Iranian Traditional Architecture Research Articles

Simulation-Driven Strategies for Improving Natural Ventilation in Educational Spaces: A Case Study of An Educational Building in Sari

Any architectural space, especially the architecture of an educational complex, should provide comfort for human beings in the face of geographical and climatic characteristics. Climatic factors have always profoundly affected the formation of the physical environment of buildings. Energy demand has always been one of society’s most critical issues. Saving resources is one of the architectural design goals to achieve a suitable environment-friendly architecture. This architectural approach, which comes from the concepts of sustainable development, is one of the basic human needs in the current world due to its compatibility with the environment. The goal is to build constructions that can improve the climate, prevent the waste of energy consumption, and avoid the adverse effects of construction on the environment. In traditional Iranian architecture, there are numerous passive methods; natural ventilation is an essential part of Iranian conventional building design, which is being ignored today. Since humid and moderate climates have high relative humidity on most days of the year, one important goal is to move the stagnant moisture inside to establish a suitable thermal environment for occupants. The research method of the present study is descriptive-analytical, which has been experimented with according to library studies in addition to climate and meteorological data. Then, analysis of the data is provided by an energy simulator. It is concluded that the best orientation of the educational building is south, which can provide proper natural ventilation and solar heat gain. In other words, optimal interior air quality is achieved in this orientation.

Theoretical framework of the Isfahani style: Inspiring sustainable aspects of a vernacular urban development

The Isfahani style represents a method of traditional Iranian architecture and urban development that existed in the early 20th century and is regarded as a leading model in most traditional Iranian cities. It exhibits several vigorous features contributing to its recognition as a traditional approach to sustainable architecture and urban development. This research endeavors to reveal a theoretical framework beneath these inspiring aspects using the typology of sustainable modern forms, including the hierarchy, passive design strategies, compactness, density, diversity, mixed land use, pluralism, balance, good composition, and integration over time. To this end, the study employs qualitative research methods, drawing from traditional samples, to identify innovative, energy and socially efficient, and low-impact strategies implemented in this vernacular architecture of Iran's semi-arid and hot climates. The findings revealed that the neighborhood concept as a local and plural community (Mahalla) was a vital phenomenon in Iran's urban development. Apparently, the demise of this paradigm effectively played an important role in the numerous challenges regarding the social, energy, and economic viability of modern Iranian cities. Hence, this study presented theoretical frameworks—aligned with sustainable concepts—from the Isfahani style through its analysis, classification, and interpretation, which can contribute to modern urban development.

A Historical Review of House Entrances in Sabzevar from Safavid Era to Pahlavi Era

A house entrance does not just serve as a communication space; rather, it also has social and cultural functions. A house entrance is not only a doorway to the building but also a passage that helps to recognize the position of the house and to indicate the stature and character of the house members. A house entrance is a gate to enter the building, establish communications with the house members, and engage with their culture. A house entrance is the first point of contact between the outside and the inside of the house, representing the cultural, social, and economic position of the house members. House entrances are influenced by the situation prevailing in society and transforming social, economic, and cultural factors. Thus, they have a special role and position. The main research questions are: What were the characteristics of the entrances in the past architecture? How did entrances maintain a special position in the spatial organization of house architecture? Furthermore, were entrances influenced by various factors in a historical context? Hence, we seek to respond to these questions by focusing on entrances to Sabzevar’s houses. In this connection, we aim to investigate the role and position of the entrances in the traditional architecture using case studies and fields surveys in Sabzevar and address the historical development of entrances from the Safavid era to the Pahlavi era. The features of the entrances in these areas are described, and their key and identity-making architectural elements are discussed. This will help us better understand traditional Iranian architecture.

Energy Efficiency in Dome Structures: An Examination of Thermal Performance in Iranian Architecture

This study investigates the energy efficiency of dome-shaped structures in traditional Iranian architecture in regions with cold winters and hot summers against the backdrop of rising energy consumption and environmental concerns. The present study employed Design Builder software to simulate three discrete models of Nowzari Caravanserai, featuring dome, flat, and sloping roofs. It was compared to the original model’s dome-shaped roof in terms of energy consumption and internal temperature. The objective was to investigate the potential differences in thermal energy consumption across these distinct roof designs in all months of the year. The results indicate that the dome-shaped structures exhibit better efficacy in controlling indoor temperatures, as demonstrated by a marked increase in indoor temperatures during colder months and a decrease in indoor temperatures during hotter months, relative to alternative structures. Moreover, the results of the simulation of two domed-roof models with ventilation and without ventilation showed that in this climate zone, the ventilation holes built into the roof have a unique efficiency in adjusting the internal temperature. The implications of this research include that traditional architectural features such as domed structures can be incorporated into contemporary construction practices to foster energy-efficient buildings and sustainable urbanization. This holds true not only for hot and desert climate regions but also for areas characterized by both hot summers and cold winters. The integration of traditional expertise and modern technology can help create buildings that balance aesthetics and sustainability, creating a cleaner, more sustainable built environment.

