MINISTRY OF OIL HEADQUARTERS

Tehran, Iran

2002

Architect: The Kirkland Partnership Architects

Client: Ministry of Oil, Iran

Kris Vassilev's Scope of Work:

Concept and schematic design.

The project was awarded First Prize in an international design competition with entries from France, Germany, England, Japan and Canada. The 3 ha site is located at a central position in the district of North Tehran with the Alborz Mountains acting as a backdrop immediately north of the site. The central organizing structure of the plan is a succession of terraced garden courts, contained by the flattened surfaces of the buildings around - a Persian tradition of large complexes surrounding geometrically precise public spaces. The complex contains offices of the major oil companies in Iran and the Iranian Ministry of Oil, which occupies the top floors of a 45-story tower, as well as an array of modern services designed to serve 8 000 employees, including banking, food service, library, theatrical space, daycare, and prayer hall.