نشریه مطالعات معماری ایران
سال دهم شماره 19 (بهار و تابستان 1400)

The Blue Mosque in Tabriz is considered by many historians, visitors, and architectural specialists to pose one of Iran's most valuable architectural achievements. Many studies have been conducted on the history and origin of the architectural model of the Blue Mosque, as well as its elements and details using various approaches and methods, resulting in some contradictory and confusing results. Some researchersconsider the general form of the building to be imported from Ottoman architecture, while others consider it in line with the continuity of Iranian architecture. Hence, it is clear that further research is needed to discover the origins of the general and specific aspects of the architectural model of the Blue Mosque. This study uses the interpretive-historical research method to examine the history and the factors that influenced the architectural design of the Blue Mosque. Architectural analysis is performed to assess the degree of consistency of formal development along the continuous line of Iranian architecture and the architecture of Ottoman mosques (Bursa type). The results show that although there was substantial cultural contact between the Ottoman government and the Qara-quyunlus, the one-way influence of Iranian artists, architects, and tile workers on Ottoman architecture is undeniable. In terms of space, function, plan, structure, facade, and decorations, the architecture of the Blue Mosque (which is connected to a tomb) is considered Iranian in origin and is developed in line with the continuity of Iranian dome buildings.

Some heritage buildings lose their original function over time for a variety of reasons and thus require a change of use in order to survive. Nowadays, because of its benefits to buildings and society, adaptive reuse of heritage buildings is considered a sustainable strategy for preserving their values. This strategy can also make heritage buildings accessible and usable and improve their surrounding areas both directly, through the impact of the project on the environmental quality, and indirectly, through acting as a catalyst for urban development. However, the flexibility of adaptive reuse approaches necessitates the identification of criteria that, while preserving the values ​​and cultural status of heritage buildings, can meet contemporary demands through introducing new uses. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in order to identify and define adaptive reuse criteria. Therefore, first, the evolution of adaptive reuse theories and policies is examined. Then, the existing international documents in this field (starting from the 1970s) are reviewed and classified. Finally, expert views on adaptive reuse are analyzed. In total, nineteen criteria for reaching the maximum potential of heritage sites are identified using the interpretive-qualitative approach, logical argumentation strategy, and content analysis technique. An integrated assessment of all these criteria could help promote the sustainability of built environments and bring extensive economic, social, cultural, physical, and environmental benefits, meeting both preservation and sustainability goals.

Vaqt-o-Sa‘at Square is one of the historical squares of Yazd. The current body of research on this square shows that no study has been done that can explain the historical background and its formation process based on valid historical documents, causing many ambiguities and lack of necessary knowledge. Therefore, based on new historical field evidence obtained in the last two decades, this article tries to provide a clear description of the historical background and the process of formation of this square. For this purpose, this study uses the descriptive-analytical method and various sources including historical texts, archaeological studies, field research, historical documents including aerial photographs and archival images, and oral accounts (questions from persons familiar with the square). Understanding the historical background of the square is based on classifying the historical layers of the square, some of which have only been recently identified (including the historic Bell from the seventh century AH, the payab of the Waqf-abad qanat and that of the Zarch qanat from the eighth century AH, the Timurid mosque in the north of the square, and other archeological observations of the last two decades). There are also some other historical elements and layers mentioned in this article, which despite being previously introduced in other studies, were not properly investigated regarding the historical background of the square (including the tomb of Seyyed Rokn al-Din, Vaqt-o-Sa‘at water reservoir, the nakhl in the square and the historic tombstone. The historical elements around the square from the seventh century to the twelfth century AH are evidence of the richness of historical layers forming this square. This study shows that although many sources date the origin of Vaqt-o-Sa‘at Square to the eighth century AH, it was founded in the Safavid era and the oldest element enclosing the square is the water reservoir on the north side of the square dating from the late Safavid era.

Historical documents show that in the first decade of the fourteenth century AH, Karim Taher-zadeh Behzad, one of the most famous and prolific architects of the first generation of Iranian contemporary architecture, designed two schools in Qazvin, one of which was a boys’ high school. The historical course of the construction of an extant high school, part of which remains today in Qazvin’s Red Crescent Street, led the authors to believe that it is the "Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi High School." The present study attempts to test this hypothesis by studying historical documents and comparing the architectural style of Behzad’s built schools with the physical quality of the mentioned building. The purpose of this study is to introduce the high school in question as one of the contemporary architectural works in Qazvin and to investigate the probability of its design made by Karim Taher-zadeh Behzad. To this end, qualitative historical research is carried out using a descriptive-interpretive, historiographical, and architectural approach, based on the interpretive paradigm to develop comparative historiography of the high school building. The data collection method is field study and archive-library research. The results of this study which is compiled in two main sections (Introduction and Investigation) show that although successive physical changes were imposed on the building and distorted its authenticity, there is a temporal link between the schools designed by Taher-zadeh Behzad in Qazvin and the mentioned high school building. In addition, there is a significant relationship between the design patterns in Behzad’s schools with that of the mentioned high school. Based on this, the probability of Behzad being the architect of the high school becomes higher.

