فهرست مطالب محسن عباسی هرفته

Iran faces water shortage crisis whilst construction industry consumes huge amount of water. There are not precise data about construction industry water consumption. Accordingly, lack of comparison as well as prioritization between prevalent structural systems and alternatives which probably use less water create problems in planning for less consumption. There are two questions which arise, aiming to decrease water consumption through selecting suitable structural systems for usual buildings (up to 3 stories): first, how much water is used in the usual structural phase in Iran? Next, to achieve  less water consumption in a structural system, the main essay question is stated: What is the ratio of the water used in earthen architecture to the amount used in usual construction system (concrete and steel)? Results show that earthen structures consume 7 to 15 percent less water than the same structure made by concrete and steel; in other words,  employing the earthen structure instead of concrete and steel reduces water consumption at least 2500 liters per each square meter of construction.

In center of Iran, moisture has been a serious problem regarding historic buildings, especially when most of them were built using adobe. Traditional architects have designed fantastic elements like Nakesh to control and eliminate moisture. Aiming to document as well as conserve and re-use of an original conservation technique, the present article asks these questions: What is Nakesh in the Historic Buildings in hot and arid areas in center of Iran? How does it work? How is it built? To answer these questions, different research methods were utilized, including literature review, field observation of original cases, and focusing on Nakesh building process in Torab historic House as a case study. Nakesh has different types; however, their mechanism is the same. The kind that will be specifically studied in this research is a vertical channel around the courtyard in central courtyard building. The channel works based on a natural ventilation which absorbs the moisture from its surrounding soil as a conservative element. Transferring and evaporating moisture by Nakesh led to save the foundation of building elements; the moisture permeates into the ground then into the building bases due to small pool, garden, and watering in the courtyard or the moisture which comes up through the ground. Construction materials, techniques to build floor, wall, and the ceiling of Nakesh, and the plan and section of it in each case are different, depending on building properties. These factors play a key role in Nakesh function.

Researchers require appropriate resources to conduct researches. In historical studies, data can be extracted only from these resources. Thus, in historical research especially in historical studies on architecture, the importance of these resources is doubled. Notwithstanding the resources of architectural historiography in Iran are very rare, since the architecture is considered as Container of life, it is almost not a resource that does not provide information about architecture. Therefore, this extent of resources makes identifying and organizing them to research in the history of Iranian architecture very rigorous. On the other hand, regarding the research of the history of Iranian architecture, researchers are faced with a wide range of unknown resources related to all aspects of human life, which makes risk of drowning in the ocean of information ahead. Thus, it seems to be necessary to identify and organize the resources of Historical Studies on Iranian Architecture. Recognizing the resources and understanding the dimensions, levels, species, and priorities for referring to them can reduce the time costing on the one hand and increase the validity of the data on the other hand. In this article, it has been tried to provide a clear view of the resources of historical studies of Iranian architecture. Based on the study of the background of the researches, the lack of theory, theoretical framework and conceptual model in this field was obvious and there were no coherent research results to identify the sources and discover the logical and hierarchical relationship between them from inductive strategy and specifically method. Therefore, the method of grounded theory was used to reach purpose of the research by focusing on the academic studies of the last four decades in the field of Iranian architectural studies. The discussion begins with what the resource is and definitions of it. Then, based on the literature on the subject of famous species of historical studies on Iranian architecture resources are introduced and then, based on the extracted codes, the species identified by this research are presented and completed. Depending on the type of expression, the time interval to the subject, the accuracy and the level of superficiality or depth of information and the degree of validity, several categories can be defined as the resource in the field of historical studies on Iranian architecture, which are generally dual. These dualities include; first- and second - hand resources, specialized and general resources, artistic and non-artistic resources, and explicit or implicit resources. In addition, there is a classification of resources in terms of the type of expression, which is also divided into two general categories of written and unwritten. By identifying and classifying these resources based on the mentioned method, a new formulation of the resources under the central concepts was done and finally three basic concepts for the types of the classified resources were introduced including: expression, time and depth of information. These three key concepts of expression, time and depth were identified as the basis for organizing the resources of historical studies on Iranian architecture and seven main types of them were introduced. These three concepts and seven categories include various levels and dimensions of resources and provide a proper tool for researchers to identify, categorize and prioritize in referring to the resources of historical studies on Iranian architecture.

