Who We Are? What We Do?
We are a passionate and diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, united by a powerful mission: to create quality schools in underserved areas of Iran. Our journey began in 2017 as a team of architects, when we set foot in the rural heart of Baluchestan and witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by children in some of the country’s most disadvantaged communities.
In these areas, children are forced to learn in makeshift classrooms—unsafe, inadequate structures of straw and fabric, lacking even the most basic facilities. But we believe that every child deserves a bright and inspiring learning environment. Our vision is to transform these spaces into standard, high-quality classrooms that reflect the cultural richness of the community and ignite the imagination of young minds.
Through years of dedication and hard work, we’ve learned that simply building classrooms is not enough. Effective solutions must be grounded in the unique needs and cultural context of each community. Our experience has shown that thoughtful, scientifically informed designs lead to sustainable and impactful educational environments.
Today, our mission has grown. We are proud to have brought together a vibrant team of architects, social activists, and local educators, all committed to this vital cause. Together, we are not just constructing buildings; we are building dreams and futures for the children of Baluchestan.
* Photo: Salman Zangeneh, the architect of the new school, visiting the villages and talking to children about what they need. (2018)
Every Child Deserves a Safe School. We are dedicated to transforming learning environments in underserved areas, ensuring children have access to safe, high-quality classrooms where they can thrive.
We understand that a standard classroom is just one of many challenges these children face. While we can’t solve every issue, we are architects committed to creating beautiful and functional spaces that foster learning and inspiration. Our mission is to build classrooms that resonate with local culture and values, providing environments that nurture creativity and support student well-being.
We envision starting with our first school in Baluchestan and expanding our reach to every underserved community across Iran. Our goal is to create “The School of Iran” in each deprived region, designed with deep respect for the local culture and values. This initiative is not just about providing a simple solution; it’s about redefining how we approach education in these contexts.
The School Of Iran
ASIA DESIGN AWARD FINALIST, 2018
This school is designed to thrive in a hot, dry, and mountainous climate, incorporating local architectural elements with modern sustainable practices. The structure utilizes a unique cooling system based on a traditional technique, the “Khar-khaneh” method, combined with a solar chimney for natural ventilation, ensuring a comfortable learning environment without relying on electricity or mechanical cooling. The design embraces local materials, simplicity in construction, and energy efficiency, making it both practical and sustainable.
The open-plan layout features six distinct learning zones, each designed for flexibility and collaboration. Inspired by Montessori education, the space is free from formal desks and chairs, with adaptable furniture that can also serve as a venue for community meetings and educational activities outside of school hours. The design prioritizes ease of maintenance, scalability, and user-centered functionality, creating a space that is both rooted in local culture and forward-thinking in its approach to education.
Design Team: Salman Zangeneh, Alireza Ghandehari (Architecture) | Saeid Sheikhi (Detail Design) | Ameneh Timajchi (Energy Analysis & Sustainable Design)
Total School Area
230 m²
Building
Classroom, WC, Teacher's Room
80 m²
Capacity
36 Students
Total Building Cost
$31,500 / $137 per m²
