Saeed Amini

advisor

Tehran University of Art

United Arab Emirates

I am an architect, researcher, and architectural critic who views architecture not merely as a… more

The MUSE project presents a commendable attempt at architectural adaptive reuse, transforming an existing university structure into a multifunctional cultural space. While the conceptual intention to create a calm, nature-oriented refuge for art, gastronomy, and social interaction is clearly stated, its translation into architectural resolution remains partially inconsistent. The extensive use of wood and greenery does bring warmth and cohesion, yet the overreliance on a limited material palette results in visual monotony in several areas. The conceptual ambition of blending interior and exterior spaces is strong, but certain transitions lack clear spatial thresholds, which weakens the intended fluidity and depth of experience.

Spatial organization stands as one of the project’s strengths, with circulation designed to be intuitive and continuous. However, the functional clarity of specific zones is not always fully achieved. Boundaries between exhibition, seating, and circulation areas occasionally overlap in ways that could hinder real-life usability. The project embraces flexibility, yet at times this flexibility appears to substitute for precise functional definition, reducing the legibility of the program. The renderings convey atmosphere effectively, but they do not consistently communicate material realism or technical feasibility, which introduces a gap between conceptual intent and architectural execution.

Technically, the project overlooks several critical considerations. Acoustic performance essential in a cultural space intended for music, workshops, and public gatherings—has not been meaningfully addressed. This omission represents a significant shortcoming given the nature of the program. Additionally, material selection, while aesthetically coherent, would benefit from greater diversity and strategic variation to improve durability, performance, and spatial differentiation. Some diagrams and drawings lack conceptual rigor and do not clearly articulate how design decisions stem from the project’s narrative, resulting in a presentation that feels visually appealing but not fully grounded in technical or analytical depth.

In summary, MUSE is a project with strong potential but an incomplete architectural resolution. Its core concept is compelling, and the atmosphere of the space is well crafted, yet the design requires substantial refinement in functional zoning, acoustic strategy, material diversity, and the clarity of supporting diagrams. With these improvements, the project could evolve from a visually engaging proposal into a more comprehensive, well-substantiated example of adaptive reuse and multifunctional cultural design. As it stands, it demonstrates promise, but also notable room for further development.

To strengthen the architectural resolution of the project, clearer functional boundaries are needed, as several program areas currently overlap in ways that may compromise usability; this can be improved through subtle shifts in material, lighting hierarchy, or furniture configuration. The acoustic performance of the space requires serious attention, especially given its focus on music, workshops, and public gatherings, and should incorporate absorptive or textured surfaces. The material palette, while warm, would benefit from greater variety to avoid visual monotony and create richer spatial depth. Transitions between interior and exterior spaces also need refinement to better articulate thresholds and enhance experiential continuity. Additionally, a more layered lighting strategy combining ambient, task, and accent lighting would emphasize spatial hierarchy and improve mood control. Finally, the conceptual diagrams should more clearly communicate design logic, and the furniture layout could be diversified in height and form to support a wider range of activities, ultimately elevating the project’s functional clarity and overall architectural coherence.
03.12.2025