The effect of atrium configurations on energy usage and natural ventilation in high-rise office buildings in Tehran climate

Most buildings in Iran, including Tehran, have not yet met the requirements of climate design. In addition, they do not seem to have their traditional Iranian architecture. The present study aims to search for suitable forms with energy efficiency and maximum indoor air quality by providing natural ventilation in the warm seasons. For this purpose, the location and geometry of the atrium as two factors are considered simultaneously. The used tool to evaluate atriums is computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the energy usage simulation of the building in an integrated way. The results show that in both square and rectangular (in the east-west direction) plans, the greatest decrease in energy load is related to 1-side atriums. Although, in terms of reducing the lighting load and using more daylight, four-side atriums perform better. Based on the prevailing wind, air change per hour (ACH) was selected as an index for evaluating natural ventilation in ten atrium shapes with the best energy performance. Accordingly, this research can help designers choose the best building atrium form in high-rise office buildings in early-stage design.

Revitalization and Optimization of a Traditional Iranian Architectural Pattern on Transformable Skins Using Kinetic Angulated Systems

Architects and designers have employed angulated structures for kinetic architectural design due to their formal esthetics, geometry, and light weight. The arrangement of these structures within a regular repetitive (modular) layout forms a kinetic skin. Geometric patterns are repeated in angulated structures based on particular orders as happens in girih patterns in Iranian historical architecture. This similarity forms the base of this study. Given the importance of revitalizing these motifs due to the gap between the modern and traditional architecture and their modernization using up-to-date technologies, the authors propose a process for implementing these patterns on generated lattice structures. This study is organized into two parts to achieve the mentioned goals: in the first part, the effect of changing parameters on the ultimate form of lattice structure is evaluated. In the second part, changes are applied to the structural form according to the patterns through two strategies (i.e., implementing the pattern of girih components on the central opening of the structure and implementing the form of girih components on structural elements), focused on the Islamic girih patterns and the importance of their implementation on the structure. The outcome of this study is kinetic skins containing forms dominantly shapes of Iranian patterns repeated regularly throughout the structure; it represents the beauty and identity of the traditional Iranian architecture and can adapt to changing conditions according to the purposes of sustainable architecture. Finally, a designed structure is modeled and analyzed using the Ansys software in order to investigate the constructability of a full-scale structure and evaluate it under loads in the climate of Tabriz; the results of the analysis indicate that the structure can withstand loads applied in the climate of Tabriz with a thickness of more than 3 mm.

A Review of Nader Khalili Shelter Design Thoughts from the Sustainability

Contemporary architecture exists in Nader Khalili’s creative designs, including house designs in the USA and Iran, combined with the traditional architecture of Iran. His designs are founded on four characteristics, first is the inspiration from nature, and the other three focuses on low-cost, self-help, and eco-friendliness. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate his architectural thinking and the design process that leads to a rapid and sustainable shelter. In addition, this shelter can be built-in critical conditions or can be long-lasting in any crucial situation. The methodology used in this study is analytical based on qualitative and quantitative approach. The method, which is used to collect the data, is based on literature review and observation. The study concludes that Khalili’s designs are reasonable at low prices and quickly built and sustainable.

Evaluating and Identifying Climatic Design Features in Traditional Iranian Architecture for Energy Saving (Case Study of Residential Architecture in Northwest of Iran)

In the last decades, researchers have been considering some fundamental issues such as energy saving, global warming, greenhouse emissions, and non-renewable energy to make models of house environmental standards to achieve a suitable consumption pattern for saving energy. In architecture, using natural energy is one of the essential pillars of design because it was one of the criteria of designing, which was considered on climate and geography, and it has been a high performance of climate adaptation in the modeling of traditional houses. In this research, Azerbaijan (located in northwestern Iran) is selected to evaluate the practical features of traditional Iranian houses designed in the cold climate, and criteria for developing sensible solutions to achieve a suitable design model for energy saving are provided. The primary purpose of this paper is to evaluate and identify the features of climate design in traditional houses in a cold climate, which are suitable residential buildings for energy management, and to identify the components affecting energy saving. The data collection method is based on checklists, observation, considering the orientation, density, solar radiation angle in the region, documentary, analysis of maps, and adaptation of the architectural plan of the studied houses with the pattern of solar radiation in the area. This research discusses the design criteria for future structures and their adaptable measures based on the obtained results. Finally, it is declared that the traditional architectural design model follows the region’s climatic conditions, and considering the current climate and energies, traditional houses were designed; therefore, the best model for maximum use of available energy is climatic design. As a result, suggestions are made regarding residential architecture design to save energy.

