Beyond the Real Methods of Re-presenting Reality in Iranian Gardens

Architecture, akin to other forms of art, often transcends mere functional considerations, striving to re-present reality in a manner that engages the senses and shapes the human psyche. The Iranian Garden, also known as the Persian Garden, holds a distinctive status in Iranian spatial and environmental design. Its meticulously balanced and structured amalgamation of natural and man-made elements has transformed the Iranian Garden into a global phenomenon, offering a uniquely nuanced portrayal of the world. This investigation delves into three specific Iranian gardens, aiming to elucidate how reality is re-presented within Iranian garden design to attain a transcendent experience. Utilizing a qualitative and interpretive analysis of contemporary theories addressing issues related to image and reality, this paper initially introduces three categories for representing reality—intensification, integration, and transformation—alongside two realms of experience: the corporeal and the mental. These modes of depicting and experiencing reality are subsequently explored within the context of three renowned Iranian gardens—Dolatabad Garden of Yazd, Fin Garden of Kashan, and Shazdeh Mahan Garden of Kerman. This examination serves to illustrate the diverse design solutions employed to re-present familiar reality to observers. The evaluation of these gardens involved on-site visits, personal immersion in the garden environments, and a reliance on existing documentation and theories regarding these spaces. The findings of this study reveal a sophisticated and adept utilization of architectural and spatial components in garden design. Through varied approaches to re-presenting familiar reality, these gardens craft an aesthetic experience that stimulates the senses and elevates both the intellect and the spirit. Such interpretations of the traditional Iranian Garden offer valuable insights for designers seeking to emulate the spatial qualities without resorting to the replication of familiar motifs and forms. It is anticipated that a deeper comprehension of how the Iranian Garden re-presents the familiar will guide future endeavors to adapt it for contemporary times, steering clear of deviations that might compromise its essential nature.