alLEY alLEY alLEY alLEY alLEY alLEY alLEY alLEY alLEY alLEY


Project Name: Koocheh (Alley) Office

Team: Amir Lahouti, Shadi Bitaraf, Amirhossein Bahrami

Year: 2023

Location: Tehran, Iran

Category: Competition



Nowadays, the significance of office design is widely acknowledged. However, despite the diverse identities that companies hold within their respective industries, many struggle to cultivate a workspace that truly reflects their unique characteristics and needs.

This discrepancy is particularly pronounced in densely populated urban areas, where office spaces often blend into a sea of generic, indistinguishable units that fail to cater to the specific functional requirements of the organizations they house. Furthermore, these designs often fall short in imbuing the space with a distinct identity.

When faced with the challenge of situating Koocheh magazine's office within an apartment unit, there was an opportunity to reimagine the space in a way that authentically echoed the essence of the publication. Drawing inspiration from the magazine's namesake, "alley" (or "Koocheh" in Farsi), which signifies a pathway teeming with diverse activities, a design approach was undertaken to create a dynamic and cohesive environment within the confines of the apartment.

By dividing the office into two primary zones—"Publication Group" and "Editor's Room"—a central shared space was established that spans from Verdi to the terrace. This flexible area can be adapted to accommodate various functions independently or in tandem. Placing service facilities at the entrance ensures convenient access from all areas of the office.

Central to the design is the concept of the library, symbolizing the fluidity of an alleyway—the core element of the publication's identity. This central space interacts with surrounding walls, activating them in a complementary manner while also serving distinct functional purposes.













The adaptable nature of these walls, which can be manipulated through different techniques to expand or contract the space, facilitates the delineation of internal areas within the publication office. Users have the freedom to adjust the degree and type of penetration, thereby enriching the office with a diverse range of program options and spatial configurations. This innovative approach not only caters to the practical needs of the publication office but also fosters a dynamic atmosphere conducive to unexpected events and activities.

In essence, the design not only addresses the functional requirements of the office but also fosters a sense of identity and vitality, setting it apart from conventional office units.