Shiva Najafi

The windcatcher:

Project Design Process

We began by questioning what could symbolize a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, dedicated to producing compounds for human health. Initially, we considered laboratory equipment like flasks and beakers. However, upon reflection, we realized the answer lay within the question itself: "a facility dedicated to preserving human health."

We then explored how health, vitality, and growth could be expressed architecturally. Instead of relying solely on built forms, we envisioned an open central space symbolized by a perennial tree, representing life, growth, and health.

This tree was placed at the center, surrounded by a protective wall symbolizing shelter and guardianship, creating an entryway embodying these core principles. To ensure the wall was engaging, we introduced a parametric pattern, abstractly representing the cellular structure of living organisms.

The project's design and approval process spanned about a year, addressing various functional requirements such as spaces for management, separate access points for male and female employees, storage for firefighting equipment, night watchman rest areas, nearly 360-degree visibility for security, and a lobby displaying the factory's products.

We also carefully considered entrance circulation and other crucial design aspects.