Funism: Activating Urban Spaces in Tehran

"Funism is anything that can inspire joy or playfulness in the lives of others. It’s about trying to make the world a happier place. It’s an ideology. It’s a philosophy. Funism is like alcoholism, except you don’t have to have a hangover when it’s over. It’s cheaper than anti-depressants and has better side effects."

In 2013, Tehran underwent a major infrastructure upgrade with the expansion of Sadr Highway—one of the city’s busiest arteries—adding an elevated second layer to improve north-south traffic flow during rush hours. This significant urban transformation coincided with the AAVS studio in Tehran and provided a real-time opportunity for design exploration.

Within a two-week workshop, we focused on discovering and activating neglected, dilapidated spaces along the highway corridor. The project embraced themes of humour, irony, joy, memories, and playfulness, challenging the monofunctionality of the highway infrastructure.

During the first week, the unit created simple, site-responsive installations using available materials and conditions such as sunlight, airflow, views, and the presence of rubble or waste. These installations aimed to make bold statements about the sites’ current states. Methodologies included site recording through video and interviews with users—drivers and local residents—to understand and reflect on the disruptive impacts of the construction.

Students:
Sepideh Azin, Ghaflan Abadi, Ramtin Taherian, Amirreza Azadeh, Yalda Amin-Shahidi, Abolhasan Karimi, Amir Pourmohammad, Ladan Firouzbakht Sani, Arghavan Shahrokhi, Narges Rowshanzamir, Roxana Bakhshayesh Karam, Alireza Shojakhani, Yasamin Fathi, Oveis Shahnae, Sara Rashighi, Arash Nikfarjam, Aida Sarboland, Negar Mansouri Asl, Raheleh Rahimi, Behrang Khosravi

More information and documentation available at: Tehran AA School Gallery