The Forgotten Identity in Iranian Architecture - Beh Malat – The Best Dry Mortar Supplier in the Country

The current state of construction and architecture in the country, despite significant advancements in various quantitative and qualitative aspects, highlights a profound identity crisis. While innovative and unique projects like the Milad Tower showcase the capabilities of the local construction industry, the architecture of many new structures seems neither to reflect modern Western or Eastern standards nor to incorporate the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Iranian-Islamic design. This phenomenon is reminiscent of the saying, “The crow tried to imitate the partridge and forgot its own walk.”

Challenges in Modern Iranian Architecture

Several factors contribute to the current issues in Iranian architecture:

1. Weak Oversight and Regulation: Inefficient monitoring and lax enforcement of standards compromise architectural quality.
2. Educational and Cultural Deficiencies: Inadequate training and disregard for cultural heritage in design curricula.
3. Neglect by Stakeholders: Designers, contractors, and even clients often fail to prioritize coherence and tradition in architectural projects.
4. Mismatch of Materials and Climate: Non-local materials are frequently used without adaptation to Iran’s unique climatic conditions.
5. Misguided Innovation: For many designers, innovation is limited to superficial differences without considering scientific, aesthetic, and cultural principles.

Hallmarks of Traditional Iranian-Islamic Architecture

Unlike modern architecture, Iranian-Islamic designs emphasize practicality, spirituality, and environmental harmony:

• Integration with Nature: Courtyards, water reservoirs, and gardens were designed to enhance the quality of life.
• Cultural and Religious Considerations: Elements like orientation toward Mecca, optimized ventilation, and protection from the public gaze were skillfully incorporated.
• Sustainability: Traditional structures used locally sourced materials and were built to withstand natural disasters, often outperforming modern buildings in resilience.
• Holistic Design: Functional spaces such as kitchens, storage areas, and stables were carefully planned to ensure convenience, privacy, and hygiene.

Modern Architectural Failures

Many contemporary Iranian buildings exhibit significant shortcomings:

• Wasted Spaces: Non-functional areas dominate the layout, leading to inefficiencies.
• Aesthetic and Practical Discrepancies: Buildings often lack logical cohesion between elements, resulting in dark, uninspiring, and impractical interiors.
• Durability Issues: Even with advanced materials, many buildings fail to last beyond a few decades, requiring frequent repairs.
• Overemphasis on Appearances: Facades are given undue attention, often at the expense of structural integrity and emergency preparedness.

Pathways to Improvement

To address these challenges, the following steps are essential:

1. Educational Reform: Universities, engineering organizations, and industry associations must lead in promoting knowledge of Iranian-Islamic architecture.
2. Cultural Revival: Competitions and initiatives to revive traditional design principles can foster a renewed appreciation for native architectural values.
3. Strengthened Oversight: Enhanced supervision of architectural projects, including stricter enforcement of standards, is crucial.
4. Comprehensive Documentation: Introducing technical documentation for buildings, detailing the roles of architects, engineers, and contractors, can increase accountability.
5. Policy and Legal Revisions: Unified governance and updated regulations can help align modern practices with cultural and environmental needs.

A Vision for the Future

By harmonizing modern technologies with Iran’s architectural heritage, the nation can establish a globally admired standard that balances innovation with tradition. Avoiding blind imitation and instead focusing on thoughtful integration will safeguard and elevate the unique identity of Iranian architecture.

Source:
http://www.khakzad.com/