University of Tehran PressJournal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning2228-602031120260421The Architect’s Agency: The Role of Ali Tabrizi in the 16th Century Ottoman ArchitectureThe Architect’s Agency: The Role of Ali Tabrizi in the 16th Century Ottoman Architecture72210726910.22059/jfaup.2026.410476.673166FAMehdiFarajiMasters Degree in Iranian Architectural Studies, Department of Restoration and Revitalization of Historic Buildings and Fabrics, School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0009-0007-6746-3535HamedMazaherianAssociate Professor, Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-5196-3531MahrooMoosaviPostdoctoral Fellow, Max-Planck Institute, Florence, Italy.0000-0003-3244-8398Journal Article20260210Mimar Ali Tabrizi, also known as Alâeddin Ali Bey Ibn Abdülkerim or Acem Ali (d. 945 AH / 1539 CE), was one of the most prominent Iranian architects who, following his migration to the Ottoman empire in the 10th century AH / 16th century CE, served as the chief architect (Mimarbaşı) of the Imperial Corps of Architects and exerted a profound influence on architectural realm of the empire. Despite his significance, the role of Ali Tabrizi in shaping Ottoman architecture has rarely been examined in detail within studies of Islamic, Perso-Islamic, or Ottoman architectural history. Most previous scholarship has presented him merely as an architect from Tabriz active in the Ottoman court, without highlighting his direct contribution to the development of spatial patterns, formal language, and decorative systems in Ottoman architecture. This study investigates the architectural style of Ali Tabrizi and analyzes his role in transmitting and adapting features of Timurid and Turkmen architecture to the Ottoman context, as well as the modifications he introduced in the design and construction processes compared to pre-existing Ottoman structures. Based on historical documents—including records of the Battle of Chaldiran, the Topkapı Palace archives, and architectural works attributed to him during the reigns of Selim I and Suleiman the Magnificent—this research demonstrates that Ali Tabrizi was among the few Iranian architects to occupy a verifiable leadership position within the Ottoman architectural hierarchy, functioning as the chief architect of the state. To examine his architectural style, a comparative analytical approach was employed, juxtaposing his attributed works with Timurid, Turkmen, and earlier Ottoman buildings. The study traces the process through which Iranian architectural concepts were integrated into Ottoman structures and clarifies Ali Tabrizi’s pivotal role in the evolution of Ottoman architecture prior to the emergence of Mimar Sinan’s classical period. The findings indicate that Tabrizi redefined the prevalent T-shaped plan, facilitating the stabilization of domed spaces without central supporting columns—a transformation that paved the way for the gradual transition to centralized plans with encompassing domes. This spatial innovation is particularly evident in the Sultan Selim I Mosque and the Pirî Mehmed Pasha Mosque. In terms of decoration, he extensively utilized tiles produced in İznik workshops, emphasizing blue, turquoise, and green hues, while incorporating gold and precious stones in key interior spaces. These decorative features reflect a continuation of Turkmen and Timurid aesthetic traditions from the early modern period, elements that had previously been largely absent in Ottoman architecture and were subsequently adopted in subsequent constructions. Overall, this research argues that Ali Tabrizi’s impact extended well beyond the mere transmission of forms or construction techniques. His position as chief architect enabled the embedding of Iranian spatial and decorative concepts at the highest level of architectural decision-making within the Ottoman court. By critically re-examining his contributions, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of cultural and professional exchanges between Iran and the Ottoman Empire and revises conventional narratives in Ottoman architectural history. In conclusion, the analysis demonstrates that Ali Tabrizi acted not only as a master architect but also as a cultural agent, introducing Iranian architectural ideas, techniques, and aesthetics into the Ottoman context. His work highlights the dynamic interplay between migration, professional expertise, and cross-cultural transmission, emphasizing how individual architects could shape the evolution of architectural styles and the visual identity of an empire during periods of political and ideological tension.Mimar Ali Tabrizi, also known as Alâeddin Ali Bey Ibn Abdülkerim or Acem Ali (d. 945 AH / 1539 CE), was one of the most prominent Iranian architects who, following his migration to the Ottoman empire in the 10th century AH / 16th century CE, served as the chief architect (Mimarbaşı) of the Imperial Corps of Architects and exerted a profound influence on architectural realm of the empire. Despite his significance, the role of Ali Tabrizi in shaping Ottoman architecture has rarely been examined in detail within studies of Islamic, Perso-Islamic, or Ottoman architectural history. Most previous scholarship has presented him merely as an architect from Tabriz active in the Ottoman court, without highlighting his direct contribution to the development of spatial patterns, formal language, and decorative systems in Ottoman architecture. This study investigates the architectural style of Ali Tabrizi and analyzes his role in transmitting and adapting features of Timurid and Turkmen architecture to the Ottoman context, as well as the modifications he introduced in the design and construction processes compared to pre-existing Ottoman structures. Based on historical documents—including records of the Battle of Chaldiran, the Topkapı Palace archives, and architectural works attributed to him during the reigns of Selim I and Suleiman the Magnificent—this research demonstrates that