Mehrdad Iravanian was born in 1957 in Shiraz. He graduated in architecture at USL in United States and returned to Iran in 1991. Since then he has dedicated himself to design and construction of various architectural and urban projects in Shiraz and neighboring cities. He also teaches at Shiraz Azad University of Iran. Iravanian started his career at the end of the 80s by organizing building architectural exhibitions, the first of which was named the "gateways." In this way he could start his search for an architectural language, independent from complex functional problems: a search which still goes on as can be observed in his various projects.
An interesting point in Iravanian's career, which at first draws one's attention, is the vast range of buildings and architectural projects carried out by him and his office, in the city of Shiraz. These projects, although having different subjects and diverse architectural languages, have a common character distinguishing them from other constructions carried out in recent years in Shiraz.
His wide range of architectural works use pre and post Islamic architectural motifs, the western motifs and codes. In describing his diversity in architectural compositions, he compares an architect to an actor who has to act according to a specific scenario, regardless of current trends in today's architecture. In his projects one can recognize signs of ancient architecture as in Khajoo Park near the Quran Gateway of Shiraz, motifs of Iranian Islamic architecture in University of Quran, manifestations of Pop Art in Baghe Boland, and even deconstructionist collages in office and commercial buildings and expositions.
Design Concepts
Iravanian's works can be examined from three perspectives: the design concepts of the projects, the design technique, and his approach to materials and context. His projects explore diverse architectural themes, drawing upon historical references while engaging with contemporary formal vocabularies. They range from large-scale urban interventions to intimate garden designs, each demonstrating a distinct relationship with its site and cultural setting.
Shiraz Municipality Pedestrian Sidewalks
The pedestrian sidewalks designed for Shiraz Municipality represent one of Iravanian's most significant urban contributions. The project transformed the streetscape with carefully designed paving patterns, sculptural elements, and landscaping that reference both the city's ancient heritage and its contemporary aspirations. Stone sculptures and abstract monumental works punctuate the walkways, creating a dialogue between the pedestrian and the urban fabric of Shiraz.
Baghe Boland
Baghe Boland is an exhibition site of the Agricultural Machinery Development Institute that showcases Iravanian's distinctive approach to landscape and sculptural architecture. The project integrates spring motifs and seasonal references into the built environment, with abstract concrete and stone elements that evoke both ancient Persepolis and modern sculptural sensibilities. The outdoor spaces feature dramatic water features, stepped terraces, and monumental gates.
Baghe Safa and Khajoo Park
In Baghe Safa, Iravanian explores the relationship between memory and landscape, creating a series of commemorative spaces that honor the site's historical significance. The retaining walls, constructed from local stone in patterns reminiscent of ancient masonry, merge naturally with the hillside terrain. Khajoo Park, located near the Quran Gateway of Shiraz, features pavement designs and sculptural interventions that reference Achaemenid architecture while serving contemporary recreational needs.
Mehrdad Iravanian characterizes his designs as "transition architecture" and his different projects show his efforts to search for new spaces. His works demonstrate that the relationship between tradition and innovation in architecture need not be contentious, but can be a source of creative vitality.