As an independent thesis project, I chose to design a Consulate for Iran in West Los Angeles. This design problem was chosen to explore different issues in architecture that interest me. The two primary issues explored are building security and the representation of a traditional culture in contemporary architecture.

Perspective from Northwest	Site Plan in Context
Elevation, Westwood Blvd

I challenged the notion that secure building cannot be built on small sites in dense urban areas. The consulate is located on Westwood Boulevard in the heart of the Iranian immigrant community. In contrast, most embassies and consulates that value security are now built on large suburban sites, far from the communities they intend to serve.

First Floor	Second Floor	Third Floor	Fourth Floor

The overall form of the building is derived from the opposition between the angled city grid and the East facing mosque in the center of the composition. This illustrates the tension between religious and secular life that characterizes the current state of Iran. The columns are hollow shafts that allow natural light to penetrate the lower floors of the building, which have no exterior glazing for security reasons. The columns derive their form from traditional Iranian wind towers.