Ali Tabrizi was among the few Iranian architects to occupy a verifiable leadership position within the Ottoman architectural hierarchy, functioning as the chief architect of the state. To examine his architectural style, a comparative analytical approach was employed, juxtaposing his attributed works with Timurid, Turkmen, and earlier Ottoman buildings. The study traces the process through which Iranian architectural concepts were integrated into Ottoman structures and clarifies Ali Tabrizi’s pivotal role in the evolution of Ottoman architecture prior to the emergence of Mimar Sinan’s classical period. The findings indicate that Tabrizi redefined the prevalent T-shaped plan, facilitating the stabilization of domed spaces without central supporting columns—a transformation that paved the way for the gradual transition to centralized plans with encompassing domes. This spatial innovation is particularly evident in the Sultan Selim I Mosque and the Pirî Mehmed Pasha Mosque. In terms of decoration, he extensively utilized tiles produced in İznik workshops, emphasizing blue, turquoise, and green hues, while incorporating gold and precious stones in key interior spaces. These decorative features reflect a continuation of Turkmen and Timurid aesthetic traditions from the early modern period, elements that had previously been largely absent in Ottoman architecture and were subsequently adopted in subsequent constructions. Overall, this research argues that Ali Tabrizi’s impact extended well beyond the mere transmission of forms or construction techniques. His position as chief architect enabled the embedding of Iranian spatial and decorative concepts at the highest level of architectural decision-making within the Ottoman court. By critically re-examining his contributions, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of cultural and professional exchanges between Iran and the Ottoman Empire and revises conventional narratives in Ottoman architectural history. In conclusion, the analysis demonstrates that Ali Tabrizi acted not only as a master architect but also as a cultural agent, introducing Iranian architectural ideas, techniques, and aesthetics into the Ottoman context. His work highlights the dynamic interplay between migration, professional expertise, and cross-cultural transmission, emphasizing how individual architects could shape the evolution of architectural styles and the visual identity of an empire during periods of political and ideological tension.https://jfaup.ut.ac.ir/article_107269_b384cf1e04c25c0cd4c0194e16117be2.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressJournal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning2228-602031120260421Efficiency of the Khavun-chini of historical houses in Shushtar in shading the buildingEfficiency of the Khavun-chini of historical houses in Shushtar in shading the building234610617110.22059/jfaup.2026.407150.673145FAَAliZangenehPhD Student of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Basic Science, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz,
Iran.0009-0004-7121-7693MostafaMasoudinejadAssistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Ahvaz Branch,
Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.0000-0001-6671-6122Amin-alahAhadiAssistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran.0000-0002-8969-6416Journal Article20251128The ancient city of Shushtar, with its 243 hectares of historical fabric, is a living and successful example of architectural experience in the hot and semi-humid climate of Iran; a type of architecture that is in harmony with the climate, in which the use of brick and brick facades has played a fundamental role. "Khavun-chini" is the art of Shushtari architects; a type of prominent brickwork decoration executed in a checkered pattern that, in addition to being beautiful, also has a thermal function. The main issue in this research is to investigate the effectiveness of Shushtar Khavun-chinis in shading the southern facade of the building and its thermal capability. This research, using a quantitative approach and descriptive-analytical method, has investigated the shading ability of 66 patterns from the brick facades of historical buildings in Shushtar (decorations of the main entrances of houses and courtyard walls), which mostly date back to the late Qajar and the first Pahlavi period. Information on various motifs was mostly obtained through field surveys. After drawing the Khavun-chinis map, in order to determine the most optimal angle of the building, the shading of three examples of brick facades was studied in the field by constructing a 1:1 model. The study showed that the largest area of shadows produced by these motifs during different hours of the day occurs when the Khavuns is rotated 10 degrees (northeast to southwest) against the sunlight, and the smallest shading occurs when the Khavun-chinis is rotated 40 degrees. After finding the optimal angle, simulation of the selected samples was performed using EcoTect software. By comparing field and simulation results, the validity of this software for research in the Shushtar climate was confirmed and the shading of the entire Khavuns was simulated. A comparison of Shushtar brick facades in terms of shading showed that pattern number 42, with a value of 6.86, has the highest efficiency, and pattern number 39, with a value of 3.34, has the lowest efficiency in shading the southern facade of the building. Comparing the degree of protrusion of Shushtar Khavun-chini motifs with their efficiency shows that although the shadow is produced by the protruding part of these motifs, the main factor in the difference between the efficiency of these motifs in shading is not the variable of protrusion of the motif. As a result of this research, the effectiveness of brick facades in shading the southern facade of the building was identified, and through field and software analysis, the best angle for the building's placement in the city of Shushtar to produce maximum