Soffeh
Year:2008 | Volume:17 | Issue:46|Papers Count:13

The classic Persian literature constitutes a part of the most important sources of the history of Iranian architecture. Beyhaqi’s History (Tarix-eBeyhaqi) is among the most genuine Persian literaty texts. Originaly known as The Sebuktigin’s Family History (Tarix-e AI-e Sebuktigin), not more than six volumes of the Initially voluminous book by Abolfazl Beyhaqi-e Dabir, from half of the fifth volume to half of the tenth volume, has been remained. The remaining part starts with the story of Mahmoud’s death, enthronement of Mohammad proceeded by Masoud and ends with Masoud’s last trip to India in evade from the SeljuqTorkmans. Beyhaqi, who exemplifies a shrewd historian, has written his history strictly on the basis of his direct experiences in the Qaznavid’s court. There are plenty of information about buildings and city in his book, although he does not show same level of sensibilty and accurateness as his contemporary scholar, Nasser-Khosrow, regarding architecture and its physical properties. His word proves the ability of Persian language in representing architectural atmosphere and space.Gardens appear in Beyhaqi’s History frequently. Masoud Qaznavi’s life was spent more in tents and gardens rather than in palaces. Beyhaqi has mentioned and explained some architectural aspects of different gardens of the greater Khurasan, such as those of Qazni, Balkh, Herat, Neyshabur, Ghor, Dasht-e Legan, while corresponding Masoud, and other Qaznavid rulers and their authorities' lives.

Manichaeism is a dualistic religious system with Christian, Gnostic, and pagan elements, founded in Persia in the 3rd century AD by Manes (c.216 AD-c.276 AD). It is based on a supposed primeval conflict between light and darkness.Unlike his preceding prophets whose preaching were collected by their disciples, Manes, a skillful painter and inventor of calligraphic style, wrote and illuminated several books to elaborate his teachings. Manichaean text were thus illustrated, illuminated and elaborately bound. Manichaeism was therefore not only influential as a religion, but also seminal in art and architecture

Although urban design was popular in Iran as a science for guiding urban development, there have been no adequate model terms of reference for several urban design projects. This paper attempts to propose model terms of reference for design-oriented as well as policy-oriented urban design. The proposed terms of reference are for meso level (preparing a design framework for a part or a zone in the city) and micro level (preparing three-dimensional designs for an urban space or site).A first version of the terms of reference was initially developed as a result of theoretical studies. Pursuant to the application of the model to several practical projects, the model was subsequently modified.

As a clean sustainable source of lighting, daylight is currently the subject of rigorous studies. It has been demonstrated that daylight is not only a source of lighting, but also important in physiological and biopsychology of human beings. Although current knowledge on this subject is at its prime, there are still some design recommendations to achieve adequate daylight in buildings.

Comparable to the general Council-City Manager Model, Iranian citizens indirectly elect their mayor through the vote of city councilors. This creates problems such as instability of city manager in his/her position, non demarcation of political leadership from expertise-based management, weak political leadership, insufficient concern for sectoral check, and inadequate balance in council-city manager relations. This will in turn lead to lack of efficiency, transparency and accountability.This paper attempts to investigate problems in the currently dominant urban management model. To enhance mayors’authority, reinforce political leadership, increase responsibility and accountability of city managers, and boost public participation, several countries are substituting indirect selection of mayors with direct elections. The evaluation in the paper, suggests that direct election of mayors in Iran improves urban governance indices.

In contrast to chronological or formal studies on Islamic art and architecture, Titus Burckhardt makes a conceptual analysis of meaning and form in Islamic art and architecture. This paper reviews Burckhardt's works to summarize his views on Islamic ontology and subsequently on art and architecture. The study demonstrates that tradition and representation are key concepts in Burckhardt’s thinking which are instrumental in relating Islamic art to other forms of sacred art.

Located-on-the crossroads of historic trade routes, Tabriz City has enjoyed a buoyant economy, as well being a political capital under several dynasties. The affluence of the city is reflected in Tabriz Bazaar as one of the biggest covered bazaars in the world; The city was originally limited to Mehran River on its north. Nevertheless, the bazaar expanded to the north of Mehran Riverin line with the urban growth northwards. To integrate bazaar functions on both sides of the river, the Bridge-Bazaar was introduced as a creative solution. This paper reviews the history of Tabriz Bridge-Bazaars, their creation, their demolishment, and their recent reconstruction.

This paper presents the results of an earthquake risk study conducted on a district of Tehran Metropolitan area. After a brief review of the theoretical bases and relevant successful experiences, various structural and socioeconomic indices for analytical modeling of the seismic vulnerability in urban environments are explained.A combination of DELPHI and AHP in a GIS environment is used to apply the analytical model to the district under study. The vulnerability criteria are categorized into two structural and urban sets with a respective weighting factor. Using these indices, the structural vulnerability of each building is estimated. The effect of urban conditions is applied through an amplifying factor using the corresponding urban indices. A scenario based vulnerability evaluation procedure thus yields the priority of implementing the precautionary measures in various parts of the district. The proposed analytical model is also applicable to any other urban setting.

Since 1999, the continuous Master of Architecture courses were reduced to Bachelor level. This accelerated the launch of such courses since 1989 so that by 2007 a total of 3, 209 students were studying for a B Arch degree in various schools in Iran. This significant increase in the number of students has caused concerns on ensuring a minimum educational standard. This paper surveys views of architecture professors on the output of BArch courses. The impact of two important factors on the quality of education-length and faculty capacity-is then assessed. On this basis, recommendations are made for improving the quality of these courses.

Cultural heritage plays a significant role in transmitting to next generations, information on quality of life and traditional values. Cultural heritage conservation in natural and man-made disasters, has therefore been emphasized as a global concern, over the last fifty years. There is evidence that the impacts of disaster damage on cultural heritage properties are severe. An obvious case-is) he destruction of Arg-e Bam, the largest adobe complex in the World in the 2003Earthquake.Although Bam Earthquake resulted in significant Casualties and losses, it also provided opportunities for socioeconomic, physical and cultural development. Risk reduction activities in Bam will therefore be applicable to other historic regions in risk.This earth quake provided a suitable opportunity for restoration of the Qanat irrigation system. New opportunities were also created for tourism. Innovations in physical planning and other areas followed. This paper presents an assessment of risk reduction and preparedness programs in historical areas of Bam and its Cultural Landscape, a World Heritage Property in Danger some four Years after the earthquake.

This paper surveys factors affecting women’s participation in three different districts in Tehran City: Yusefabad, Heshmatiyeh, Nezamababd. Some 100 households were randomly chosen for survey. The correlation of participation indicators with factors such as age, education, employment, number of children, tenure, and consumption costs, etc. Participation was measured employing the following indicators: environmental awareness, practical participation, and domestic waste management. The survey further included questions on reasons why women do not participate, women's consumption patterns, and ways to enhance women’s participation.