Design of the main gate and wall of Hadishahr Cemetery
The design of the Hādī Shahr Cemetery Entrance Gate and Facade transcends mere physical demarcation; it is an architectural response to the concepts of mortality and eternal tranquility situated within an old, deeply religious neighborhood. The philosophy rests upon the revitalization of the geometric order and spiritual silence found in pure Islamic-Iranian forms—a shared language of ancient mosque architecture used to convey closeness to the Divine and communal solace, skillfully interwoven with Iranian architectural cunning.
- Title: Hādī Shahr Cemetery Entrance: A Gateway to Stillness, Embracing Tradition
- Designer: Omid Hosseinian Engineering Group
- Location: Hadishahr
- Typology: Memorial Architecture with Landscape Approach
- Sensory Transition and the Filtered Boundary
The primary objective was to facilitate a psychological transition from the speed and chaos of urban life to internal stillness and contemplation. The entrance gate"s placement meticulously avoids encroaching on public space, and critically, the entry axis is aligned precisely with the Mosque and central Tomb, establishing a potent spatial and semantic connection between the sacred spaces.
To define the boundary, a semi-transparent facade functions as a sensory filter, replacing the solid, isolating wall. This controlled permeability is achieved through the rhythmic repetition of medium-sized Chidri Arches. The Chidri arch, with its brick texture and inherent depth, not only secures privacy but channels light and view into the space in a fragmented, controlled manner, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow across the brick surfaces that evokes a sense of dignity and deep contemplation. This facade compels the observer to slow down and breathe the architecture.
- Materiality, Symbolism, and Social Service
In total adherence to cultural and climatic identity, the material palette emphasizes gravity, permanence, and regional authenticity:
1. Red Brick (Dominant Material): Serving as the core substance of the facade, its porous texture and warm color project the longevity and integrity of Iranian architecture.
1. Glazed Tiles (Accent Element): Offering a surface brilliance that contrasts with the matte texture of the brick, tiles are used in two focal points:
a. Main Epigraph Band of the Gate: Where inscriptions and verses are laid, elevating the structure from a simple gate to a symbolic, spiritual portal.
b. Saghākhāneh Facades: Sections of the facade are seamlessly integrated with the Saghākhāneh (public water fountain) element. This element holds a profound social and memorial role in Iranian culture—a point of vows, continuous charity (waqf), and collective remembrance that actively links the living community to the departed through an ongoing act of benevolence.
By synthesizing Islamic geometry, Iranian brick texture, and the social function of the Saghākhāneh, the project transforms the cemetery entrance into a place of manifestation that, while separating respectfully, functions as a cultural-religious landmark and service for the entire neighborhood.
