
Iranian architect based in Tehran. Founder of Next Office. Known for projects including Sharifi-ha House (rotating rooms).
Babak Zirak is an Iranian architect and member of the editorial advisory board of Memar Magazine. He has served as a juror for multiple editions of the Memar Award, including the 21st edition (2021). He is recognized for his contributions to architectural criticism and discourse in Iran.

Mehran Khoshroo is an Iranian architect born in Mashhad who studied architecture at Shahid Beheshti University. In 2007, he founded Olgoo Architecture Office in Tehran, a studio known for framing each project around a central research question to gain insights into program, context, and materials. Khoshroo has won numerous national and international awards, and his System Warehouse project advanced to the final round of the World Architecture Festival in 2018. His Inside Home project in Lavasan won first place in the individual dwellings category at the 23rd Memar Award.
The 21st Memar Award (1400 SH) competition was conducted in two phases. The first elimination phase was held on Shahrivar 13 (September 4, 2021), selecting 70 semifinalists from 254 submissions across four categories: Individual Dwellings, Apartment Buildings, Renovation, and Public Buildings. The second phase on Mehr 10-11 (October 2-3, 2021) advanced 40 projects to the finals, from which 19 winners and honoured projects were chosen. A short documentary about Hamedan titled "Hegmataneh" was screened at the ceremony.
Semifinalists — Public Buildings
The Editor

Mohammad Majidi is an Iranian architect born in Tehran in 1967. He graduated with a Master's degree in Architecture from Shahid Beheshti University in 2002 and founded Bonsar Architects in 1996. Under his leadership, the studio has completed over 100 projects and received numerous national and international awards. Notable works include the Charsou Bazaar commercial center in Tehran (2012-2015, 67,150 sqm), the Chizari Residential Apartment, and the Mottahari Office Building. He served as a jury member for the 13th Memar Award in 2013 and is a frequent speaker at design critique sessions and architectural conferences.
Projects were divided into four categories: Apartment Buildings, Individual Dwellings, Public Buildings, and Renovation. Phase 1: All projects in each category were reviewed together; projects rejected by all jurors were eliminated (even one juror's vote kept a project alive). Surviving projects advanced to semifinals. Phase 2: Each juror selected preferred projects with positive stickers (no ranking). Projects with no positive votes were eliminated. Phase 3: Each juror individually ranked their top three from finalists—3 points for 1st, 2 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd. Total scores determined final rankings. Phase 4: Jurors could recommend finalists for special recognition (Honoured) by consensus.

Tehran · 2021

Tehran · 2021

Tehran · 2020
Winners and Finalists of the 21st Memar Award
Local and Vernacular Architecture of Iran — 'The Bright Room', Sirus Bavar
Local and Vernacular Architecture of Iran, Hamedan — Documentary 'Hegmataneh'
Borzou Afghahi · Senior Sales and Marketing Manager
Building Materials
Mehrdad Yousefi · General Manager