In the heart of Tehran’s old city, a prestigious Qajar-era residential compound from the 1870s has been restored as a public cultural facility with gallery spaces, a café and restaurant, reading rooms, and administrative offices. Prior to extensive restoration, historical research was undertaken, accumulated debris was removed, and the sites of some ruined structures were excavated; an underground amphitheatre and galleries are entirely new components of the project. All of the buildings were reinforced against earthquakes, including the foundations as well as the structural elements of each building. Wherever possible, the original building materials and finishes were repaired and restored.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
