Qibla Square
Architect: Mohammadreza Soleimani
Project Type: Urban Design
Employer: Mashhad Municipilaty
Location: Mashhad, Iran
Project Year: 2014
The urban space planned for the Qibla Square beside the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, as the principal pilgrimage center of Iran, creates a unique setting for this complex. On this basis, several primary factors were considered in the design process of this project:
Pedestrianization and Ground-Level Zoning
Given the square’s location and the important focal elements around it, pedestrianizing the ground level was considered an appropriate measure to address some of the site’s problems. Accordingly, Khosravi-Now Street level is treated as a continuation of the Reza Bazaar axis and its commercial area.
In addition, considering the positions of the Sarshoor and Farsh markets, it is proposed that the pedestrianized commercial axis in front of the square be extended to reach the Sarshoor and Farsh market axis, thereby connecting these two commercial corridors.
Continuous, smooth, and well-defined circulation connecting to public transport, main axes, and a mix of functions.
View toward the shrine
Skylights
flexibility
Combination of light, water, and vegetation
Symbolic outlook, combining traditions with contemporary concepts
