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Shades of White: The Resurgence of Sohrab Sepehri's Oasis in Kashan

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Introduction

The White Trio’s Industrial painting and restoration initiative were undertaken by White-on-White Studio, headquartered in Tehran, within Kashan, Iran, in 2022. The White Trio stands as a modest project situated along one of Kashan city's prominent streets and once served as the temporary abode of Sohrab Sepehri, a renowned Iranian poet. This building, which had weathered years of diverse use, underwent industrial paint services and construction revitalization through a contemporary design that seamlessly integrates with the city's warm and arid climate while catering to its intended purpose, breathing new life into the structure.

Kashan: A Desert Jewel Embracing History, Gardens, and Artistry

As building painting goes, this was a definitive challenge as the balance between legacy and contemporary vision needed to marry seamlessly with functionalities.
The structure sits prominently along Kashan's primary thoroughfare, situated in this compact yet pivotal desert town.
KASHAN'S SIGNIFICANCE LIES IN THE GRANDEUR OF ITS ANCIENT RESIDENCES AND PARADOXICALLY ITS GARDENS WHICH FORM AN OASIS AMIDST BARREN LANDSCAPES.
For years, it has epitomized the preservation of vitality and splendour within the desert's core. White Trio diverges from the narrative of desert architectural marvels. Its name draws inspiration from a poem penned by the esteemed poet and artist Sohrab Sepehri, a native of Kashan, who once inhabited one of the units within this building for a period.

Facade Finesse: Merging Materials for Climate Control

The façade features a segmented design, delineated by various materials to define rectangular shapes. The brickwork on the upper left stands in stark contrast to the smooth white surface and striped pattern on the right section. Amidst the sharp angles, the arch window introduces a gentle touch, bestowing the façade with a distinctive character.
THE MOST NOTABLE FEATURE IS THE ADAPTABLE SHUTTERS ADORNING THE BROAD WINDOWS, DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM THE LOCAL LATTICEWORK AND SCREENS EMPLOYED TO DIFFUSE LIGHT AND REGULATE INDOOR TEMPERATURES.
These movable shutters empower occupants to manage light exposure at will, fostering a dynamic interplay of shadows and light within the building's interior.

Whitewashed Wisdom: Significance of White in Iranian Culture and Construction

White traditionally symbolises purity, cleanliness, and innocence in Iranian culture. It is often associated with the idea of a fresh start or new beginnings. White also symbolises mourning and sadness in Iranian culture. In some regions, particularly during religious mourning periods, people wear white clothing as a sign of grief and respect for the deceased.
IN IRANIAN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN, WHITE IS FREQUENTLY USED IN INTRICATE PATTERNS.
Especially in the tile work and decorative motifs in mosques, palaces, and historic buildings, it symbolises purity, sophistication, and divine beauty. The use of white paint and its various tones poses a creative challenge for all those engaged in the building paint industry, from manufacturers and interior and exterior wall painters to the users of these areas.

Conclusion

The White Trio's paint services and construction restoration efforts are truly inspiring for modern architects and designers with its blend of tradition and innovation. Its nuanced façade and adaptable shutters echo Kashan's heritage of poetry, nostalgia, historic sensibility, and tranquillity.
The interplay of natural light, gentle beige hues in soft materials, and clean lines collectively compose an ode to the tranquillity found in the convergence and absence of the colour-white within the spaces. The use of white symbolising purity and adaptation offers modern architects’ insights into its multifaceted cultural significance in architecture.

Keep following this space to access inspirational stories, insightful knowledge, and trends from the institutional paints industry.