Soffeh
Year:2010 | Volume:19 | Issue:49|Papers Count:8

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the design of four historic gardens in Shiraz: Eram, Delgosha, Takht, and Jahan-nama. These gardens have all been designed in 8th Century AH (14th Century). Their design has influenced prominent gardens of later centuries inside and outside Iran. Although all of these gardens have been built in the same period and in the same geographical position, scrutiny in their design reveals a drastic diversity despite their initial apparent similarity.

Ibrahim Sultan (796-838 AH) was a Timurid prince who ruled in Shiraz since 817 AH. He was a patron of arts and a renowned calligrapher. His calligraphic inscriptions which were all within his territory of rule, have been frequently referred to by historians. Nevertheless, only a few of those inscriptions remain today. Three of these inscriptions are carved in Persepolis. These inscriptions mention poems of Sa’di and refer to the name of the calligrapher, Ibrahim Sultan. His undated inscription in the mausoleum of Ali-ibn-Hamzeh probably belongs to another building. There is another undated inscription in the Atiq Mosque, which could be his decree of appointment as the ruler of Shiraz and is probably his calligraphy.

The cross motif is frequently found on Persian pottery. This paper argues that the origins of this motif could be traced back to Mithraism, i.e. the worship of the ancient Persian god Mithras, a god of light, truth, and honor who was worshipped before Zoroastrianism. The motif initially symbolized Mithras’ chariot, but took other meanings in later periods. The diverse meanings this motif symbolizes are reviewed. An analysis on the physical characteristics of the cross leads to the use of this motif and its impact on architecture.

This research presents a statistical analysis on the national survey conducted in 2003 by the Housing Foundation of Islamic Revolution throughout rural areas of Iran. This analysis employs a set of two-tiered indicators to derive meaningful information from the collected data. The four key themes for data classification include physical aspects (stability and spatial factors); access to facilities and amenities; livelihood activities and economic aspects of rural housing; and environmental aspects.Development of two-tiered indicators leads to a rating of diverse provinces into four grades with respect to the four main themes. An overall rating was also made by employing a combined indicator. The results revealed a significant diversity in the rural housing conditions in different provinces. It was also demonstrated that the central provinces, especially those close to the capital province, enjoy a significantly better condition than border provinces. Sistan and Baluchistan Province on the southeast border has the worst condition in the country, being the east ranking province in all themes, as well as the overall indicator.

Recent assessment methods employed for assessing student achievements, especially in design projects, place and increasing emphasis on students’ role and their interaction in the assessment process. By enumerating the specific assessment criteria for a certain design project, the student will focus on the means and ways for meeting such criteria in the design process. This enables students to mutually assess the degree each specific objective is achieved. The elucidated criteria not only enables a peer review by students and develops their intellectual skills in constructive criticisms, but also opens opportunities for self assessment of students.

Photovoltaic systems are a sustainable environment-friendly means of furnishing electricity. Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) is a concept with growing popularity. This paper explains design principles for a BIPV system and describes different types of such systems such as roof-integrated, façade-integrated, etc. Then the impact of building form and location on the performance of BIPV systems are mentioned to provide recommendations for choice of an appropriate BIPV system.

After a review of theories on sustainable tourism, this paper presents an analysis of Pir-e-Bakran area in southwest Isfahan. The potentials for tourism development are described, while the problems in tourism development are enumerated based on a survey undertaken among tourists to the area. To select the better scenario, the Analysis of Interconnected Decision Areas (AIDA) method is employed.

This paper summarizes the result of a capacity assessment study undertaken in the Kakattehchi Neighborhood, Tabriz. Initially, the development capacity for four main categories is estimated: location, function, services and stability. Then the current land use is compared with the carrying capacity of each category and subcategory. It is then demonstrated that by rehabilitating the existing infrastructure the neighborhood has the potential for a 40% increase in its population.