A White Statue Floating on the Water: A Unique Restaurant Design in Zahedan

Creating a Calm and Unique Architectural Space for Students and Academics

The project, designed by New Wave Architecture, is situated in Sistan & Baluchestan university campus, catering to native and non-native university students and staff. With a total area of about 3000 sqm, this restaurant design stands out for its simplicity, unique form, and its ability to adapt to the dry and hot climate conditions of Zahedan, Iran.

The design of this restaurant was driven by the need to create a space that would blend in with the surroundings while offering a calm and unique architectural presence. The project was divided into two parts to adhere to ethical rules and mandatory governmental criteria, resulting in a design that weaves two objects subtly and presents a new perspective.

The use of materials played a crucial role in bringing unity and consistency to the overall architectural composition. White Travertine stone and glass were selected as the main materials, symbolizing simplicity, purity, and stability.

Measuring 90000 mm in length, 40000 mm in width, and 9000 mm in height, this restaurant design stands as a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and technical specifications.

The folded skin of the building creates spaces, shadows, and expands along the surfaces, opening up to the surrounding landscape. The use of glass enhances the transparency of the facade, capturing reflections of light, shadow, and views of the green spaces.

Completed in 2010, this project not only responds to physical planning requirements and climatic issues but also leaves a lasting impact on the entire campus. The windows strategically placed along the loops provide a direct visual connection between the students and the environment, fostering a sense of connection and interaction.

Zahedan, located in the hot-dry region of Iran, presented unique challenges for this design. The city has faced socio-economic and cultural hardships, including poverty, terrorism, violence, and ethnic discrimination. Despite these challenges, the restaurant design aims to provide a pleasant architectural space that caters to both genders, particularly during hot summers, by incorporating natural airflow, green areas, and a water pool for natural air circulation.

The "statue on the water" concept not only pays homage to the traditional use of water in Iranian architecture but also establishes a new typology of architecture in Zahedan.

This unique restaurant design by New Wave Architecture has been recognized for its excellence and innovation. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2014, showcasing its outstanding technical characteristics and remarkable artistic skill.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Lida Almassian / Shahin Heidari
Image Credits: New Wave Architecture
Project Team Members: ARCHITECTS: LIDA ALMASSIAN / SHAHIN HEIDARI (New Wave Architecture) Architects associate: Fatemeh Mohammadi, Sara Farahani, Alireza Kamrani, Navid Ghasemzadeh, Helaleh Alaei
Project Name: A white statue floating on the water
Project Client: Lida Almassian / Shahin Heidari


A white statue floating on the water IMG #2
A white statue floating on the water IMG #3
A white statue floating on the water IMG #4
A white statue floating on the water IMG #5
A white statue floating on the water IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant