I have always been fascinated by individuals, who break the norms to create things beautiful and magnificent. Iranian architect Mehran Khoshroo is one such individual, an innovator who is creative to the core with his design creations. Having graduated from Shahid Beheshti University Tajrish, Iran – Mehran Khoshroo completed his Master’s degree in the year 2002. In the year 2007, he established his own studio Olgoo Architecture in Tehran, Iran. In the last 17 plus years, Mehran Khoshroo has created some of the most fascinating projects in various scales under various categories spanning across cultural, commercial, headquarters, industrial, masterplan and residential in Iran.
Mehran Khoshroo enthuses, “We see every project as a “question” to be answered! By diving into the challenges and opportunities presented by each site, program and vision, we deliver designs that are as distinctive as they are practical. Collaboration is at the heart of our process, involving clients, consultants, and communities to craft spaces that truly resonate.” At the World Architecture Festival 2024, the multiple international award-winning Olgoo Architecture won the ‘Special Sustainability Award’ for their ‘White Renovation’ project. The project also won the Master Prize in the United States.
Scintillating View of White Renovation
In the year 2016, Mehran Khoshroo won the prestigious Memar Award for his meticulous 5-year research work on ‘Zafaraniyeh Residential Complex Project’. His research papers were published in various international books and journals. As a Professor, Mehran Khoshroo is also very passionate to groom the younger generation of architects in Iran. He shares his experience and knowledge by writing about architectural history and urban density in esteemed Iranian journals.
Mehran Olgoo informs, “Olgoo’s research branches focus on density-related topics and avoiding unnecessary construction, which are reflected in various projects and presented through the Unbuilt Studio at the Contemporary Architects Association.” Interestingly, as a truly committed architect, Mehran Khoshroo works reflect on the themes of accumulation and avoiding unnecessary construction consistently. He strongly believes in the relationship between the environment, humans and space, which remains a central concern of Olgoo Architects.
Unique and Beautiful
Johnny D spends beautiful moments interacting with the creative genius Mehran Khoshroo to explore his fascinating journey and the award-winning project ‘White Renovation’.
Heartiest congratulations to Olgoo Architecture’s Team and you for winning the ‘Special Award’ for ‘White Renovation’ at the World Architecture Festival 2024! What was your reaction, when your project was announced to receive the Special Award?
Thank you! With so many talented participants and fierce competition in our category, I am deeply honored that our project’s vision reached a global stage. Working in Iran, where global dialogue in architecture faces many hurdles, international competitions are not just about winning, but also a chance to showcase Iran’s innovative designs and cultural narratives to the world.
These events spark conversations across borders and political divides, showcasing how creativity and dedication unite people. This recognition highlights how Iran’s architectural heritage and fresh perspectives can contribute meaningfully to global architectural dialogue.
Plan – Ground Floor
How tough was the competition at the WAF 2024?
The designers’ clear and focused presentations allowed each project to be understood quickly, which amplified the exceptional quality of the work. Across the office, sustainability and industrial categories – where our projects competed – the level of competition was particularly intense. Moreover, from what I observed, the quality of submissions in other categories was equally impressive, reflecting a universal commitment to high standards and innovation.
Beauty in Harmony
What was your childhood ambition? Have you always wanted to be an architect?
From an early age, I was captivated by the world of visuals. A significant part of my childhood was intertwined with sketching, painting, sculpture and music. The passion continued until I entered university. However, my true passion for architecture developed after the experiences I gained during my time at the university. And gradually, it became the main path of my professional life (smiles).
Ground Floor View
What really goes in your mind, when the client states the first brief?
In most cases, we begin by temporarily setting aside the project brief to envision solutions deeply rooted in the geography and culture of the site. This means studying the land, climate, local traditions and community narratives to imagine designs that resonate with both place and people.
Gradually, we reintroduce practical constraints – budgets, regulations and functional needs – to refine these ideas into a balanced outcome. The result is a project that not only solves challenges creatively, but also delivers real benefit: enhancing sustainability, honoring cultural identity, or improving quality of life for its users.
Layers
What was the brief of the ‘White Renovation’ project?
The client was an investment management company that had previously operated multiple offices rented in different buildings along the same street in Tehran’s busy office district. In this project, they aimed to consolidate all of them into a single, unified headquarters.
Initially, the building was in the early stages of demolition due to insufficient parking space, so we suggested that by renting under-utilized parking spaces on a long-term basis, demolition could be avoided, thereby reducing construction waste and embodied carbon. When reinforcement efforts were halted due to a bank’s partial ownership of the ground floor, we implemented a “weight-loss” strategy instead.
Office Interiors
How was the concept of covering the entire building with an invisible outer façade conceived?
The project site is located on a dense, busy street in Tehran’s primary office district, where inhomogeneous high-rise developments have significantly altered the urban fabric over the past three decades. The decision to envelop the building in a lightweight aluminum veil was a direct response to the chaotic surrounding environment, aiming to introduce a sense of simplicity. This façade not only balances privacy with outward visibility, but also creates a green buffer zone that isolates the offices from the bustling surroundings.
