The vernacular Iranian architecture

Iran's vernacular architecture is designed in proportion to its climatic conditions, and more than often, the unique fabled artistic background of Persia makes up for the seemingly lack of natural resources and beauty . Vernacular building techniques are particularly important because they are the result of centuries of development and practice. The recording of craftsmanship is extremely vital, not only because it provides empirical evidence of original practice, but also because it can be directly applied to practical conservation. Employing local materials in construction and repair work has many advantages, not least of which is the fact that the sources for the original materials are close to the site. Also the workmanship necessary for using traditional materials such as mud requires more skill, sensitivity and grounding in traditional culture than what is required for modern materials. The intermediate technology is now seen by many to be an essential ingredient of progress in the 21st century. This great Iranian tradition is as yet little known in the West and there is much to be learn both from it and the building techniques which are integral with it.