Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

Analyzing Frequent Proportions in The Evolution of The Walls and Facades of Imam Khomeini (RAH) Square in Tehran

Document Type : Case Study

Authors
Razieh Fathi 1
Ali Asgari 2
1 M.A. in Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/uep.2023.409994.1390
Abstract
Introduction 
The urban landscape, whether as the internal or external constituent elements of the city façade, is considered one of the indicators based on which the quality of the city is assessed and judged. The visual and physical qualities of the urban space, as a place where citizens attend, play a significant role in promoting vitality and belongingness in the environment. Among various items, the order and proportions of the constituent components of urban walls and facades increase the abovementioned qualities in urban squares. Order and harmony, in addition to structural diversity, can be effective in forming visual and physical identities of urban walls. Their influence is enhanced by the repetition of design principles and the ingrained rules like proportions and geometry used in the historical buildings in the context. In other words, to connect the appearance of the newly built spaces in contemporary cities to the physical identity in the historical body of authentic places, it is required to read and perceive effective and appropriate physical rules, measures, and orders applied in authentic places. Associating and repeating the proportions used in authentic facades and walls in newly built ones can help to create legible, diverse, and beautiful platforms. As an example, one can refer to Imam Khomeini (RAH) Square (Tūpkhāneh Square), as one of the most important and oldest urban government squares in Tehran, where, despite many changes made during its historical course (from the Nasseri period to the Pahlavi II period), many commonalities have been used in its design. Therefore, the present research compares the geometric patterns and proportions used in the walls of this square in three periods (the Nasseri, Pahlavi I, and Pahlavi II periods) with emphasis on the architectural changes and developments that occurred in Iran from the Nasseri period to the present era. In addition to the identification of common and repeatable elements in the physical evolution of the square body, this comparison can also present solutions for contemporary designs.
Materials and Methods
The present study is applied-developmental mixed-method research carried out using an interpretive-historical approach. In the quantitative part, the quantitative characteristics of the length and proportions are investigated and the qualitative addresses the content affecting the façade. For this reason, the present research has a mixed nature, whose quantitative aspect is preferred to its qualitative aspect due to its emphasis on the proportions more than other main effective factors. Through the interpretive-historical approach applied, the required data were collected from pictorial documents on the case study, as indicative and inferential evidence, and then, from secondary documents and through observations to strengthen the validity of the research. So, drawing methods were applied to show the geometric proportions applied in the square in all three historical periods studied, and analyze the obtained data and calculated aspect ratios. To this end, the facades and walls were drawn, the aspect ratios of the components of the facades and walls were compared with those known as Iranian-Islamic aspect ratios, and the frequency of each was shown.
Findings
In the first period studied (Nasseri period), the most widely used aspect ratios in the main geometry of the facades as well as the openings in them were √1, √5, and √7, respectively. Regarding the aspect ratios used in the outstanding buildings on each facade, such as the entrances of Bab Homayoon Street and Nasseri Street on the southern facade of the square, the aspect ratio of √2 or 1.414 is the most frequent one. In addition, the facade of the Imperial Bank of Persia on the eastern side shows an aspect ratio of √3, which is one of the Iranian-Islamic aspect ratios. In the second period studied (Pahlavi I period), the application of golden ratios of Iranian architecture, i.e., √3 and √2, has increased significantly, which is obvious in the changes in the buildings constructed around the square during the transition from the Qajar period to the Pahlavi I period. Although one can see some features of Western architecture and culture dominating the external structure of the walls of the square, including municipal and telecommunications buildings in the north and south walls, and the Imperial Bank of Persia in the east wall, the geometric principles and Iranian-Islamic aspect ratios have been preserved as the representatives of the identity and originality of the square. It should be noted that the aspect ratios of √1 and √5 are observed in the Nazmiyah building, and the Imperial Bank of Persia, the aspect ratio applied in the previous period, i.e., √5, was preserved, despite major physical and formal changes in it. Also, in the telecommunications building, the aspect ratio of √7 is dominant, according to which one can explain that in the Pahlavi I period, the aspect ratios applied in the facades of the buildings around the square were all influenced by Iranian-Islamic aspect ratios and based on irrational numbers. In the third period studied (Pahlavi II period), most lines and elements used in the facade appeared without any specific aspect ratio and logical reason, and sometimes accidentally, indicating the arrival of a pattern with no identity and cultural validity into the square’s architecture. Looking at the architecture of the Tūpkhāneh Square in the studied third period, which coincides with the end of the Pahlavi II period and the beginning of the Iranian Revolution period (the present era), one can find that due to the arrival of modernism and its consequences, the importance of proportions and geometric relationships in the architecture of buildings has been gradually reduced. However, the existence of the buildings from the previous eras shows the aspect ratios applied in buildings during them to some extent.
