Interviews with Faezeh Tavasoliara

The brick lattice shell acts as a modern reinterpretation of traditional Iranian architecture. It serves as a dual-purpose element: providing necessary privacy from neighbors while acting as a light filter that softens incoming sunlight, enhancing both the aesthetic character and the functionality of the interior spaces.

We embraced the site's irregular geometry as an opportunity rather than a constraint. By introducing structural breaks and precise plan subdivisions, we regularized the primary living spaces while utilizing the unconventional corners to form spatial voids and unique circulation areas and unique circulation areas.

The duplex units were strategically positioned to optimize the separation between public and private zones and to make the most of the building's height. This arrangement allows residents to enjoy maximum urban views and sunlight, providing an experience reminiscent of a villa in the sky.

To address complex municipal regulations regarding privacy and overlooking, we developed an innovative facade. By integrating custom-designed brick screens and false walls, we met strict zoning requirements while maintaining our creative vision for the building's envelope.

The integration of sustainable features is rooted in thermal and light simulation analysis. By leveraging cross-ventilation and precise aperture placement, the design regulates internal temperatures throughout the seasons and significantly reduces the reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

My academic background in architectural tourism and spatial perception heavily influenced the project. Every design decision—from the orientation of views to the quality of illumination—was guided by the objective of creating a human-centric experience that resonates with the residents' perception of their environment.

The choice of brick honors traditional Iranian materials while pushing for contemporary implementation. Through the use of modern installation techniques and mechanical connections, we created a dialogue between heritage and modernity, ensuring that the material serves both a structural and a performative role in light management.

To foster a sense of belonging and well-being, we focused on creating "safe spaces" within the home. By controlling light, utilizing natural materials, and establishing a strong visual connection to the exterior, we designed the interiors to be comforting and emotionally grounding for the residents.

Winning the Bronze A' Design Award is a testament that high-quality, human-responsive architecture is possible even in dense urban settings with strict limitations. I hope this project serves as a model for future residential architecture in Iran, demonstrating that we can move beyond purely quantitative density toward qualitative, livable urban housing.