In traditional Iranian architecture, the focal points of bazaars and commercial spaces were the Timchehs—central courtyards where merchants traded in adjoining shops. One of the finest examples, the Timcheh Amin al-Dowleh in Kashan, served as a key inspiration for the design of the Vanak project.
Drawing from the spatial fluidity and light composition of the Timcheh, the project explores the soft transition of walls into ceilings, emphasizing the use of natural light from above and the sculptural continuity of architectural form. This principle became the foundation of the project’s design language.
The Vanak Complex, a 16-story development with a total built area of 42,000 square meters, features a recessed ground-level entrance that creates a small urban plaza along the street, enhancing the public realm. Entirely designed by Saye Architects, the project functions as a mixed-use office and commercial complex. The ground floor accommodates a luxurious lounge, restaurants, and high-end retail spaces, while the upper floors contain a variety of office units.
The distinctive architectural form of the building has turned it into an urban landmark—a contemporary expression rooted in Iranian architectural heritage. The complex also includes a range of amenities such as lounges, restaurants, cafés, conference halls, a grand lobby connected to landscaped areas, diverse office and retail units, and a rooftop garden equipped with a helipad, tennis courts, and a rooftop restaurant.
