I’m Sepideh, an architect and urban designer with a Master’s degree from TU Berlin and a Bachelor’s in Architecture. Currently based in Berlin, I am seeking junior opportunities in architecture and urban design where I can contribute to sustainable and inclusive projects.
This portfolio presents a selection of my academic and professional projects, highlighting my design approach and interest in how architecture shapes urban life.
CONTENTS
Master Thesis
Master of Urban Design Thesis
2024 – 2023
Urban Design & Large-Scale Projects
Academic Work – Master of Urban Design
2023 – 2021
Professional Work
2017 - 2022
Architectural Projects
Professional Work
2022 – 2018
Academic Work – Bachelor of Architecture
2018 – 2014
Creative Work
Sketch,Photography, and Physical Models
2017 – Present
Master Thesis
MASTER THESIS | URBAN DESIGN
TACTICAL URBANISM
FOR GENDER-INCLUSIVE STREETS
Berlin- TU Berlin
Authors: Sepideh Farmahini - Farzaneh Fazlikhani
Supervisors: Dr. Agnes Katharina MüllerDr. Megha Tyagi
Year 2024
CONTENT
THESIS OVERVIEW
PROJECT SITES
- NOLLENDORFPLATZ U-BAHN STATION
- MAASSEN STREET
- NOLLENDORF STREET
- PALLASPARK
- WINTERFELDTPLATZ
- PLAYGROUND ON HOHENSTAUFEN STREET
TACTICAL URBANISM FOR GENDERINCLUSIVE STREETS
Institute: TU Berlin
Location: Berlin, DE | 2024
Course: Master Thesis Urban
Design
Supervisors: Dr. Agnes Katharina
Müller- Dr. Megha Tyagi
Authors: Sepideh FarmahiniFarzaneh Fazlikhani
Contributions:
- Conducted literature review on women’s safety in public space and gender-inclusive urban practices
- Developed framework on gender inclusivity and spatial equity
- Infrastructure mapping
- Behavioral mapping
- SWOT analysis
- design development, including concept diagrams, tactical strategies, and visual communication
This thesis investigates how tactical urbanism can promote gender inclusivity in urban streets, focusing on Berlin’s Winterfeldt neighborhood in Schöneberg. Public spaces often overlook the needs of women and LGBTQI+ communities, limiting their access, safety, and sense of belonging.
Six key sites were selected as pilot areas based on their potential to improve quality of life. Through surveys, behavioral mapping, and research, the study identified major barriers—including poor lighting, unsafe routes, and lack of inclusive amenities.
Proposed interventions include enhanced lighting, parklets, public toilets, and multi-functional community spaces, aimed at fostering safety, well-being, and social connection. The findings offer a scalable framework for applying tactical urbanism to support gender-equitable urban transformation.
NOLLENDORF PLATZ
U-BAHN STATION
This underutilized space beneath the U-Bahn station faces major safety concerns due to poor lighting, lack of activity, and social neglect. Through a tactical urbanism approach, the design aims to activate the area with cultural features that foster safety, inclusivity, and a stronger presence—particularly for the queer community—transforming it into a vibrant and welcoming public space
Contribution:
- Designed the site layout and interventions using Rhino - Created isometric views Rhino and Adobe Illustrator
- Developed analytical diagrams and visual materials using Illustrator and Photoshop for post-production and presentation
Gallery Stands
Open-Air Gallery
Open-Air Cinema
MAASSEN STREET
Despite its lively atmosphere, Maaßen Street faces accessibility and safety challenges due to poor infrastructure and underutilized public elements. This tactical urbanism proposal reimagines the street with improved mobility features, inclusive amenities, and community-driven solutions to enhance usability, comfort, and engagement for all users.
Contribution:
- Created isometric views Rhino and Adobe Illustrator
- Developed analytical diagrams and visual materials using Illustrator and Photoshop for post-production and presentation
SplashSpot
Active Mobility
CityDesk
NOLLENDORF STREET
This calm, tree-lined pedestrian street offers a peaceful setting but lacks essential amenities for social interaction and play. The proposal aims to activate the space through targeted interventions—such as seating, activity zones, and playful elements—to transform it into a welcoming and multifunctional public environment for the local community.
