Interview about Biochal Tourism Recreation Zone, winner of the A' City Planning and Urban Design Award 2021
Sand extraction in Tehran has created a pit with eight hundred sixty thousand square meters area and seventy meters height. Due to the city expansion, this region is now inside of it, a threat to the city and has caused environmental pollution. Biochal attempt has been made to turn this large pit into a tourist area and national park with urban attractive functions inside of Tehran metropolis that it is turn a threat into an opportunity.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design Details"Before we begin, we extend profound gratitude to the A' Design Award & Competition for championing visionary concepts like Biochal. Your global platform accelerates the dissemination of transformative ideas, inspiring a more beautiful and sustainable future. By spotlighting unpublished design concepts, you fulfill a vital mission: propelling innovation into the world's consciousness." "First and foremost, I must emphasize that Biochal is the fruit of relentless effort and exceptional teamwork. Our achievement would not have been possible without the creativity and expertise of Mr. Amir Mohammad Sabahi Moosavi, the project's lead architect; the exceptional 3D visualization skills of Ms. Mansoureh Zahedi in modeling, rendering, and animation; and the pioneering vision of Ms. Samira Katebi as our Lead Concept Designer. This core trio was the heartbeat of the idea that led this project to victory."The key design principles driving Biochal's remarkable transformation rest on five pillars:1. Transformation (Threat to Opportunity): Our core mission was revitalizing these derelict sand and gravel mines – once symbols of pollution and hazard for Tehran – into a multifunctional green-recreational space. This approach tackled multiple crises simultaneously: reducing air pollution, managing floods from the Kan River, stabilizing soil to prevent landslides, and combating local poverty and unemployment. Biochal's appeal as a novel destination will also help reduce leisure travel by Tehranis outside the capital, significantly contributing to lower traffic congestion and improved air quality in the megacity.2. Ecological Restoration: We are ingeniously utilizing the pit's natural walls (averaging 70 meters in height) as a protective barrier to create a "wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Tehran." Sourcing water from the Kan River enables irrigation and lays the foundation for a sustainable aquatic-terrestrial ecosystem. Increased vegetation (through extensive planting) will gradually attract regional fauna. A critical aspect of the planting strategy is the use of native plant species adapted to Tehran's climate, sourced from local nurseries and farms surrounding the site. This intelligent choice not only increases plant survival rates and slashes transportation costs (eliminating imports from the north) but also directly supports local farmers, providing them with a stable income as exclusive suppliers to the project.3. Circular Economy & Job Creation: Biochal's financial model relies on private sector participation and smart phasing, ensuring revenue from initial phases funds the development of subsequent stages. The project acts as a powerful engine for generating diverse employment opportunities in eco-tourism, hospitality, enhanced agriculture around the site, and related educational and health services. A striking aspect of circularity is the utilization of existing municipal infrastructure (like the adjacent asphalt and concrete plants). This reduces material transportation costs and helps lower pollution by incorporating waste from these plants into the project's construction. Employing local labor reduces regional unemployment and shortens commutes (lowering carbon emissions).4. Urban-Natural Symbiosis: Biochal (meaning "Beautiful Pit" or "Bride of the Pits") symbolizes urban regeneration. Its exceptional accessibility, bordering Imam Khomeini International Airport, the Tehran-Tabriz railway, and major highways, creates high potential for attracting domestic and international tourists. The project also presents a unique opportunity for socio-cultural upliftment in the region: through specialized skills training for residents (landscape maintenance, eco-lodge management, wildlife safari guiding), establishing an environmental education center on-site, and hosting urban agriculture workshops in collaboration with surrounding farms.5. Global Alignment (SDGs): Biochal's design is intrinsically linked to 7 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): No Poverty (1), Good Health and Well-being (3), Clean Water and Sanitation (6), Decent Work and Economic Growth (8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (11), Climate Action (13), and Life on Land (15). This alignment is also evident across the five key dimensions of sustainability (5Ps): Improving People's livelihoods, protecting the Planet, creating sustainable economic Prosperity, fostering Peace through poverty reduction, and modeling successful tripartite Partnership between the municipality, private sector, and local communities.In essence, Biochal, by blending "Ecological Restoration," "Circular Economy," and "Responsible Tourism," presents a pioneering model for transforming urban scars into national treasures. Its success could offer a revolutionary blueprint for managing derelict mines worldwide.
