White Box Residential System

Azad University West Tehran Branch

Project idea

The “White Box” residential complex is conceived as an architectural system shaped by a set of twelve design rules rather than a fixed predetermined form. These principles govern spatial organization, modularity, void placement, and the balance between private and communal areas. Through a dialogue between order and flexibility, the project emerges as a cohesive yet adaptable living environment. By allowing rules to generate form, the design fosters individuality, interaction, and an evolving sense of community.

Project description

The project applies a rule-based design methodology supported by morphological analysis to achieve a highly responsive spatial configuration. The site is organized through a geometric landscape grid that enhances mobility, visual clarity, and functional efficiency. Strategic voids introduce natural light, ventilation, and spatial openness while defining circulation paths and semi-private courtyards. Residential flexibility is ensured through a variety of unit sizes and shared services embedded within the grid. Together, these layers—rules, landscape geometry, voids, and adaptable housing—form a connected system that supports both communal life and individual needs.

Technical information

The design is structured through a modular grid system that organizes the building massing, circulation routes, and landscape geometry. Voids are integrated as deliberate negative spaces to enhance environmental performance, improve airflow, and structure internal courtyards. The residential units follow a flexible modular typology, allowing multiple configurations and future adaptations. Material and construction strategies support this modular logic, enabling efficient assembly and the integration of shared services across the complex. The overall technical framework ensures scalability, structural clarity, and long-term adaptability.