Additionally, it enhances the quality of natural light and views, while minimizing energy consumption. During night time, the perforations allow interior light to subtly shine through, transforming the structure into a glowing landmark. This design integrates the building into the cityscape, thereby establishing it as a new identity for the survivor building.
Innovative Blending
What were the challenging aspects in designing and executing ‘White Renovation’ project?
Renovating old buildings is always challenging! The building was set for demolition solely to address parking shortage. The new structure would have only increased parking, while keeping the same above-ground floors. To preserve the building, we planned to reinforce it, but the partial ownership of the ground floor halted our efforts, thereby leaving us with only one option: to lighten the structure. Without the ability to use heavy machinery, the building was carefully lightened by hand – almost like carving – using only light tools.
Elevations
How did your team overcome them creatively?
We addressed the parking challenge by identifying under-utilized parking spaces within a 200-meter radius and renting them long-term. Lightening the structure presented another challenge, as we had to remove all old and heavy elements, including the block between the beams. The meticulous process ensured the structure became lighter, thereby paving the way for the building’s rebirth. The MEP objects were also treated as integral components of the interior aesthetic, in order to grant the same significance as the furniture on the floor.
Inside Outside View
How would you describe the ‘Elegance and Significance’ of ‘White Renovation’ project?
High-density construction over time has caused inhomogeneous urban development, forming a chaotic orchestra and fragmented cityscape. In response, I chose to go against the prevailing disorder, embracing simplicity and silence instead of contributing to the visual clutter. I envisioned it as a model for retaining what is still valuable in the existing structure, while creating a new identity within the urban fabric. This approach not only enhances the building’s aesthetic and functional qualities, but also reduces environmental impact by minimizing construction waste and promoting sustainability.
Façade Radiation Analysis
What is the total area of the project, estimated cost and design-to-finish time period of the project?
The total area of the project is 3,000 sq. m. The design and construction process spanned from 2021 to 2023. Budget is confidential as per client’s request.
The “Global Urban Failure” has seen all the major cities being flooded in the recent years in catastrophic proportion. Elucidate your views with effective solutions as to how the future of urban planning of cities can be tackled to overcome this existential crisis?
While the concept of ‘Global Urban Failure’ and catastrophic flooding in major cities raises urgent concerns about climate resilience and urban planning, I must clarify that our projects have not directly engaged with crises of this scale or severity.
Inhomogeneous
Against the ethos of architecture field, ‘Hostile Architecture’ is an eyesore and fast changing the urban landscape of prominent cities around the world creating inconvenience to citizens. Elucidate your perspective as to why urban planners and landscape architects are promoting this unwanted architecture.
I would like to highlight another aspect of hostile architecture that we recently encountered in our projects. In Iran, land ownership laws are such that construction is almost always profitable, and there is no clear basis for pricing space. This has led to an uncontrollable enthusiasm for construction, especially in large cities. Almost no historic neighborhood in Tehran has been spared from the impact of this massive wave of construction. This trend gradually erodes the sense of place and time, resulting in the imposition of dense and disproportionate building masses on the cityscapes.
Spacious Interior
Which significant aspects of the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ did you liked the most, and why?
What I appreciate most about the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ is its focus on presenting practical and thought-provoking solutions to real-world challenges. The platform encourages architects and designers to explore sustainable approaches, innovative technologies and adaptive strategies for the built environment.
Sectional Detailing
What are the projects you are currently working on in various cities / countries?
I would like to highlight three projects we are currently involved in. The first is a villa in Mallorca, Spain, situated on a sloping plot of land in a magnificent location, which is nearing completion. The second is a studio for a photographer – a project that has been a truly pleasurable journey for our team. Lastly, we are working on a master plan for the rebirth of a glass factory, which includes diverse functions and scenarios for creating spaces centered and around the glass laboratory.
Distinct in Urban Landscape
How would you describe Mehran Khoshroo as a leader and a person?
From the perspective of a Director in a design office, I have always been an advocate for exploring new paths to address common questions. This approach naturally makes the journey more challenging, but it seems that this very challenge and difficulty adds a unique charm and excitement to the project process. This path not only drives the design team toward innovation and creativity, but also creates a sense of categorization and harmony among all elements of the project, including the client. In this scenario, even the client must have some level of motivation and willingness to step into uncharted territories and embrace new experiences.
Saving Waste
Please state five recent awards’ win by your studio or you with respective project’s name and year.
2024 WAF Sustainability Winner – ‘White Renovation’ Project:
2024 WAF Finalist in Completed Buildings – ‘Teska Innovation Center’ Project;
2024 Architecture Master Prize Winner – ‘The Inside’ Project;
A New Landmark
2023 Dezeen Awards Shortlisted – ‘The Inside Home’ Project; and
2023 ArchitizerA+Awards Special Mention – ‘White Renovation’ Project.
Image Courtesy: Olgoo Architecture