In the northern regions of Gilan and Mazandaran in Iran, rice farming tradition has long relied on the diligent watch of the “Shoupé” – a night guard tasked with the vital duty of “Shabpayi,” protecting rice paddies from nocturnal wild animals. Inspired by this heritage, the Shoupé Tower stands by the sea, like a maritime beacon, casting its light over the surrounding landscape and overseeing it.

Shoupé is a multi-purpose high-rise project situated along the Babolsar coastline, adjacent to urban areas on the seafront. Spanning 18 floors and covering 22,000 square meters on a 4,000 square meter plot, it offers small-size residential units alongside diverse shared amenities, services, and recreational facilities.

Shoupé is a living cluster focused on public space that, drawing inspiration from mountain villages, incorporates a neighboorhood-like layout into its high-rise design. The tower’s public and residential areas are organized into three vertically stacked neighborhoods, each oriented in different directions, providing diverse views of the sea and the cityscape. Within each neighborhood, houses, shops, pathways and plazzas are arranged in tapered formations along the slope, forming a cascade of roofs and yards that define the project’s public realm.

At the base of the tower, a two-story podium connects the city to the beach, acting as a bridge. This creates a pedestrian pathway between the seaside and the urban area, passing through the project. The pathway leads inward from both sides and extends up to the top of the tower through its public spaces.

Within Shoupé, a network of pathways, thoroughfares, and alleyways guide residents and visitors alike from bottom to top. Public squares and local markets are seamlessly integrated throughout. Residential quarters nestle alongside alleys and streets in each neighborhood, with larger public spaces predominantly situated on lower floors. Along the route from the city to the sea and within the podium, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, lounges, covered temporary markets, and service areas. These seasonal and temporary markets infuse urban life into the project, creating a vibrant atmosphere.