Determining Theoretical Origins of Recycling in Iranian-Islamic Architecture; with Grounded Theory Approach

Numerous environmental problems indicate the need to change the current practice in construction waste. However, the high potential of recycling-based solutions can increase the efficiency of energy consumption and reduce waste production rates and provide an effective step towards sustainable development from a macro perspective. Unfortunately, recycling in today's architecture is neglected. The purpose of the present study is to identify the roots and investigate its theoretical origins among Iranians and in Iranian-Islamic thought.

This study is a qualitative study conducted based on the grounded theory approach. The method of data collection is field study and the tool is the interview.

The continuity of recycling and its successful records in Iranian architecture show the strong roots of this issue in the Iranian-Islamic beliefs. Religious thoughts on the one hand, and cultural values and norms, on the other hand, represent recycling as a viable and principled strategy in Iranian architectural legacy. In this study, researchers investigated reverence and sanctity of nature, along with the social responsibility for the Muslim individual as the origins of recycling from the religious aspect of beliefs and deep connection with nature, and minimalism in life-style as cultural fundamental factors for utilizing recycling strategies in architecture.

It seems that the way to revive recycling in the modern architecture of Iran cannot be reached unless recognizing the roots and identifying the value of recycling through its history in Iranian architecture. It is hoped that studies of this kind will help to implement recycling in Iran's future architecture.