Meander through the olive orchards of Minoudasht in north-eastern Iran, where the Cheshm Cheran Bazi Playground by ZAV Architects stitches a vibrant narrative into the landscape. Nestled beside the Cheshm Cheran complex, completed in 2017 for both visitor and agricultural interaction, this playground unfurls across the orchard with its elevated platforms, bridges, and interactive play areas.
The playground’s bright yellow flooring cuts through the silver-green olive trees, while bold red steel frames carve graceful paths. Rising into the canopy before dipping down towards the earth, the structure seamlessly integrates the natural rhythm of the orchard, allowing visitors to engage with the environment from every angle.
An innovative blend of agriculture and architecture
ZAV Architects ingeniously utilized an existing metal grid formerly employed for tree training to shape this project. The grid, dictated by the orchard’s fixed tree positions and agricultural utility, gave the playground its distinctive rhythm. Circular platforms, varying in height and suspension, create a continuous path that spirals upward towards the main structure.
The integration of perforated plastic flooring, crafted in collaboration with local artisans and manufacturers, further highlights the union between architecture and environment. This design choice allows air, light, and shadows to interact freely, further strengthening the connection between the deck, canopy, and ground.
A lightweight structure with a vivid footprint
Harnessing locally-sourced metal profiles shaped through rolling techniques, the playground’s structure possesses both lightness and modularity. Red steel outlines form the structure, while the yellow decking ensures an easy-to-follow path both from above and within the grove. From beneath, the infrastructure’s silhouette of columns and beams forms shaded pockets where seating and assembly areas invite interaction at ground level.
The Cheshm Cheran Bazi Playground enhances Farsh Farm’s multifaceted role, promoting cultivation, lodging, and communal activities. It grants children and visitors an immersive experience, encouraging movement, exploration, and tactile engagement among the orchard’s trees.
This inspired collaborative project by @zavarchitects transforms an agricultural setting into a space of play and interaction. With slides, swings, trampolines, and rotating surfaces cleverly integrated throughout the networks of walkways and platforms, each element naturally complements the overarching construction.
The efforts of lead architects Mohamadreza Ghodousi, Fateme Rezaei Fakhr, and Golnaz Bahrami, along with their dedicated team, have created a space that invites exploration and redefines interaction with both nature and design. Completion is slated for 2025, promising an enriching experience for everyone visiting this Iranian olive grove.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com