The design area is located in the southern part of Rasht and falls within District 5 of the municipality. This land, which consists of eastern and western sections, is separated by a minor branch of the main Goharroud River. The eastern section, covering an area of 315,825 square meters, lies within the city limits, while the western section, with an area of 188,414 square meters, is situated within the city’s outskirts. Together, they encompass a total area of 504,239 square meters (approximately 50 hectares). Sustainable development and the creation of a livable space, with a strong emphasis on generating added value, are the primary objectives. Given the natural and environmental conditions of the surrounding land, and considering the increased construction activity in recent years along Lakan Road—albeit sporadically and with low residential density in the built-up areas nearby—the establishment of a multifunctional complex in this area can help guide urban development.

The Lakan multifunctional complex serves as a benchmark model, aligned with prevailing architectural standards and principles of sustainable development along the Lakan urban development axis. The provision of necessary, attractive, diverse, and investment-worthy services, coupled with the preservation of environmental and natural values, and reliance on an efficient green transportation network, will enhance livability and contribute to economic growth and capacity building. To preserve the existing values of the land, the protection of valuable trees on the site has been considered a key design principle. Additionally, the river that flows through the study area has been identified as a crucial design element, with the preservation of the riverbank and the prohibition of construction in its vicinity being a fundamental design principle. The site is connected through service and activity axes.

Furthermore, to preserve the existing values of the land and connect neighborhood and urban axes to the site, the existing pathways within the site have been retained. This not only strengthens the existing urban axes in the city but also extends them into the site, with activity axes designed along them, contributing to the dynamism and vitality of the site. Another key design principle is the creation of open and green spaces as lively and dynamic areas where all citizens can freely gather.

The services planned for the Lakan project have been designed to meet the needs of both the local and broader population. Given the importance of the Lakan axis for accommodating supra-neighborhood (or at least supra-local) functions, additional space has been allocated for services that cater to the needs of the neighborhood and district, as well as broader regional requirements.