Exhibition Design
Museum Coordination
Being a designer, I have always nurtured a deep passion for the historic section of my city and its remarkable architecture. I was fortunate enough to join a design team entrusted with the task of transforming two ancient houses into architecture and urban museums in my hometown, Tehran.​
Project 1: Valiasr Museum (Tehran, Iran)
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Project Overview:
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Tehran's Valiasr Street isn't just the city's longest avenue; it's also one of its most historic. This impressive stretch winds through the city, lined with architectural wonders and historical landmarks. One such treasure is a former residence, now a museum, that tells the captivating story of Valiasr Street itself.
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My role: Space designer, curator
Exhibition Space Design:
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In this historic house, rooms and interior spaces are dedicated to different exhibitions based on the theme and the content of each exhibition. Walking through this museum, the user walks through history and also relates to the present.
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I design physical environments that tell compelling stories and enhance the visitor experience in museums.
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I utilize space planning and visitor flow optimization to create user-friendly exhibition experiences.
Product Design :
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In addition to space design and furniture/photo curation, I designed custom pieces for the space.
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Tablet Stand:
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Challenge: To create an interactive experience showcasing historical spaces on a limited budget within a historical setting.
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Solution: A custom-designed metal tablet stand. This stand securely holds a tablet displaying videos and photo albums, allowing visitors to explore each space in detail. The metal construction ensures durability and complements the historical environment, all while remaining cost-effective.
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Double Frame:
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Challenge, Bridging Past and Present: For the "Yesterday, Today" exhibition, I designed a unique double frame concept to visually showcase the passage of time at specific locations. Our challenge was to seamlessly synchronize historical photos from the museum's collection with new photographs capturing the same scene.​
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Solution, Layered Viewing Experience: My solution was a double frame with a built-in lightbox at the back. The historical photo, printed on canvas, was displayed directly over the lightbox. Atop this layer sat a second frame holding a new photograph printed on transparent material.
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Engaging Visitor Interaction: This layered approach allowed visitors to experience a captivating reveal. Initially, they saw the two images superimposed, visually blending past and present. By opening the top frame, visitors could isolate the new photograph and appreciate the modern perspective.
Podcast Production :
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Expanding the Museum Walls: A Valiasr Street Podcast
We bridged the physical and digital realms by creating a podcast series for the Valiasr Street Museum. This podcast aimed to capture the essence of the street and its people, extending the museum experience beyond its wall.
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Preserving Living History: Interviews and Oral Traditions
Through interviews with senior residents, artists, and business owners, the podcast delved into the rich oral traditions of Valiasr Street. These interviews explored traditional events and ceremonies that once took place on the street, preserving a vibrant history for future generations.
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Immersive Storytelling: Walking Tours and Audio Companion
This podcast serves as an immersive companion for visitors strolling down Valiasr Street. Listeners can experience the street's beauty firsthand while simultaneously exploring its stories through the podcast.
Project 2: Lorzadeh Museum
Project Overview:
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A Journey Through Lorzadeh's Legacy
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The Lorzadeh Museum is a meticulously designed space that invites visitors on an immersive journey through the architect's illustrious career. Each carefully curated room unveils facets of Lorzadeh's genius: his architectural masterpieces, his enduring influence, and even glimpses into his family life.
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Beyond Blueprints: A Multifaceted Experience
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This isn't just a showcase of blueprints. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of Lorzadeh's creative spark, from his groundbreaking designs to the personal details that shaped his vision. Through the museum's thoughtful design, visitors encounter not just iconic structures, but the man who brought them to life.
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From Innovation to Legacy: A Comprehensive Exploration
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The Lorzadeh Museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the architect's remarkable life and contributions. It's a testament to his innovative spirit and the profound impact he made on the architectural landscape.
Exhibition Coordination:
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As the exhibition coordinator, I played a key role in curating the museum's spaces, ensuring each room seamlessly told a captivating chapter of Lorzadeh's story.
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I managed the logistics of the exhibition, including object selection, loan arrangements, and installation.
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I developed educational materials and interactive elements to enhance visitor engagement with the exhibition.
Events & Social Media:
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Organized engaging public and professional events to create a vibrant cultural hub.
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Public Events:
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Lectures, panel discussions, and guided tours explored historical significance, architectural trends, and Lorzadeh's work.
Guest speakers, scholars, and experts fostered a stimulating and educational environment.
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Professional Events:
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Workshops, seminars, and exhibitions showcased contemporary practices, design concepts, and advancements.
Events fostered networking, knowledge exchange, and professional development for architects and designers.
Maintained a dynamic social media presence for the Lorzadeh Museum.
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Content creation:
Managed social media content to maintain an active and informative online presence.
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Adapting During Closure (COVID-19):
Engaged audiences online through virtual tours and online discussion panels, fostering connection and interest during the museum closure.
Take away:
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Creating spaces that resonate with people and the city is an incredibly rewarding pursuit. My experience designing for the Valiasr Street Museum solidified this passion. Witnessing firsthand how well-designed spaces can foster engagement with history and architecture was incredibly fulfilling. Seeing a visually impaired visitor navigate the exhibition with ease, thanks to thoughtful accessibility features, reinforced the importance of inclusive design.
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Collaboration with a talented team of researchers, historians, and graphic designers broadened my horizons. Learning from experts in their fields deepened my understanding of Valiasr Street's rich history and the broader context of urban development. This continuous learning process fueled my desire to expand my knowledge and expertise.
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The project also honed my professional skills. Balancing the creative vision with budget constraints, coordinating with diverse stakeholders, and ensuring seamless execution of events and exhibitions were valuable lessons.