2024 - The Restoration of Light

Historical buildings are an important part of every nation’s identity and culture. Therefore, it is essential to restore and preserve these buildings for future generations. The Fathollah Yeve building is a historical house nestled in the heart of Tabriz, a city in northwestern Iran. Over time, this architectural gem has endured substantial damage and developed severe cracks, posing a threat to its structural integrity. The main crack has divided the building into two separate parts. In response to this challenge, rather than resorting to conventional repair methods, the design team for this project decided to restore the building by using the existing crack patterns and drawing inspiration from “Horno” in Iranian historical architecture that are both innovative and respectful of the building’s historical significance. Horno refers to openings in the roof that allow natural light to enter the building. In a bold move, the design team has chosen to integrate the existing crack patterns into the restoration process. By strategically adding a glass volume that mirrors the natural crack patterns, the team aims to not only allow light to permeate the building but also to symbolically bridge the divide created by the main crack, unifying the two separate parts of the building.

This design aims to use light to connect the two separate parts of the building and create a better spatial quality by combining light and colour through the use of coloured glass inspired by Iranian architecture. Additionally, the use of photovoltaic coloured glass in this section increases its efficiency and performance, allowing the absorbed light during the day to illuminate the surrounding spaces at night.

In essence, this restoration project is not merely a structural endeavour but a thoughtful and innovative reinterpretation of historical preservation, aiming to breathe new life into the Fathollah Yeve building and ensure its enduring legacy for generations to come.