نشریه مطالعات معماری ایران
سال سیزدهم شماره 25 (بهار و تابستان 1403)

Stiffeners, known as khashkhāshi in Farsi, are structural elements positioned within the interspace of double-shell domes. While prior studies have focused on stiffeners in onion-shaped double-shell domes, limited research has examined their role in pyramidal or cone-shaped double-shell domes, referred to as rok domes in Farsi. This article addresses this gap by (1) providing a comprehensive definition of stiffeners in detached double-shell rok domes through an analysis of their morphology and (2) identifying their structural role within this dome type. The historical city of Kashan was selected for this study due to the significant number and variety of rok dome cases. Ten cases, located both within and beyond Kashan's historical city walls, were chosen for examination. In the initial phase, six examples documented in monographic research, which allow for direct field observation and demonstrate a variety of khashkhāshi combinations and designs, were selected. Subsequently, data on the architectural design and structural characteristics of khashkhāshi in these selected cases were gathered through direct observation, field surveys, and supplementary library and archival research. In the third stage, a three-dimensional model of the stiffener structures was created using advanced architectural drawings to facilitate comparative analysis. Finally, applying a descriptive-analytical method, the study compares khashkhāshi designs based on quantity, position, dimensions, shape, and construction techniques. This approach introduces a revised definition of khashkhāshi in rok domes, highlighting three distinct structural forms that fulfill varied roles. Unlike onion-shaped double-shell domes, where khashkhāshi often function as buttresses, rok domes predominantly function as stiffeners for the dome's neck and outer shell. These findings enhance the understanding of khashkhāshi structural behavior, specifically in rok double-shell domes, and are not directly applicable to the analysis of individual cases.

Since ancient times, gardens and literature have been intrinsically linked within Iran's cultural field. A substantial body of lyrical and prose works exists in which gardens appear in diverse forms and perspectives, symbolizing various themes and emotions. This comparative study aims to identify and analyze the portrayal of the Iranian garden in both ancient and modern poetry. Upon determining this imagery, the research seeks to outline the differences and similarities between these representations. This study adopts a qualitative approach, focusing on a deep understanding of garden components, analyzing conceptual metaphors, and the sense of spatial perception within the poems. The qualitative method involves carefully exploring the garden's elements, examining metaphorical mappings, and closely interpreting the spatial sensations conveyed in these poetic works. These elements collectively illuminate how the image of the garden is portrayed across classical and contemporary poetry. To conduct this research, 48 classical and contemporary poetry pieces were studied, with the selection criterion being the presence of the word "garden" in the poem's text and its potential to be perceived as a conceptual metaphor. The findings reveal that the garden's image has undergone notable changes in classical and contemporary Persian poetry, particularly concerning metaphorical mapping, the spatial perception of its elements, and the structure of its parts. The analysis is structured into four broad categories: (1) garden elements, including components, descriptive aspects, and functional applications; (2) description of these elements as natural, artificial, intangible, or human components; (3) the poet's approach, which ranges from a detailed to a holistic perspective, and embraces both openness and ambiguity; and (4) the method of depicting garden imagery, whether through poetic visuals, structured garden forms, or symbolism. This transformation in the garden's depiction from classical to contemporary poetry reveals a significant shift in poetic expression. In classical Persian poetry, the garden is typically portrayed according to the traditional design of the Iranian garden, emphasizing continuity, clear structure, and harmony, representing a serene and balanced space. Conversely, in contemporary poetry, the garden diverges from this established form, breaking into fragmented and disjointed images that aim to create a powerful, immersive experience for the reader. This disintegration of the garden's form in contemporary poetry introduces a sense of disorder and complexity, moving away from the structured natural depiction found in classical poetry. In doing so, it challenges conventional ideals of beauty and tranquility associated with gardens, offering a new interpretation aligned with modern sensibilities.

The conservation of values inherent in vernacular architecture highlights the importance of analyzing the structural behavior of masonry arches. A critical issue in this area is the potential collapse of vaults caused by the lateral spreading of their arch supports. This paper addresses this concern within Persian architecture, focusing specifically on the stability thresholds of the Panj-o Haft-e Kond and Shabdari-e Kond arches concerning support spreading. It examines the sequence from initial movement to potential collapse. The study utilizes Limit State Analysis as its primary framework, applying the parametric thrust line method to assess stability across various thickness-to-span ratios. Analytical results for different geometrical configurations are compared with and validated against findings from small-scale physical models. The analysis shows that the stability threshold remains unaffected mainly by whether cracks develop symmetrically or asymmetrically, supporting the validity of the initial assumption used in the analysis. Furthermore, it was observed that the thrust exerted by the arch can sometimes increase up to fivefold from its initial value.