Problem statement: 

Architectural historiography in Iran, like other fields of theoretical foundations of architecture, has not achieved a proper position, and on the other hand, existing historiographical works have been less studied to determine the asset and lack of asset in this field through this achievement and to more clarify the path of Iranian architectural historiography. Therefore, it seems necessary to study the works of architectural historiography. Thus, in the present study, the following questions are addressed: Which attitudes and methods has Arthur Pope used to study Iranian architecture? What are the fields and contexts in which these methods and attitudes have been formed? What has been the result of applying these methods and attitudes for understanding Iranian architecture?

This study was conducted to review the written works by Arthur Pope to identify his attitudes and methods as well as his achievement in using them for understanding Iranian architecture.

For this purpose, grounded theory was used as the research method.

The result showed that Arthur Pope, influenced by the requirements of the time and the needs of Iranian architectural historiography in that period, has used attitudes and methods to understand Iranian architecture through which, he has presented a history of Iranian architecture. Although, it is more focused on the physical aspects of Iranian architecture; but apart from the physical aspects, he has also paid some attention to other aspects of Iranian architecture, such as space and backgrounds of formation. His architectural historiography has more architectural color and sense than other historians of his time. He has also tried further than them to present his view closer to that of an Iranian person. Therefore, he can be considered a historian who has made acceptable efforts in writing a history book about Iranian architecture, taking into account the requirements of his time.

The communities in the historical cities of Iran commonly benefited from having neighborhoods and neighborly interactions which has faded away from the modern urban life and has caused serious social hazards. This paper is concerned with how the spatial arrangement of neighborhood complexes in historical cities, in contrast to modern cities, provided a basis for establishing close relations among neighbors.

This article aims to define the neighborhood zones and analyze them in order to categorize the neighborhood spatial patterns as well as to clarify their architectural determinants and principles, and hence prevail this social behavior in the historic district of Yazd.

To reach this objective, the Grounded Theory methodology is used. After identification and field investigation of various neighborhood zones in Yazd historic district, they were interpreted and analyzed through a theoretical sampling procedure. Most of the analytical approach was adopted through taking frequent photographs, drawing spatial diagrams and schematic plans, making graphic and written notes and then using sequential coding.

The research results showed that with architectural solutions such as changing materials used for floors and walls (baseboards), covering spaces by putting roofs over them, creating split-level floors, opening up a possibility to sit temporarily, differing proportions, ornamenting and changing light and shadow, the three basic neighborhood patterns including entrance-, darband- and sabat-axis patterns have been formed in the semi-public spaces of this historic district. Such patterns with applying two principles of “physical proximity” and “spatial attributes” together with architectural determinants such as human-conformity, climatic comfort, privacy, territory and functional comfort and security in passageways by increasing public presence had a chief influence on establishing neighborly relations.

The construction industry is a major water consumer using the main portion of potable water. Building structure system is one of the water consumption effective factors. It is important to select a structural system which not only has necessary structural features but also is optimum in water usage in construction phase. This paper intends to assess the optimum building structural system in terms of water consumption in the Yazd typical houses where is faced with water crisis. Therefore, first of all a typical house in Yazd with barrier wall system was selected while the water consumption of structure constructing was calculated by a quantitative method. Water consumption of material production process as well as water consumption during the construction process in the project site were included. Next, the structural system was redesigned through two other common systems in Yazd: concrete and steel system while water consumption was calculated again considering structural system is dependent on changes like dimensions of foundation, beams, columns and the thickness of the walls. The result of the calculations and studies shows barrier wall system uses less water among the other common systems in Yazd by decreasing use of steel. However, further survey of the LSF system as a dried system becoming popular in Yazd recently completed the conclusion that this system is the best in terms of water consumption in comparison with other common systems used in Yazd.

