Palestine Memorial
- Project: Landscape and Monument of Malekabad Square
- Design Team: Farzan Shamasblou, Mohamad Afkhami.
- Project Type: Monument/Memorial
- Area: ~3200 m²
- Client: Mashhad Municipality
- Location: Mashhad, IRAN.
- Status: Competition Proposal - 2nd Place Winner
- Design Year: 2010
Project Description
Content: The present design seeks to reflect the identity of the square and its etymology as much as possible. The designers’ perspective on the subject adopts a minimalist approach, utilizing minimal elements to convey the intended concept. On the other hand, as the visual focal point of the square, the proposed monument necessitates a balanced contrast; creating a simple visual element in a complex context aligns with this principle.
Context: Palestine Square has always been of significant traffic importance, with its distributive nature prevailing over its congregational aspect, as evidenced by various temporary traffic policies. Hence, this junction functions more as a traffic circle than a square. Consequently, the central island does not serve as an interaction space, and an Inward-looking design would contradict the primary function of the square. Therefore, in this proposal, the central island itself becomes part of the monument, rather than serving as an area surrounding it. Additionally, given the square’s traffic importance, vehicular perspectives are as crucial as pedestrian views. Among the four streets leading to the circle, the vehicular view from Ahmad Abad Street is more limited due to the greenery along its central median. By orienting the monument toward Palestine Street, adequate visibility is also ensured for this street.
Drawings and Diagrams
Design Process
In the first stage, inspired by the square’s name, the Palestinian flag is transformed using origami techniques into a dual form derived from the two-dimensional image of the complete flag and the three-dimensional representation of a section of it, folded into two overlapping triangles. This symbolizes the duality of contemporary Palestine. Subsequently, the form of the Dome of the Rock is integrated with the initial shape, and the dome’s volume is subtracted, creating a void. The remaining outline of the dome between the two triangles acts as a visual element, perceived as a transparent dome from various angles. In the next stage, minor formal adjustments are made to refine the identity of the monument. The pointed apex of the monument tilts upward (sloping from Palestine Boulevard) to guide the line of sight from the street toward the sky. From various perspectives, this upward movement can be observed from Palestine Boulevard. The proximity of the monument to Palestine Street provides a symbolic identity to the street and strengthens the limited visibility from Ahmad Abad Street. Additionally, its placement on the visual axis from Montazeri Street introduces Palestine Street and satisfies the need for an appropriate perspective from Malek Abad Street.