A Study of Transformation of Iranian Modern Architecture: Evolution of Façade Design in Public Building in Tehran Since 1920s to Present

The evolution of Iranian architecture has started to emerge from the first Pahlavi era, when Iran was under Reza Khan Pahlavi’s reign. Thus, the traditional layout of cities started to change drastically. Iranian architecture has gone through different phases from inspiration from creation of national style, and pure Western architectural style to the contemporary attempts of creating new tendencies in design. During the early twentieth century, intellectuals attempted to modernize Iranian lifestyle and views. Regarding its process during the 20th century it is possible to define three phases: westernization of Iranian thoughts, Iranian Phase of Western thinking, the dialogue between tradition and modernity. The first Pahlavi era (1924-1941) focused on industrial modernization, while ignoring two pillars of modernity: social modernization and political development. Parallel to the first Pahlavi era, the most apparent characteristic of modernity in second Pahlavi era (1941-1979) was the prominence of industrial development and growth in adaptation of western popular culture. The conflicts between the ideas about secular government of Pahlavi and Shi’a government has been added to the complication of Iranian modernity after the Islamic revolution (1979). This complication is regarded as the crisis of modernity as well. First Pahlavi was the era of creating a new type of heritage, which is the representation of a Modern Iran, while reflecting the respect to the ancient heritage. By the beginning of the second Pahlavi era in 1941, use of technology in architectural “image” was at its highest. The king was strongly leaning towards “building big” as a part of his plan for national modernization. After the Islamic revolution (1979), new terms were advertised by the government among which were ‘Islamic Utopia’ and ‘Iranian–Islamic Architecture’. The new state tried to use architecture as a way of supporting its ideology. Buildings that were designed during the first and second Pahlavi eras represent a period in Iran’s history when architecture was employed as a means to define, represent and negotiate the national identity. After the revolution of 1979, Iranian architects have mainly remained interested in a modernist approach. Likewise, the interest in the application of traditional architecture and Islamic symbols and motifs were appreciated in this era. Façades of public buildings reflect two important approaches during Iran’s modernization: 1) socio-cultural transformations; 2) state prevailing policies. This thesis includes two cases were selected from each era, representing the main features that are used on the facades. These features are categorized as style, proportions, openings, used materials, and symbols and ornamentations. Through case studies it has been clarified that the façade design of public buildings during the modernization of Iranian architecture, has faced a fluctuation in adopting Iranian traditional features and modern style. This transformation represents the socio-cultural changes and state prevailing policies that affect the identity of Iranian architecture. Keywords: Modernization, Iran, Public buildings, Façade Design, Tehran