Habibeh Madjdabadi, born in 1977, is one of the most prominent Iranian architects of the younger generation. Her work has been widely acknowledged and awarded by the local and international media. Her exploratory approach goes beyond the architecture confines. She is making her mark in conceptual art and design as well.
She started her professional career in 2003 by establishing her design Studio in Tehran right after winning first prize in the design competition for restoring an important historical building in Iran. Since then, she has received several awards and recognitions, among which: shortlisted in Aga Khan Award 2016, Worldwide Brick Award 2014, Tamayouz Woman in Construction Award 2019 , Memar Award 2014 for House of 40 Knots and Chicago Award 2014 for Mellat Bank’s Pilot corporate façade.
Known for her innovative ideas, Madjdabadi emphasizes on the role of culture and geographical matters in her designs as well as putting a vast attention into choosing the materials and methods of fabrication. Materials are important means of ‘expression’ in Madjdabadi’s works and she considers them from a poetic point of view. Another highlighted subject in her projects is the role of human labor force in executive procedures. The controlled imperfection and approximation of the labors hand work are intentionally integrated into the creative process of design for creating a unique work.
Her creations are the result of a meticulous research for discovering how an artistic approach can be at the same time, contemporary and rooted in traditions, being local and global. Materials are important means of expression for her. In her recent works, she tries to uncover the poetic side of the materials by underlining their natural attitude and their interaction with the human body, through artisan modus operandi. MADJDABADI is also appreciated for her original and stirring articles about architecture and design. Many of them appeared on the most influential Iranian architectural magazine, called Memar with which she is collaborating as a member of the editorial board since 2002.
As an internationally known architect she also takes part in international projects such as the design of Norwegian embassy in Tehran, collaborating with Artelia-Italy (a French-Italian engineering company). she has held numerous lectures around the world including Italy, Austria, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Albania. Her work has been exhibited in Venice Biennale, TU Vienne University and Melbourne University.
Selected Awards
- Shortlisted at Aga khan architecture award 2016
- Finalist / Tamayouz Woman in Construction Award 2019
- winner/ Chicago Award for the façade of Mellat Bank in Tehran (2014)
- Finalist / International Brick Award for “40 knots Residential Building” in Tehran (2014)
- Third place / Memar Awards for Architecture for “40 knots Residential Building” (2014)
Projects on CAOI
- House of 40 Knots
- Corporate Facade for Mellat Bank Branches
- Approximation House
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