Iraj Kalantari: A Renowned Iranian Architect and Urban Planner
Iraj Kalantari Taleghani , a distinguished Iranian architect and urban planner, was one of the students of the legendary Hooshang Seyhoun. Born in 1937 in Tehran, he embarked on his architectural journey at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, in 1956. Throughout his 85 years of life, he played a significant role in the development of contemporary Iranian architecture.
Throughout his career, Kalantari worked on residential, administrative, cultural, educational, and diplomatic projects, bringing artistic vision and technical expertise to his designs. Beyond architecture, he was actively involved in judging architectural competitions, awarding prizes, organizing design contests, and educating young architects. He taught at prominent institutions, including the University of Tehran, Iran University of Science and Technology, and Azad University.
Biography of Iraj Kalantari
Born on March 5, 1945, Iraj Kalantari was the brother of Parviz Kalantari, the renowned Iranian painter. He completed his primary education at Nesbat School in Tehran and attended Sharaf and Hadaf High Schools between 1954 and 1957. In 1961, he ranked second in the entrance exam for the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, where he studied under Hooshang Seyhoun.
From 1971 onwards, Kalantari worked as a consultant for the Ministry of Interior, focusing on rural development projects. His efforts aimed to modernize and optimize land use for agriculture, residential, and commercial purposes across Iranian villages.
In 1963, he co-founded an architectural consulting group with Iraj Tayebnia, Arpiar Petrosian, and Fariour Sadri. He graduated in architecture from the Faculty of Fine Arts in 1965 and later pursued urban planning studies in 1966.
By 1971, he established an architectural firm under the name “Kalantari & Daraei.” After Engineer Daraei left the partnership, Kalantari collaborated with Hossein Sheikh-Zeinodin to establish Baavand Consulting Engineers, which later became one of the most reputable architecture and urban planning firms in Iran.
Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Kalantari migrated to the United States in 1980 and founded the Caspian Architectural Office, continuing his professional work in design and construction. However, he returned to Iran in 1981, where he remained until his passing.
Kalantari once said:
“What I have learned from architecture is that it must be part of a dialogue. The value of an architect to society stems from their role as an environmental designer who responds to different conditions through their own intellectual and value-based system. From this perspective, architecture is an art with social applications, a fusion of intrinsic and external factors. The dialectic of this process lies in the architect’s intellectual standing and their engagement with existing realities.”
Key Roles and Contributions
Throughout his career, Iraj Kalantari held several important roles, including:
- Chairman of the Board of Baavand Consulting Engineers
- Board Member of the Iranian Architecture Masters Association
- Professor at Iran University of Science and Technology
- Author of several publications, including “Housing Typology in the Southern Coastal Regions of Iran”
- Contributor to the revision of the Urban Development and Renewal Law
- Regular collaborator with leading Iranian architecture magazines
Residential Designs and Other Works
During the 1960s, Kalantari focused on urban residential architecture, a practice he continued throughout his life. While his designs were modern, they incorporated visual elements from traditional Iranian architecture.
One notable example is the Najaf Daryabandari and Fahimeh Rastkar House, where a central courtyard was designed to evoke the nostalgic charm of traditional Iranian homes.
Kalantari emphasized the importance of understanding the client’s personality and lifestyle when designing a private residence. He believed that a successful architect-client relationship was essential for creating a harmonious and functional living space.
Apart from residential projects, Kalantari also designed homes for several renowned Iranian figures, including:
- Mahshid Amirshahi (Writer)
- Professor Karl Schlamminger (German Sculptor and Artist)
- Samin Baghcheban (Composer)
- Ali Noori (Publishing Director at Franklin Publications)
- Mohsen Hashtroodi (Mathematician)
- Dr. Talaqani (Academic)
- Dr. Akhoondi (Academic)
- Parviz Kalantari (His brother, a renowned painter)
After his return to Iran, Kalantari designed and managed several major architectural projects, including:
Notable Projects
- Imam Khomeini University, Qazvin
- Mahshahr University
- Embassy of Iran in Georgia
- Iranian Embassy and Ambassador’s Residence in Tbilisi (2001)
- Djibouti Parliament Building
- Zanjan University
- Energy Engineering Faculty, Sharif University of Technology
- Meygoon Tourist Complex
- Djibouti Commercial Center
- Navab Residential Complex, Tehran
- Kerman Governor’s Office
- Iranian Ambassador’s Residence in Yerevan, Armenia
- Ahvaz Museum of Contemporary Art
- Safid Kenar Hotel
- Metro Stations in Mashhad and Tabriz
- Chaykenar Complex, Tabriz
- Academies of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1994) – Co-designed with Hossein Sheikh-Zeinodin
- Restoration of historical Shadadiyeh Towers and Tehran’s Central Oil Industry Headquarters (2002)
Recognitions and Awards
Throughout his distinguished career, Iraj Kalantari received numerous prestigious awards.
- In 1994, his design (co-developed with Hossein Sheikh-Zeinodin) for the Academies of the Islamic Republic of Iran won 4th place.
- In 2002, his design for the Central Oil Industry Headquarters in Tehran received 1st place.
- He also won 1st place for his designs of:
- Ahvaz Steel Employees’ Residential Complex
- Mahshahr Petrochemical University
- In 2002, he was honored with the “Architect of the Year” title by the Iranian Society of Architects.
A Celebrated Architect
On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, Iraj Kalantari passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a remarkable architectural legacy.
His influence on contemporary Iranian architecture, combined with his commitment to teaching, urban planning, and design excellence, continues to inspire generations of architects in Iran and beyond.
