Located in a former industrial space in north Tehran, Iran, “Comode” is a new high-end retail - events space wholeheartedly embracing the concept of modularity and minimalism. Masterminded by Iranian architect - designer Sina Momtaz, the 200 square metre open-plan space has been transformed into a versatile showroom featuring movable display stands and a system of curtains that can effortlessly “carve out” smaller spaces. These two systems allow the space to be easily reconfigured when hosting events, exhibitions and special launches, while empowering designers to display their products as they see fit. Underpinned by a minimalist aesthetic, the interior design is also a response to the tight budget but as importantly it provides the required breathing space for sharing and developing ideas on modern Iranian design.

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Event poster for Comode. Graphic design by Studio Kargah.

Comode的事件海报。平面设计工作室卡尔加。

The modular display stands that Momtaz designed come in two types, a wardrobe (which in Iranian is called a ‘comode’, hence the project’s name) and a shelving unit, both of which are portable as they are set on wheels and equipped with flexible cables powering an integral light source. Designed according to the standard proportion of a normal wardrobe, the wardrobe module is a metallic framework that provides a variety of options for hanging clothes and other accessories like mirrors and display cases. The cruciform shelving units on the other hand are crisscrossed with parallel wires supporting movable metallic shelves that allow designers and merchandisers to select both their position and their quantity.

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

When it came to dealing with the existing space, Momtaz eschewed a heavy-handed approach for a discrete yet radical makeover. Although the existing building fabric was kept intact, the space was thoroughly transformed by whitewashing all the vertical surfaces, including brickwork, steel posts and girders, in juxtaposition to the ceiling volume that was painted all black and the concrete floor which was treated in a transparent layer of resin. The resulting white and black zones also apply to all the movable elements: both the curtains and the display modules are white, while the curtain rails and the modules’ electrical cables are black. The only feature that disrupts this monochromatic composition is the black spiral staircase which appears to float above the floor as it has been ingeniously designed to hang from the ceiling. Although it cannot be moved like the rest of the elements that populate the space, its dynamic shape more than makes up for its stationary nature. Whether it’s showcasing the latest creations of an Iranian designer, hosting an artistic performance or showing a documentary screening, Comode is a versatile space both in design and spirit.

当谈到处理现有的空间，蒙塔兹避免了一种沉重的方法，一个离散的，但激进的改造。虽然现有的建筑织物保持原样，但通过粉刷所有垂直表面，包括砖瓦、钢柱和梁，将空间彻底改造，与漆成黑色的天花板和用透明树脂层处理的混凝土地板并列。由此产生的白色和黑色区域也适用于所有可移动的元素：窗帘和显示模块都是白色的，而窗帘轨道和模块的电缆都是黑色的。唯一干扰这种单色构图的特征是黑色螺旋楼梯，它似乎漂浮在地板上，因为它巧妙地设计要悬挂在天花板上。虽然它不能像填充空间的其他元素那样移动，但它的动态形状比它静止的性质更能弥补它的作用。无论是展示伊朗设计师的最新作品，主持艺术表演，还是放映纪录片，Comode在设计和精神上都是一个多才多艺的空间。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

Photo by Hamed Farhangi.

照片由哈米德法哈吉。

keywords:Architecture Retail Design Interior Design Fashion