shade by the sunshades was determined. Considering the study conducted on the effect of the amount (area) of protrusion of patterns on the shading efficiency of Khavun-chinis and the lack of scientific evidence based on a direct relationship between this variable and shading efficiency; It seems that investigating the effect of the variables "dispersion" and "orientation" of the role on the shading efficiency of Shushtar bloodsuckers could be a suitable field for future research.The ancient city of Shushtar, with its 243 hectares of historical fabric, is a living and successful example of architectural experience in the hot and semi-humid climate of Iran; a type of architecture that is in harmony with the climate, in which the use of brick and brick facades has played a fundamental role. "Khavun-chini" is the art of Shushtari architects; a type of prominent brickwork decoration executed in a checkered pattern that, in addition to being beautiful, also has a thermal function. The main issue in this research is to investigate the effectiveness of Shushtar Khavun-chinis in shading the southern facade of the building and its thermal capability. This research, using a quantitative approach and descriptive-analytical method, has investigated the shading ability of 66 patterns from the brick facades of historical buildings in Shushtar (decorations of the main entrances of houses and courtyard walls), which mostly date back to the late Qajar and the first Pahlavi period. Information on various motifs was mostly obtained through field surveys. After drawing the Khavun-chinis map, in order to determine the most optimal angle of the building, the shading of three examples of brick facades was studied in the field by constructing a 1:1 model. The study showed that the largest area of shadows produced by these motifs during different hours of the day occurs when the Khavuns is rotated 10 degrees (northeast to southwest) against the sunlight, and the smallest shading occurs when the Khavun-chinis is rotated 40 degrees. After finding the optimal angle, simulation of the selected samples was performed using EcoTect software. By comparing field and simulation results, the validity of this software for research in the Shushtar climate was confirmed and the shading of the entire Khavuns was simulated. A comparison of Shushtar brick facades in terms of shading showed that pattern number 42, with a value of 6.86, has the highest efficiency, and pattern number 39, with a value of 3.34, has the lowest efficiency in shading the southern facade of the building. Comparing the degree of protrusion of Shushtar Khavun-chini motifs with their efficiency shows that although the shadow is produced by the protruding part of these motifs, the main factor in the difference between the efficiency of these motifs in shading is not the variable of protrusion of the motif. As a result of this research, the effectiveness of brick facades in shading the southern facade of the building was identified, and through field and software analysis, the best angle for the building's placement in the city of Shushtar to produce maximum shade by the sunshades was determined. Considering the study conducted on the effect of the amount (area) of protrusion of patterns on the shading efficiency of Khavun-chinis and the lack of scientific evidence based on a direct relationship between this variable and shading efficiency; It seems that investigating the effect of the variables "dispersion" and "orientation" of the role on the shading efficiency of Shushtar bloodsuckers could be a suitable field for future research.https://jfaup.ut.ac.ir/article_106171_76aabd38809d6ad5141236abdb6d9563.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressJournal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning2228-602031120260421»Site« to »place« transformation; adapting and enhancing spatial capacities with environmental capabilities»Site« to »place« transformation; adapting and enhancing spatial capacities with environmental capabilities477310712910.22059/jfaup.2026.408614.673152FAHadiFarhangdoustMaster of Islamic Architecture, Department of Islamic Art and
Architectur, Faculty of Art, Imam Reza International University,
Mashhad, Iran.0000-0002-1828-4000ToktamHanaeeAssociate Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.0000-0002-9750-1041Journal Article20251228This research aims to analyze the process of spatial alteration, through which a mere physical entity (Site) is transformed into a meaningful, lived structure imbued with environmental values (Place). This is achieved by investigating the interactive relationship between the spatial capacities of a site and the environmental affordances of a place, thereby redefining its functions, perceptions, and identities. Conceptually, this alteration is a synthesis of environmental renewal, reconstruction, and retrofitting. The necessity for this inquiry stems from a critical observation: without a coherent framework, interventions in architecture and urbanism often degrade a site into a mere physical form that subjugates environmental capacities to human demands.<br /><br />Methodologically, this qualitative study employs a bricolage approach, leveraging its flexibility to synthesize theories and resources from architecture, urban planning, philosophy, geography, and ecology. Utilizing MAXQDA software for a library-based data analysis, the study deconstructs multifaceted concepts such as 'site', 'place', 'environmental affordance', and 'alteration' through systematic coding and conceptual analysis of scholarly texts. The research process began by identifying a discursive context, followed by the formulation of a constructivist model to map the core concepts. This was followed by a stakeholder analysis of key actors, identifying their power dynamics and objectives. The identification of unexpected findings or ‘surprises’ challenged initial assumptions and led to the creation of a scenario portfolio. This portfolio models alternative futures for the spatial alteration of place, allowing for a multifaceted, dynamic, and non-linear exploration of the phenomenon. This constructivist and reflective process culminates in a conceptual model that illustrates the feedback loop between a site’s capacities and a place’s affordances, framing their synergy as the core of the alteration process.