Contribution:
- Designed the site layout and interventions using Rhino - Created isometric views Rhino and Adobe Illustrator
- Developed analytical diagrams and visual materials using Illustrator and Photoshop for post-production and presentation
Parenting Space
Spinner Seats
Open Air Bookcase
PALLASPARK
Located beside a social housing complex, PallasPark is an underused green space lacking basic infrastructure, safety, and appeal. This proposal aims to transform the park into an inviting, community-centered space by addressing neglected areas, improving lighting, and introducing inclusive amenities to activate the site for everyday use—especially for families and children.
Contribution:
- Designed the site layout and interventions using Rhino
- Created isometric views Rhino and Adobe Illustrator
- Developed analytical diagrams and visual materials using Illustrator and Photoshop for post-production and presentation
WINTERFELDT PLATZ
Despite its size and the presence of a vibrant weekly market, Winterfeldtplatz remains underutilized outside market days due to poor lighting, limited amenities, and a lack of public sanitation. This proposal introduces adaptive furniture, water features, and improved infrastructure to encourage continuous community engagement and transform the square into a more inclusive, active public space.
Contribution:
- Created isometric views Rhino and Adobe Illustrator
- Developed analytical diagrams and visual materials using Illustrator and Photoshop for post-production and presentation
PLAYGROUND ON HOHENSTAUFEN STREET
This small, quiet playground has been largely neglected, with minimal equipment and limited use, leading to safety concerns. The proposed interventions aim to transform it into a safe, welcoming space by introducing flexible features that support community activities—such as yoga, group gatherings, and wellness programs—while encouraging regular, positive use of the area.
Contribution:
- Created isometric views Rhino and Adobe Illustrator
- Developed analytical diagrams and visual materials using Illustrator and Photoshop for post-production and presentation
- Created analytical and conceptual diagrams using Adobe Illustrator
- Contributed to the design and layout of the studio handbook in Illustrator
- Participated in design ideation and strategic concept
- Contributed in creating Energy map
- conducted research on sustainable energy sources and localized solutions
future is now
but unevenly distributed
Energy Consumption And Carbon Footprint In Germany, Brandenburg,Berlin, And Charlottenburg Designed by the GGLC team
The urgency of climate change demands transformative action at all scales. In today’s complex urban systems, the individual citizen often feels powerless. To shift this dynamic, legislation and incentives must empower individuals, fostering a culture of prosumers—those who both consume and produce energy.
Traditionally hidden from public view, energy infrastructure must be made visible to spark engagement and action. The development of decentralized, distributed micro-grids is essential to reduce reliance on slow-moving policy processes. Energy transition must be approached holistically—addressing not only carbon reduction, but also social equity, biodiversity, and resilience, generating synergetic and systemic change across the city.
- Contributed the master plan using Rhino and Adobe Illustrator
- Design and conceptual development for the courtyard and vertical city typologies
- Research on the Actor-Network of the site, analyzing stakeholder relationships
- «15-minute city» diagrams and explored achievable urban goals through future retail models
This project prioritizes breaking down barriers between students, local residents, and the homeless by analyzing their shared needs and spatial interactions. Located within a 15-minute neighborhood, the site offers potential to meet daily needs while revitalizing local retail and strengthening community dynamics.
The introduction of urban vertical farming integrates commercial and educational functions, increasing local food production while reducing transport emissions. Beyond sustainability, the farming initiative acts as a model for corporate social responsibility, fostering connections between the university and surrounding neighborhood—and creating opportunities for homeless individuals to participate in the urban value chain.
- Participated in the conceptual design and early development phase
- Produced 2D architectural drawings using AutoCAD
- Created 3D models with Rhino
- Designed diagrams and visuals using Adobe Illustrator
- Contributed to physical model (maquette) design and assembly
- Involved in site and programmatic studies during the research phase.
Interior Space formation and plans Designed by the Sience Hill Team
This 2020 competition called for a museum atop a hill at the intersection of Hemmat and Chamran Highways—one of Tehran’s key urban nodes.
The design concept centered on reviving the natural form of the hill, sculpting it to integrate open, semi-open, and enclosed spaces within its terrain. Beyond architectural form and interior layout, the project also introduced a strong urban design component: using the museum as a catalyst to reduce traffic congestion, promote active mobility, and establish a connected bicycle lane network that runs through and around the site—blending architecture, landscape, and sustainable urban planning.
