Amir Abbas Aboutalebi interviews Maziar Dolatabadi

A.A.: Who inspired you to become an architect?

M.D. My journey into architecture was influenced by a blend of personal interests and academic pursuits. My fascination with design began during my secondary education, where I developed an inclination towards creating and conceptualizing spaces and planning. This early interest laid the groundwork for my later studies.

Initially, I completed my master's degree in industrial design, which provided me with a solid foundation in design principles and problem-solving. This background in industrial design likely influenced my approach to architecture, emphasizing functionality and user experience. However, I eventually shifted my focus to architecture, recognizing the broader impact and potential of architectural design in shaping environments and communities.

A.A.: Can you share your experience with your first villa commission?

M.D.: My experience with my first villa commission was marked by a significant learning curve and a path of trial and error. Approximately 20 years ago, I undertook a project for a 1,000 square meter villa in Meigoon, which served as a foundational experience in my architectural career. During this period, I dedicated considerable time to mastering architectural principles and disciplines, navigating the complexities of design and construction.

Despite the challenges faced during this initial commission, it was my later project, the Amirdasht Villa, completed 13 years later, that truly brought my satisfaction. This villa represented not just a culmination of my earlier experiences but also an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills I had developed over the years. The Amirdasht Villa allowed me to explore innovative design concepts while effectively addressing the needs of the clients, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling architectural outcome.

Through these experiences, I have emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in architecture, recognizing that each project contributes to an architect's growth and understanding of their craft.

A.A.: You prioritize person needs in your villa projects, while many architects often grapple with rules and regulations in housing typology during the design process. How do you find a balance between these considerations?  

M.D.: Balancing personal needs with the rules and regulations of housing typology is a fundamental aspect of my architectural approach. From the initial design phase, I prioritize person-centered architecture, which focuses on understanding and exploring my clients' needs, lifestyles, and character through close personal interactions. This commitment allows me to create spaces that truly resonate with the individuals who will inhabit them.
By actively engaging with clients, I gather insights into their unique lifestyles, preferences, and aspirations. Understanding their character and daily routines enables me to tailor designs that reflect their personalities and enhance their quality of life. This collaborative process not only informs the design but also ensures that the resulting space fosters a sense of belonging and connection.

A.A.: Can you elaborate on the immaterial aspects of architecture and your approach to light and space in your designs?

M.D.: In my designs, I prioritize light as a fundamental element that influences how a space is perceived and experienced. Light can transform environments, creating atmospheres that resonate with the occupants. By carefully considering the placement of windows, openings, and reflective surfaces, I aim to harness natural light to enhance the spatial experience. This focus on light allows for a dynamic interplay between interior and exterior spaces, fostering a sense of connection with the surrounding environment.

Additionally, I view space as an extension of human experience. It is essential to create environments that are not only functional but also emotionally engaging. I explore how spatial configurations can influence movement, interaction, and perception. This involves understanding how users will navigate through a space and how different areas can evoke various feelings—whether it's intimacy in smaller rooms or openness in larger areas.

A.A.: The concept of "madness in architecture" can have various interpretations, especially regarding psychiatric institutions and their design philosophies. Do you believe that villa life serves as a psychological retreat from the challenges of urban living?

M.D.: The concept of "madness in architecture" can indeed have various interpretations, particularly when it comes to designing spaces that cater to psychological well-being. I believe that villa life in a strong dialogue with nature can serve as a significant psychological retreat from the challenges of urban living.

In my view, villas offer an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, providing a serene environment that fosters relaxation and introspection. The design of these spaces is crucial; by prioritizing natural light, open spaces, and a connection to nature, I aim to create an atmosphere that promotes mental well-being. The tranquility found in a villa setting can help individuals recharge and reflect, acting as a counterbalance to the stressors of urban environments.

Moreover, the immaterial aspects of architecture—such as the emotional responses elicited by light and space—play a vital role in this retreat. Thoughtfully designed villas in relation with its natural sorroundings can evoke feelings of comfort and safety, allowing residents to feel at peace. I focus on understanding my clients' lifestyles and psychological needs, ensuring that each villa is not just a physical structure but also a nurturing environment that supports their mental health.

