The new Iranian embassy in Berlin was inspired by the ideal of 'a reciprocity and exchange of ideas' between German and Persian cultures - between 'Goethe, Kant and Heidegger and, on the other side of the mirror, Hafez, Mowlavi and Ghazali'. The 'austerity' of the composition points to the 'higher meaning of existence', while the building materials - concrete and white stone - establish a 'structure of order'. Transparency and continuity of space; emergent light; a longing for the sublime; geometry; 'iwan' (the space of encounter) and the Persian Garden are among other key concepts shaping the design.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture