Tangible outcomes of intangible socio-cultural changes : the case study of Kandovan

Aso Hajirsouli, Anoma Kumarasuriyar, David Nielsen

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paper

Abstract

![CDATA[The architecture and the built environment of any particular community is recognised as the component and physical expression of its socio-cultural factors. Likewise, dwellings and human settlements, are considered to be the most direct reflection of the day-today activities, needs, lifestyles, traditions, and general socio-cultural backgrounds of their residents (Lau 2010; Lambert 1977; Mayer 2002; Netting 1984; Rapoport 1969, 1999) It is suggested that there are two aspects to the relationship between socio-cultural factors and architecture. The first is when the socio-cultural factors, including day-to-day lifestyles, social intercourses, desires, rituals, requirements, motivations, and values influence the architecture. The architecture is thus the physical embodiment and expression of all these factors. The second relates to the post-construction period where architecture impacts on the socio-cultural factors of its users (Rapoport 1969). In other words, socio-cultural factors dictate and generate the creation of architecture, and once constructed, the architecture starts to modify the lifestyle of their inhabitants. Importantly any alteration to these intangible patterns and factors, i.e. behavioural patterns, family structures, privacy, occupation, the position of women, and social interactions, of a community results in an eventual modification of its architecture. The relationships and interactions between social patterns and architecture is more noticeable in vernacular architecture. It can thus be proposed that architecture, especially vernacular architecture, is the ‘tangible’ representation of the ‘intangible’ socio-cultural features of a given society. Kandovan, in Iran, is the last vernacular settlement of cone-shaped architecture, which has maintained its social consistency for the last 850 years. However, with the arrival of mass tourism in the 21st century, this status quo has become increasingly untenable due to ongoing changes to its social context. This in turn has dramatically affected the vernacular architecture of this unique settlement. This article investigates the underlying factors that are driving the socio-cultural changes and modification to its architecture. The result is the first comprehensive documentation of Kandovan’s vernacular and modified architecture, as influenced by its socio-cultural factors.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSharing Cultures 2019: Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Intangible Heritage, Guimarães, Portugal, 17-19 September 2019
PublisherGreen Lines Institute for Sustainable Development
Pages59-70
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9789898734396
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventInternational Conference on Intangible Heritage -
Duration: 1 Jan 2019 → …

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Intangible Heritage
Period1/01/19 → …

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