Engineering Design and Supervision Project for the "One Thousand and One Nights" Recreational, Touristic, and Cultural Complex: Reviving the Legends of the Desert in Kerman
Client: Private Sector
Project Duration: 2022–2027
Project Summary:
ANIN Engineering Company, in collaboration with Negar Trading Company, proudly undertook the responsibility of completing the feasibility studies, preliminary studies, and preparation of engineering documents for Phases 1 and 2 of the large-scale “One Thousand and One Nights” tourism-residential-recreational complex. Located on a 70-hectare site in the Haft Bagh area of Kerman, this complex features an approximate built-up area of 115,400 square meters and includes diverse cultural (conference and cinema halls), commercial (hyper mall), and recreational-residential (hotel and villa) uses.
One Thousand and One Nights: A Unique Desert Tourism Experience with a Climatic and Cultural Approach
Inspired by ancient legends and rooted in the unique potential of Kerman’s desert landscape, the complex is designed with a focus on climatic architecture and solar energy. It aims to promote sustainable tourism and harmonize the relationship between humans and the desert environment.
The primary goal of the project is to attract both domestic and international tourists by highlighting themes such as love, mysticism, contemplation, and research through specialized museums and exhibitions showcasing works related to divine mysticism and regional art. The remarkable qualities of the desert—its starry skies, silence, and serenity—are central to the design of the complex.
Beyond climatic design, key considerations include the natural forms of the region and the preferences of the complex’s target audience, who favor preserving the site’s natural form and differ from typical tourist center visitors.
The designed spaces not only provide all basic facilities for tourists but also include various auxiliary areas such as a sports complex, cultural spaces, commercial center (Chaharsoogh), Nations Village, accommodation villas, camping and ecotourism zones, and modern hotels. Additionally, with dedicated spaces for conferences and cultural gatherings, the complex becomes a prime destination for desert and regional culture enthusiasts.
Key Design Objectives
- Desert-compatible architecture: Focus on the site’s unique features and design in harmony with the desert’s climate and landscape.
- Use of clean energy: Utilize renewable resources such as solar and wind energy to minimize environmental impact.
- Modern climatic architecture: Combine climate-conscious design principles with modern architectural approaches to create comfortable and sustainable spaces.
ANIN Engineering Company, with its expertise in designing unique tourism complexes, is committed to providing top-tier engineering design and strict supervision services. This will ensure that the “One Thousand and One Nights” project becomes a leading national and international sustainable tourism destination, while promoting the cultural richness and natural attractions of Kerman’s desert to the world.
Main Components of the One Thousand and One Nights Complex: A Journey through Imagination and Reality
Shams Commercial Complex
Spanning 25,000 m², this space is more than just a modern shopping center; it’s a dynamic hub for experiences and entertainment. It includes diverse food courts offering international and local cuisine, a comprehensive hypermarket, and various amenities for all ages.
Sindbad 4-Star Hotel
With a built-up area of over 20,000 m² and 84 rooms (singles, doubles, and luxury suites), Sindbad Hotel delivers a memorable and comfortable stay. Its architecture, inspired by Sindbad’s tales, offers a distinctive atmosphere.
Espricho Villa Complex
Designed in the shape of a bird, accommodating around 130 villas, this area reflects the image of a “Spricho” (local term for swallow) from above. It includes a mix of modern and traditional villas, service and cultural areas, dedicated bike paths, children’s play areas, and mini-golf.
Shahrzad Cultural and Art Complex
- With an area of 25,000 m², this cultural heart of the complex hosts various artistic and cultural events. It features 7 cinemas, 7 multi-purpose halls, a comprehensive library, an astronomy observatory, exhibition spaces, educational classes, quality restaurants and cafés, administrative areas, an open-air amphitheater, lush green spaces, ample parking, and full-service facilities.
Hezar-o-Yek Shab Botanical Garden Greenhouse
Multiple modern geodesic greenhouses (25–100 m²) offer a lush, refreshing environment. In addition to local flora, the garden will showcase exotic plants, ornamental flowers, and rare birds from around the world.
Orang Sports Complex
Covering 30,000 m², this sports hub offers an indoor multi-purpose sports hall, pool, sauna, jacuzzi, squash courts, martial arts halls, café, professional bike and skate paths, and parkour space. Outdoor areas include courts for volleyball, basketball, soccer, handball, tennis, badminton, and an off-road motor track.
Siraf Recreational Camping
Strategically located and separated using artificial hills to reduce noise pollution, this area includes equipped camping spaces, BBQ areas, a comprehensive store, various playgrounds, a themed “Story City” park, family cycling paths, and facilities for skating and bike shows.
Silk Road Nations Village
Inspired by the historic Silk Road, this 40,000 m² cultural and tourism hub includes areas modeled after civilizations along the route (e.g., Iran, China, India, Italy, Greece). Constructed with lightweight structures and designed like movie towns, it hosts cultural product shops and tourist services tailored to each civilization.
Shahr-e-Ghesseh Eco-Tourism
Designed with the hot, arid climate of Kerman and its local architecture in mind, this 50,000 m² eco-tourism zone includes three accommodation types:
- Type 1: Short-term units made from natural materials (wood, mud, straw).
- Type 2: Long-term structures built with sandbags and local-compatible methods.
- Type 3: Modern geodesic domes for extended stays.
Each type offers diverse accommodations and traditional recreational services.
Site Landscaping (Over 60 Hectares):
Tourism today is a key driver of economic growth and job creation in both developed and developing countries. With rising global awareness of natural sciences and environmental protection, ecotourism has become one of the most appealing branches of the industry. Iran, with its countless cultural, historical, and natural attractions, is rightly dubbed the “Lost Paradise” and can be an ideal destination for domestic and foreign travelers.
The Seven Gardens Tourism Complex in Kerman has been designed with a focus on developing ecotourism in this unique region. Using the special climatic conditions and traditional architecture of the area, the vast landscape design (over 60 hectares) with eye-catching scenery and diverse green spaces offers an unparalleled experience of interaction with the desert environment.