"As you noted, Iran's arid climate has historically fostered ingenious water management innovations – from underground qanats to stone diversion dams. This heritage inspired Biochal's approach. Our project is currently in the conceptual design phase, and our strategy for balancing flood risk management with recreational use of the Kan River rests on four pillars:1. Preventive Hydrological Engineering:o Designing 3 underground reservoirs within the pit to absorb seasonal floods and supply water for the artificial lake/fishing camp.o Utilizing the pit's natural walls as sediment filters to prevent silt intrusion into reservoirs.o Creating "Infiltration Pits" to channel rainwater into groundwater aquifers, combating land subsidence while replenishing local water tables.2. Threat-to-Opportunity Conversion:o Recycling treated wastewater from hotels/camps for landscape irrigation → enhancing humidity and microclimate precipitation.o Constructing artificial waterfalls fed by the Kan River, overlooking Zootopia → generating clean electricity for water pumps and public lighting.3. Smart Monitoring Technology:o Installing a network of water-level sensors and rainfall forecast systems along the river.o Automated activation of reservoir gates during flood events for real-time risk mitigation.4. Cultural Synergy:o Modernizing ancient water stewardship principles (e.g., qanat systems) through contemporary infrastructure.o Blending recreational uses (e.g., fishing camps) with ecological functions.These solutions not only minimize flood risk but transform the Kan River into an engine of sustainable tourism – from aquatic ecosystems for fish farming to the visual drama of cascading waterfalls.
Vertical Biochal Zoning: An Intelligent Response to the Site’s Complex LegacyOnce a mine supplying infrastructure for the "Pahlavi Shahr," this site transitioned into an urban enclave post-revolution through continued operations and Tehran’s expansion. Its 70-meter depth and disconnection from municipal utilities diminished its residential value. We transformed these constraints into opportunities:Depth as Ecological SanctuarySandy soil and natural drainage into the pit render this site an ideal refuge for Tehran’s fauna. Vertical walls form natural barriers, ensuring tranquility for wildlife at lower levels, while visitors observe non-invasively from upper platforms.Experience-Driven StratificationBiochal’s vertical zoning narrates a three-dimensional story of nature-civilization reconciliation. Through eight interconnected functional layers, each meter of depth becomes a unique experiential opportunity:1. +20m (Above Ground):An ecological rollercoaster with gentle motion and strategic stops, enabling gradual horizon transitions.2. Ground Level:• Interactive Museum: "From Mine to Biochal Biome" chronicling the site’s metamorphosis.• Eco-Cultural Bazaar: Merging crafts, intangible heritage, and ecology (e.g., Nowruz/Yalda festivals, live music, national rituals).• Equestrian Club: Featuring Turkmen horses & Caspian ponies.• International Conference Halls.3. −10m (Cultural-Nature Bridge):• Eco-lodges & authentic Iranian food courts.• Forested horseback trails amid natural viewpoints.• Live music performances.• Environmental education center for students.• Urban farming workshops.4. −20m (Wellness Village):• Herbal-therapy spas using native plants.• Tiered medicinal herb cultivation with recycled urban soil and treated wastewater.• Farm-to-table restaurants linked to local producers.• Serene nature retreats.5. −30m (Hanging Gardens):• Vertical farms for medicinal plants.• Cable-and-Trees Network: Vegetation-clad suspension bridges.• Wildlife observation decks with zoom cameras.• Ecotourism camps & hot-air balloon site.• Artist-in-residence studios.6. −50m (Zootopia):• Semi-protected animal zone with camouflaged viewing hides.• Sustainable fishing ponds.• Subterranean passages for behavioral studies.7. −60m (Knowledge Refuge):• Interactive geology museum showcasing soil strata.• Research cabins for scientists.• Mobile lab for urban geology.• Human-free wildlife sanctuary.8. −70m (Aqua Core):• Artificial lake fed by the Kan River.• Energy-harvesting waterfalls with micro-hydro turbines.• Fully protected zones for vulnerable species.Triple-Objective InnovationThis intelligent stratification achieves:1. Ecological Conservation: Natural habitat segregation via vertical barriers.2. Vertical Journey Experience: Gradual visual horizon shifts from surface to depth.3. Sustainable Cycle: Functional synergy (e.g., herb supply for spas).Nature at Biochal is not a stage but humanity’s co-performer—from live music at −10m to birds dancing across the depths.Urban-Nature SymbiosisThis vertical design addresses Tehran’s deficits: creating the capital’s first native-species sanctuary, enabling structured ecotourism access near the city, and generating national value through transnational tourism. Transforming this "accidental barrier" into an ecological treasure offers a global model for reviving abandoned mines.