Conclusion
According to the abovementioned, it is clear that proportions and geometric relationships are considered among the most important factors forming the facades and walls of urban squares. In addition to defining the identity and originality of urban spaces, they influenced their environment and visual quality. Therefore, the physical identity of Imam Khomeini (RAH) Square can be read and perceived only by relying on the physical order and harmony in its walls. The order and proportions (aspect ratios) used in the facades of the surrounding buildings represent the evolution of the square during various periods. Although the walls and façade of the studied square have experienced many functional and temporal changes during historical periods, the historical continuity of the durability of the buildings has shown a remarkable and significant effect of the studied indicator, which would continue for several decades. The structure of the walls of the buildings around the square in the first (Nasseri) and second (Pahlavi I) periods indicates the existence of a specific proportional system in all parts of the facade. The origin of such order and coherence in the buildings constituting the facades of urban squares can be found in the mental structure of the architects and masters of those times. It is a factor that was gradually forgotten in the architecture of the buildings around the squares in the subsequent periods.
The results show the various and scattered presence of Iranian-Islamic aspect ratios of √1 (square), √2, √3, and √5 in the components and overall structure of the façade of Imam Khomeini (RAH) Square on its four sides in all three historical periods studied. Such order and harmony were associated with the greatest and most diverse compositions in the first and second periods studied, respectively, while in the third period studied, they gradually decreased due to the “change in the construction pattern” and “increased height of the surrounding walls”.
Keywords
Geometric Relationships
Physical Order
Proportions
Tūpkhāneh Square
Urban Walls

Subjects

[1] Mosavi Sarvineh Baghi, E., Sadeghi, A.R. Uraban design process on urban facades with emphasis on improving the quality of visual aesthetics of town scape. Case study: ahmadabad street, Mashhad. Journal Urban and Rural Management, 2016; 15(43): 99-114. URL: http://ijurm.imo.org.ir/article-1-970-en.html [In Persian]
[2] Esmaili, F., Charehjoo, F., Hoorijani, N. Analyzing and Evaluating Facades with a Special Approach to Visual Aesthetics Using the Grid Method (Case Study: Enqelab Street in Sanandaj). Journal of Bagh-e Nazar, 2020 Mar 20; 17(82): 69-84. DOI: 10.22034/bagh.2019.165147.3934.
[3] Holmes EA, Hales SA, Young K, Di Simplicio M. Imagery-based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder and mood instability. Guilford Publications, 2019 Apr 22. ISBN: 9781462539055. URL: https://www.guilford.com.
[4] Ghahramanpour, A., Keshmiri, H., Karimi, B. Investigating and measuring the criteria affecting the physical identity of the city streets (Case Study of Hafez Street, Shiraz). journal of Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design, 2020 May 21; 8(1): 133-119. DOI: 10.22061/jsaud.2019.4396.1315.
[5] Kaymaz, I. Urban Landscapes And Identity. In Murat Özyavuz (Ed. ) Advances In Landscape Architecture. London: Intechopen, 2013 Jul 1. DOI:10. 5772/55754. 
[6] Ahmadi, F., Khajeh, O. Urban Landscape Impact On The Social Behavior Of Citizens (Case Study Of Julfa And Zainabieyeh Districts Of Isfahan). OIDA International Journal Of Sustainable Development, 2015 Jul 30; 8 (7): 47-57. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2667305.
[7] Beske, J. L. How Urban Form Effects Sense Of Community: A Comparative Case Study Of A Traditional Neighborhood And Conventional Suburban Development In Northern Virginia (Unpublished Master Thesis). Iowa State University, Iowa, USA, 2007. DOI: 10.31274/rtd-180813-15852.
[8] Fardpour, S., Dolatabadi, F., Mahdavi Nejad, M.J. Reading the Schema of the Contemporary Urban Building Facade of Tehran in the First and Second Pahlavi Eras. Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development Journal, 2021 Aug 23; 14(35): 141-154. DOI: 10.22034/AAUD.2020.204911.2018.
[9] Fardpour, S., Mahdavi Nejad, M.J., Dolatabadi, F. Contemporization of the concept of Semantic Authenticity in Tehran’s Architectural City Scape. Hoviat shahr Journal, 2022 Jun 22; 16(2): 5-16. DOI: 10.30495/hoviatshahr.2022.17740.   
