Interviews with Hosein Ebrahimzade

The main principle, idea, and inspiration behind our design are rooted in the examination of residential architecture from the 1950s and 1960s in Iran. We employed the principles and alternatives from this era to address the project's challenges.

The main goal and focus of this project was to strive for families independence while maintaining connections with each other.

Currently, this building is operational. The only remaining task is its maintenance and upkeep.

This is a continuation of my studies on residential fabrics, but it specifically took six months to complete it.

This design was a combination of inspirations and client requirements. Therefore, it continued my studies on residential buildings, which coincided with this timely commission.

This project was constructed by our office, and the sales and allocation of the residential units were also handled by our team.

As I mentioned before, this project is a continuation of my studies on residential buildings. I aimed to develop an effective model suited to the current socio-cultural context of Iran.

Yes. As I mentioned earlier, In Iranian architecture, such types of apartments were commonly produced, especially in the 1350s(SH). Many works were done in this era, and this project has been developed under their influence.

As mentioned earlier, this project had a specific client, but the main goal was to use a prototype for public use.

What sets this project apart is the use of different types of units across the building's floors, which is not common in contemporary construction situation in Iran.

It's a tough one. I can't explain exactly what the reason for this name was, but usually when naming projects, I focus on the mental and emotional states at that moment.

In the design process of this project, common architectural software was used. SketchUp was used for the 3D modeling, and AutoCAD was used for the construction drawings.

The most important aspect of this project, which we can attribute this adjective to, is that there is a paradox between the interior and exterior. The exterior appears simple and modest, while the interior has a complex structure.

The tasks of this project were carried out by a team, so our colleagues in the technical and executive departments of our office advanced the technical and executive aspects of this project.

In fact, no specific technology was used in this project. Only conventional construction techniques common in the current situation in Iran were used.

As mentioned earlier, this project has been influenced by the examination of various apartment typologies in Iran over the past 40 years. Detailed designs and urban planning maps of the city of Mashhad were reviewed, and based on these, efforts were made to reach a more accurate pattern in the building.

One of the serious challenges in this project was accommodating various agreements with the client and their children, all of whom were future residents of the project. This aspect also involved planning for sales. Overall, managing financial issues was one of the most important challenges in this project.

My reason for participating in this competition was to test this idea and concept for my future projects.

The most important thing I learned from this project was the impact of changing plan types on the project's economy and construction tectonics.

No,thanks.

Experiencing life on its own introduces one to the concept of art, which is experiential. I had no intention of seeking a title; it just happened.

Our office is the product of an experiential process. As I mentioned before, this office was initially established in collaboration with another person under the name Pi Architects. In 'Pi,' we collaborated with an individual in the field of execution who is no longer with us. Naturally, our perspective on projects and work has changed. The MAN office focuses on narratives that are constantly evolving. It does not have a fixed and specific form and adapts its perspective based on changing conditions.

My definition of design is to pose a question with a paradox, without seeking an answer to that paradox. You should be able to place these two opposites side by side.

I am particularly interested in spaces that have the capacity for habitation.

There is no single favorite when it comes to design. Design does not take on a fixed form or shape.

I am interested in all natural materials and avoid plastic. All technologies are fascinating to me as well.

This is not time-bound and is not dependent on any specific state. I feel like I am doing my best work when my inner forces become more important than the external ones.

Program and harmony.

Fear and love.

Again fear and love.

I'm not sure if the word "successful" applies here or not. Designs don't become successful, they only come into being; it's enough that they exist. If the intention is immortality, it's better to refer to “The Timeless Way of Building” by Christopher Alexander.

Judging a work solely based on its claims is possible. If it contradicts its claims, it is not a good design.

Avoiding Negligence

I believe design will be heavily influenced by AI, but this does not imply a change in the essence of design.

I won't have an exhibition.

Mostly literature, poetry, film, and individual experiences.

One of the most fundamental concepts in design is to be without a specific style. An essential principle in design is to accurately perceive what the object itself intends to be and represent, and this is not style-dependent.

We live in Iran, and we have a rich cultural heritage. We pay attention to various aspects of cultural heritage. I have dedicated time to studying some of them and observed others in both cultural and architectural domains. These serve as valuable resources for nurturing certain experiences and ideas in art. The most significant aspect of our cultural heritage in Iran is poetry. I believe poetry aligns with what Mies van der Rohe suggests - architecture is a language, and anyone who masters it becomes a poet, forging connections.

We usually collaborate with companies that are similar to us and have the least amount of conflict.

A dialogue with a committed designer assumes that the product is not important to a designer; the journey is important. In the experience of conversing with a committed designer and artist, we can experience many benefits.

I begin with observation, continue with observation, and conclude with observation. This means that I don't adhere to a specific method for tasks; I experiment with various approaches, but the fundamental principle of my work is to strive for the highest level of observance possible.

I am still young and experiencing.

In my opinion, merely having a title, profession, or job carries neither advantages nor disadvantages, and it depends on how we perceive it.

Self-focus.

Communication skills and maintaining active attention.

I focus on films and daily communication and I use SketchUp for software-related tasks.

I have a daughter, and when I play with her, I'm also working. For me, this scheduling isn't about sitting at a computer system or completing a specific process.

Is this good?

One of the features of working and living this way is that preferential traits and “the most” don't carry meaning. I work in a manner that values don't constantly shift and aren't juxtaposed against each other.

Either, people we've become friends with or friends we've worked with.

I like Peter Zumthor because he sees things as they are. The people who have succeeded in establishing a two-way relationship with things have inspired me in this regard. Those who understand both affect things, and things also influence them.

I need to see what opportunities lie ahead for me.

Yes, I think this project is the result of a new way of thinking that has emerged within me. In my opinion, work is different from a job, and now I believe that I have spent years engaged in work rather than a job, and realizing this has been one of my fortunes.

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No, Thank you.