Hill’s location in Tehran in horizontal and vertical section. Designed by the Sience Hill Team
VALIASR STREET PROJECT
Valiasr Street›s Study Community (Kavosh)
Location: Tehran, Iran
2017-present
Volunteer project
Supervisor: Eng. Saman Sayar
Team Work project
The results of this project were published in Architecture and Construction Magazine (Iran) in:
Issue No. 53 – February 2018
Issue No. 55 – August 2018
Contributions:
- Participated in two main phases of the project: analysis and proposal.
- Created street maps and sections to document existing spatial conditions
- Conducted analytical studies to identify urban challenges and user needs
- Collaborated on design strategies
- Proposed a mobile application to share findings and engage the public
Valiasr Street, built in the 1890s to connect two royal palaces, is one of the longest and most historic streets in the Middle East. As a key artery in Tehran, it plays a vital role in shaping the city’s cultural and social life.
In 2017, under the leadership of Saman Sayar, over 60 students collaborated to map and analyze the street’s physical and social layers. The project produced over 30 thematic maps, covering green spaces, cultural hubs, abandoned zones, and street furniture.
Our analysis revealed a high concentration of cultural centers and daily activity hubs along the street. The results were published in Architecture and Construction Magazine (Issues 53 & 55, 2018).
Longitudinal Section of Valiasr Street and mapped layers. Designed by the Kavosh group
Architectural Projects
PROFESSIONAL WORK ACADEMIC WORK
ETTEHADIEH COMPLEX
Tehran_Architectural Design
SNP Office
Supervisors: Eng. Saman Sayar
And Eng.Mohammad Nikbakhsh
ALLEF HOUSE
Tehran_Architectural Renovation
SNP Office
Supervisors: Eng. Saman Sayar
And Eng.Mohammad Nikbakhsh
OZGOL COMPLEX
Tehran_Architectural Design
Arse Negar Office
Supervisor: Dr. Sima Manoori
CHILDREN CANCER CLINIC
Tehran_ TU Shariaty
Bachlor Thesis
Supervisor: Dr. Sima Mansouri
AGRICULTURAL RESIDENTIAL
COMPLEX
Tehran_ TU Shariaty
Bachelor Design studio5
Supervisor: Dr. Nahid Sadeghipey
TECHNICAL DESIGN PHASE
Tehran_ TU Shariaty
Construction drawings and Details
Supervisor: Eng. Ali Tirgan
ETTEHADIEH COMPLEX
Company: SNP Office
Location: Tehran, Iran | 2021
Type: Architectural Design
Supervisor: Eng. Saman Sayar
Team Size: 5 Members
Team Members: Saman Sayar, Mohammad Nikbaksh, Sepideh Farmahini, Arezo Zamani, Shadan Bromand
Role: Junior Architect
Contributions:
- Participated in the conceptual design and early development phase
- Produced 2D architectural drawings using AutoCAD
- Designed diagrams and visuals using Adobe Illustrator
- Involved in site and programmatic studies during the research phase.
Main Design diagram to save current trees of the building and find the best form to answer all the required spaces. Designed by the Etehadieh Complex Team
Top View Designed by the Etehadieh Complex Team
Artist’s Residence & Gallery
Shirin Ettehadieh
Commissioned by renowned Iranian artist Shirin Ettehadieh, this project involved designing a multi-functional home that would serve as her private residence, atelier, home office, and gallery. The new building was to replace her former atelier, where she had worked for over 50 years—making the emotional and spatial continuity essential to the design.
The site’s defining feature was a cluster of mature, old trees at the center, located in the former courtyard. The design began with a solid mass, which was then carved out to create internal voids for trees, light, and visual connections—transforming the house into a place of inspiration, openness, and artistic energy.
Bird View and Elevation view to show openings of the facades and formation. Designed by the Etehadieh Complex Team
ALLEF HOUSE
Company: SNP Office
Location: Tehran, Iran | 2020
Type: Renovation
Supervisor: Eng. Saman Sayar
Team Size: 4 Members
Team Members: Saman Sayar, Mohammad Nikbaksh, Sepideh Farmahini, Arezo Zamani
Role: Junior Architect
Contributions:
- Conducted an on-site as-built survey and documented existing conditions using AutoCAD
- Participated in the conceptual design
- Produced 2D architectural drawings using AutoCAD
- Developed 3D models with Rhino
- Designed diagrams and visuals using Adobe Illustrator for client presentations
- Contributed to (maquette)
- Assisted in developing construction drawings and technical details for execution phase
Alef House was a complex renovation project that revealed unexpected challenges as work progressed. Originally built in the 1970s, during the Iran-Iraq war period, the house suffered from significant structural issues due to the scarcity of construction materials at the time. Upon entering the project, our team first had to address these foundational and structural problems before moving forward with the design and renovation process.
