Tarang Kangari

Iranian architect who transformed earthquake-resistant vernacular building into modern eco-design

Tarang Kangari (b. 1978) reimagined Iran's ancient qanat water systems and windcatchers into climate-responsive urban designs. After the 2003 Bam earthquake destroyed 70% of traditional adobe buildings, Kangari developed Seismic Adobe—a patented material blending stabilized earth with recycled plastics that withstands 8.0-magnitude quakes.

His projects make a difference by merging ecological sustainability with cultural preservation. The award-winning Isfahan Eco-Corridor (2019) revitalized a dried river using qanat-inspired hydroponics, creating public spaces that reduce urban temperatures by 7°C. Kangari also founded the Persian Earth Building Institute, training Afghan refugees in adobe construction techniques.

Critically, Kangari challenges Iran's oil-dependent economy by proving green architecture can be cost-effective. His Tabriz Housing Project cut energy use by 65% using modular wind towers. Despite government pushback, his TEDxTehran talk on 'Post-Oil Cities' garnered 2 million views, sparking youth-led environmental movements across the Middle East.