Shahrdari Public Square: A Cultural Pedestrian Plaza in Rasht

Revitalizing a Historic Square for Urban Life

Municipality Square in Rasht, known as Shahrdari Public Square, is considered a stage to represent collective life. It comprises buildings, elements, people, and events that have shaped the history of the city. This square has been transformed into a better place for urban life, incorporating semantic, structural, and social factors. Located downtown beside Green Square and the traditional market, it is a focal point between the city and its citizens. The unique aspect of the urban design of this square lies in its social spirit and non-physical meaning. The design takes into account the importance of collective memories embedded in space and the cultural characteristics that interact with the environment. The flexibility of the project has fostered movement and public participation, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The square now features social hangouts for people of all backgrounds, a special fountain for family gatherings, benches under the trees, and a space for youth and artists. Abandoned and deserted buildings have been transformed into cafes and restaurants. Today, Shahrdari Public Square is a cultural sidewalk overflowing with identity, history, and social life, leaving lasting memories for citizens and tourists alike.

The project faced several challenges, including the timing of its execution, economic limitations, and strict regulations from authorities and the municipality. However, these challenges were turned into opportunities for innovative design solutions. The timing was carefully managed to minimize disruption to the city's daily activities. Local and culture-adjusted materials were used, such as sandblast for the rainy climate of the area, ensuring resistance to water and humidity. The design also incorporated technical specifications to enhance the square's functionality. These included the rhythmic row of lampposts, creating a factitious wall to adjust the skyline, and the creation of a tape path for emergency vehicle movement while dividing the space into two sub-spaces for human vision. The historical statue of Mirzakoochak Khan, the constitutional leader of the region, was relocated to the center of Saadi St., surrounded by historical symmetrical buildings, further enhancing the square's aesthetic appeal.

The Shahrdari Public Square project was realized between September 2015 and March 2016 in Rasht, Iran. The design team, led by Polsheer Architects Planner Engineers, included architects Mohammad-Reza Ghaneei, Ashkan Ghaneei, and Saeed Heidarian, along with various design associates and researchers. The project manager was Farnoush Ostadi, and the head of engineering was Mohammad Hadian-Zarkesh. The square's design was inspired by the old buildings that showcased a mix of Iranian and Russian architectural styles from the PAHLAVi era. The formal shape of the square exudes a royal ambiance, with its white body and red ceiling standing out among the surrounding structures. The square serves as a visual representation of the blending of architectural styles from different eras, combining modern and traditional elements. The design includes modern light sticks and furniture, alongside reconstructed old and ancient symbols.

The revitalization of Shahrdari Public Square has transformed it into a vibrant cultural pedestrian plaza, breathing new life into the heart of Rasht. The square now serves as a gathering place for citizens, offering a mix of leisure activities and business opportunities. It has become a symbol of the city's identity and history, preserving collective memories for generations to come.