Publications
A Competent Management Framework for WHS of Maymand Cultural Landscape
A revised management framework for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maymand Cultural Landscape emerges from a comparative analysis with global landscape planning standards. This study addresses long-standing gaps in cultural landscape conservation by integrating insights from UNESCO, IUCN, National Park Service, and European Landscape Convention frameworks. The proposed approach enhances effective management practices, ensuring sustainable preservation while addressing the complexities inherent to cultural landscapes. It offers a practical solution for balancing theoretical challenges with on-the-ground implementation.
A New Look at Excavation Techniques and Design of Rock-Cut Architectures
Rock-cut architecture, a lesser-known form of vernacular architecture, employs distinct excavation techniques and design principles that vary significantly from conventional architectural practices. This study identifies three primary excavation methods used across nearly 70 functionally assessed rock-cut buildings in Iran, with the Meymand complex serving as the main case study. Residential units in this ancient village were analyzed for technique and design style, revealing that the application of fine excavation techniques and the size of particles in the settlement context are critical factors determining construction quality. The research also highlights specialized climatic design standards and technologies, offering insights that could inform modern rock-cut building practices.
The Architecture of Transhumance: An Ethnographic Study of Animal Enclosures in a Pastoral Community in Iran
Ethnographic research over 13 years reveals that the vernacular architecture of animal enclosures (āqolhā) in Maymand, Iran, embodies the pastoral lifestyle and social structure of its transhumant community. These enclosures reflect seasonal migration patterns, cultural calendar, and communal organization, offering insights into how architectural design integrates with ecological and social rhythms. The study employs participant observation and informal interviews to decode the spatial and symbolic significance of these structures within their broader cultural context.
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