Architecture studio Chapman Taylor have announced two major design projects in Iran, as the country seeks to create new large-scale leisure destinations.

With the Iranian economy recovering after the alleviation of international economic sanctions, local investors have started reaching out to global architecture studios to develop new infrastructure and facilities.

After being invited to Iran by developers, Chapman Taylor have reached a deal to masterplan and design the 750,000sq m Jahan Mall in the holy city of Mashhad and create the interiors for the Iran Mall in Tehran.

The former project consists of a 420,000sq m shopping mall, hotel and luxury residences, and 330,000sq m of support facilities and underground car parking.

“The design concept involves creating a new public square in the heart of the new Central Business District, as well as a new city garden on top of the mall that includes several innovative shading elements to protect visitors from the sun,” said the firm.

The Iran Mall project involves the interior design of the retail component and a series of squares in the shopping mall. The mall will be one of the largest business centres in the region, with an area of 1,200,000sq m under construction in a 33ha plot.

“This project will lead the way for the future of retail in Tehran, as well as provide leisure, cultural, hotel, and sports activities, said Chapman Taylor. “Recognising the enormous scale of the project, our interior design concept is rich in local culture, nature and customs.”

The studio operate from from 17 regional design studios across Europe, Asia and the Middle East and have completed projects in 90 countries globally, including a shipping container hotel in the UK, an indoor ski arena in Norway and one of the world’s largest leisure-led retail schemes in China.