Investigating the possible structural damage scenarios of Niavaran Complex in Tehran-Iran

The Niavaran Complex features a mix of architectural styles with elements from modernism and traditional Iranian architecture and is situated in the northern part of Tehran. The Sahebqaraniyeh Heritage Palace from the time of Naser al-Din Shah of the Qajar dynasty is located in this complex (1846–1896). Based on the initial investigation done by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, significant damages and cracking were observed in structural elements of the palace (walls and roofs). Since early 2014, the monument has been closed to the public, and in-depth assessment has been carried out. The study includes the seismicity of the Niavaran fault, soil liquefaction, landslides, land subsidence and historical aspects, such as the removal of stabilising walls about half a century ago and the reduction in underground water level. Detailed field investigation and experimental testing were performed by the Building and Housing Research Center of Iran. One of the main investigations was on the influence of deep excavations downstream in the south part of the palace. The outcomes of structural, geotechnical, geophysical and other related investigations indicated that the Niavaran Cultural/Historic Complex has been damaged significantly in the past decades and is in urgent need of retrofitting/strengthening.

The Space of Intimacy as The Most Important Islamic Cultural Value in Traditional Iranian Architecture

This study aims to carry out a critical reading of individual spaces of traditional Iranian houses. Through recourse to expert opinion, seven traditional houses in Iran have been chosen. A deductive content analysis is used to assess space syntaxes by way of three steps: preparation, organization, and the final report. In the preparation step, the individual and family territory in Iranian culture is defined. In the organization phase, territories are classified by reviewing plans, maps, and making visual observations. Finally, conclusions are reached on the situation of privacy and individuality in the houses. It is suggested that family privacy is the main function of traditional Iranian houses. Despite the fact that spaces could be used as personal and individual territories, in practice this is not so, and individualism and individual values have been forgotten. Individuality is not considered as valuable in the sense of one who needs his/her own territory; rather, this is determined in relation with other people. Keywords: Mahram Territories, Personal Spaces, Space Syntax, Territoriality, Traditional Iranian House

The Role of Ab-Anbars in the Vernacular Architecture of Iran with Emphasis on the Performance of Wind-Catchers in Hot and Dry Climates

Vernacular and traditional Iranian architecture has always acted rationally, harmoniously, and climate-friendly to meet the needs of the people in dealing with the environment. In addition, without harming the environment, they have achieved the best initiatives with the least facilities. For example, we can mention that the Ab-Anbars in arid and desert areas of Iran, which are used to store water in seasons with precipitation for use in the rest of the year, has been an optimal way to use natural resources and provide climate comfort. The Ab-Anbars are realized with ventilated cisterns through openings on their roof or wind-catchers to keep the water cool and provide comfortable conditions for the occupants. In order to study the essential role of natural ventilation and cooling in the Ab-Anbars, thermal analysis with CFD software was carried out to assess the effectiveness of a typical wind-catcher according to different wind directions in Yazd city. The results showed that Ab-Anbars have played an important role in reducing cooling loads and supply the necessary ventilation rate of buildings and can be used in the future for application in contemporary architecture and urban planning.

The place of theoretical wisdom in the application of architectural geometry by Islamic mathematicians. The period under study of the fourth to eleventh centuries AH

The place of theoretical wisdom in the application of architectural geometry by Islamic mathematicians. The period under study of the fourth to eleventh centuries AH

(RE)FRAMING SPATIALITY AS A SOCIO-CULTURAL PARADIGM: EXAMINING THE IRANIAN HOUSING CULTURE AND PROCESSES

With rapid changes in urban living today, peoples’ behavioural patterns and spatial practices undergo a constant process of adaptation and negotiation. Using “house” as a laboratory and everyday life and spatial relations of residents as a framework of analysis, the paper examines the spatial planning concepts in traditional and contemporary Iranian architecture and the associated socio-cultural practices. Discussions are drawn upon from a pilot study conducted in the city of Kerman, to investigate ways in which contemporary housing solutions can better cater to the continually changing socio-cultural lifestyles of residents. Data collection for the study involved a series of participatory workshops and employed creative visual research methods, participant observation and semi structured interviews to examine the interlacing of everyday socio-spatial relations and changing perception of identity, belonging, socio-cultural and religious values and conflict. The inferences from the study showcases the emerging social and cultural needs and practices of people manifested through the complex relationship between residents, the places in which they live, and its spatial planning and organisation. For a better understanding of this complex relationship, the paper argues the need for resituating spatiality as a socio-cultural paradigm.

