Entrance of Guilan university go back to all projects
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Design Approach
In this project, our approach to designing the entrance gate of the university involves a fresh definition, both in form and layout, while respecting and drawing from the architectural values of Gilan. Our goal is to reduce costs for the project's feasibility while also creating a universal symbol of various sciences and knowledge. Considering the longstanding history of the University of Gilan, the initial steps of our approach are based on preserving the current entrance.
Handling the Existing Security Space
There are two approaches to addressing the security needs of the space: First, we could demolish the existing security booth and design a new space according to the new plan. Alternatively, we could maintain the current security booth with its previous function. Although demolishing it would have simplified the design process, we chose to consider the existing structure and create elements to preserve the previous security space. By expanding it, we aim to retain the sense of nostalgia for those who studied or worked at the university in the past, preserving the "mental image" from the past. Additionally, this approach is more cost-effective.
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Idea Formation Process
Initially, to address the design of the entrance gate for the University of Gilan, we reviewed and analyzed what has been established so far in the creation of entrance gates. We questioned whether our findings from studying the architectural characteristics of gates could provide a strategic approach. By examining exemplary designs, including the entrance gate of the University of Tehran and others, we concluded that each, despite its unique form and theoretical basis, couldn't offer a clear direction for our initial idea.
Upon a brief review and considering the following factors, we moved away from the classical view of designing entrance gates. These factors include:
1. The vast design area
2. Low pedestrian traffic and access
3. Significant vehicular traffic and access into the complex
4. The wide field of view
5. The impact of vehicle speed on the highway in perceiving the entrance gate from their viewpointThe classical approach and its theorized definition, both formally as a symbolic and sculptural element, with an enclosing and filtering space or as an entrance gate, do not provide a clear and prominent path for realizing our vision. Instead of single monolithic elements, we have moved towards multi-faceted forms with a larger footprint. Even the roof, traditionally the main element in classical gate designs, has been omitted due to budget constraints and to allow for greater flexibility in creating a new definition of the entrance and gateway.
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Strategy for Preserving Existing Buildings
They symbolize the multi-year identity of the university.
They have created a mental image associated with the university.
They are intertwined with the memories of many individuals. -
Step One:
Repeating the existing vertical security element.
(symbolic of the wooden columns in traditional Gilan houses)
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Step Two
The need to evoke an imaginary roof that can recall the abstract form of traditional houses.
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Step Three
Two-dimensional gate forms commonly used cannot be perceived at high speeds.
(translating the two-dimensional gate form into a three-dimensional pyramid-shaped sloped roof)
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Step Four
Rotating the elements created in Step One.
(based on the geometric lines of the form considered in Step Three)
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Step Five
Creating a form evocative of a pyramid-shaped volume (Step Three) based on Gestalt theory.
(symbolic of the structural columns supporting the roofs of traditional Gilan houses)
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Step Six
Adjusting the size, scale, length, and width of the entrance elements
based on geometric progression and parameters dependent on the height of the elements.
(symbolic of mathematical, natural, and human sciences)
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Relocation of the University Entrance Sign
Given the location of the university on a highway outside the city, vehicular traffic significantly exceeds pedestrian traffic.
The current location of the sign (above the gate) is not suitable for high-speed vehicular visibility.
Therefore, the following is the appropriate place to position the sign.
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Methodology in Adapting Gilan's Vernacular Architecture
The approach to adapting and drawing inspiration from Gilan's architecture in shaping the design form includes references to the vertical lines and elongated columns, as well as the outward-facing form in Gilan's traditional architecture. By utilizing the strength of these lines as a design element and repeating the arrangement of wood in the braces under the sloped roofs, our design has been directed towards creating elongated columns. This repetitive feature is clearly visible in the vertical wooden fences used to separate semi-private and public spaces.
In this design, by employing elongated concrete columns as the central core of the security structure and creating a visual perspective of the sloped roof, we aim to evoke the essence of Gilan's traditional sloped roofs. This approach ensures that the viewers, accustomed to the sloped roof architecture in Gilan, can identify with the design. This not only evokes the sloped roofs of Gilan but also utilizes the patterns of Gilan's vernacular architecture.
By selecting specific materials and structural techniques and shaping the columns to resemble books, we aim to represent the scientific and engineering environment inside the university complex. Additionally, the arrangement and elongation of the columns symbolize individuals gravitating towards the space of knowledge and learning. The closer to the entrance, the taller and more prominent the columns become, symbolizing the impact of knowledge on human character and life.
Using traditional motifs from the Gilan region in the design of doors and the elements filling the gaps in the fences plays a significant role in our commitment to preserving Gilan's local values.
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