
Meander
Return to Originality, Flourishing at the End
Location:
Pir Mahi, Khorramabad County, Lorestan Province, Iran
Status:
Conceptual
Scale:
Large
Typology:
Residential / Elderly Community
Year:
2025
Timbre:
In response to the dual crises of rural depopulation and an aging society, NarmAb reimagines a declining village in Lorestan Province, Iran, as a prototype for intergenerational resilience. Situated near the village of Pir-Mahi along the Karkheh River, this project transforms eroded, flood-prone land into a sustainable, productive, and socially inclusive environment.
Rather than isolating the elderly, NarmAb integrates them as active contributors to the community. Through the cultivation of medicinal plants like Papaver somniferum for legal morphine production, the project offers a stable income source and revitalizes the local economy. This approach aligns with Iran’s historical context, where opium poppy cultivation was once part of the agricultural sector, and addresses current needs for elderly empowerment and rural development.
Architecturally, the design draws inspiration from the region’s ancient bridges, such as the Kashkan Bridge, symbolizing connection and continuity. A central linear spine organizes the site, with communal and private spaces branching off, reflecting a hierarchy that respects both social interaction and individual privacy. The use of local materials and integration with the natural topography ensure environmental harmony and sustainability.
NarmAb stands as a testament to the potential of design in addressing societal challenges, offering a model where the elderly are not only cared for but are central to the regeneration of their communities.