Iran’s Brick Architecture Captivates Global Designers

Date: 27 July 2025 - 21:48

News ID: ۱۴۱۸۹۴

TEHRAN -- In recent years,
Iranian contemporary brick architecture has gained significant attention from architects, designers, and enthusiasts around the world.
With its unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, this architectural style is reshaping how Iran is viewed within international design circles.
At the forefront of this movement are architectural firms such as Admun Studio, CAAT Studio, and Fundamental Approach Architects. Their projects—characterized by intricate brick façades, carefully crafted shading systems, and thoughtful integration with climate—are being widely shared on global platforms like Instagram and architecture blogs.
One of the most iconic examples is Cloaked in Bricks, a 2015 project by Admun Studio, which features a flowing brick brise-soleil (sun-shading structure) that appears to drape like fabric across the front of a building. Rather than constructing a new structure, the project reimagined and revitalized an existing building, demonstrating how design can be both innovative and sustainable.
Iran’s longstanding tradition of brickwork dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in the country’s architectural heritage. Brick, as one of the most abundant and climate-appropriate materials in the region, has been used for centuries in everything from mosques and bazaars to private homes. What distinguishes contemporary Iranian brickwork, however, is its experimental approach—using geometry, light, and material contrast to push the boundaries of visual and structural design.
This movement is not only about aesthetics. The architecture responds directly to the challenges of building in an arid climate. Features like brise-soleils, canopies, and ventilated walls help regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption, making these buildings as functional as they are beautiful.
Social media accounts like YIMBY Tehran and academic figures such as Philip Oldfield, director of the Built Environment Program at the University of New South Wales, have helped introduce Iranian architectural achievements to wider audiences. Their posts regularly spotlight new brick buildings in Tehran and beyond, bringing global recognition to the nation’s design talent.