<br /><br />The findings yielded four distinct scenarios for spatial alteration: "Algorithmic Smart Places," "Community-Based Eco-Compatible Places," "Consumptive and Fragmented Places," and "Dynamic and Synergistic Places through Adaptation". Furthermore, the study confirmed four research hypotheses, revealing that spatial alteration is a dynamic, multi-faceted process shaped by the interplay of technological, economic, social, ecological, and political forces. The quality of the resultant place is intrinsically dependent on the management of these interactions and the prioritization of values such as justice, sustainability, and meaning. The final analytical model provides a framework for understanding this complexity, guiding the alteration process toward the creation of places that are rich not only physically but also socially, culturally, and experientially. Analysis of current trends suggests a trajectory toward consumptive or algorithmically controlled places, yet growing socio-ecological awareness could bolster the potential for more eco-compatible and dynamic scenarios.<br /><br />In conclusion, this research presents a conceptual framework and practical strategies for the regeneration of urban spaces and the enhancement of their identity, function, and perceived quality. The proposed scenarios serve as heuristic tools for theoretical exploration across different contexts and as practical instruments for participatory planning workshops, aiding in the formulation of flexible and adaptive urban policies. This study contributes to theoretical knowledge and professional practice in architecture and urbanism, aspiring to foster the creation of places that are not merely spaces for living, but environments for collective well-being.This research aims to analyze the process of spatial alteration, through which a mere physical entity (Site) is transformed into a meaningful, lived structure imbued with environmental values (Place). This is achieved by investigating the interactive relationship between the spatial capacities of a site and the environmental affordances of a place, thereby redefining its functions, perceptions, and identities. Conceptually, this alteration is a synthesis of environmental renewal, reconstruction, and retrofitting. The necessity for this inquiry stems from a critical observation: without a coherent framework, interventions in architecture and urbanism often degrade a site into a mere physical form that subjugates environmental capacities to human demands.<br /><br />Methodologically, this qualitative study employs a bricolage approach, leveraging its flexibility to synthesize theories and resources from architecture, urban planning, philosophy, geography, and ecology. Utilizing MAXQDA software for a library-based data analysis, the study deconstructs multifaceted concepts such as 'site', 'place', 'environmental affordance', and 'alteration' through systematic coding and conceptual analysis of scholarly texts. The research process began by identifying a discursive context, followed by the formulation of a constructivist model to map the core concepts. This was followed by a stakeholder analysis of key actors, identifying their power dynamics and objectives. The identification of unexpected findings or ‘surprises’ challenged initial assumptions and led to the creation of a scenario portfolio. This portfolio models alternative futures for the spatial alteration of place, allowing for a multifaceted, dynamic, and non-linear exploration of the phenomenon. This constructivist and reflective process culminates in a conceptual model that illustrates the feedback loop between a site’s capacities and a place’s affordances, framing their synergy as the core of the alteration process.<br /><br />The findings yielded four distinct scenarios for spatial alteration: "Algorithmic Smart Places," "Community-Based Eco-Compatible Places," "Consumptive and Fragmented Places," and "Dynamic and Synergistic Places through Adaptation". Furthermore, the study confirmed four research hypotheses, revealing that spatial alteration is a dynamic, multi-faceted process shaped by the interplay of technological, economic, social, ecological, and political forces. The quality of the resultant place is intrinsically dependent on the management of these interactions and the prioritization of values such as justice, sustainability, and meaning. The final analytical model provides a framework for understanding this complexity, guiding the alteration process toward the creation of places that are rich not only physically but also socially, culturally, and experientially. Analysis of current trends suggests a trajectory toward consumptive or algorithmically controlled places, yet growing socio-ecological awareness could bolster the potential for more eco-compatible and dynamic scenarios.<br /><br />In conclusion, this research presents a conceptual framework and practical strategies for the regeneration of urban spaces and the enhancement of their identity, function, and perceived quality. The proposed scenarios serve as heuristic tools for theoretical exploration across different contexts and as practical instruments for participatory planning workshops, aiding in the formulation of flexible and adaptive urban policies. This study contributes to theoretical knowledge and professional practice in architecture and urbanism, aspiring to foster the creation of places that are not merely spaces for living, but environments for collective well-being.https://jfaup.ut.ac.ir/article_107129_057859d502ee9201857e867efb89d225.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressJournal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning2228-602031120260421The Threefold Structure of Interior Spatial Quality in Healing Architecture: Physiological, Phenomenological, and Social-Cultural AspectsThe Threefold Structure of Interior Spatial Quality in Healing Architecture: Physiological, Phenomenological, and Social-Cultural Aspects758610710710.22059/jfaup.2026.409934.673162FASeyedEhsanMasoudAssistant Professor, Department of Interior Architecture, School of
Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran,
Iran.0000-0002-9350-1829Journal Article20260206In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to the role of architecture in promoting physical, psychological, and socio-cultural dimensions of healing, alongside the growing complexity of healthcare systems and a fundamental shift in contemporary understandings of health and care. Despite this awareness, many healthcare environments continue to be dominated by technical, functional, and efficiency-driven criteria, while perceptual, experiential, and socio-cultural qualities of interior space remain fragmented or insufficiently theorized. This condition reveals a theoretical gap concerning the quality of interior spaces in healing architecture and the spatial mechanisms through which healing is experienced. The aim of this research is to develop a multidimensional explanatory framework for analyzing interior spatial quality in healing architecture through the integration of physiological, phenomenological, and socio-cultural dimensions. The study adopts a qualitative and interpretive research methodology. In the first phase, key conceptual themes were identified through a critical review of theoretical literature and refined through the coding and analysis of semi-structured interviews with experts in architecture, healthcare design, and environmental psychology. In the second phase, the analytical capacity of the proposed framework was examined through a comparative analysis of four significant case studies representing landmark healing environments developed over the past century. The physiological dimension focuses on environmental variables such as natural light, ventilation, acoustic comfort, spatial organization, and materiality, which directly influence bodily processes and health-related outcomes. Rather than treating these factors as purely technical parameters, the study interprets them as spatial conditions that shape embodied experience. The phenomenological dimension addresses healing as an embodied and multisensory process, emphasizing perception, movement, tactility, sound, smell, and atmosphere as integral components of interior space. Drawing on phenomenological theories articulated by thinkers such as Merleau-Ponty, Pallasmaa, and Norberg-Schulz, this dimension conceptualizes healing as a lived and experiential process rather than a solely functional outcome. The socio-cultural dimension examines healing architecture as a socially embedded phenomenon shaped by cultural meanings, social practices, collective values, and place identity, highlighting the role of architecture in fostering dignity, trust, belonging, and social interaction within healthcare environments. The findings indicate that healing architecture achieves its highest effectiveness when these three dimensions are activated simultaneously and interactively within the design process. Rather than operating as discrete or hierarchical layers, physiological, phenomenological, and socio-cultural factors overlap and reinforce one another in shaping the overall healing experience. Spatial qualities such as light, nature, and materiality function not only as determinants of physiological comfort but also as carriers of cultural meaning and mediators of sensory perception and social behavior. The primary contribution of this research lies not in proposing a new dimension of healing architecture, but in articulating the dynamic, non-linear, and integrative relationships among existing dimensions. The proposed tripartite explanatory framework conceptualizes healing as a multisensory, embodied, and socio-culturally embedded experience within interior spaces and offers both an analytical tool and a design-oriented guideline for evaluating and enhancing healthcare interiors across diverse cultural contexts, particularly where healthcare architecture has been shaped predominantly by technical and imported models.In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to the role of architecture in promoting physical, psychological, and socio-cultural dimensions of healing, alongside the growing complexity of healthcare systems and a fundamental shift in contemporary understandings of health and care. Despite this awareness, many healthcare environments continue to be dominated by technical, functional, and efficiency-driven criteria, while perceptual, experiential, and socio-cultural qualities of interior space remain fragmented or insufficiently theorized. This condition reveals a theoretical gap concerning the quality of interior spaces in healing architecture and the spatial mechanisms through which healing is experienced. The aim of this research is to develop a multidimensional explanatory framework for analyzing interior spatial quality in healing architecture through the integration of physiological, phenomenological, and socio-cultural dimensions. The study adopts a qualitative and interpretive research methodology. In the first phase, key conceptual themes were identified through a critical review of theoretical literature and refined through the coding and analysis of semi-structured interviews with experts in architecture, healthcare design, and environmental psychology. In the second phase, the analytical capacity of the proposed framework was examined through a comparative analysis of four significant case studies representing landmark healing environments developed over the past century. The physiological dimension focuses on environmental variables such as natural light, ventilation, acoustic comfort, spatial organization, and materiality, which directly influence bodily processes and health-related outcomes. Rather than treating these factors as purely technical parameters, the study interprets them as spatial conditions that shape embodied experience. The phenomenological dimension addresses healing as an embodied and multisensory process, emphasizing perception, movement, tactility, sound, smell, and atmosphere as integral components of interior space. Drawing on phenomenological theories articulated by thinkers such as Merleau-Ponty, Pallasmaa, and Norberg-Schulz, this dimension conceptualizes healing as a lived and experiential process rather than a solely functional outcome. The socio-cultural dimension examines healing architecture as a socially embedded phenomenon shaped by cultural meanings, social practices, collective values, and place identity, highlighting the role of architecture in fostering dignity, trust, belonging, and social interaction within healthcare environments. The findings indicate that healing architecture achieves its highest effectiveness when these three dimensions are activated simultaneously and interactively within the design process. Rather than operating as discrete or hierarchical layers, physiological, phenomenological, and socio-cultural factors overlap and reinforce one another in shaping the overall healing experience. Spatial qualities such as light, nature, and materiality function not only as determinants of physiological comfort but also as carriers of cultural meaning and mediators of sensory perception and social behavior. The primary contribution of this research lies not in proposing a new dimension of healing architecture, but in articulating the dynamic, non-linear, and integrative relationships among existing dimensions. The proposed tripartite explanatory framework conceptualizes healing as a multisensory, embodied, and socio-culturally embedded experience within interior spaces and offers both an analytical tool and a design-oriented guideline for evaluating and enhancing healthcare interiors across diverse cultural contexts, particularly where healthcare architecture has been shaped predominantly by technical and imported models.https://jfaup.ut.ac.ir/article_107107_c39287d312d814d143e0a4d1051ffc91.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressJournal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning2228-602031120260421Mahruq or Khayyam?
The Garden as an Arena of Contestation between two Ideological DiscoursesMahruq or Khayyam?
The Garden as an Arena of Contestation between two Ideological Discourses8710610677010.22059/jfaup.2026.409707.673160FAMahyarEbrahimzadeh NamvarMaster of Iranian Architectural Studies, Center for Documentation,
Architectural Studies and Conservation, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.0009-0008-7186-9092HamidrezaJayhaniAssociate Professor, Center for Documentation, Architectural Studies and Conservation, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0001-9848-9219Journal Article20260118The Tomb of Khayyam is among the most significant and emblematic monuments erected in honor of Iran’s cultural luminaries. It was constructed in the 1960s (1340s SH) within the historical setting of the Imamzadeh Mahruq Garden in Nishapur. Prior to this intervention, the site consisted of a modest grave located adjacent to the Imamzadeh buq’a. However, as Khayyam’s status gradually became more prominent within Iran’s cultural discourse—partly influenced by Western scholarly and literary attention—his tomb progressively emerged from the semantic and physical shadow of the Imamzadeh and was ultimately transformed into an independent and symbolic structure within the spatial organization of the garden. This study seeks to identify the transformations of this place and analyze the ways in which the spatial organization and its associated meanings have been reconfigured following the increasing emphasis on the role of Khayyam. To achieve this goal, the subject is examined at several levels. First, the historical site of the Imamzadeh and the prominent figures buried there are introduced. Second, the transformations of this complex are examined based on historical sources. In the third stage, the role of different actors in these changes is examined to determine which individuals or institutions were involved in the interventions. Finally, the collected evidence is combined to construct a coherent narrative of the physical transformations that have profoundly affected the spatial redefinition of the place and its symbolic meanings, drawing on Lefebvre’s theory. The findings indicate that Western interest in Khayyam began in the early Qajar period, and that this external attention gradually led Iranians to recognize his tomb as part of their cultural heritage and national identity. Efforts undertaken after the Constitutional Revolution to organize and reconstruct Khayyam’s grave can be understood within this framework, although adverse political and economic conditions hindered the realization of large-scale projects. With the establishment of the Pahlavi state, the conditions for major development projects were created, leading to the construction of a commemorative structure for Khayyam—one that was nevertheless regarded from the outset as unworthy of his stature. This critical assessment, roughly two decades later, gave rise to calls for a new tomb, with the National Heritage Society assuming responsibility for its execution. The outcome of the extensive interventions of the National Heritage Society in the garden and the Khayyam funerary complex was the division of the complex into two distinct parts: one associated with Khayyam and the other with Imamzadeh Mahruq. This division was not merely physical but also symbolic, articulating a boundary between the discourses of tradition and modernity. Thus, the Imamzadeh came to represent tradition and the Endowments Organization, while the new tomb of Khayyam was presented as a symbol of the