The Khuzestan Governor's Palace, generally recognized as a building from the first Pahlavi period, displays architectural features that align more closely with the second Pahlavi era than the typical style of the first Pahlavi palaces. This article addresses this architectural discrepancy by conducting a historical investigation into the palace's origins and transformations, revealing new insights about its development. According to the findings, while the Governor's Palace was originally constructed and utilized during the first Pahlavi era, significant renovations were undertaken in the late 1940s. These modifications likely occurred in connection with Iran's First Construction Development Plan and involved a decision to repair and modify the structure extensively. These renovations introduced substantial and sweeping changes within a short timeframe, with the project overseen by three prominent contemporary Iranian architects—Mohsen Foroughi, Ali Sadegh, and Keyqobad Zafar Bakhtiar. The architectural plans for the renovation, prepared by these architects, were executed under the direct supervision of Foroughi and Sadegh between 1954 and 1956, thus transforming the Khuzestan Governor's Palace into an early example of palace construction influenced by second Pahlavi aesthetics. One notable aspect of this renovation was the comprehensive redesign of the palace gardens and surrounding landscape. Foroughi and Sadegh replaced the existing Western-style garden, common in the late Qajar to early Pahlavi periods, with an Iranian Charbagh design. Additionally, the architectural style of the palace itself was transformed from a neoclassical pavilion structure to a modernized design with elements referencing traditional Iranian architectural motifs. This renovation project, which was among the first of its kind during the second Pahlavi era, may have paved the way for Foroughi's later architectural work, including his designs for the Niavaran Palace, and contributed to the evolution of modern Iranian architectural practices. In addition to its architectural significance, the renovation of the Khuzestan Governor's Palace involved considerable advancements from a technical and engineering perspective. The palace facilities were thoroughly upgraded using innovative engineering methods of the time. Bhutan Company designed the heating system, which, though no longer intact, represented cutting-edge technology. Additionally, Mehdi Bazargan, a prominent mechanical engineer and contemporary political activist, designed the cooling system. These technological updates significantly altered the palace's infrastructure, enhancing its functionality to meet modern standards. Today, the transformation of the palace has left only the basement as a visible remnant of the original Pahlavi construction. This research thus provides a deeper understanding of how historical renovations can reshape a structure's identity, blending elements of different architectural periods to reflect Iran's evolving heritage.

The preservation of historical monuments is increasingly recognized as a critical and vital concern within global scientific communities. Therefore, analyzing the biological and functional dimensions of historical buildings, both from an architectural perspective and across other engineering disciplines, is an essential research priority. Addressing the impact of relative humidity (RH) on thermal comfort and structural integrity in historic buildings necessitates strategies such as proper ventilation, humidity control measures, and periodic maintenance during restoration or renovation projects. This study simulates and analyzes air flow and relative humidity inside a historical building (Walli Castle in Ilam) using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach in Fluent software. Since moisture is one of the main destructive factors for historical structures —particularly in cold winters— the study first conducted experimental measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, pressure and flow velocity during a critical low-temperature winter day using data-recording equipment. Subsequently, a 3D geometric model of the building was created in Rhino software and CFD analyses were performed in Fluent. The experimental and numerical results were compared under two distinct scenarios. Based on the comparative analysis, to mitigate the adverse effects of humidity while preserving the historical fabric, it is recommended to implement a heating system with an optimally calculated heat flux to reduce relative humidity. The results indicate that intense air flow and the high relative humidity during winter are key factors contributing to the interior erosion of the Walli Castle in Ilam, necessitating repeated restorations in recent years. The novelty of this research lies in validating the Fluent software simulation model and demonstrating its capability to predict the potential erosion of valuable historical buildings based on air flow intensity and relative humidity, achieving an average error margin of 2.9% under varying climatic conditions.

Proper spatial design enhances students’ interactions and facilitates learning. The arrangement of classrooms plays a crucial role in organizing educational spaces and impacts social engagement. Classroom positioning, spatial connections, access to shared facilities, and the design of open areas between classrooms contribute to increased social interactions and support for group activities. In modern education, learning extends beyond the confines of a traditional classroom, and attention to environmental characteristics can significantly influence students' learning experiences. Thus, adapting school structures to evolve and align with educational needs is essential. This study analyzes different classroom layouts and their effects on the sociability of the spaces between them. The research method is descriptive-analytical, employing quantitative techniques such as space syntax and multi-criteria taxonomy ranking to evaluate the social accessibility of these connecting spaces. Data was gathered from library sources, and school floor plans were initially analyzed using Depthmap software. The resulting data was then combined using numerical taxonomy, and spatial mapping was conducted in ArcGIS to illustrate the level of social accessibility within the connecting spaces between classrooms. The results revealed that various classroom layouts have distinct effects on the sociability of access spaces. Square layouts, with high integration, exhibit the highest level of social accessibility but offer limited functional diversity. In contrast, scattered and H-shaped layouts, characterized by wider corridors, provide more dynamic and diverse spaces that foster greater interaction. Additionally, Classroom layouts can be tailored to the needs of different age groups. For instance, square layouts, with high sociability and easy supervision, are suitable for elementary levels where younger children require more support. Conversely, dispersed layouts, offering diverse and quieter spaces, are better suited for high school levels, which benefit from varied activities and greater focus. In conclusion, adjusting classroom layouts to align with students’ developmental needs enhances both social engagement and learning outcomes, underlining the importance of thoughtful spatial design in educational settings.