[10] Pourjavadasl, B. & Beyti, H. Applying Approaches Driven from the Facades of Historic Houses to the Facades of New Buildings (Case Study: Historic Houses of Tabriz). Bagh-e Nazar, 2022 May 1; 19(107): 95-112. DOI: 2021.296407.4953BAGH1.
[11] Abdulahi, M., Qasemzadeh, B., Rahbari pour, K. The effect of the view of historical buildings on the mental image of the citizens of Tabriz city (Case study: passing the historical street of Tarbiat). Journal of Iranian Islamic City Studies, 2013; 13(11): 65-71. URL: https://www.sid.ir/paper/480621/fa. [In Persian]
[12] Attarian, K., Momeni, K., Masudi, Z. The study of Courtyard Proportions in Safavid Mosques of Isfahan. Scientific Journal of   Motaleate-e Tatbiqi-e Honar, 2016 Feb 10; 5(10): 67-81. DOR: 20.1001.1.23453842.1394.5.10.3.7.
[13] Ziaienia, M.H., hashemi zarj abad, H. The Golden Proportion and System of Islamic– Iranian proportions in Qaen Mosque. Journal of Conservation and Architecture in Iran, 2016; 6(11): 89-99. DOR:  20.1001.1.23453850.1395.6.11.7.0. [In Persian]
[14] Balilan, L., Hasanpour Lomer, S. Geometric patterns and Golden proportion common language of architecture and art in the Abyaneh village. Journal of Architecture in hot and dry climate, 2019 Jun 22; 7(9): 46-68. DOR: 20.1001.1.26453711.1398.7.9.3.2.
[15] javadi Nodeh, M., Shahcheraghi, A., Andalib, A. An Investigation of the Golden Proportions and Geometric Principles Derived from Nature in the Structural Components of the Traditional Houses (Case Study: Qajar Houses in Ardabil). Journal of Bagh-e Nazar, 2022 Aug; 19(110): 35-50. DOI: 10.22034/BAGH.2022.295674.4973.
[16] Vahdat, S., Sajjadzadeh, H., karimi Moshaver, M. Conceptualizing the factors affecting of streetscape to promote the legibility of urban spaces (Case Studies: Hamedan inner city streets). Motaleate Shahri Journal, 2015 Aug 1; 4(15): 17-36. URL: https://urbstudies.uok.ac.ir/article_13801.html?lang=fa. [In Persian]
[17] Vahidbafandeh, M., Imani Shamloo, J. The Application of Meta-analysis Technique in Identifying Effective Dimensions and Criteria in Designing the Facades of Historical Axes with an Emphasis on the Mental Image of Citizens. Urban Structure and Function Studies (USFS), 2023 May 22;  10(35): 107-140. DOI: 10.22080/USFS.2023.4131.
[18] Golkar, K. Exploring the definition of urban design. Tehran: Samin Novin, 1999. [In Persian]
[19] Pakzad, J. Phenomenology of Residential Building Façade and the Evolution Process of its Expectations. Journal of Fine Arts University of Tehran, 2003; 1(14): 91-102. URL: https://www.sid.ir/paper/416721/fa. [In Persian]
[20] Moazzami, M. Explanation of the cultural components affecting Iranian architecture in the contemporary period (Ph.D Thesis). Tehran: Tehran University, 2012. [In Persian]
[21] Asgari, A., Mohammadi Salek, M. Assessing the Methodology of Design-by- Analogy with Historical Elements in Iranian Contemporary Architecture. Raf Quarterly Scientific Journal of Architecture, Restoration and Urbanism, 2021 Jul 23; 1(1): 19-38. URL: https://www.rafmagz.com/article_134697.html. [In Persian]
[22] Asgari, A.; Fadaee Mehrabani, V., Fathi , R. The Growth of Empty Space in the Architectural Anatomy of Tehran Houses (From Late Qajar Period to the Beginning of the Islamic Republic).Journal of Art & Civilization of the Orient, 2023 Dec 22; 10(38):45-62. DOI: 022.366244.1268JACO1.
[23] Mokhtari, I. The heritage of modern Iranian architecture. Cultural Research Office,2011. [In Persian]
[24] Kamelnia, H., Mahdavinejad, M.J. Getting to know contemporary architecture from east to west: examining the basics, the concepts of the roots of its formation. Tehran: Royal Institute of Architectural Science, 2019. [In Persian]
[25] Pourzargar, M., Abedini, H. Reading the Hidden Geometry in the Historic City and the Impact of Modern Evolution on It; Case Study: Sabzeh-Meydan, Tehran. Journal of Naqshejahan, 2020 Oct 10; 10(3): 231-238. DOR: 20.1001.1.23224991.1399.10.3.1.1.