modern, progressive movement. Relying on its powerful institutional position, the National Heritage Society was able to implement a comprehensive plan that included the restoration of the Imamzadeh shrine and the tomb of Attar, the construction of the tombs of Khayyam and Kamal al-Molk, and the creation of an urban axis linking these complexes.The Tomb of Khayyam is among the most significant and emblematic monuments erected in honor of Iran’s cultural luminaries. It was constructed in the 1960s (1340s SH) within the historical setting of the Imamzadeh Mahruq Garden in Nishapur. Prior to this intervention, the site consisted of a modest grave located adjacent to the Imamzadeh buq’a. However, as Khayyam’s status gradually became more prominent within Iran’s cultural discourse—partly influenced by Western scholarly and literary attention—his tomb progressively emerged from the semantic and physical shadow of the Imamzadeh and was ultimately transformed into an independent and symbolic structure within the spatial organization of the garden. This study seeks to identify the transformations of this place and analyze the ways in which the spatial organization and its associated meanings have been reconfigured following the increasing emphasis on the role of Khayyam. To achieve this goal, the subject is examined at several levels. First, the historical site of the Imamzadeh and the prominent figures buried there are introduced. Second, the transformations of this complex are examined based on historical sources. In the third stage, the role of different actors in these changes is examined to determine which individuals or institutions were involved in the interventions. Finally, the collected evidence is combined to construct a coherent narrative of the physical transformations that have profoundly affected the spatial redefinition of the place and its symbolic meanings, drawing on Lefebvre’s theory. The findings indicate that Western interest in Khayyam began in the early Qajar period, and that this external attention gradually led Iranians to recognize his tomb as part of their cultural heritage and national identity. Efforts undertaken after the Constitutional Revolution to organize and reconstruct Khayyam’s grave can be understood within this framework, although adverse political and economic conditions hindered the realization of large-scale projects. With the establishment of the Pahlavi state, the conditions for major development projects were created, leading to the construction of a commemorative structure for Khayyam—one that was nevertheless regarded from the outset as unworthy of his stature. This critical assessment, roughly two decades later, gave rise to calls for a new tomb, with the National Heritage Society assuming responsibility for its execution. The outcome of the extensive interventions of the National Heritage Society in the garden and the Khayyam funerary complex was the division of the complex into two distinct parts: one associated with Khayyam and the other with Imamzadeh Mahruq. This division was not merely physical but also symbolic, articulating a boundary between the discourses of tradition and modernity. Thus, the Imamzadeh came to represent tradition and the Endowments Organization, while the new tomb of Khayyam was presented as a symbol of the modern, progressive movement. Relying on its powerful institutional position, the National Heritage Society was able to implement a comprehensive plan that included the restoration of the Imamzadeh shrine and the tomb of Attar, the construction of the tombs of Khayyam and Kamal al-Molk, and the creation of an urban axis linking these complexes.https://jfaup.ut.ac.ir/article_106770_a406b795c3675c11acd352b29ece2bd2.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressJournal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning2228-602031120260421Multi-Objective Optimization of Internal and External Insulation of Residential Building Walls in Cold Climates (Tabriz City)Multi-Objective Optimization of Internal and External Insulation of Residential Building Walls in Cold Climates (Tabriz City)10712110710810.22059/jfaup.2026.405458.673137FAZahraRahmany KhorramMaster of Architecture and Energy, Department of Architectural
Technology, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.0009-0003-6890-9835AidaMalekiAssociate Professor, Department of Architectural Technology,
Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art
University, Tabriz, Iran.0000-0003-3490-3251Journal Article20251110The continuous growth of energy demand in Iran’s residential sector has made excessive building energy consumption one of the most serious national challenges, drawing attention to the urgent need for improving the thermal efficiency of building envelopes. This study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of internal and external wall insulation systems in residential buildings located in the cold and dry climate of Tabriz. The main purpose is to identify the most effective insulation configuration that minimizes heating and cooling energy consumption while achieving a balance between thermal comfort, environmental sustainability, and cost efficiency. Five insulation materials rock wool, mineral wool, wood fiber, expanded polystyrene (EPS), and sisal fiber were analyzed in combination with five commonly used façade materials, namely clay brick, fire brick, cement plaster, travertine, and granite. Energy performance simulations were performed using DesignBuilder software coupled with the EnergyPlus simulation engine to evaluate several critical indicators, including total energy demand, heating and cooling energy consumption, embodied carbon emissions, material and construction costs, and the number of annual thermal discomfort hours experienced by occupants. The analysis aimed to determine how both the insulation material and its position within the wall structure influence overall building performance under real climatic conditions.