In Iranian cities, the governor's thinking and worldview have always impressed the formation of the city's physical spaces. From the beginning of the Safavid era, during the reign of Shah Tahmasb, the creation of royal complexes next to a wide square was on the agenda. During the reign of Shah Abbas I, we encountered urban design for the first time in the post-Islamic era. The preferred place for new construction was mainly outside the old cities or in a new place. The purposeful use of space and architecture production was considered to instill the opinion of power. The square was the most significant symbol and manifestation of power in the Safavid government, and the Safavid kings, especially Shah Abbas, demonstrated significant interest in creating magnificent squares; its shining point was Naqsh Jahan Square in Isfahan. This research is based on the hypothesis that the thought system of the Safavid had an impact on other parts of the country, too. After examining Qazvin and Naqshe Jahan Squares, this study focuses on Ganj Ali Khan Square in Kerman, the region's administrative center. Ganjali Khan Zik, the ruler Shah Abbas chose for Kerman, built Ganjali Khan Square and the complex. Inspired by this policy, the city of Kerman was revitalized. The construction site of the complex was in the center of the old city, differing from the methods of the Safavid kings. Many buildings were purchased and destroyed to make way for it. This article deals with the Safavid fields of Qazvin, Naqshejahan, and Ganjali Khan by reviewing documents, previous research, and field observations. It investigates the influence of motivation and the governor's belief in their construction, focusing on aspects such as space, architecture, usage, and rituals. By emphasizing Ganjali Khan Square and its complex, the article proves that architectural patterns and urban landscape were evolving at the same time as the policies of the Safavid government. It concludes that Ganjali Khan Square, despite its smaller proportions and different uses compared to Royal Squares, was a complete and unique example of Safavid period Squares and was influenced by Ganjali Khan's style.

The mosque and Imamzada of Murcha-Khurt castle were tiled during the reign of Fath‘Ali Shah. After the flood of 1956, some of the tiles of both buildings were destroyed. During the repairs in 1991, almost all the tiles of Imamzada were removed. Sixty-four pieces of them were installed irregularly on the walls of the iwan, about 250 pieces were kept in storage, and at least 130 pieces were transported to the mosque for completion of the walls. Their tiles fell, and some were destroyed. Based on the field study, this article tries to answer questions such as the tiles' themes, stylistic features, and identification of patron and tile makers. The importance of this article is not only in the publication of Imamzada tiles for the first time but also in the fact that some of them were destroyed after the completion of this research. The findings reveal that the tiling of the mosque and Imamzada was done in 1232 AH by the patronage of Haji Sulayman ibn Haji Ibrahim, who may have been the patron of the tiles of the Qajar iwan of Imamzada Harun Vilayat in Isfahan.  Abulhasan ibn Ustad Mahdi Sabbaj made the mosque tiles, and their painting subject is limited to vegetal and floral motifs. The Imamzada tiles are the work of his brother Hassan ‘Ali and contain a wide range of vegetal, human, animal, and architectural motifs. They can be considered as a real example of popular art.

The physical and functional structure of the Panjeh-Shah neighborhood, as one of Kashan's oldest districts, has not been previously studied; this neighborhood developed in a notable area east of Meidan-Kohneh quarter, west of Tamghachi-ha quarter and north of the bazaar, featuring distinctive elements such as the Panjeh-Shah shrine. This article endeavors to establish a theoretical framework and model for studying the Panjeh-Shah neighborhood. Accordingly, previous studies regarding urban structure and its transformations, as well as international charters and documents, have been comprehensively examined. The research methodology is historical-interpretive, focusing on the analysis of visual documents, historical texts, and field surveys. The detailed study of neighborhood characteristics is particularly based on maps derived from images from the 1950s and 2010s. The neighborhood has been studied along four axes: main passages and neighborhood centers, historical fabric in 1950s imagery, distinctive elements and their functional roles, and adjacent neighborhoods and their notable features, examining both its original form and subsequent transformations. The research demonstrates how the construction of streets such as Baba-Afzal and Bab-al-Havaej has extensively altered the neighborhood's historical structure. Without studying the aforementioned maps, understanding the neighborhood's historical form, passages, centers, buildings, fabric, and its integration and continuity with the city would be impossible; meanwhile, portions of the neighborhood center such as the Panjeh-Shah shrine and water reservoir, sections of the neighborhood fabric south of Panjeh-Shah passage and around Shisheh thoroughfare, as well as the bazaar and its physical-functional characteristics in the southern part of the neighborhood remain intact and retain their significance and value.