Effect of Air-Shaft Partition Walls’ Arrangement on Structural Behaviour and Construction Technology of Wind Catchers in Iran

Four-sided wind catchers are common examples of wind catchers in Yazd. Analysing the physical and structural features of these wind catchers can reveal part of the characteristics of traditional Iranian architecture and the ability of traditional architects to use such renewable energies as wind power. The present study attempts to examine the effect of the arrangement of main and accessory air-shaft partition walls on the structural behaviour and construction technology of four-sided wind catchers through conducting library and field research studies. The study also attempts to simulate the process of constructing a four-sided wind catcher based on an optimal type. The analyses indicate that in addition to the amount of air conditioning, the shape of the partition walls has a direct relationship with the wind catcher’s degree of resistance to the internal and external forces. Moreover, the extension of the partition walls into the entirety of the rack and canal, compared to other similar types with partition walls in the rack, are more resistant against the lateral forces and transfer their resultant pressure more consistently thanks to their connected and consistent structure. The analysis of the construction process of wind catchers revealed part of the characteristics of the traditional Iranian architecture, utilizing vernacular materials and aiming at constructing high structures that are efficient, resistant, and dependent on renewable wind energy.

Geometry-based modeling for characterizing design and construction of Ourchin domes

Domes constitute a significant part of Iranian traditional architecture. Iranian architects not only created hemisphere shape domes, they also created conical shape domes. Documents about conical shape domes of Iran are scarce; among conical shapes, data about Ourchin domes is particularly limited due to the rarity of remaining monuments. Most of these domes can be found in the south and southwest of Iran, which suffers from severe weather conditions, dust storms, earthquakes, floods, high and dry temperatures, and even war hazard. Therefore, conservation and documentation of these monumental domes are essential and must be done immediately. This research attempts to document the geometry and construction process as well as discussing the typology of Ourchin domes.Any stepped dome in which the layers are self-similar and the whole structure could fit in a cone or a paraboloid is an Ourchin dome. Ourchin dome geometrical design process modeling is a critical task, in order to conserve, protect, and restore these particular domes. Required data to preserve the geometry of Ourchin domes is presented through text and illustrations. This modeling divides Ourchin domes into three distinct types, which are: polygonal, star, and circular shapes.Results indicate that although Ourchin domes have complex 3D geometry, the building process was actually simple and practical. In the design process, four key factors (plan shape, Hanjar shape, number of regular polygon sides, and ratio between Sha'hang and radius of dome base) define elongation of the dome. Due to the fact that the number of layers is theoretically infinite, the construction process proceeded by the designer's preference. Other circumstances, such as material cuts, fragility of smaller brick pieces, and inability of constructing, all had a profound impact on this choice as well.

Energy Saving through Connection of Sunken Garden with Nature and Passive Cooling in Traditional Buildings of Hot and Dry Climate of Iran

Sunken garden is one of the elements of traditional Iranian architecture, formed with the attitude of conservation of environment and organizing a meaningful relationship with its surroundings. Many studies have been conducted to identify this element of traditional architecture and its functions, endorsing its valuable and considerable properties in respect for nature, harmony with the aims of sustainable development and energy conservation. One of the most important functions of this elements is providing cooling needs for residents in the hot summer months of desert areas of Iran without the need of fossil fuels consuming. The current article, as a descriptive-analytic study, aimed at a more comprehensive knowledge of passive cooling in sunken garden. To reach this goal, passive cooling and its types and sunken garden were first introduced. Then, their relationship with natural elements and the role of each element in achieving passive cooling in sunken garden were evaluated. The results revealed that sunken garden has been linked with natural elements in a way which cools this underground space of traditional buildings of hot and dry climate of Iran through heat prevention, heat modulation and heat dissipation.

