Aqua Structures Museum

Located within the Zandiyeh Complex at the historic Divankhaneh Cistern in Shiraz, the Aqua Structures Museum converts an underground water reservoir into an exhibition space for traditional Iranian water management systems. Designed by Ali Sodagaran and Nazanin Kazerounian, the project demonstrates a sensitive approach to restoration that maintains a clear distinction between old and new architectural elements. The jury praised the project for its restrained detailing — drawing comparisons to Carlo Scarpa and Peter Zumthor while noting that it achieves an appropriate response without excessive elaboration. Mojgan Hariri commended it as a restoration that simultaneously creates a completely new space, noting that despite being entirely Iranian in character, its high quality could place it anywhere in the world.