Explanation of Regionalistic Viewpoints & their Evolution in Contemporary Architecture

Being an analytical as well as critical approach، regionalism comes into contact with culture and cultural context with a special focus on preserving spatial features and prioritizes special regional identity over general global features. Regionalistic issues focus on place، man and technology. Dealing with this in today’s globalized world aiming at redefining the role of place is of paramount importance. Supporters of such theory believe that architecture has to reflect the features of the self and be independent of an emotional view point of region، tradition and history. An investigation of regionalism is feasible through introducing to concept: “societal features” and “fusion”. Societal features introduce geographical، climate and geometric features of the place and social trends that give a particular region. “A sense of place” and a “special feature” to an environment. Fusion refers to such a trend by which a reflection with existing cultural systems of a particular region، and therefore، is enriched and contributes to new fusions. Dating back to old times of architectural thoughts، this theory has experienced a variety of approaches in the same way as other theories have. Investigating the background and history of regionalism in architecture، the present paper attempts to develop prevailing approaches to architecture through looking at scientific viewpoints and evidence. The methodology is qualitative and analytical-interpretive. Documentary research has also been conducted. The findings of studies show that regionalism has been subject to a dramatic change from nativity approaches and physical interpretations and stylistic، geometric as well as aesthetic regional issues to contemporary approaches، social، cultural and ecology matters and human interactions، and it attempts to adjust old prejudiced restrictive thought patterns، strengthen interactive approaches and make the most of global benefits. Emphasis on public participation، establishing patterns based on local needs and potentials aiming at sustainable development، replacing down -top approach to establishing patterns for top-down approach، special consideration of human needs، cultural، social and normative values aiming at resisting homogenized artificial environment، strengthening sense of place، replacing creative protection for reactionary attitude، critical as well as interactive regionalism are all among prevailing regionalistic approaches within physical، ecology and semantic frameworks.