STUDIO 5B
Instructor: Arron Genslor & Erin Wright / Spring 2023 / WSOA
Woman Life Freedom Center
The slogan of Zan Zendegi Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom) is the story of this project.
On September 13, “Mahsa Amini,” age 22, was detained by morality police for “improperly” wearing her hijab. Her relatives and the local media claim that Mahsa Amini was severely beaten. Three days later, while still in police custody, she passed away. This everyday story may happen to all girls and women in Iran.
Women in Iran still fight for their fundamental rights and face discrimination in different aspects, such as mandatory hijab, marriage, inheritance, family law, and custody of children.
Woman Life Freedom Center is an underground educational and awareness center in Tehran, Iran, under the public park next to Azadi (Freedom) Square. This location is one of the most important, and many parades against discrimination have been held in this square.
Site Location: Iran, Tehran, Azadi (Freedom) Square
The main point of this design is to show the beauty in the darkness (Underground Level) and the darkness in the beauty. (Ground level)
On the ground level, there is a park with the hidden message of Zan Zendegi Azadi in the form of bushes to cover the ponds in the middle. The ponds are the key to lighting the underground level. Some buildings around the site have secret access paths to the underground levels.
The building includes five levels divided based on the least to most things that matter to women: Enjoying their coffee in the cafeteria to singing and dancing freely.