Masjid-i Jami in Urmia is one of Iran's architectural heritage buildings that has undergone many changes during different historical, cultural, social, and political events. This mosque is located in the historic core of the city, adjacent to the old bazaar. Despite the importance of this mosque, little research has been done about it and there are still many uncertain aspects regarding its spatial and physical developments. This paper aims to investigate existing documents in order to introduce the development phases of each section of the mosque and to outline its evolution and ultimately its historical timeline. The interpretive-historical research method is used based on field studies, library research, and discussions provided by leading scholars. The results indicate that the Urmia Mosque was erected on the remains of pre-Islamic and early Islamic structures and has undergone numerous changes since the early centuries of Islam. The most important developments of this mosque include the erection of the dome chamber in the Seljuq period, the addition of the mihrab in the Ilkhanid period, and the construction of the courtyard and the surrounding chambers in the Zand period. However, interventions in recent decades have caused major modifications in the complex, including the demolition and reconstruction of some important spaces of the mosque

The historical context of Iranian cities shows that various factors such as climate and culture have influenced the structure and formation of residential houses. There are several traditional houses in the city of Natanz that date back to the Qajar and early Pahlavi periods. These houses, with their complex and different structure, have created a face of change in the historical context of the city. The studied historical houses have distinct functional elements compared to other residential buildings and their unique features and characteristics necessitated the present study. This article intends to introduce the historical houses of Natanz, to recognize the constituent elements and skeletal spatial features of houses, by understanding the principles and cultural values governing residential architecture, to determine their identity. In addition, by studying why and how the architectural structure of this building, a suitable and sustainable model for the architecture of modern houses in this area can be designed. The present study seeks to answer the questions of how climatic conditions have influenced the formation of the architectural pattern of Natanz, as well as what features have influenced their overall structure? How is the spatial structure and skeletal pattern of the houses of Natanz in the Qajar period expressed? It has been done with a historical approach and with a descriptive-analytical method, and in this regard, the architectural features have been documented based on the collection of library resources and field studies. To achieve this goal, 10 historical houses in the neighborhoods of Qasbeh and Afoshteh belonging to the Qajar period were examined for physical elements. The results of the research indicate the logical coordination of the spatial composition of the studied historical houses with the type of climate of the region and the change in the face of some houses is rooted in the social structure of this community. In general, the different orientation of the building and the difference in the skeletal structure of the houses on the courtyard axis as a coordinating and connecting role among other elements of the building as a thought-provoking pattern in the city of Natanz.

Education has been a filed of study for reintegrating structure and architecture after the Renaissance, which is the start point of the gap between these two issues. This study considers cognitive aspects of education of beginers. Current paper reports results of a four -year action research which has explored and revealed such challenges in education of structure in architecture and tried to propose solutions for them. Results show some fundamental problems which should be considerd to achieve a deep learning. Some solutions are also presented.

The Jami Mosque of Faryumad is a two-iwan mosque in Greater Khorasan, which is located in the Jovein district, at the center of the historical village of Faryumad. Although existing studies regarding the building emphasize the existence of multiple periods of construction unanimously, there are various opinions about the date of construction, development of the building, and patrons and artisans involved in the construction It is certain, however, that there were periods of physical modifications of the original mosque and other transformations in later periods due to severe earthquakes in the region.The present study aims to investigate the date of construction of the original mosque, the history of periodic additions and physical developments, and the persons who were involved in the construction of the mosque.The main research strategy is using the descriptive-analytical approach. The researchers performed accurate field studies, comprehensive documentation of the building, follow-up studies, laboratory studies, and reviewed and analyzed existing and historical documents.According to the findings, although existing decorations reflect the Il-khanid style (fourteenth century AH), the original mosque is assumed to have been built in the Seljuk period (twelfth century AH) or earlier. Based on evidence, the original mosque had a single iwan which was destroyed by earthquakes.During the Il-khanid period, with the advent of the powerful minister Ala‘ ad-Din Mohammad Faryumadi and because of his attention to his hometown, the town gained more credibility and reflected the new minister’s glory and power. During his ministry (716-736 AH), in addition to the construction of the Shahrestan mansion (residential palace), a hospital, and a library in his hometown, he became the financial sponsor of the ambitious renovation of the old mosque. According to the inscription at the top of the magnificent mihrab on the south iwan, ‘Ali ibn Mohammad al-Mahmoud al-Jami al-Shahrestani was in charge of the restoration of the mosque.After the damages caused by an earthquake, during the interventions of the Il-khanid period, the south iwan was reconstructed and the north iwan was built for the first time, and the intact parts were preserved. Also, with the formation of the three-bay arches on the west and east sides of the courtyard, the physical structure of the building was completed and the external and internal surfaces of walls were covered with molded brickwork and delicate gypsum decorations.