Reviving a 1970s Home for Contemporary Living Designed by the Alef House Team
OZGOL COMPLEX
Company: Arse Negar Office
Location: Tehran, Iran | 2019
Type: Architectural Design
Supervisor: Dr. Sima Mansouri
Team Size: 4 Members
Team Members: Sima Mansouri, Sepideh Farmahini, Elahe Torabi
Role: Junior Architect Contributions:
- Contributed to the facade design process, including form development and material studies
- Produced 2D architectural drawings using AutoCAD
- Developed 3D models with Rhino
- Contributed to (maquette)
- Assisted in developing construction drawings and technical details for execution phase
An 11-story, 23,500 sqm residential project, Ozgol Tower was handed to our team to redesign its modern façade after the original plans had been completed. Over a six-month collaboration with Dr. Sima Mansoori, I developed 3D models, contributed to design refinement, and assisted in preparing the executive drawings and technical documents for the updated façade.
3D Model of Ozgol tower Designed by the Ozgol Tower Team
3D Section of the Tower and details Designed by the Ozgol Tower Team
CHILDREN CANCER CLINIC
Institute: TU Shariaty
Location: Tehran, Iran | 2018
Course: Bachelor Thesis
Supervisor: Dr. Sima Mansouri
Project Type: Individual
Academic Project
Focouse Area: Design of a healthcare facility focused on spatial efficiency, user-centered planning, and contextual integration
Tools Used :
- Revit for 2D architectural drawings and 3D modeling
- Corona Renderer for photorealistic visualizations
- AutoCAD for construction drawings and technical details
- Adobe Illustrator for design diagrams and presentation graphics
- Literature references for comprehensive site analysis and programmatic research related to clinic design
Medical centers can often evoke stress and discomfort, especially in children and their families. To reduce this emotional impact, the clinic was designed with the playful atmosphere of a kindergarten—featuring colorful walls, green spaces, and outdoor playgrounds to create a joyful and welcoming environment.
A key design priority was the optimization of vertical and horizontal circulation between departments. This approach helps improve treatment efficiency and minimize the spread of contaminants, creating a healthier and more functional care environment.
AGRICULTURAL RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX
Institute: TU Shariaty
Location: Tehran, Iran | 2018
Course: Bachelor Design studio5
Supervisor: Dr. Nahid Sadeghipey
Project Type: Individual
Academic Project
Focouse Area: Sustainable residential complex design that integrates agricultural gardens and productive landscapes to promote self-sufficiency and Environmental responsibility.
Tools Used :
- Revit for 2D architectural drawings and 3D modeling
- Adobe Illustrator for design diagrams and presentation graphics
Given the region’s drought conditions, vegetation selection was a key concern.
Based on recent research, Damask rose was chosen for its drought tolerance and ecological benefits. Additionally, the site’s high solar exposure made it ideal for a hybrid solar system, providing electricity for the complex and powering a solar-assisted heating and cooling system. This approach enabled efficient energy use for Radiant floor heating/cooling system across the residential units.
First floor plan and different type of apartments
3D Section to show the sustainability aspect of the building that provides energy food zero waste and also new jobs for some of the residents.
Design Diagram to provide a form that would contain the highest amount of sun and green space.
TECHNICAL DESIGN PHASE
Construction drawings and Details
Institute: TU Shariaty
Location: Tehran, Iran | 2017
Course: Construction drawings and Details
Supervisor: Eng. Ali Tirgan
(Licensed Architect)
Project Type: Individual
Academic Project
Focouse Area: This project focused on developing comprehensive construction documentation, including architectural plans, sections, elevations, and execution-level details.
Tools Used : - AutoCAD for drafting construction drawings and technical details
Creative Work
Azadi Tower - Tehran - Sep 2023
Sketched by the author
Photography, and Physical Models
This section features a selection of my creative explorations, including photography and physical models. The photos were taken by me in cities such as Tehran, Hamburg, Paris, and Berlin, capturing urban atmospheres and Buildings. The maquettes and physical models were either developed as personal projects or created collaboratively during my time at SNP Office.