"Our approach transforms the human-wildlife dynamic from domination to respectful coexistence. Through Biochal's 3D 'Dynamic Conservation' strategy, we've redefined traditional boundaries:1. Foundational Philosophy: Hunting Paradigm Shift• Converting traditional "hunting grounds" into "safe havens" for 130+ native species (Persian zebra, deer, foxes)• Implementing "Reverse Cages": Restricting human pathways via camouflaged Cable & Trees bridges and 360° rotating observation pods• Deploying non-invasive deterrents: Ultrasonic frequencies to reduce animal stress during peak visits2. Intelligent Protective Layering• Secure Core (-70m): Human-free zones for vulnerable species• Mid-Layer (-50m): Thermal-camera observatories and rotating photographer hides• Interaction Zone (-30m+): Slow-moving eco-gondolas at 90m height3. Integrated Conservation Tech• Olfactory Walls: Scent-blocking vegetation barriers• Passive Monitoring: Audio sensors and thermal cameras for behavioral studies• Modified Habitats: Controlled feeding programs eliminating hunting dependence4. Education & Conservation Economy• Interactive Museum: Industrial history displayed on pit walls as living "urban memory"• Research Tourism: scientific residencies for international scholars• Economic Cycle: Conservation funding through responsible ecotourismRevolutionary Achievement:Biochal proves economic development and ecological revival aren't conflicting – they're synergistic. Here:• Hunters become "responsible observers"• Concrete walls transform into "windows to the wild"Tehran gains its first sanctuary protecting biodiversity not with cages, but through "respect for nature's boundaries".
• Biochal, by adopting a strategy to minimize private vehicle traffic, proposes four key solutions. This structure filters traffic at the outer layers, preserving the tranquility of the inner space.• 1. Multi-Tiered Access Hierarchy:1. Outer Layer: Connection to vital arteries including Azadegan, Borujerdi, and Tehran-Saveh highways, the Tehran-Tabriz railway station, and Imam Khomeini International Airport.2. Intermediate Layer: Transfer terminals on the site periphery featuring: Tourism Bus Terminals: From central Tehran terminals (e.g., Beyhaghi, Azadi, Shargh), where visitors park personal vehicles. Dedicated Biochal electric buses (100% zero-emission) transport passengers directly to the main entrance, reducing traffic and pollution around the site. Emergency shared-use parking. Electric vehicle charging stations.3. Inner Layer: Visitor access levels are predetermined via reservation. "Ground Level" ticket holders use only aerial trams/pedestrian paths. "Deep Layer" ticket holders access designated depths via high-capacity vertical shuttles. Personal vehicles are prohibited on-site; replaced by: Electric shuttles E-bikes & e-scooters Horses as a recreational-cultural transport mode.• 2. Mandatory Reservation System (3 Strategic Functions): a) Intelligent Resource Management: Accurate forecasting of material consumption and staffing based on visitor statistics. Identifying peak seasons for service optimization. b) Visitor Quality Control: Selecting audiences committed to environmental regulations. Ensuring responsible behavior towards wildlife. c) Guaranteed Sustainable Revenue: Calculating minimum required income for financial sustainability. Preventing destructive overcrowding.• 3. Integrated Vertical Transportation: Elevators: Transporting passengers and equipment between 70-meter layers. Ecological Aerial Tram: Non-invasive access to scenic viewpoints via slow-moving trams with contemplative stations. Solar Bridges: Pedestrian walkways with transparent solar panels for energy generation.• 4. Breaking Four Traditional Paradigms: City vs. Nature: Coexistence of wildlife and humans in the heart of Tehran, the densest metropolis. Conservation vs. Revenue Generation: Sustainable financing through responsible ecotourism via a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model. Depth vs. Accessibility: Transforming topographic constraints into engineering opportunities with non-invasive access mechanisms. Threat vs. Opportunity: Reviving dead land into a living ecosystem generating national added value.
