Rethinking the Concept of Karbandi Based on theoretical geometry, practical geometryand building function

It seems that findings about the so-called “Karbandi” in traditional Iranian architecture (also known as ribbed vault, arch net, stellate vault etc), are unfortunately not comprehensive and coherent enough. Existing ideas have two extremes: sometimes Karbandi has been counted just as a load-bearing structure and sometimes as a completely decorative one. With existing analyses it is difficult to distinguish the several similar cases. What are the deficiencies of current descriptions and concepts? Is it possible to have a practical concept of Karbandi? What is the key for identifying Karbandi? Our aim is to develop a correct knowledge of Karbandi’s appearance. The research method is descriptive-analytical based on library, atelier and field information. The article identifies three ambiguities (in naming, recognizing geometry and recognizing building function) in current findings and presents a solution for each one on the basis of an inter-cultural viewpoint. Accordingly, some criteria in buildging function, theoretical geometry and practical geometry are proposed for distinguishing different cases. Based on the three criteria, eight types of Kar (including both revetment and non-revetment) are separated in which two types are geometrically the most complete ones and can be considered as standard types for evaluating other cases. It seems that future examinations should pay more attention to these diverse types.