studio chahar
Community-based Intervention
Location: Qeshm, Iran
Ongoing project since 2020
Collaborating closely with the community in Gouron Village, Qeshm Island, we have been developing strategies to promote responsible ecotourism at the site. A design for a refuge pavilion has been created, drawing inspiration from UN Registered local boat building techniques and palm weaving traditions. Salvaged materials from old boats and wooden detailing reminiscent of boat craftsmanship are utilized, encouraging the local community to preserve their cultural heritage for tourism and economic growth. These pavilions will serve as accommodations for nature campers, offering a platform for setting up tents at night and providing shelter and shade during the day.
The pavilion’s vaults face south, allowing sunlight to enter during winter while providing shade in summer. The base form takes inspiration from Harra roots, ensuring even weight distribution to aid in sand stabilization. The modular form enables adjustments based on available materials. The pavilions’ exterior is designed in collaboration with local weavers and a team of young women from the village, gradually completed with the participation of visitors.
A total of seven pavilions will be constructed on-site, symbolically representing the region’s history and educating visitors about the global cities connected to Gouron through the Maritime Silk Route of the Hormuz Strait. A prototype of the first pavilion has been completed with the assistance of village volunteers and visitors, serving as a campground and a site for educational participatory programs. Plans are underway to construct a wooden walkway and a boat access wharf to minimize foot traffic on the reef.
Project Team:
Yasaman Esmaili, Ali Pouzan, Issa Hedri, Issa Pouzide, Arman Pouzesh, Ali Gouroni, Ebrahim Hedri, Kimia Amini, Ideh Khadjevand, Saba Robati
Contributors:
Dr. Mohit Tabatabai, Seyyed Mohammad Dakhteh, Mr. Yunes, Mohammad Gouroni, Fouziyeh Kouvei Qeshmi, Ronak Arjouni, Arash Memarzadeh, Ashraf Pouzan, Monireh Esmaili, Abdorahman Gouroni