Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - 2
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - 3
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - 4
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - school of humanities - 1
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - school of humanities - 2
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - school of humanities - 3
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - school of humanities - 4
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - performing arts center
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - VIP residence - 1
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - VIP residence - 2
Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran - VIP residence - 3
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Jondi Shapour University, Ahvaz, Iran

The Project

In 1972 Princess Ashraf Pahlavi, the chairperson of the Board of Directors of Jondi Shapour University in Ahwaz, Iran decided to build a significant structure for the Central library of the university. She started a search for finding an experienced architect for the design of this facility. Douglas Knight the former president of Duke University was the cultural adviser of Princess Ashraf. He recommended the architectural firm of Perkins and Will of Chicago which was nationally known for their expertise in the design of university buildings and Mozhan Khadem the partner and director of design of the firm to Princess Ashraf.

Mozhan Khadem of Perkins and Will was thus commissioned to design the Central Library and the Master Plan of Jondi Shapour University in Ahvaz, Iran. Princess Ashraf wanted the architectural design of the library to compete with the then under-construction Shahyad Monument in Tehran. Mozhan informed her that this is not possible, because the Shahyad monument is located at the entrance Meydan to the city of Tehran and will be seen by everyone, and all domestic and international air arrivals to the city whereas the central library of Jondi Shapour University will be in the middle of the university campus in the secondary city of Ahwaz, away from major traffic and hidden from view by large numbers of people.

The Design Concept

Mozhan Khadem designed Jondi Shapour University as the focal point of the “continuous architecture” of the university master plan. In this respect, he designed the facility in a manner that its exterior geometry, like many Iranian traditional buildings, was not easily comprehensible at first glance and that it would unfold itself as the observer approaches it over time and sees it from different points of view.

The building was under construction during the Iranian revolution of 1979. Since Mozhan Khadem like many other Iranians left Iran after the Iranian Islamic revolution, he never saw the completed built structure. However, he understands that the Iranian architects and the people of Ahvaz consider this building to be one of the architectural points of pride of that city. In the front part of it, Mozhan designed a special museum where princess Ashraf planned to exhibit some of the important historic and political documents that she possessed.  

STAFF BY PROJECT:

  • Mozhan Khadem, Principal in Charge, Director of Design
  • Harry layman, Technical Director
  • Mike (Minor) Nikich, Designer
  • Richard Golombeck
  • Bob Kumlan, Sr. Designer

Dr. Abbas Jameiie, the president of Jondi Shapour University asked Mozhan Khadem to provide the architectural design for the School of Humanities. Mozhan Khadem produced this design quickly. It was under construction during the Iranian revolution. However, after the revolution, its function was changed to the School of Engineering.

The Design Concept

This facility was designed to be in harmony with the Central Library and the performing Arts Center.

STAFF BY PROJECT:

  • Mozhan Khadem, Principal in charge, Director of Design
  • Harry layman, Technical Director
  • Mike (Minor) Nikich, Designer
  • Richard Golombeck
  • Bob Kumlan, Sr. Designer

Another important facility that was commissioned to the office of Mozhan Khadem in Tehran was the Jondi Shapour University “Performing Arts Center with 2000 seat auditorium and a stage facility for all kinds of musical and theatrical performances.  This facility was fully designed. It has not been built.

STAFF BY PROJECT:

  • Mozhan Khadem, Principal in Charge, Director of Design
  • Mike (Minor) Nikich, Project Designer
  • Richard Golombeck Project Administrator
  • Harry Layman, Technical Director

Princess Ashraf Pahlavi, as the chairperson of the board of directors of Jondi Shapour University, had to travel with her entourage to Ahvaz frequently. Therefore she asked Mozhan Khadem to design a special residence in the date palm fields near Jondi Shapour University. The first design Mozhan presented to her had very elaborate bathrooms. She told Mozhan “I do not want Cleopatra bathrooms. Please simplify it to a standard bathroom as one finds in the USA residences”.  After the Islamic revolution of Iran this project was built and renamed  “Saraye Narenjestan” meaning “Narenjestan Residence”. The brick building is admired by many people in Ahvaz. 

STAFF BY PROJECT:

  • Mozhan Khadem, Principal in Charge, Director of design
  • Harry layman, Technical director
  • Mike (Minor) Nikich, Designer
  • Richard Golombeck
  • Bob Kumlan, Sr. Designer

Mozhan Khadem was also given the commission for the renovation and expansion of the Golestan Hospital related to Jondi Shapour university. For this purpose, Mozhan brought Norman Millet, one of his former partners from the office of Perkins and Will in Chicago who was an expert in the field of Hospital design. Norman and his wife stayed for two years in Iran and worked on the project

STAFF BY PROJECT:

  • Mozhan Khadem, Principal in Charge
  • Norman millet, Project Architect
  • Harry layman, Technical Director
  • Richard Golombeck, Administrator
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