HASHT Architects has completed an innovative retail space called Magnetic Field (KALU 2) in Tehran, Iran, that functions as a fluid, pavilion-like passage connecting two separate mall corridors. The project represents an abstract spatial experiment designed to communicate brand identity through distinctive form and atmosphere, creating a continuous environment without fixed boundaries that draws visitors inward like a magnetic force.
The project originated when clients acquired two adjacent commercial units, each connected to different corridors within the mall. HASHT Architects' initial design strategy involved removing the dividing wall between the units to merge them into a single, larger retail space. This fundamental change allowed the creation of an entirely new internal passage that links the mall's two main corridors, establishing an additional pedestrian route while positioning the project as an intermediary element within the broader commercial layout.
Drawing inspiration from the fluid geometries and circulation patterns found in traditional Middle Eastern bazaars, the design creates a permeable, pavilion-like connector that integrates seamlessly into the mall's existing circulation flow. Rather than functioning as a conventional enclosed store, the space engages directly with pedestrian movement through carefully orchestrated variations in openness, ceiling height, lighting conditions, and sectional transitions. These dynamic elements work together to generate spatial polarity and visual orientation throughout the passage.
The spatial sequence along the new internal route supports different types of user interaction, including moments of movement, hesitation, and product engagement. The existing high ceiling and adaptable interior volume enabled architects to develop a two-level configuration that maximizes the available space. The ground floor accommodates primary retail and product display functions, while an elevated mezzanine level provides essential storage and support areas for daily operations.
Construction of the complex curved forms relied heavily on advanced digital fabrication techniques and prefabricated components made from GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer). This innovative approach ensured precise accuracy in achieving the project's distinctive curved forms and intricate detailing while simultaneously reducing on-site construction time and minimizing disruptions to neighboring commercial units. The entire spatial system was developed as a comprehensive three-dimensional assembly, manufactured off-site and then installed as a coordinated structural system within the existing building shell.
The completed project demonstrates how contemporary retail design can transcend traditional boundaries by creating spaces that function as both commercial environments and public circulation routes. By referencing historical bazaar circulation patterns while employing cutting-edge fabrication methods, Magnetic Field (KALU 2) establishes a new model for retail architecture that enhances the urban-commercial fabric of modern shopping centers.
