Latest Attempts in Contemporary Iranian Architecture in Search for Authenticity

Abstract

The conflictions between homogeneity and universal values suggested by Modernism and traditional values resulted in a variety of ideas generated as a search for authenticity all over the world. Iran is known as one of the countries which imported the modern ideas directly to a society, which was still living with and respecting the traditional values. This challenge between the two seemingly conflicting poles of tradition and modernism resulted in three periods in the history of contemporary Iranian architecture. Now, it seems that Iranian architecture has entered to a new period regarding the interpretation of authenticity. Since novelty and relation with the past are known as the main indicators of the concept of authenticity, in this research it is tried to explore the ideas of seven pioneers of the new generation of architects in Iran around these concepts. These architects are amongst the most well-known young architects of Iran who have won more than 3 prizes in Memar (Architect) competition which is the most prestigious architectural competition in the country. To find out the interpretation of these architects about the concept of authenticity, inclusive interviews have been realized with these architects. Then, using recursive abstraction method, it is tried to find out the main points in definition of the concept of authenticity by each architect. In addition, some of the completed projects of theses architects have been visited and analyzed to find out the reflection of their ideas related to authenticity in their projects.