Amid the hustle and bustle of Tehran’s Jomhouri Avenue, stands a building that represents more than just a shopping mall — it symbolizes the interaction between architecture, technology, and urban culture.
Charsoo Complex, designed by Reza Daneshmir and Catherine Spiridonoff, is one of the most distinguished examples of contemporary Iranian architecture, redefining the boundaries between commercial, cultural, and public spaces.

A Concept Beyond a Shopping Center

At first glance, Charsoo might look like a typical multi-level shopping mall. However, it is built upon an idea that blends commerce with communal experience.
As a result, visitors come not only to shop but also to watch films, socialize, and experience the space.
This concept has turned Charsoo into one of the few vibrant, multifunctional public spaces in Tehran.

Structure and Spatial Organization

The complex is built on a 5,700-square-meter site and consists of six floors.
Four upper levels are dedicated to retail, galleries, and cultural spaces, while the lower levels serve as parking and service areas.
At the core lies a spacious central atrium, filled with natural light, giving the building a sense of openness and vitality.

In addition, the intersecting escalators and floating pathways create a sense of constant movement and discovery.
Moreover, the large glass facades maintain a visual connection between inside and outside, allowing passersby on Jomhouri Street to feel the building’s energy.

Materials, Light, and Visual Identity

Charsoo’s facade combines metal, concrete, and glass, giving it an industrial yet refined modern appearance.
The use of natural daylight during the day and warm artificial lighting at night ensures that the building’s personality shifts throughout the day.
Indeed, light in this project serves not just a functional purpose, but becomes a core element of spatial identity.

Cultural Connection and the Cinema

One of Charsoo’s highlights is the Charsoo Cinema Complex, located on the upper floors.
Especially during the Fajr Film Festival, it becomes a hub for artists, students, and cinema lovers.
Therefore, Charsoo functions not only as a commercial building but also as an integral part of Tehran’s cultural landscape.

Conclusion: contemporary urban architecture in Iran

Charsoo Complex is a shining example of contemporary urban architecture in Iran — a space that prioritizes human experience and social vitality over ornamental design.
Ultimately, it shows how, even within a dense and chaotic metropolis, architecture can create spaces that are both functional and inspiring.

About Ribo Architecture Studio

Inspired by projects like Charsoo Complex, Ribo Architecture Studio seeks to design spaces that strengthen the connection between function, beauty, and a sense of belonging in the modern urban environment.