Monotonous housing constructions neglecting the cultural-behavioral patterns of residents in many cities of Iran have gradually affected their behavior and reduced their satisfaction with their living environments. In addition to its function as a shelter, housing is a place for human comfort. Coordination of housing design with the lifestyle of people creates a sense of belonging for them. This research examines the interrelationships of physical changes in residential design and lifestyle in houses of Rasht from the Qajar period to the present day. A combined method was used to achieve the research goal. A total number of 38 cases were selected dating from the Qajar period to the present and studied using qualitative methods including surveys and semi-structured interviews with the residents of these houses, which helped identify the housing models and influential components of lifestyle. The results show that over time, open and semi-open spaces of the houses, such as the yard and the porch, lost their functions and so they were transferred to the interior. Until the Pahlavi period, physical and lifestyle changes were almost insignificant, but they have changed a lot since. As a result, the physical model of houses has changed slowly under the influence of the knowledge of the time besides cultural, social, and other living conditions, but there is not necessarily such a change regarding biological activities.

Khavun-chini, which is one of the traditional ornamental features of architecture in the hot and semi-arid-temperate climate of Khuzestan, is a kind of brickwork with protruded elements. Protrusion in khavun-chini brickwork covers a large area of the facade in shade especially during the summer. The effect of khavun-chini on reducing heat gain through the south facade in summer has already been proven experimentally. This study aims to investigate the daily variations of the indoor surface temperature of walls with khavun-chini facade compared to plain walls in winter in order to compare the effect of khavun-chini on the indoor wall surface temperature in two seasons. Two identical chambers, the south faces of which were brick walls, were built in Abadan as representative of the studied climate. A khavun-chini pattern with a high shading effect was executed on their walls—one with a two-cm protrusion from the surface and the other without any protrusion. The indoor surface temperatures of south walls and the ambient temperatures were recorded in six measurement periods, each period including three consecutive days and nights in the summer and winter of 2019. The experiment was repeated by simulation to ensure the correct performance of the constructed models. The data showed that the daily variations of the indoor surface temperature graphs of both the south wall with khavun-chini facade and the plain wall follow a similar pattern in summer and winter, since they are a function of daily fluctuations in the ambient temperature. In every measurement day, the maximum and mean temperatures of the indoor surface of the wall with khavun-chini was lower than the other wall, while its minimum wall surface temperature was higher. This result means that khavun-chini has a moderating effect and reduces the range of temperature variations. The average decreases of the daily maximum wall surface temperature in a total of eighteen days of experimental measurement in summer and winter were 1° and 1.2° C, respectively; the average decrease of the mean wall surface temperature was 0.2, and the average increase of the minimum wall surface temperature was 0.4° C.

The subject of cultural landscape has found a special place in the global research literature over the past three decades. Iranian scholars from various fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, restoration, etc. also have generated research on this topic during the last two decades. The variety of published articles, the diversity of the authors’ research areas, and consequently, the different perspectives of the researchers necessitate the review and analysis of published articles, so we can get a clear picture of the current knowledge and by using the existing experiences, we can avoid repeating previous actions. Moreover, categorizing research into similar topics facilitates their use for future researchers. For this, the theoretical fields of research conducted on the subject of the cultural landscape are analyzed in this paper. Employing the qualitative method and the meta-study strategy, 37 cultural landscape research papers published during 2007-2020 were studied. Next, in two structural and content analysis sections, all articles were reviewed and a comprehensive table was prepared wherein the information of each research work was extracted and summarized. The results of the current research indicate the lack of strong theoretical foundations in many studies. Also, the significance and position of the cultural landscape in Iran's urban scale is unclear and despite having valuable features and criteria, it has not been put into practice in urban management and protection programs.

This paper presents a study and analysis of the space configuration and geometric structure of traditional markets with the aim of optimizing their spatial quality. The theoretical approach of the research is based on the theory of space syntax, which examines variables such as the geometric structure of Tabriz traditional markets, including the average length and width of shops, movement routes, number and types of movement axes, and the number of nodes in these markets. In order to achieve the research goal, it is necessary to study the factors and components that affect entropy, clustering coefficient, depth of space, individuals' access patterns, and structural patterns of the markets.The correlation method was used in this study along with content analysis and software analysis techniques. For the quantification and analysis of the qualitative characteristics of space, Depthmap software was used to study seven markets in the Tabriz Bazaar as case studies. Eventually, the findings were analyzed by the qualitative method of logical reasoning. Data collection methods included library research, observation, surveying, and software simulation. The results show that the best plan structure for linear commercial spaces is a mono-axial pattern where there are no nodes or intersections along the axis. The average ratio of the width of the passage to the length of the market should be about 0.1 and the depth of the shops should not be 2.5 times more than the average width of the route. It is also important that shopping centers have a defined and distinct entrance and exit located on the main axis.