Hawli Taghi-Khori Ha | Parsa Pahlavan

The Power of Small Steps: From Ruins to life in Kang historical village
In the heart of Kang village, Khorasan, Iran, a historic rural house has been transformed into a hub for deep work, hosting, and supporting restoration workshops. This once-endangered neighborhood has been revitalized, bringing life back to the village. The restoration of this rustic house has attracted many restorers and architects, sparking the beginning of ruin restoration efforts, in the same village. The project has also sparked lively discussions among villagers on virtual messengers, highlighting the existing dichotomy: some believe that destruction is better than occupation by outsiders, while others wish the houses would be bought by foreigners, preserving the village's essence.
The unprecedented support from villagers for the restoration architect is a testament to the project's social impact. Located in Tagikhoriha district, this area was once teeming with life and joy, but had become devoid of inhabitants and vitality over the past two decades. The project aimed to revive not only the building but also its surroundings, creating a new interpretation of luxury-rural living that incorporates local materials and is accessible to both native and modern inhabitants. The design intentionally avoided idealism, embracing construction imperfections and limitations to create a space that is authentic, repeatable, and harmonious with the village.This project does not claim to be the best. Rather, it recognizes that "the best" is subjective and every effort, no matter how small, to improve human feelings and preserve the village contains its own unique value. The architects believe that preserving the village and the world requires acknowledging small efforts from many individuals. Praising small rural architecture and incremental progress is essential to prevent gradual destruction and promote sustainable development. The project's focus on "bringing the village and texture to the eye" rather than showcasing architectural grandeur and promoting "the possibility of big changes with small steps" is a hopeful vision for the not-so-distant future.