Analysis of Iranian Traditional Architecture Through the Lens of Kenneth Frampton’s "Critical Regionalism"

Abstract

The fundamental strategy of Critical Regionalism is to mediate the impact of universal civilization with elements derived indirectly from the peculiarities of a particular place. This study presents some significant patterns and aspects of Iranian Traditional Architecture and examine them through the lens of Kenneth Frampton’s Critical Regionalism, to find that whether these attitudes-KF’s six points-have been completely considered in Iranian traditional architecture, even though hundreds of years before the presentation of KF’s critical essay. It seeks an integration between Frampton’s critical points and Iranian ancient built form which including physical features such as climate, topography, light and Iranian cultural characteristics such as traditional urban pattern and architectural prototype. This study also endeavours to demonstrate that Regionalism and sustainability could be inspiration behind this architecture. To put this into practice, first, Frampton’s Critical Regionalism is presented in depth. The six points of critical regionalism as he defined it are reviewed and distilled into five categories that are used to guide the analysis of the specifications of Iranian traditional architecture. These specification and patterns are then used as the foundation for specific recommendations for Iranian contemporary architectural.