MOHSEN FOROUGHI (1907–1983): THOUGHTS AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE WORKS OF AN IRANIAN MODERNIST ARCHITECT

Introduction: Mohsen Foroughi was one of the first-generation Iranian modernist architects who joined Iranian architecture in the 1940s. His knowledge of architecture obtained in one of the most important French architectural schools—École des Beaux-Arts—allowed him to create valuable works by combining the spirit of Iranian architecture with modern values. His interest in education led to the establishment of the foundations of architecture teaching in Iran, based on the lessons taught in Europe. Purpose of the study: The article addresses the works of Mohsen Foroughi, combining modern architecture with the vernacular Iranian architecture. His most significant works include the building of the Senate, the Department of Law at the University of Tehran, the National Bank of Tehran’s Bazaar, and the Saadi Tomb in Shiraz. The article looks at the development of intellectual flows of the time that evolved into social relationships. Methods: In the course of the study, we use descriptive analysis and analysis of library resources. Results: The main characteristics of Foroughi’s work are balance, symmetry, and application of the main elements of traditional Iranian architecture. By better understanding of his works, architects can be more successful in creating today’s architectural projects.

Semantic analysis of color, light and transparency in Islamic architecture of Iran

The subject of color, including single colors or compounds like Haft Rang (seven colors), which conveys the psychological effectsand mystical interpretation of color, has a palpable presence in the realm of arts, especially in architecture. On the other hand,light as the most immaterial element of nature has always been present in Iranian architecture. In fact, it symbolizes transcendentalworld and spiritual realm. In traditional Iranian architecture, the conceptualization of light flourished under the influence of Islamicthought, and came to be known as the manifestation of sanctity and the spiritual world. This paper is an applied research, with ananalytical approach that seeks to conduct a semantic analysis of color, light and transparency in the Islamic architecture of Iran.The data was collected using the library research. Also, some illustrations of colors and light in Islamic architecture of Iran werephotographed and recorded in a field study. The analysis shows that Iranian architects have employed these factors in order to pleadto the observer’s sense of beauty by forging a close association between light and color in architecture. Diversity of colors, whichis rooted in divine wisdom, gives an appreciation of the beauty and dimensions to human beings. Moreover, the results suggest that theIranian architects have not been concerned with phenomenal clarity to create complexity, attractiveness, and spatial diversity, which areprimarily architectural aspects, but rather have focused on cultural objectives and excellence of human beings.

Scrutinizing Solar Gain and Ventilation in Traditional Iranian Architecture Based on Graph Theory and Matrix Analysis

Unfortunately, most Iranian contemporary buildings in different climatic regions are constructed in the same way, with no consideration for climatic comfort. Electrical equipment for cooling and heating in Iran is easy to use and cheap. However, all of the natural resources, such as gas and oil, will one day be depleted, so how will future generations cope? Architects need to create a sample model for each climatic region, in which spaces are arranged to maximize thermal comfort periods, with a passive design. This research conducts an environmental analysis of traditional Iranian buildings in the hot-humid, temperate-humid, and cool climatic regions of Iran, making use of graph theory and a matrix analysis method, both of which are fast and easy to use for the assessment of naturally ventilated buildings. The selected traditional building envelope, spatial organization and seasonal movements of the users in the buildings were examined to determine the design characteristics of traditional buildings. The findings were used to develop a model to help architects to design openings and spatial locations in buildings, according to the natural ventilation and solar control of traditional buildings in the climatic regions of Iran. The model can be used as a guide for contemporary passive building design during the design stage.

The Effect of Optimal Use of Soil on Sustainability of Iranian Desert Buildings with Iranian Sustainable Architecture Approach

In the past architecture of Iran, traditional architects had been able to provide comfort for residents through the smart use of architectural materials and strategies. Soil architecture is the most original type of Iranian architecture and the use of soil with characteristics such as high thermal capacity and thermal latency is at the cutting edge of this field in energy consumption and the pursuit of sustainable architecture in the world. This type of architecture not merely in the form of constructing a building in a single ground, but it has been united proportional to the scale and location of the project on the ground and an indivisible part of it. The research method adopted in this paper is based on text studies and the use of visual documents in the context of library research and descriptive-analytical method. In this research, a comparative study of the principles of sustainability with the vernacular architecture of Iran and the sustainable elements, including Shaw Shawādān, sunken gardens and etc. have been addressed in traditional Iranian architecture. The results of these studies show that desirable solutions derived from this vernacular architecture for achieving sustainable architecture can be presented for reducing fossil fuels and as a result reducing contamination that plays a significant role in these issues and the issue of sustainable development.