"Biochal integrates revenue streams with environmental and social goals through its ‘Wellness Village’ ethos, where human health is inseparable from ecosystem health. As Tehran residents reconnect with nature through programs like ‘Nature Immersion’ - clay pottery with local soil, medicinal herb workshops, and ethical fishing ponds - commercial activities become ecological catalysts.Four Balancing Mechanisms:1. Ecological Revenue Cycling:• Portions of tourism income directly fund species conservation• Research partnerships require sustainable agriculture training for locals• Smart greenhouses with water-recycling systems funded by local product sales1. Equitable Redistribution:• Profit prioritization for smallholder farmers and women-led households• Subsidized access to recreational facilities for residents1. Dual-Purpose Infrastructure:• Solar-roofed greenhouses generating clean energy while optimizing crop growth1. Circular Operations:• Locals trained as "ecosystem guardians" funded by ecotourism• Restaurant waste converted to free compost for community farmsCore Innovation: Tourism fuels a self-sustaining cycle:Revenue → Green tech investment → Environmental/social uplift → Increased visitationCentering nature-as-infrastructure and community empowerment, this model sets a global benchmark."
"Biochal bridges local heritage and global practices through three harmonizing pathways:1. Local Trust Foundation:• Priority hiring of local talent (aligning with job creation principle)• Guaranteed farm produce purchases (inspired by circular economy)• Free agricultural upskilling workshops2. Living Heritage Lab:• Reviving endangered crafts (pottery, weaving) in interactive museum space• Live artisan demonstrations like carpet-weaving on traditional looms at the eco-cultural bazaar• International "Tech-for-Legacy" competitions conference facilities3. Intelligent Synthesis:• Gradual integration of regional cultural elements post-feedback analysis• Tradition-modern fusion: Clay-walled architecture with holographic ancient motifsCreated Values:• Cultural Authenticity: Locals view tech as an identity-reviving tool• Unique Experience: Tourists encounter Iranian culture through live artisan-loom interaction• Economic Resilience: Self-sustaining revenue from heritage arts
"Addressing this requires confronting an uncomfortable truth:The Kan Sand Quarry Pit embodies capitulation to short-sighted development pressures – ecological destruction enabled by urban authorities yet executed by private capital.BioChal transcends mere remediation; it represents an ethical reckoning:We accept the cost of healing this scar not as voluntary, but as a moral debt owed. Yet nature, in her generosity, will reciprocate this stewardship with the gift of regeneration and resilience over time.""Biochal's innovation stems from pivotal trio collaboration: Mr. Amir Mohammad Sabahi Moosavi's transformative architecture and Ms. Mansoureh Zahedi's visual storytelling brought the vision to life. Five groundbreaking urban innovations:1. Ecological Scar as Infrastructure:• Repurposing the "Kan Quarry" (symbol of environmental degradation) into a living geology museum with mobile labs at 70m depth2. Multifunctional Vertical Urbanism:• Creating a tiered park within the pit (from hanging gardens to underground wildlife sanctuaries)3. Threat Reversal Engineering:• Transforming Kan River floods into aquatic ecosystem lifelines and natural cooling systems4. Human-Nature Relationship Reset:• "Reverse Cage" system restricting visitor movement, not wildlife5. Eco-Economic Repair Cycle:• Catalyzing peripheral investments and educational hub developmentBiochal establishes a new urban paradigm redefining:1. Ecological Restoration = Foundational Infrastructure2. Circular Economy = Development Engine3. Vertical Zoning = Coexistence Template4. Community Engagement = Sustainability GuaranteeThis project proves "healing past destruction is the bedrock of future cities"