A.A.: Historically, healing architecture has sought to create therapeutic environments for mental health treatment, based on the belief that physical spaces can significantly influence mental health outcomes. For example, early designs by Thomas Kirkbride emphasized moral architecture, aiming to separate patients from societal influences and provide healing environments through thoughtful spatial arrangements. In light of this, do you believe that a simple, dreamy villa or cottage in close dialogue with nature could offer a more effective healing experience for individuals?

M.D.: The concept of healing architecture is indeed fascinating, as it recognizes the profound impact that physical spaces can have on mental health outcomes. I believe that a simple, dreamy villa or cottage in close dialogue with nature can offer a highly effective healing experience for individuals.

In my exploration of what constitutes a "dream home," I have sent out 400 questionnaires to my clients, asking them to describe their ideal living spaces. Interestingly, not a single respondent mentioned an apartment or penthouse, even in the most expensive cities in the Manhattan, NY. Instead, all of them envisioned their dream homes as some form of a cottage, cabin, A-frame, or villa—typically situated in tranquil settings such as forests, near coastlines, or nestled in the mountains.

A villa or cottage designed with these principles in mind can serve as a sanctuary from the stresses of urban life. The serene environment, combined with the calming presence of nature, can significantly enhance psychological well-being. Research indicates that contact with positive environments and natural settings can aid recovery from mental health issues by fostering relaxation and reducing anxiety.

A.A.: Critics have noted that many asylum designs, particularly those with linear layouts, often resemble prisons rather than therapeutic spaces. This has prompted calls for a dreamy cottage, a more humane and functional designs that consider patients' psychological well-being. Have you considered designing a villa resort complex specifically for the elderly or patients?

M.D.: This topic, has sparked a significant conversation about the need for more humane and functional environments.

I envision a modern villa complex that integrates seamlessly with farming concepts, allowing residents to engage with nature and participate in therapeutic activities such as gardening and farming. This connection to the land not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the environment but also provides meaningful opportunities for residents to interact with their surroundings, fostering a sense of purpose and community.

The idea of a dreamy cottage or villa resonates deeply with my design philosophy. Such spaces can be designed to prioritize comfort, tranquility, and natural light, creating an atmosphere conducive to healing. By incorporating elements that encourage relaxation and social interaction, I aim to develop a complex that serves as a sanctuary for its inhabitants, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

A.A.: Another interpretation of "madness" in architecture pertains to the rise of VILLAMAFIA—villa complexes characterized by ostentatious design and often criticized for their lack of architectural integrity. These structures symbolize excess and poor taste, reflecting societal trends toward grandiosity in villa architecture. In Iran, this phenomenon has taken on a unique character, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, raising debates about their impact on local landscapes and ecosystems. What design solutions do you propose to address these challenges?

M.D.: The rise of VILLAMAFIA—villa complexes characterized by ostentatious design—poses significant challenges to architectural integrity and local landscapes. In response to these challenges, I propose a design philosophy that emphasizes sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and community integration.
At MADO Architects, we prioritize adhering to LEED criteria as much as possible within the Iranian design landscape. This commitment ensures that our projects not only meet environmental standards but also contribute positively to the local ecosystem. By focusing on sustainable materials and construction practices, we can mitigate the negative impacts of ostentatious villa designs.

One potential solution is to create villa complexes that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, utilizing local materials and traditional architectural elements. This approach not only respects the cultural context but also fosters a sense of belonging for residents. For example, designing villas that incorporate farming concepts can enhance the connection between inhabitants and their environment, promoting a lifestyle that values simplicity and sustainability.
Additionally, I advocate for designs that prioritize human scale and community interaction. Rather than imposing large, monolithic structures on the landscape, we can create smaller, more intimate units that encourage social connections among residents. This could involve clustering villas around shared green spaces or community gardens, fostering a sense of community while preserving the natural beauty of the area.

Key Points: Human Centered Architecture, Evidence Based Design, Person Centered Architecture, Health and Well-Being in Architecture

 
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