Tehran to Rotterdam: Why I Write!

Since moving from Iran, I've found myself constantly comparing my experiences in the countries where I have lived with those from my homeland. This comparison includes various aspects—political, social, cultural, and especially  architecture and urbanism. While this ongoing evaluation has its challenges, it also offers unique insights.

When I completed my bachelor's degree in Iran, I had acquired knowledge that later became an asset in shaping my views on architecture. This knowledge was second nature to anyone growing up and studying in that context. Some of these skills and understandings aren’t taught in school; they are simply absorbed through living in a particular environment. However, in the Netherlands—where I live and work now—I don’t have that same foundational knowledge. Every bit of information must be consciously learned, often through careful observation. This process is made even more difficult by language barriers and the unfamiliarity of my surroundings. When I compare myself to Dutch architects and designers, I notice they possess a basic understanding of certain concepts that I’m still working to grasp.

At the same time, when I look back at Iran—where I still try to stay connected and keep myself updated on the latest developments in architecture—I feel somewhat detached. Despite having worked there, I’ve lost touch with the nuances of how things are done. Yet, I’ve come to realize that this detachment or difference I feel from others in Iran or the Netherlands isn’t necessarily a negative thing. It allows me to view issues from a broader perspective. While my observations might not always be precise, they are unique, shaped by my specific life experiences.

In Iran, I hope to see a growing recognition of the importance of human-centric cities—cities that are future-proof, resilient, and socially sustainable. Iran's history of political and social conflicts has often pushed environmental concerns to the background. As a result, the country, with its harsh climate and limited water resources, is vulnerable to climate change, which poses a serious threat to our existence. My hope is that we realize this before it's too late, and that we can use the experiences of other countries to help us address these challenges.

On the other hand, in the Netherlands, I sometimes observe a self-censoring approach in Dutch architectural firms, influenced by the economic ambitions of developers and other factors. Interestingly, and somewhat controversially, within the architecture community in Iran, despite the limitations—such as a lack of proper regulations, governmental support, or large-scale developers—there is a tendency to define a larger role for itself. The isolation from the rest of the world has left Iranian architecture in a raw state, full of opportunities but also risks. This contrasts with the more structured Dutch architectural world. There is something to be learned here as well, about how architects in a developing country, despite social and political conflicts, are still fighting to play a larger role than just that of a designer.

For some time, I’ve considered sharing these reflections on the differences between these two worlds. I want to explore how my perspective has changed, what I have learned from these differences, and how these insights might benefit others. With this in mind, I’ve decided to start sharing my thoughts on topics that interest me. I’ll be reflecting on specific issues, movies I find interesting, and translating relevant articles, particularly from Dutch or English to Farsi, to create more resources for Iranian architects or any interested people. These translations will offer insights into how similar challenges are addressed in other countries, especially in the Netherlands, which is a pioneer not only in architecture and engineering but also in urban planning.

These articles might be in English or Farsi, depending on the topic, and I would greatly appreciate any feedback on each one. My goal is to create a dialogue, rather than just a one-way blog. I look forward to learning from these exchanges and deepening our collective understanding.