Kerman Museum Building: A Modern and Sustainable Design

Bringing Tradition and Innovation Together

Located in the hot and dry climate of Kerman, Iran, the design team faced the challenge of creating a building that could withstand the harsh weather conditions while maintaining a close relationship with the surrounding nature and culture. To address these concerns, the main building was elevated to +8 meters and covered with a transformable outer shell consisting of photovoltaic panels. This shell not only provides protection from the elements but also generates the entire building's energy needs.

The use of low-E window glasses, opaque photovoltaic panels, roof gardens, and movable panels further enhance the energy efficiency of the building. The size and location of the photovoltaic panels were carefully designed using specialized software to maximize their effectiveness in capturing sunlight throughout the year.

One of the main strengths of the Kerman Museum Building is its ability to create a close relationship between the interior spaces and the exterior surroundings. The amphitheater and restaurant on the ground floor feature topography-based shapes, while the building's terraces are covered with numerous plants, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature.

The design process for the Kerman Museum Building began in October 2016 and was completed in February 2017. Extensive research was conducted on the traditional Kapar structures and their compatibility with the regional climate. The external shell of the museum building was inspired by Kapar, and its transformable form was simulated using advanced software to ensure its functionality.

The Kerman Museum Building has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2017. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, the Kerman Museum Building stands as a testament to the power of design to create functional and sustainable spaces that enrich our lives.