Formal Sustainability in Traditional Architecture of Iran According To Five Principles of Traditional Architecture of Iran

Traditional architecture of Iran demonstrates its civilization grown over centuries and is based on five principles of “Introversion”, “Autonomy”, “Human- conformity”, “Structure and Modulation” and “Purposefulness” The geographical position of Iran and its main types of climate have been among the major factors affecting this architecture. A cursory study of these principles in various climates reveals that Iranian architects have created monuments based on the principles of sustainable architecture. Sustainability is a complex concept that can be looked upon from different perspectives; examples of which are function, structure, facilities, adornment and landscape. In this article, traditional architecture of Iran is viewed from the standpoint of formal sustainability. The elements of formal sustainability in Iran are investigated and the associated changes at different regions, which are the result of the climate changes, are demonstrated. This article uses an interpretive-historical research method whereby the principles of Iranian traditional architecture and sustainable architecture are compared. Despite the diversity of society at different regions and the variety of climates, this study proves the conformity of both architectures (i.e. traditional and sustainable) in the field of architectural form.