A groundbreaking non-profit architectural project has emerged in southeastern Iran, where the Nedarag Guesthouse stands as both a physical structure and a symbol of social inclusion. Designed by Next Office–Alireza Taghaboni, this 95-square-meter hospitality project was completed in 2024 in the remote village of Kahnanikash, home to roughly 200 households from the Sunni-Baluch minority community.
The project addresses a significant social challenge within Iran's centralized and religiously homogeneous development system, where ethnic and religious minorities face systematic exclusion. The situation is particularly severe in villages like Kahnanikash, where the local practice of Zekria religious belief is viewed as heretical by the central government. This marginalization has left many such communities without adequate infrastructure or economic opportunities.
Lead architect Alireza Taghaboni worked with an extensive design team including Niloufar Ghobadi, Hadi Ale Davoud, Ali Ghods, Meysam Feizi, and several members of the local Dehghani and Nohani families. The collaborative approach extended beyond typical architectural practice, involving residents of the village as key participants in the construction management process, led by Shanbeh Dehghani and Hadi Ale-Davood.
The project's social dimension was facilitated by Roostatish and Mina Kamran, who served as social facilitators to ensure the guesthouse would truly serve the community's needs. This approach reflects a growing trend in architectural practice where buildings are designed not just as physical structures, but as tools for social change and community empowerment.
Photography of the completed project was captured by Neel Studio and Ehsan Hajirasouliha, documenting how the modest structure integrates with the local landscape and community fabric. The images reveal a building that respects local architectural traditions while providing modern amenities for visitors and community gatherings.
The Nedarag Guesthouse represents more than just accommodation; it serves as a bridge between Iran's marginalized Baluch community and the broader national context. By creating a space for visitors to experience local culture and hospitality, the project challenges the systematic exclusion faced by religious and ethnic minorities in the region. The guesthouse provides both economic opportunities for local residents and a platform for cultural exchange that could help reduce prejudice and misunderstanding.
