The Holy Shrine of Hazrat Massumeh is considered to be one of the most important monuments of Persian classical architecture. The challenge, in extending the complex, was to define a contemporary architectural identity while maintaining the sacred atmosphere of the place. The new facilities - including prayer halls, a courtyard, restaurant, ablution areas and WCs - are housed in a reinforced concrete structure incorporating white concrete inscriptions on the roof parapets. More traditional techniques - brickwork, mirrorwork, plaster and tiling - are used for external finishes. A grey water-recycling system responds to the need to conserve resources.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture