Caravanserai {Tracing the Desert}

The project explores an integrated tourism and recreational project in a dry context of central desert near a salt lake in Maranjab-Iran. Central deserts are one of the most interesting parts to visit because of their pure nature. Here, a tourism building with regard to the traditional Caravanserai prototype is designed with a tracing concept. The lines, ups and downs of the site are the basic inspirations in this heterogenic formation. To achieve this form, the lines of the desert are morphed to the internal space of the Caravanserai.
Functional diagrams are based on two main parts as cultural and residential. A restaurant, an amphitheater and a small science center for astronomy studies is designed as its creative physical planning to enjoy the sky in the desert nights. Mechanical rooms, car and pedestrian accesses are considered as important and fundamental parts of the design process.
The design process explores a dynamic and vigorous trace of the desert lines which are making the architectural volume in an organic site. The respect to the horizon line makes some parts underground and some specific holes are designed to have volume effects in these spaces. The travelers and visitors reside and stay in the desert in a calm nature.

Structural consideration contains the frames and slabs which can be built with vernacular building construction materials as shown on the structure models.
Due to the hot weather and the harsh climatic winds, a sustainable approach is chosen to put some of the main parts underground and to use solar systems on the roof.

Caravanserai {Tracing the Desert} by Seyedehmahsan Mohsenin in Iran won the WA Award Cycle 3. Please find below the WA Award poster for this project.