**Tavakoli Saffron and Dried Fruits Factory**
The Tavakoli Saffron and Dried Fruits Factory, located in Mashhad Industrial Estate No. 5, is conceived as an industrial complex that combines production efficiency with visitor engagement. Rather than functioning solely as a manufacturing facility, the project is designed as an industrial-experience-driven environment where operational processes and spatial quality are integrated to create a meaningful interaction between users, visitors, and the production cycle.
The architectural organization of the project is based on a flexible 10×10 meter modular grid, which structures the site into four independent yet interconnected zones. This modular strategy provides the opportunity for phased construction, allowing the project to grow according to future operational needs while maintaining uninterrupted functionality. Furthermore, the separation of structural zones increases economic adaptability and enables different parts of the complex to operate independently when required.
Responding to the semi-arid climate of Mashhad, environmental considerations play a significant role in the design. A series of linear courtyards are positioned along the prevailing wind direction to enhance natural ventilation, improve thermal comfort, and reduce dependence on mechanical cooling systems. These courtyards also introduce natural daylight deep into the building mass, creating healthier and more comfortable working environments. The carefully designed building envelope, characterized by controlled openings and optimized shading strategies, minimizes energy consumption while regulating daylight quality and reducing heat gain.
At the center of the project, a 400-square-meter lobby acts as the social and experiential core of the complex. More than a simple entrance hall, this space serves as a gathering area and the starting point of the visitor journey. Direct visual and physical connections link the lobby to the retail store, café, and internal courtyard, creating an inviting and interactive atmosphere. From this central space, a public circulation route extends through the building via a prominent staircase, guiding visitors toward the processing, production, packaging, and administrative areas. This carefully choreographed movement transforms the factory from a purely industrial facility into an educational and spatial experience that reveals the value chain of saffron and dried fruit production.
Overall, the project represents a synthesis of industrial architecture, climate-responsive design, operational flexibility, and user-centered experience. By balancing efficiency, sustainability, and public engagement, the Tavakoli Saffron and Dried Fruits Factory establishes a contemporary model for industrial development that strengthens both production performance and visitor interaction.
2025
2026
Location: Industrial Estate No. 5, Mashhad, Iran
Program: Saffron and Dried Fruits Factory
Planning: 10×10 m modular grid divided into four independent zones
Key Spaces: Production areas, administration, retail store, café, central lobby, and courtyards
Lobby Area: 400 m²
Climate Strategy: Linear courtyards for natural ventilation, controlled openings for daylight and energy efficiency
Design Approach: Integration of industrial production, climate-responsive architecture, and visitor experience
Design: Maand Office – Sanam Ahmadzadeh, Koosha Movahedi
Design Team: Sanam Ahmadzadeh – Koosha Movahedi – Zahra Ghasemi
Visual Artist: Mohsen Barzegar
Contractor: Maand Office – Koosha Movahedi, Sanam Ahmadzadeh
Site Supervisor: Amir Tavakoli
Structural Design: Dr. Hassan Daneshvar
Client: Tavakoli Saffron
Site Area: 5,000 m²
Built Area: 11,000 m²
Design Year: 2024
Status: Under construction
Mohsen Barzegar