Honestly put: Biochal is a response to the silent cry of scarred industrial lands. In a world where profit-driven construction, backed by the wealthy and politicians, faces daily public protests, implementing a model like Biochal in countries with private land ownership presents a serious challenge. Yet, every urban site restored to nature can become a social demand. Biochal is not merely an architectural project; it is a manifesto proving that "the ugliest industrial scars can be transformed into treasures through respect for nature." We believe this project will inspire the next generation of urban restoration through three key mechanisms:1. Shifting the Urban Development Paradigm:o Focusing on Restoration over Sprawl:“Future cities will be built not on virgin land, but on the healed scars of industrial civilization.” (Ulrich Beck)o Turning Threats into Opportunities: Transforming abandoned mines into ecological assets; utilizing local resources and targeted job creation like green employment (eco-tourism guides); training human capital as the primary asset; converting threats (abandoned mines, industrial waste, unemployed labor) into opportunities (ecological capital).o The 4R Model:Restore → Repurpose → Reconnect → Revenue2. A Global Operational Roadmap:o Smart Phasing:Survival (soil revival) → Attraction (hotels/food courts) → Leap (safari/wellness village) → Excellence (international tourism)o Cyclical Tourism Pattern:Nowruz (Spring) | Underground Music Festival (Summer) | Shahnameh Recitation (Autumn) | Yalda in the Earth's Depths (Winter)3. Ecological Cultural Diplomacy:o Reviving Forgotten Arts:Pottery, wickerwork, and traditional music in the mine's "Ritual Theaters".o International Cultural Weeks:Utilizing conference halls for the Dialogue of Civilizations. Biochal proves ecological restoration is not a cost;it is the smartest investment for the future of our cities.Here, nature is not a stage set; it is humanity's co-performer.This roadmap begins in Tehran, but applies to every industrially scarred city in the world.
"Yes, our primary challenges were twofold: proximity to the Kan River with its high flood potential, and the necessity to create safe and attractive recreational facilities. However, it was precisely these challenges that illuminated the path to our remarkable discoveries. Our team designed a multi-dimensional, integrated strategy to achieve the vital balance between flood risk management and optimal utilization of the water feature. This project demonstrated how a natural threat like flooding, through a creative approach, can be transformed into an unparalleled opportunity for enhancing ecological sustainability and attracting tourism. Biochal is a tangible example of this transformation.Our key discoveries along this path were:1. Ecological Discoveries (Reviving Life in the Depths):o Vertical Biomes: The significant depth of the pit (approximately 70 meters) enabled the creation of stratified ecosystems. This discovery led to the design of "Vertical Biomes" featuring native drought-resistant species (such as Persian Oak and Juniper), minimizing the need for artificial irrigation and creating a vibrant heart of nature deep within the earth and the heart of Tehran.o The Kan River, Lifeline: Precise analysis of the Kan River's water flow revealed that by constructing intelligent diversion channels, flood risk could be mitigated simultaneously with optimizing water consumption, while also creating a sustainable network for irrigating green spaces and supplying part of the water needs for the project's camps and hotels. This discovery became the cornerstone of the advanced "Closed-Loop Water Cycle" system at Biochal.o Reverse Safari: The idea of enclosing humans within suspended pathways (cable and tree-based) instead of confining animals enabled a novel and safe experience of interacting with nature.o Groundwater Recharge Capacity: Designing underground reservoirs for floodwater storage not only transforms the flood threat into a storage opportunity but also holds significant potential for aiding the recharge of the region's groundwater aquifers. The use of pit walls and plants for primary water filtration enhances the sustainability of this system.2. Socio-Economic Discoveries (Circular Economy with Local Community):o Discovering the Treasure Trove of Local Skills: Field research in the surrounding settlements revealed a treasure trove of traditional skills (agriculture, horticulture) among residents. This discovery led to the idea of their direct participation in supplying organic food (through greenhouses optimized with recycled water and transparent solar panels) and planting the pit's vegetation cover. This