Karbandies’ Traditional Construction Technique in Tabriz and Isfahan

Abstract

ABSTRACT The differences between construction details of karbandies of two cities, Tabriz and Isfahan, can be studied through construction technology. Analysis of differences and similarities between karbandies in different cities reveals specific and general characteristics of construction technologies at these areas. This article, for the first time, documents and reproduces the master builder’s experiences as oral references of traditional architecture and focuses on executive details of karbandies in the two different cities. In this comparative study, some of recently built karbandies are modeled and studied. Written, oral, and visual documents and references are used to gather data, and sample analysis is done based on the interviews with the best experts in the field. Structural form of karbandi ribs is modeled interactively with the master builders in a 3-dimensional software. Findings of this research indicate that karbandies construction methods in various areas are different based on the techniques of traditional architecture for optimal use of space and facilities. Such executive similarities and differences are seen in the construction of hidden masonry ribs, karbandi ribs intersection way, the filling method of karbandi elements, brick shape, and dimensions.