Bahram Shirdel, A Modernist Iranian Architect

Bahram Shirdel: A Modernist Iranian Architect

Bahram Shirdel, a distinguished Iranian architect, has played a significant role in contemporary architecture by blending traditional Iranian architecture with modern concepts. With over 40 years of experience in the field, he was born in 1951 in Tehran. At the age of 24, after a brief period of architectural training under the renowned Iranian architect Nasrin Faghih, he completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto. He then pursued his Master’s in Professional Architecture at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, studying under esteemed professors such as Daniel Libeskind.

Shirdel’s deep admiration for Isfahan led him to choose a thesis titled “The Country of Spectators,” focusing on the historical fabric of Isfahan.

Alongside Peter Eisenman, Greg Lynn, and Jeffrey Kipnis, Shirdel was among the theorists who developed topology as a cultural and scientific foundation for twisted, layered, and curved architecture. He taught theory and architectural design at Harvard University for three years and also served as the Head of Advanced Design at the Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture in London for three years.

Shirdel has been honored with the Christopher Wren Medal from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the Gold Medal for Urban Planning from Chengliu New City in China.

His work is renowned for emphasizing human experience and the fusion of local culture with modern architecture. Some of his most notable projects include the Tehran International Conference Center, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, showcasing his exceptional talent in designing creative and functional spaces.

This article explores the life and works of Bahram Shirdel.

Biography of Bahram Shirdel

Born in 1951 in Tehran, Bahram Shirdel completed his primary and secondary education in Iran before pursuing architecture abroad. He first studied at the University of Toronto in Canada, then continued his postgraduate studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art in the United States. Throughout his academic journey, he was influenced by great architects such as Peter Eisenman, Rafael Moneo, and Kenzo Tange, who shaped his architectural vision and professional path.

In 1987, he co-founded the AKS Runo architectural office in Los Angeles with Andrew Zago. Later, he established Shirdel Zago Kipnis Architects alongside Andrew Zago and Jeffrey Kipnis, engaging in numerous international projects.

In 1995, Shirdel returned to Iran, and in 1997, he founded Shirdel & Associates Consulting Engineers in Tehran. Since then, he has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary Iranian architecture, significantly contributing to the education of the next generation of Iranian architects. His impact is particularly evident in the work of architects such as Hadi Mirmiran, and his style is recognized as a fusion of modern innovation and abstract thought.

Additionally, Shirdel taught at prestigious universities worldwide, training many young architects. Reza Daneshmir, Hooman Balazadeh, Farshad Mahdizadeh, Kourosh Hajizadeh, Kamran Heyrati, and Pouya Khazaeli all worked in his office.

Critics believe that until his 40s, Shirdel was a key figure in the folding architecture style. His critiques of Sardar Afkhami’s City Theater and Kamran Diba’s Museum of Contemporary Art sparked significant controversy. He argued that these two pre-revolutionary buildings were mere copies of foreign designs.

 Activities and Architectural Works of Bahram Shirdel

It is often said that the collaboration between Bahram Shirdel and Hadi Mirmiran significantly influenced Iranian architecture. One was a highly experienced Iranian architect, and the other had a global modern architectural perspective. Their joint efforts resulted in three major projects:

• Imam Khomeini International Airport
• National Water Museum of Iran
• Kansai City Library in Japan

These projects not only transformed Iranian architecture but also encouraged young architects to break away from traditional design constraints and move toward more innovative and creative approaches.

Shirdel has also held academic positions at top institutions such as:

• SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture), Los Angeles
• AA School of Architecture, London

Projects in AKS Runo Office

• USA – Metropolis Urban Design, Los Angeles
• Scotland – National Museum of Scotland
• Egypt – Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Canada – Jacques Cartier Square

Collaborations with Hadi Mirmiran

• Tehran – National Water Museum of Iran
• Tehran – Imam Khomeini International Airport Terminal
• Japan – Kansai City Library
• Tehran – Export Development Bank Headquarters
• Qom – Shrine Expansion Project of Hazrat Masoumeh

Projects at Shirdel, Zago & Kipnis Office

• Canada – Montreal Urban Design
• Uzbekistan – Samarkand City Restoration

Projects at Shirdel & Associates Consulting Engineers

• Tehran – Ekbatan Cultural Center
• Iran – Italian Embassy Building
• Yazd – Historical Residential Complex in Yazd
• Yazd – Basij Boulevard, Yazd
• Tehran – Property and Deeds Registration Office
• Brazil – Iranian Embassy
• Egypt – Egyptian Museum
• Shiraz – World Trade Center
• Kish – Padideh Tourism Complex
• Tehran – Cinema Farhang
• Tabriz – SMP Commercial & Office Tower
• Tehran – Presidential Technology Cooperation Center

Projects at Bahram Shirdel’s Personal Office

• USA – Olympic West Office Tower, Los Angeles
• USA – Windstone Factory, Oregon
• USA – Sinai Medical Building, Los Angeles
• Germany – Spreebogen Government Complex
• Japan – Nara Convention Center (with Robert S. Livesey)
• China – Changliu New City Masterplan

Architectural Philosophy and Vision of Bahram Shirdel

Shirdel believes that an architect should be able to define their project in just a few words, without needing to write lengthy explanations.

For him, design and drawing hold more value than writing. His most significant impact on architecture lies in his innovative approach to spatial design rather than the buildings he constructed. His professional work revolves around form and spatial generation, with a core focus on human interaction within space.

Shirdel also emphasizes that every architect should have their own personal grand project in addition to their ongoing work.

His architectural journey began in Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square and, after returning to Iran, he sought to reinterpret Iran’s historical architectural structures to create a 21st-century definition of Iranian architecture. His next step involved exploring three-dimensional space and perspective representation methods.

Western theorists such as Greg Lynn and Jeffrey Kipnis, who have significantly influenced 21st-century architecture, have mentioned Bahram Shirdel as an architect pursuing a new path in architectural design.

For instance, Jeffrey Kipnis, who collaborated with Shirdel, wrote in an article titled “Towards a New Architecture” that Shirdel stands alongside figures like Peter Eisenman, Bernard Tschumi, and Frank Gehry in creating new spatial organizations and innovative forms.

Moreover, Mario Carpo, in “One Year of Folding”, classifies Shirdel and Eisenman as key figures in the Folding architecture movement.

Despite many of his projects remaining unbuilt due to construction challenges in Iran, Shirdel’s legacy lies in inspiring young architects and shaping modern Iranian architecture.