Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

Genealogical Analysis of University Facades in Iran with Emphasis on Components of Islamic Art

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Elham Akbari 1
Mehdi Hamzenejad 2
Farhang Mozafar 3
1 PhD Researcher in Architecture, University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ias.2025.525449.2420
Abstract
In the contemporary era, university facades reflect the cultural and religious identity as well as the level of scientific innovation of societies, playing a significant role in the quality of educational environments. This research, employing a genealogical approach and a mixed method of documentary study and expert interviews, conducts a comparative analysis of the physical evolution of university facades in Iran and global examples. Findings indicate that three main forces guide these transformations: technological advancements, environmental requirements, and the preservation of cultural-Islamic identity. Leading global universities such as MIT and ETH Zurich have effectively linked innovation with architectural heritage by utilizing technologies like BIM and Digital Twin, along with sustainable materials. In contrast, Iranian universities such as Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Sharif University of Technology, and Shiraz University, while facing infrastructural limitations, are moving towards hybrid patterns. These patterns combine elements such as seven-color tiles, photovoltaic glass, central courtyard layouts, sacred geometry, and local materials, pursuing the continuity of Islamic architectural tradition in a new form. Qualitative analysis of the interviews led to the identification of 30 sub-categories and 80 conceptual codes, which specify the main categories of designing university facades through the integration of Islamic art and contemporary technologies. The final findings emphasize that although the role of Islamic architecture in shaping the visual identity of Iranian universities is more prominent compared to Western modern and functionalist approaches, implementing strategies such as developing indigenous Islamic technologies, integrating Islamic art with new technologies, and formulating hybrid standards can enhance design quality and lead to sustainability, identity formation, and the reinvention of Islamic architecture in Iranian universities.
Research Objectives:


Identifying the main categories of challenges in designing university facades through the integration of Islamic art and contemporary technologies using a Grounded Theory approach.


Conducting a comparative analysis of the genealogy of university space facades in Iran and the world.


Research Questions:


What are the components and general challenges of designing university facades focused on integrating Islamic art and new technologies using a Grounded Theory approach?


What are the differences and similarities in the genealogy of university facades in Iran and international universities?
Keywords
Genealogy
Architecture
Design of University Spaces
Fourth and Fifth Generation Universities

Subjects

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