Iranian architects Next Office and ZAV win international awards
In July 2018, Alireza Taghaboni and ZAV architects received both the Royal Academy Dorfman Award and the AR House of the Year. This generation, shaped by the Iran–Iraq war and constrained by sanctions, has brought fresh ideas to private housing design. Next Office's Villa for Younger Brother merges traditional architecture with modern technology. The Sharifi-ha House features rotating volumes to adapt Tehran homes for different seasons. ZAV architects Mohamadreza Godoushi, Parsa Ardam, and Fati Rezaiee created the Habitat for Orphan Girls in Khansar, which includes multi-level rooms and a classic courtyard. Despite facing challenges, they remain committed to innovation, convinced that architecture can transform Iran's social and economic fabric.
Key facts
- In July 2018, Alireza Taghaboni and ZAV architects won the Royal Academy Dorfman Award and the AR House of the Year.
- Both firms are based in Tehran.
- The architects were born in the late 1970s and grew up during the Iran–Iraq war.
- They operated for over a decade under international sanctions.
- Next Office's Villa for Younger Brother features a V-shaped section combining vernacular and high-tech styles.
- Sharifi-ha House has rotating volumes that adapt to seasons.
- ZAV's Habitat for Orphan Girls replaced dormitories with multi-level spaces and balconies that allow removal of hijab.
- Taghaboni expressed hope for the award but cited economic and political uncertainty.
Entities
Artists
- Alireza Taghaboni
- Mohamadreza Godoushi
- Parsa Ardam
- Fati Rezaiee
Institutions
- Next Office
- ZAV architects
- Royal Academy
- Architectural Review
Locations
- Tehran
- Iran
- Khansar
- Lavasan