Seyed Gholamreza Islami,
Volume 0, Issue 2 (6-2011)
Abstract
Considering the problems facing contemporary architecture in Iran, a better understanding of the meaning of architecture has
become necessary. Architecture, like language, defines and facilitates the relationship between Man and his environment. The
word architecture both in Arabic (Amara) and in Latin (Architecture), attempts to define the attributes of the maker before
determining the characteristics of the product - a fact that points towards a more profound understanding. Thus, it is becoming
increasingly important for researchers to define the process of formation (the how of architecture) more than the specific
attributes of built form (the what of architecture). In this way, creativity and the different processes by which it is achieved, would
gain a higher significance in architectural circles. Using an Endogenous Development model, this article seeks to offer an
alternative approach towards architectural design. Accepting the hierarchy in causal relationships and expanding on the concept
of elevating hidden meaning up onto the surfaces of expression, this article proposes a model of thought in which design consists
of a process starting at the depth of ideas and common beliefs, moving up to the individuals' images and finally arriving at
rational and general concepts. It is then argued that this process provides spaces in which it is possible to experience a sense of
belonging to place, and even further, it allows users to abandon material belongings to arrive at feelings that occur in sacred
places. This article offers the author's own particular teaching as one expression of this model of thought, whereby students start
by working with mud and then gradually leave their childhood status to reach full maturity in design. Through this process, they
obtain an ability to overcome technical and rational challenges in their projects, moving from "intuition" towards "wisdom",
"knowledge" and finally "science" in the material world.
