Finding the roots of a technical evolution of architecture at the beginning of the modern period in Iran: examining the late Latif Abolghasemi's hypothesis about the technique of Iranian Jack Arch

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Construction and Architectural Engineering, University of Technical and Professional Training, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and art, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.

Abstract

The roofing technique known as  Jack Arch which featuresa brick- arched roof on top of steel I-beams, is one of the earliest specialized building techniques from Iran's modernization period that has not been thoroughly researched . While contemporary structural engineers in Iran often regard it as an indignant method,, architects haveshown increasing interest in it. Many years ago, the late Latif Abolghasmi, aprofessor of the University of Tehran, advocated for this technique as an indigenous Iranian technology, though his claims were not well-documented. This research investigates his hypothesis using a historical interpretation approach.;.
 The findings reveal that the Jack Arch technique has three different origins in early modern Europe duringthe nineteenth century: England (Jack Arch), Germany (Prussian arch) and Spain (Catalan roof). The Jack Arch was initially used for fire proofing  textile factories,  the Prussian vault originated from  traditional waterproofing methods for  wooden structures at the basement level, and  the Catalan vault continued  a traditional system possibly rooted in  Islamic  Spain or Mexican indigenous practices.
In Iran, the adoption of this technique has two main sources: a popular origin: continuing from Iran’sadvanced vaulting systems ,and an engineering origin, in the early Pahlavi period by German and Anglo-American engineers in factories and governmental buildings. Prior to the arrival of foreign engineers, this method was common with wooden beams, creating a historical link to steel usage.; Compared to the Jack Arch, the Iranian counterpart is unique due to its construction without form-working. In comparison to the Prussian vault, the Iranian type exhibit more elaborated brickwork, whereas  the German type seldom uses formwork. The Catalan Vault shares many similaritieswith the Iranian vault, not only in form-working but also in the technique’s purpose. However, ithasno historical connection with contemporary Iran, and its brickwork is muchsimpler than that of Iranian vault. In addition, the thin brick layering technique called ‘LaPoush’ in Iran, seen in  some Catalan vault, does not rely on the brick's inherent resistance as the Iranian vault does.
As a result, Abolghasemi's hypothesis is partially confirmed: the technique is not unique to Iran, but the Iranian variant does not have a foreign origin..Western engineering significantly  catalyzed its development, particularlyevident in factory constructions  where the brickwork is exposed without plastering, unlike in residential buildings where it is flattened and plaster. The technical superiority of Iranian works, especiallyin popular buildings such as local mosques and trading centers, showcases  fine brickwork and sophisticated methodsfor concealing steel beams, meriting recognitionas cultural heritage from Iran’s early modern era.

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References

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Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning
Volume 28, Issue 3
September 2023

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