[26] Nasr, T., Majedi, H. The Significance of “Identity” in Urban Planning. Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development Journal, 2013 Mar; 6(11): 269-277. URL: https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_33478.html. [In Persian]
[27] Hooshmand Shaban Abadi, F., Valibeig, N., Behzadfar, M., Faizi, M. A Comparative Study of Tehran’s Governmental and Non-Gover mental Squares in the Area of Urban View. Journal Bagh-e Nazar, 2020 Mar 20; 17(82): 47-58. DOI: 10.22034/bagh.2019.172530.4006
[28] Nejad Ebrahimi, A., Yaghoubloo, M. An Introduction to Theoretical Geometry in Architecture. Research in Arts and Humanities, 2019; 4: 19-33. ISSN: 2538-6298. URL: http://rahs.ir/post.aspx?id=610. [In Persian]
[29] Ansari, M., Akhot, H., Taqvai, A. A research on the historical course of proportional adjustment systems in architecture with an emphasis on practical and aesthetic. Art Month Book, 2011; 14(151): 46-58. URL: https://www.noormags.ir/view/en/articlepage/791782. [In Persian]
[30] Pirnia, M.K., Memarian, GH.H. Getting to know Iran’s Islamic architecture, “Uraban and Building Suburban”. Tehran: Soroush Danesh, 2011. [In Persian]
[31] Ozkan, O. Dogan, F. Cognitive Strategies Of Analogical Reasoning In Design: Differences Between Expert And Novice Designers. Design Studies, 2013 Mar 1; 34 (2): 161-192. DOI: 10.1016/j.destud.2012.11.006.
[32] Noghrehkar, A. An introduction to Islamic identity in architecture. Tehran: Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2008. [In Persian]
[33] Moosavi, F. Perspective on Golden Ratio (φ). Science Cultivation, 2017 Dec 21; 7(1): 39-52. DOR: 20.1001.1.2008935.1395.07.1.6.
[34] Posamentier, A. S. , Lehmann, I. The Glorious Golden Ratio. New York: Prometheus Books, 2012. ISBN: 978-1-61614-423-4 . URL: https://didaktik.mathematik.hu-berlin.de. 
[35] Khamjane A., Benslimane R. A computerized method for generating Islamic star patterns. Computer-Aided Design. 2018 Apr 1; 1(97):15-26. DOI: 10.1016/j.cad.2017.11.002.
[36] Pour Ahmadi, M., Yousefi, M., Sohrabi, M. The Ratio of Length to Width in the Main Spaces of Traditional Houses of Yazd: A test for Pirnia’s Statement on Iranian Golden Rectangle. Journal of Fine Arts University of Tehran, 2011 Sep 23; 3(47): 69-77. DOR: 20.1001.1.22286020.1390.3.47.7.3.
[37] Dabbour, L. M. Geometric Proportions: The Underlying Structure of Design Process For Islamic Geometric Patterns. Frontiers Of Architectural Research, 2012 Dec 1; 1 (4): 380–391. DOI: 10.1016/j.foar.2012.08.005.
[38] Najafi, M. A Recognition of Toopkhaneh Square, Tehran. Soffeh Journal, 2012 Aug 22; 22(1): 121-133. URL: https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_100127.html?lang=en. 
[39] Mohammadzadeh Mehr, F. Tehran Artillery Square: A look at the course of continuity and transformation in urban spaces. Tehran: Payam Sima Design and Publishing Company, 2003. [In Persian]
[40] Najafi, M., Ahari, Z. Dar al-Khalifah Naseri Artillery Field “Iranian mentality and another’s approach”. Tehran: Rozeneh, 2014. [In Persian]
[41] Rezaei, M. Expanding Walkability in Tehran’s Historic Downtown Case Study: Streets Leading to the Imam Khomeini Square (Maidan-e Tup-khana). Int. J. Architect. Eng. Urban Plan, 2022 Apr 10;  32(2): 1-16, DOI: 10.22068/ijaup.619.
Urban Economics and Planning
Volume 4, Issue 2 - Serial Number 14
Spring 2023
Pages 228-242

  • Receive Date 03 August 2023
  • Revise Date 03 September 2023
  • Accept Date 03 September 2023