Tetra Food Hall by OJAN Design Studio: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Tetra Food Hall, designed by OJAN Design Studio, is a three-level commercial architecture project located on Kianabad Street in Ahvaz, Iran. Covering an area of 600 square meters, this modern food hall integrates a café, restaurant, and pastry bakery, offering a dynamic spatial experience. The design redefines the existing structure, creating a new urban typology that harmonizes with its surroundings while maintaining a distinctive identity.

Architectural Concept and Urban Context

Before the renovation, the building featured a plain stone façade with no significant architectural value. Surrounded by tall brick buildings, the client's vision was to develop a façade design that seamlessly blends with the urban fabric while standing out as a unique architectural landmark. The design prioritizes:

• Contextual harmony with the surrounding structures.
• Attracting pedestrians through an innovative and inviting design.
• A distinctive visual identity that reinterprets traditional brick architecture.

Structural Transformation: From Concrete to Curved Brick Walls

To achieve the desired architectural aesthetics, the existing façade was completely removed, while the concrete structure was retained as a supporting framework. The new design introduces a curved brick façade, which enhances the connection between the interior and exterior spaces. The selection of brick materials was influenced by neighboring buildings, ensuring a cohesive integration with the urban streetscape.

Key Design Features:

• Curved brick walls create a fluid, organic transition from the exterior to the interior.
• Each brick wall has a unique radius and angle, designed to serve distinct functions within the space.
• Specific brickwork techniques enhance textural depth and sensory engagement.

Brickwork Innovation and Sensory Experience

One of the most striking features of Tetra Food Hall is its meticulously crafted brickwork design. The project employs adzed bricks, which encourage tactile interaction and enhance light and shadow play. These bricks were partially handmade, ensuring each piece possesses a unique texture and form. Unlike machine-made bricks, this technique adds an artistic and organic quality to the structure.

Highlights of the Brickwork Design:

• Handcrafted textures create a one-of-a-kind visual and tactile experience.
• Light and shadow effects add depth and dynamism to the façade.
• Bricks as an artistic medium, blurring the lines between architecture and sculpture.

Interior Design and Materiality

The interior design of Tetra Food Hall enhances its architectural concept through a selection of natural and industrial materials. To establish a sensory-rich environment, the design incorporates:

• Lush greenery, including flower boxes, green walls, and a tall palm tree as a central focal point.
• Raw materials such as concrete, black metal, and natural wood, which contrast beautifully with the warm brick tones.
• Curved seating arrangements that follow the organic flow of the architecture.

Spatial Experience: Multi-Level Design

Tetra Food Hall offers a varied spatial experience across its different levels, each designed to provide a unique atmosphere and function:

• Two enclosed levels house the main dining areas, café, and bakery.
• A semi-open terrace provides a transitional space between indoor and outdoor environments.
• An open roof garden offers a relaxing retreat with panoramic views.

 A New Architectural Landmark

Tetra Food Hall stands as a remarkable example of contemporary commercial architecture, where traditional brick craftsmanship meets modern design principles. The project successfully reinterprets the historical use of brick in Ahvaz’s urban landscape, creating an inviting space that resonates with both locals and visitors. Through its curved walls, handcrafted textures, and lush interior elements, this project extends the melody of the city into its architectural form, making it a standout addition to the urban fabric.

All Photographs are works of M.H.Hamzehlouei