<br />To identify the optimal configuration, a multi-objective optimization framework was employed, combining the Pareto Front algorithm and the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method. The Pareto approach was used to generate non-dominated solution sets that represent the best trade-offs between conflicting objectives, while TOPSIS was applied to rank each alternative based on its proximity to the ideal solution. In total, seventy-five wall configurations were modeled, covering various insulation types, positions (internal or external), and façade combinations. The results showed that the configuration employing external expanded polystyrene insulation with a clay brick façade provided the highest overall performance among all tested cases. This system reduced heating energy consumption by approximately 6.8%, decreased total annual energy demand by 17%, and improved thermal comfort by 18% compared to the non-insulated baseline model. In contrast, internal insulation systems exhibited weaker performance due to thermal bridging and reduced use of the wall’s thermal mass. Additionally, while materials such as mineral wool and sisal fiber had lower embodied carbon emissions, their overall insulation effectiveness under Tabriz’s climatic conditions was moderate. The findings highlight the importance of selecting insulation materials and placements that are compatible with local climate conditions and construction practices. Integrating energy simulation with multi-criteria decision-making provides a robust and repeatable framework for optimizing building energy performance. This approach can guide architects, engineers, and policymakers in designing sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible residential buildings.<br />In conclusion, adopting external insulation systems combined with high thermal inertia façade materials represents an effective and sustainable strategy for reducing operational energy use, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing indoor thermal comfort in cold-climate regions. The proposed methodology supports the development of resilient, energy-conscious building envelopes aligned with long-term national goals for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.The continuous growth of energy demand in Iran’s residential sector has made excessive building energy consumption one of the most serious national challenges, drawing attention to the urgent need for improving the thermal efficiency of building envelopes. This study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of internal and external wall insulation systems in residential buildings located in the cold and dry climate of Tabriz. The main purpose is to identify the most effective insulation configuration that minimizes heating and cooling energy consumption while achieving a balance between thermal comfort, environmental sustainability, and cost efficiency. Five insulation materials rock wool, mineral wool, wood fiber, expanded polystyrene (EPS), and sisal fiber were analyzed in combination with five commonly used façade materials, namely clay brick, fire brick, cement plaster, travertine, and granite. Energy performance simulations were performed using DesignBuilder software coupled with the EnergyPlus simulation engine to evaluate several critical indicators, including total energy demand, heating and cooling energy consumption, embodied carbon emissions, material and construction costs, and the number of annual thermal discomfort hours experienced by occupants. The analysis aimed to determine how both the insulation material and its position within the wall structure influence overall building performance under real climatic conditions.<br />To identify the optimal configuration, a multi-objective optimization framework was employed, combining the Pareto Front algorithm and the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method. The Pareto approach was used to generate non-dominated solution sets that represent the best trade-offs between conflicting objectives, while TOPSIS was applied to rank each alternative based on its proximity to the ideal solution. In total, seventy-five wall configurations were modeled, covering various insulation types, positions (internal or external), and façade combinations. The results showed that the configuration employing external expanded polystyrene insulation with a clay brick façade provided the highest overall performance among all tested cases. This system reduced heating energy consumption by approximately 6.8%, decreased total annual energy demand by 17%, and improved thermal comfort by 18% compared to the non-insulated baseline model. In contrast, internal insulation systems exhibited weaker performance due to thermal bridging and reduced use of the wall’s thermal mass. Additionally, while materials such as mineral wool and sisal fiber had lower embodied carbon emissions, their overall insulation effectiveness under Tabriz’s climatic conditions was moderate. The findings highlight the importance of selecting insulation materials and placements that are compatible with local climate conditions and construction practices. Integrating energy simulation with multi-criteria decision-making provides a robust and repeatable framework for optimizing building energy performance. This approach can guide architects, engineers, and policymakers in designing sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible residential buildings.<br />In conclusion, adopting external insulation systems combined with high thermal inertia façade materials represents an effective and sustainable strategy for reducing operational energy use, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing indoor thermal comfort in cold-climate regions. The proposed methodology supports the development of resilient, energy-conscious building envelopes aligned with long-term national goals for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.https://jfaup.ut.ac.ir/article_107108_83a99aab2dc74307c15285f3ad10bceb.pdf