Project
Chai Ketab
Category
Best Project of Public Space by Student
About the project (provided by the applicant)
Qahve Khanehs in Iran were not only places for coffee and tea but also hubs for storytelling, Shahnameh recitations, and Qahve Khaneh painting, where people engaged with Persian art and literature. Over time, they evolved into gathering spots for guilds and athletes, while tea became the nation’s favorite drink. Inspired by this legacy, Chai Ketab emerges in Ardabil, near the Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili mausoleum. Blending tradition with modernity, it serves as both teahouse and book haven. With shelves full of books, cozy seating, and natural light, it offers space for reading, reflection, and conversation. Alongside traditional teas and herbal infusions, it hosts cultural programs such as writing workshops, poetry nights, and storytelling sessions. Unlike traditional Qahve Khanehs, Chai Ketab embraces inclusivity, welcoming all genders into a warm, creative environment. It is designed as a modern cultural hub where tea, literature, and meaningful exchange come together.
Location
Ardabil, Iran
Project design year
2025
Extra visual materials
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OWlpaeX44DYyOpDCr5tfWBKU2xfAtcE0?usp=sharing
Applicant
Mohadeseh Abazari
I am a final year student of Architecture at Mohaghegh Ardabili University. This project has been developed as part of my academic research under the guidance of my faculty. It reflects my interest in resilient housing strategies and the reinterpretation of traditional Persian spatial typologies for contemporary social needs
Authors of the project
Mohadeseh Abazari, Amirhossein Taghizadeh
Visualization
Mohadeseh Abazari, Amirhossein Taghizadeh
Status of the project
Conceptual design
