X in Box: Redefining Public Space at Vali Asr Plaza

Public spaces form the backbone of urban architecture, offering people a place to gather, connect, and rejuvenate. The project X in Box, designed by Ali Nazari, Ali Malakootinia, and Saeed Hatami, reimagines how citizens of Tehran can interact with their environment. By integrating modular, multifunctional furniture into the heart of Vali Asr Plaza, the project demonstrates how urban architecture design can enhance human experience in one of the city’s most iconic locations.

Location and Context

Vali Asr Plaza sits on Tehran’s oldest and most important street, Vali Asr Street, directly connected to the Vali Asr Metro Station. This location is a bustling cultural and artistic hub, surrounded by theaters, bookstores, and Tehran University. The project’s placement in this setting ensures accessibility for diverse groups of people, especially students and young professionals, creating a natural flow between education, culture, and public life.

Concept and Design Philosophy

The X in Box project was born from the idea of transforming interstitial spaces into meaningful experiences. Rather than allowing the plaza to remain a transitional zone, the designers envisioned a welcoming environment where people can pause, interact, and enjoy leisure activities. The design integrates urban furniture architecture with flexibility at its core, allowing people to reconfigure seating and spatial layouts according to their needs.

Material Innovation

Two sustainable materials form the basis of the design:

• Artificial Stone (Corian): A durable, virus-resistant, and waterproof surface used for structural elements. Its thermal and pressure resistance make it suitable for outdoor applications.
• Liquid Wood (Arboform): A bio-based material with low raw material costs, eco-friendly decomposition, and adaptability across its lifecycle. This material embodies the shift toward sustainable architecture.

These choices ensure the furniture is not only functional but also environmentally conscious, reflecting global trends in sustainable urban architecture.

Modular Furniture and Adaptability

The furniture units are designed as boxes and benches that can be folded, rotated, or rearranged:

• Movable benches with wheels and hinges allow flexible seating arrangements.
• Planter boxes integrate greenery, softening the plaza’s concrete surroundings.
• Multi-use cubes double as stools or storage, making the system versatile.

By moving these units, users generate new spatial patterns, influencing how people walk, sit, or gather. This adaptability transforms the plaza into a living, breathing architectural space.

Activities and Social Impact

The design encourages activities such as:

• Reading and studying in shaded seating areas.
• Gathering and convening for discussions or social interaction.
• Playing and informal games, creating a playful dimension in the city.
• Resting and leisure, offering a break from Tehran’s fast-paced rhythm.

Through these activities, X in Box turns public space into a community-driven urban architecture project, fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

Cultural and Urban Relevance

Positioned in downtown Tehran, the plaza acts as a cultural gateway where tradition and modernity intersect. By incorporating adaptable design strategies, the project resonates with the city’s architectural evolution, bridging historical identity with contemporary needs.

X in Box illustrates how innovative urban architecture can redefine public spaces to serve as dynamic centers of culture, interaction, and rest. By combining sustainable materials, modular design, and human-centric functionality, the project offers a replicable model for future urban interventions worldwide.