both created sustainable employment for locals and reduced project costs.o Vertical Food Tourism and Full-Cycle Restaurants: The concept of "Vertical Food Tourism" became linked with the local community. Educational classes to enhance local agriculture not only increased knowledge but were directly connected to handicraft shops, transforming educational products into income. This chain formed the basis for "Full-Cycle" (Farm-to-Table) restaurants that use local, organic products and introduce tourists to the authenticity of Iranian cuisine.o Sustainable Cultural Transformation: The goal was not merely tourism development, but creating a sustainable cultural transformation centered around "enhancing local identity." Discovering the community's hidden potential transformed them from the periphery into the driving engine of the project's creative economy.3. Technical-Engineering Discoveries (Transforming Constraints into Infrastructure):o Utilizing Solar Energy: Favorable solar radiation presented the idea of installing solar panels on the roofs of buildings and resorts, supplying a significant portion of the project's energy.o Small Hydroelectric Plant: The intelligent use of the pit's 70-meter height difference enabled the construction of a small hydroelectric plant for generating clean electricity.o Inverted Topography for Water: Discovering the soil's permeability at depth made possible the design of the aforementioned floodwater storage/groundwater aquifer recharge reservoirs.4. Cultural-Tourism Discoveries (Coexistence of History, Nature, and Technology):o Living Geology Museum and Time Tunnel: Exploration of the soil layers in the pit walls led to the design of a Living Geology Museum at a depth of 65 meters. This unique gallery displays sedimentary layers from different geological periods, taking visitors on a remarkable journey through the "Time Tunnel" of the mine's and region's formation.Final Lesson and Redefining Industrial Revival:Perhaps the most astonishing lesson of the Biochal project was discovering the latent capacity within seemingly dead elements:• The Sand Quarry Pit: Transformed into a living, dynamic ecosystem solely through the infusion of local knowledge and innovative technologies.• The Local Community: With their hidden skills discovered, they were elevated from a state of deprivation to become the driving engine of the project's creative economy.• The Kan River: Changed its role from a flood-prone threat to a source of clean energy production and a unique tourism attraction.This set of interwoven discoveries has transformed Biochal from a local mine revival project into a leading global model for "Creative Industry-Tourism." Biochal clearly demonstrates that sustainable economic development and ecological revival are not only compatible but can be powerful complements to each other.Closing Remarks and Appreciation:The outstanding achievements of Biochal are the fruit of tireless day-and-night effort, boundless passion, and exemplary collaboration among the design team members. I express my deepest appreciation in the most deserving manner:• Mr. Amir Mohammad Sabahi Moosavi: Your unparalleled creativity, strategic vision, and technical leadership as the project's chief architect and designer were the backbone in shaping these ideas.• Ms. Mansoureh Zahedi: Your exceptional skills in three-dimensional visualization, professional rendering, and animation significantly aided in the tangible visualization and communication of complex design concepts.• Ms. Samira Katebi: Your power in conceptual ideation, initial concept design, and profound insight into the project's cultural-social layers shaped the unique spirit and identity of Biochal.This creative and committed three-person collaboration was the beating heart of an idea that was not only born but transformed into a winning and inspiring design. My sincerest gratitude is extended to this exceptional team and all those involved in the Biochal project.""In closing, we reiterate our appreciation to the A' Design Award & Competition. Your support in amplifying transformative ideas at the conceptual stage plays a pivotal role in advancing global design frontiers and creating new paradigms. We wish continued success to this impactful initiative."
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