Profile

AKAD is an experimental, research-driven architectural design and fabrication laboratory. We explore architecture at the confluence of human living conditions, contextual dynamics, material and construction limitations, natural ordinance, and the transformative role of human-developed technology in contemporary life.

Architecture is no longer confined to the built environment as it was for millennia. The rise of digital technologies and the pervasive integration of computation into everyday life have expanded the scope of architectural thought. For us, architecture is a vessel that forms life and is informed by life. In the age of artificial intelligence and advanced computation, we view any such vessel as architecture.

Services

AKAD operates across a broad spectrum of architectural services, including design, detailing, and construction supervision of residential, mixed-use, retail, educational, cultural, religious, and public buildings, as well as mid-scale urban design projects. We also provide consultation for architectural and planning projects, with a particular focus on digital design and fabrication processes. Our expertise enables us to design and implement specialized solutions tailored to the unique demands of each project.

History

Afshin Koupaei, founded Gozaar Studio (2012) which evolved into Gozaar Fabrication Lab (2018) in Esfahan, Iran. Gozaar carried on several design, implementation and fabrication projects in Iran independently and in Oman, Greece, and UK in collaboration with other local architectural practices. The name of the studio “Gozaar” which means transition in Farsi, introduced well the situation of this practice at the time. Since 2022, and after 10 years of successful operations Gozaar is rebranded into AKAD Lab, or Afshin Koupaei Architectural Design Lab. Having a well established relation with academia in Vienna and with a broad architectural design and making experience, AKAD is able to pursue its mission to improve the qualities of living spaces.

Computational Design & Fabrication

With over 20 years of experience in computer programming and architectural design, AKAD offers distinctive computational design and fabrication solutions. Our expertise in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and robotics enables us to significantly customize design and fabrication processes to meet the specific needs of each project. By integrating both traditional and cutting-edge fabrication tools, we optimize the entire process of design and making. Our deep programming knowledge and strong foundation in computational design have led to the development of various bespoke tools for design and manufacturing. This expertise allows us to deliver sophisticated, high-tech solutions for some projects while also creating simple, intuitive tools that bring complex ideas to life.

Academia & Research

AKAD has always approached architecture through an academic and research-driven lens. This approach has evolved through the conduct of numerous design and fabrication workshops in Esfahan, Tehran, and Vienna, alongside addressing real-world architectural challenges in AfshinKoupaei’s teaching at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. A core mission of AKAD is to continually contribute to the academic field of architecture by conducting workshops, publishing papers, and pursuing research that enhances the quality of the architectural design and fabrication process.

Contact

AKAD LAB is active in Esfahan, Iran and in Vienna, Austria.

The office of Isfahan is located at Apadana Street and the office of Viennaa in the 1020. We have decided to conceal the detailed information, phone numbers, and the full address to prevent miss use of information by online bots. Please contact us via e-mail.

We constantly check this e-mail and we immediately respond to any message which is not a spam !

CONTACT US AT : AKADLAB@gmx.at

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