame filled with eco-brick material. Electrical equipment and lights are strategically placed within the structure, and a layer of micro-cement coating provides the final inner and outer coating. The outer layer also incorporates solar cells, which generate the energy needed for the electrical and lighting equipment.

With an area of 225 square meters and dimensions of 15m x 15m x 6m, Sama offers ample space for musicians to perform and engage with the audience. Its adaptability allows it to be built in different locations, making it a versatile addition to urban environments.

Sama goes beyond being just a physical structure. It is connected to a music streaming platform, enabling artists to connect and share their music while inside the pavilion. The platform allows artists to create profiles, share their work, and distribute it online. Listeners can also follow their favorite musicians and discover new music through this platform.

The design phase of Sama began in 2021, and the project was designed to be flexible enough to be implemented in various locations. Extensive research was conducted to understand the needs of street musicians and address the challenges related to sound quality during performances. The design team drew inspiration from the acoustics of Iran's historic mosques, adapting the form to meet the specific acoustic requirements of Sama.

One of the significant challenges faced by the design team was creating a pavilion that could be built in different places. Sama's adaptive design and the use of economical and lightweight materials helped overcome this challenge. The result is a pavilion that respects street music, reduces the negative effects of temperature and humidity on instruments, and spreads an integrated sound for an immersive experience.

Sama has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life.

Sama is not just a music pavilion; it is a testament to the power of design in creating spaces that honor tradition, solve problems, and enhance the human experience. With its unique form, acoustic qualities, and integration with technology, Sama sets a new standard for street music performance spaces.