The Baháʼí Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India, remains the most widely recognized project designed by Fariborz Sahba, drawing over 3.5 million visitors annually. Born in Mashhad, Iran, in 1948, Sahba later became a Canadian citizen and established an international career focused on large-scale institutional and religious projects, blending technical project management with complex structural design requirements.
Professional Education and Origins
Sahba completed his academic training at the University of Tehran, where he earned a master's degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts. His career trajectory was influenced early on by his mother, who encouraged him to pursue the field. Following his education, he contributed to the development of various civic structures in Iran, including the New Town of Mahshahr and the Pahlavi Cultural Center and School of Art in Sanandaj.
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In 1976, the governing body of the Baháʼí Faith selected Sahba to design the Baháʼí House of Worship for the Indian subcontinent. He served as both architect and project manager for the decade-long endeavor. The resulting concrete structure earned global acclaim for its aesthetic resemblance to a flower, receiving recognition from the American Concrete Institute in 1990 and a structural engineering award from the United Kingdom in 1987.
Work at the Baháʼí World Centre
Beginning in 1987, Sahba directed the design of 18 terraces serving as an approach to the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel. In his capacity as project manager for the Baháʼí World Centre, he oversaw complex construction initiatives in Israel. These efforts earned multiple accolades, including the 1998 Ephraim Lifshitz Award from the Municipality of Haifa and the 1999 Magshim Award from the Council for a Beautiful Israel.
International Recognition and Advocacy
Sahba has maintained a high profile through international lectures spanning diverse regions, including China, Australia, South Africa, and the United States. His commitment to social and cultural projects extended to publishing; he founded the children's magazine Varqá in 1970, serving as its Editor-in-Chief until 2006. In 2000, he received the GlobArt Award from the GlobArt Academy in Vienna for his work in promoting international harmony.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Mashhad
- Citizenship: Canada
- Education: University of Tehran
- Key Project: Lotus Temple, New Delhi
- Notable Role: Editor-in-Chief, Varqá International Children's Magazine
- 2000 Award: GlobArt Award, Vienna
Questions readers ask
What is Fariborz Sahba best known for?
He is best known for designing the Baháʼí Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India.
Did Sahba hold other roles besides architecture?
Yes, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Varqá International Children's Magazine and lectured globally on topics including art, environment, and project management.
