Iranian architecture and design practice Moein Jalali and Partners has designed the proposed Javaheri dialysis centre in Tehran, bringing together an existing three-storey building and a new four-storey extension. A geometric screen passes across the two structures, giving their different forms a consistent external treatment.
The design takes account of the long hours patients spend receiving dialysis. Daylight, planting, outdoor areas, and controlled views are included to make these repeated visits calmer for patients.
Geometric façade connects existing and new buildings
The existing building has an irregular footprint, while the extension is a more compact rectangular volume. Bands of diamond-shaped openings run along parts of their façades and continue above external areas.
The size and arrangement of the openings change around the complex. Some sections form narrow bands, while others spread over larger surfaces or project beyond the building line. The screen is used on walls and overhead structures, allowing daylight to pass through while providing shade.
The dialysis department forms part of a wider complex containing two administrative components and conference and meeting spaces. The medical and dialysis facilities are placed on the ground floor of the extension. Administrative uses and meeting facilities occupy other parts of the combined building.
The screen provides a visual connection between these separate volumes and uses. Its repeated geometry is adjusted to fit different elevations, external areas, and sections of the interior.
Iranian motifs shape the branching pattern
The façade design draws on the branching forms of trees and human vessels. These references are combined with Iranian geometric patterns and stained glass.
The concept studies compare the self-similar geometry of a tree and its smaller branches. This principle is developed through rhombus-shaped units, which are repeated and joined to create the larger façade pattern.
Squares and circles provide another starting point. The studies relate the square to the Red Cross and the circle to the Red Crescent, combining the two forms within the pattern. The crescent also appears as signage at the entrance, reception desk, and waiting areas.
Branching lines derived from blood vessels and trees are combined with Iranian stained-glass patterns to form the screen.
The arrangement varies as it moves around the buildings. Closely spaced openings appear in some areas, while the pattern becomes wider and more open elsewhere. Green, blue, and purple panels are inserted into selected sections, drawing colour from Iranian stained glass.
Sunlight passing through these openings and coloured panels creates patterned areas of light on nearby walls and floors.
Filtered daylight reaches the dialysis rooms
The branching geometry continues inside the centre. Lines set into the ceilings form irregular networks above the reception, waiting, and treatment areas. Patterned glazed partitions are positioned between dialysis beds, repeating elements of the façade design at a smaller scale.
Treatment rooms contain rows of beds and dialysis equipment separated by framed partitions. White and pale grey surfaces are paired with turquoise details on the beds and seating.
Reception areas use pale finishes, timber counters, and built-in storage. Sofas, tables, and planting furnish the waiting rooms, where sections of the geometric screen sit beside seating areas and windows.
Planted spaces are located between parts of the complex. Open grids overhead provide shade without closing off views of the sky. Together with the courtyards and windows, they bring daylight, greenery, and outward views into areas used by patients.
The geometry changes in scale as it moves through the centre. It spans the external elevations, reappears in ceiling lines and glazing, and forms the partitions between dialysis beds. Outside, the screen links the existing building and extension while filtering direct sunlight.
Images: Courtesy of Moein Jalali and Partners