Architectural historiography is one of the most important areas in architecture, and the main problem is that in Iran, it is not considered by domestic historians as it should; on the other hand, the existing historiographical works, which are mainly the result of the work of Western historians, are less criticized and their strengths and weaknesses are unclear. Therefore, in this research, as one of the historians influencing the history of Iranian architecture, Andre Godard’s historiographical works will be criticized and investigated. These works used as a reliable source for the study of Iranian architecture have not been reread and criticized, its criticizing is necessary. It is not clear that what aspects of the Iranian architecture is investigated by the historian based on his particular attitude and his historiography method and which aspects are neglected. Therefore their review clarifies the existing defects, on the one hand, and on the other hand, it can be a guide for mapping the history of Iranian architecture by Iranian historians.
The objective of this research is to criticize and investigate Andre Godard’s historiography considering the fields and context of his historiography and how to reflect these fields in his historiography works. In this research, extraction of data from the written works of Godard’s historiography is a large part of the research process, and therefore the grounded theory that is a theory derived from the data collected and analyzed systematically during the research process was selected as the method of this research. The results of this study indicated that Andre Godard influenced by the fields of his era has investigated the historiography of Iranian architecture with a particular attitude which affected type of his recognition from Iranian architecture and in general, he can be introduced as a partial thinking historian, product-centered and regardless of the influential fields in architecture, Physics-centered, regardless of architectural aspects.

In the contemporary era, modern approaches to architecture, taking account their growing shortcomings in providing appropriate environment for human inhabitation and interaction with nature, lead to crisis in human life e.g. water, soil and air pollution. Therefore, new theories with various approaches are proposed primarily to improve, firstly, the relationship between man and nature and secondly to revive the presence of nature in the architecture. One of these leading theories is the concept of sustainability and sustainable architecture which attempts to decrease destructive issues of modern architecture and make a friendly relationship between architecture and nature aiming for contemporary and future generations to benefit from the natural environment properly. Even though sustainability has been successful to some extent in improving and enhancing of architecture approach to nature in some scopes, it seems that in the relation between human-made environment and human and nature, fundamental concepts and principles are ignored. Instead, much attention is attracted to limited aspects and consequently superficial concepts are addressed deeply to the extent that sometimes the status of nature is reduced to an ecosystem and a mere material phenomenon. Explaining dimensions and aspects of natural manifestation in traditional architecture, this research aimed to find a way out of problems caused by sustainability approach, to deal with its challenges and shortcomings, and finally to promote this concept. In order to achieve this aim, the appropriate relation between nature and architecture based on true understanding of nature is argued. Firstly, sustainable academic texts as well as Iranian historic ones, through Content Analysis method was studied while environmental sustainable architecture is criticized; secondly, based on Logical Argument method, the missing point of sustainable architecture approach is revealed; thirdly, Iranian traditional architecture was surveyed through the Grounded Theory method, focusing on the relationship between this architecture and nature. The study of traditional Architecture in Iran reveals clearly the consideration of three basic dimensions of nature: first, the physical dimension including natural elements, e.g. water, soil, trees, second, the intrinsic dimension (the essence of nature) including the qualitative properties of natural phenomena, on the one hand, and rules and principles of nature on the other hand, and finally, the symbolic dimension of the nature which represents a part of the beliefs of traditional mankind, employing some patterns and figures abstracted from the nature. Consequently, a new approach is employed considering not only nature, but also the essence and the symbolic dimension of nature. In this regard, architecture establishes a constructive dialogue with nature based on its triple dimensions. It seems interaction and relation between architecture and nature will improve. The manifestation of nature in architecture, based on its three aspects is illustrated with some cases from Iranian traditional architecture. This architecture as history testifies, through harmonic and evolutionary approaches, makes a true relationship with nature which not only derives benefits from nature, but also conserves and enhances it.

