Ehsani Sharafeh Associates' Hezar-Too: An Interactive Urban Maze in Mashhad

Hezar-Too, an interactive urban installation created by Ehsani Sharafeh Associates, has been finalized for the Mashhad municipality after the 2022 renovation of Lale Park. Positioned at the park's primary entrance from Hafte-Tir Square, this installation offers a fresh interpretation of movement patterns found in traditional Iranian architecture, termed 'Syntactic Hezar-Too.' It consists of eight extruded octagons and four square volumes arranged in a cellular layout, each featuring revolving doors that invite physical interaction. Drawing inspiration from stained glass in historic Iranian homes, the modules utilize transparent acrylic panels in various colors, while mirrored ceilings distort and reflect pathways. The project merges prefabricated metal components with safety glass, colored acrylic, and mirrors, all fabricated off-site and assembled on location. Designed by Nasrin Sharafeh and Ali Ehsani, Hezar-Too emphasizes circulation as a key architectural feature, bridging traditional Iranian domestic design with a modern public space.