Page 45 - 06_September-2024

A PORTRAIT OF
THE ARCHITECT
WHO CAME FROM
IRAN
by HIBA ZAIDI photography COOPER & O’HARA
VAHID MORTAZAVI
is no ordinary architect. When you look at the Mortazavi-made, ultra-modern homes sprouting in Edmonton (and Calgary), you’re gazing upon the vision of a man who once designed a subway station that doubles as a war shelter.
When I walk into Ottewell’s Anvil Coffee House,
I spot Mortazavi almost at once. He’s wearing a flat cap and a neatly pressed button-up shirt, exuding an air of calm and confidence. He welcomes me with a warm smile, and it quickly becomes clear that, despite his knowledge, he has a way of explaining things that never makes you feel out of your depth.
Mortazavi was born in Tehran in 1966, into a family with a strong foundation in the building trade. “My father worked as a builder,” he recalls, “When I was very young, I got knowledge about engineering because of this.” This early exposure ignited a passion for architecture that led him to the Iran University of Science and Technology, where he graduated with a master’s degree in 1996.
Mortazavi’s career in Iran was nothing short of illustrious. “I got a job in a very famous office back home. I was working there as the junior architect, and after that, the senior architect for about eight years,” he explains. Eventually, he co-founded his own company, Parda-raz, tackling projects ranging from mixed-use and commercial buildings to the intricate designs of Tehran’s subway stations. “I was the head designer for subway stations in different cities,” he says, a hint of pride in his voice.
Among his most notable achievements is the W1 (Gheytariyeh) subway station in Tehran, a marvel of engineering. “It has a double function,” Mortazavi says, “One is to transport passengers from one point of the city to another. But during emergencies, it acts as a war shelter.” The station can accommodate up to 5,000 people, and comes equipped with rooms
for chemical decontamination, mechanical HVAC systems and more.
So, what prompted this architect, with his impressive portfolio, to uproot his life and move to Canada? “I moved to Canada for more opportuni- ties,” Mortazavi explains. “Canada is different. Back home, I have my office and job, but I wanted to have the experience of a different world.” His journey to Canada was not without its challenges. He initially divided his time between Iran and Canada, fulfilling obligations to ongoing projects back home.
It wasn’t until 2015 that Mortazavi made Canada his permanent home. “My sister-in-law started
to make a new house. That was a very good opportunity for me in Canada,” he recalls. This first- hand experience was crucial for him, as he explains how the main thing he had to learn from scratch was the city bylaws and building regulations.
NOW, HE’S DRAWING UP HOMES IN ALBERTA
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