Balancing development with conservation is a matter of long-running debate within the domain of urban literature، Since the beginning of the modern movement, different theories have been developed on urban conservation and development، Concomitantly, a broad spectrum of approaches have emerged to relief this challenge، One underlying trend is based on the conflict between conservation and development، From this perspective, within the context of a city a dichotomy exists between the conservation of the old parts and the need for development، Two controversial points of view get involved in this school of thought، From the first point of view, development is the necessity, while conservation is considered as a great and insurmountable barrier to urban development; from the other viewpoint the primary concern is conservation, addressing the worrying trend of urban development toward removing the cultural and traditional values from our living environment، However more recently a new and balanced approach is adopted, emphasizing on the integration of urban conservation and development as a prerequisite for the survival of a city, yet it has not represented practical solutions to the issue. City as a living environment is subjected to development, thus effective and workable solutions to meet the challenge between development and conservation can be provided by considering a well-tested model of development in terms of the interaction between conservation measures and development strategies، A well- experimented and effective development model, concerning conservation, is going to be analyzed, as a case study, with reference to the historic city of Yazd with its long-term survival from 11 to 19 century، An interpretive-historical method has been adopted، Data were collected by field observation and literature review, then discussed thorough logical argument، From this scrutinizing study, the conservation characteristics of Yazd development model have emerged. Six main steps could be recognized in Yazd physical development model, from 11 to 19 century, occurring in the inner and outer parts of the city، The model involves four intervention categories: 1- Preservation and restoration of the old buildings, 2- Rehabilitation of the old fabric, 3- Construction of new buildings in the inner part, and 4، New attachments to the city in the outer part، The first 3 steps are in direct relationship with the concept of conservation as an operation to prolong the life of the city، In fact, These interventions turn the challenges to interaction opportunities. Based on the adopted developmental measures, the main and distinguishing characteristics of Yazd development model have been revealed as follows: 1- Enhancing the active role of the old part, 2- Providing an essential change opportunity, 3- Decreasing the extra loads on the old part, 4- Centrality of the old part in the city development, and 5- Creating a relationship between the old and new part، Yazd development model can be considered as a conservation-oriented development، In this development model, conservation is adopted as the main and effective development strategy, which not only contributes largely to upgrading environmental quality and physical improvement but also serves as a fundamental catalyst for change،

Isfahan Jame’ mosque, one of the oldest buildings of Islamic period which is still living, has a valuable experience of traditional conservation which is the reason for the continuity of its present life. Based on the international charters, understanding this local knowledge can lead to the enrichment and enhancement of modern conservation movement in Iran, the necessity which was unfortunately received scant attention. Furthermore, nowadays conservation intervention turns to be a challenge and a controversial issue in the international and consequently national scope of conservation. Concentrating on the conservation intervention in this building and following the evidence of traditional intervention from construction time to Qajar period, this paper aims to reveal the main approach of traditional conservation intervention in Isfahan Jame’ mosque hoping to achieve traditional conservation intervention on the horizon. Through applying the grounded theory and coding of the interventions, adaptation with new conditions of each period for the continuity of its function is observed as the main approach of the conservation intervention. The main reason for the adoption of this approach is the originality of function in traditional architecture. Moreover, two secondary approaches, religious one by people and political one by government, are introduced in this mosque.

Located on the fringes of desert, Yazd Province has long relied on underground channels or qanats as the main source of water for diverse purposes. To provide flour for the city, watermills were built on the qanat outlets. These watermills demonstrate significant ingenuity in hydraulics, mechanical engineering and subterranean architecture. This paper initially reviews existing literature on qanat watermills in Yazd Province.The architectural elements of watermills typology are then explained. To conclude, a sample watermill is analyzed in detail.

Conservational interventions are considered to be a cornerstone of cultural heritage conservation, and minimum of intervention is known as the basic fundamental principle in this field which establishes a new approach in heritage conservation. However, it involves some shortcomings which would bring about some conservational challenges.Using a rational argumentation, this study sets out to identify, classify, and analyze the limitations and shortcomings of minimum intervention and the prevailing challenges which follows the approach. Having a theoretical basis and an evolutionary background, and by analyzing different aspects of this principle, the article tries to achieve a proper recognition of minimum intervention, its essence and shortcomings, and there will be an attempt to improve and enrich the intervention principles of cultural heritage conservation.