Every house is more than a collection of walls and ceilings; houses carry the stories, memories, and identities of the people who live in them. In this talk, Maryam Vakil shares her journey to Yazd – a UNESCO World Heritage City – and the experience of reviving a 200-year-old adobe house. What began as a short visit turned into a deep immersion in the history, culture, and architecture of the city. Restoring Homayoun House was not only about reconstruction; it was a way to connect with the historic fabric of Yazd — with its enduring traditions, the Zoroastrian neighborhood, and the sense of old-fashioned neighbourliness that still shapes everyday life. This experience led her to reflect on the meaning of home, its link to personal and collective identity, and the role of architectural heritage in our lives today.

From the mud-brick courtyards of Yazd to the wooden Victorian houses of Victoria, this talk is an invitation to listen to the stories that houses tell — each shaped by its own climate, culture, and community — and to consider a larger question: when we listen to houses, what do we rediscover about ourselves?

Maryam Vakil is an architect and urban designer from Iran, now living in Victoria. Her work weaves together architecture, culture, and memory, seeking to revive the spirit of spaces and reconnect them with contemporary life, shaping vibrant and inclusive communities. She currently works with the City of Victoria’s Arts, Culture and Events team as a Programs & Policy Coordinator.