Tree by Mahdi Ghiasy: Growth-Inspired Building Design

Award-winning architecture merges nature, innovation, and social interaction

Tree, a building designed by Mahdi Ghiasy, stands as a testament to the power of nature-inspired architecture. Conceived to support young entrepreneurs and startups, the complex eliminates traditional office startup costs by integrating workspaces and a public café. The design draws from the image of a bud growing into an old tree, symbolizing both personal and communal growth. The structure is divided into two main sections: an office area and a café situated below street level, encouraging interaction with the urban landscape.

Central to the building’s identity is a dramatic void that allows natural light to filter through the structure, illuminating a preserved tree at its heart. The café roof, shaped to evoke the whirling motion of the Sufi Sama dance, and a concrete façade engineered to control sunlight, highlight the project’s innovative approach to form and function. Stairs inspired by musical notes further reinforce the theme of progress and upward movement, while traditional Iranian tiles and handmade bricks add cultural depth and tactile appeal.

The construction employs advanced technologies such as GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) for sunlight management and a waffle roof structure to enhance both aesthetics and structural performance. The building’s three floors are carefully planned to maximize interaction with the surrounding environment, offering multiple entrances and preserving the site’s original tree as a living symbol of growth. This thoughtful integration of natural and built elements creates a landmark that responds to both client needs and the busy urban context.

With a total constructed area of 4,200 square meters and a height of 16 meters, Tree is designed to function as a living organism, inviting the public to linger and engage. The project’s dual-purpose layout—combining a coffee shop and bookstore with a digital shopping complex—reflects a flexible approach to contemporary urban life. The design process, which began in January 2025 and concluded in March 2025, was marked by challenges such as managing sunlight, preserving the central tree, and harmonizing the building’s dynamic forms with its surroundings.

Tree’s unique blend of sustainable architecture, contextual sensitivity, and innovative material use has garnered recognition, earning the Iron A' Design Award in 2025. This accolade highlights the project’s success in integrating industry best practices with creative vision, resulting in a space that supports learning, growth, and positive social interaction. As a symbol of birth, growth, and connection, Tree sets a new standard for how architecture can inspire and nurture its community.

In summary, Mahdi Ghiasy’s Tree project exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform urban spaces into vibrant, interactive environments. By merging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and a deep respect for nature, the building offers a blueprint for future developments that prioritize both innovation and human experience.