One of the expectations of architecture students is to be "creative" in their academic performance and, later, in their professional activities. One way to improve creativity in architecture students is through creative education, and in order to teach creatively, teachers are supposed to use creative teaching methods. The findings of this article indicate that interaction between three elements of creative man/student, creative environment, and creative education can improve creativity in architectural education. In order to improve creativity, a variety of thinking styles should be engaged in educational methods. This research investigates the theoretical aspects of each of the three elements. It measures the correlation between these elements and the level of creativity in the performance of the architecture students at the School of Architecture at the University of Tehran, entering between 2019 and 2023. Data analysis by Smart PLS software indicates that in terms of satisfaction with the content of courses, all students believed that General Courses were ineffective in promoting their creativity, while 69% considered Design Studios had a considerable influence on their creativity. Students' satisfaction with their educational environment was 50%, and educators’ creative teaching method was less than 50%. The D brain-quadrant dominance group reported poor satisfaction with creative teaching methods. The non-significant correlation between satisfaction with teaching creative methods and the students’ success rate indicates that educators have not yet been able to use appropriate teaching methods compatible with their students' capabilities. The non-significance of the correlation between the educational environment and creativity in teaching with the success rate in group D indicates that most students have been able to have a positive academic performance by relying on their abilities. This research suggests that adopting a creative educational environment and a creative teaching method can significantly impact the student's academic performance.

Architecture is one of the important perspectives of every culture in its immediate and local environment. The natural features and the special strategic location of Bijar Garrus, particularly its position along the transit route serving as a transportation corridor from the west of Iran to the northwest, made the Ismaili sect build defensive fortifications in the Islamic Middle Ages. This was due to its special environmental conditions in an attempt to spread their religion. Among these defensive fortifications, five castles have been identified in this study. The present survey is an attempt to explain the architectural features and functions of these castles and find out the location of the passages and the geopolitical and geostrategic area of ​​this region in the Islamic era (5th to 9th century AH). Like the others in the Islamic era, the castles of this region have different parts in terms of their architecture, such as the tower, the rampart, the citadel, the school house, the second defensive wall, the storage tank, and other special features. They were made of imported materials such as rubble (rubble and cut stone) and plaster mortar, and in some places, the primary construction materials were bricks, clay, and mortar. The plan of these castles does not follow a specific pattern. They were constructed mainly as defensive fortifications to deal with human invasions, provide security, and define borders. Environmental conditions, such as easy access to water and grain and remoteness from population centers, are among the various factors influencing the choice of locations for these castles. One of the features of the castles studied in this survey is that they were connected easily. The present survey's findings indicated that a linear pattern can be seen in the spatial distribution of these castles, stretching from the north of the Bijar to the southeast and drawing a path from Takht Suleiman (Azerbaijan) towards Hamedan plain. The castles of this region are comparable to the remaining castles of the Ismailis in other regions like Qoms, Qahestan, and Arjan.

The widespread prevalence of adaptive reuse of industrial heritage in recent years highlights an urgent need for a thorough review to clarify and justify the proposed uses, policies, and methods applied. The rapid transformation of contemporary society, accelerated urbanization, and inadequate support for industrial buildings seriously threaten these important relics of recent heritage. Adaptive reuse of industrial structures, which often appear neglected and purposeless without new functionality, is an effective strategy for preserving and revitalizing industrial sites, offering numerous environmental, economic, and social advantages. Although adaptive reuse approaches are commonly viewed with optimism and considered successful, some projects have not achieved the desired outcomes. Until now, no systematic review has addressed which factors, criteria, and methods are effective and necessary in determining successful reuse. This article addresses this gap by exploring the central question: What are the criteria, influential characteristics, and effective methods for designating adaptive reuse in industrial heritage projects? To this end, the article will first present a comprehensive review of definitions, contexts, approaches, criteria, and impactful characteristics, informed by evaluating international theories and documents. It then introduces effective methods for determining suitable reuse applications for industrial heritage, focusing on the multi-criteria decision-making method. The results indicate that emphasizing economic, social, environmental, and cultural criteria—identified as the most prevalent factors in scholarly studies—is essential to establishing successful adaptive reuse for industrial heritage