The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

An Analysis of the Dimensions and Characteristics of Popular Architecture in the Contemporary Era

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2024.454680.5599
Volume 21, Issue 137
November 2024
Pages 37-50
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Majid Mansourpour 1 ΒΆ
Ghasem Motalebi 2

1 Ph.D. Candidate in Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: Social and demographic evolutions, as well as the escalating growth of collective technologies, have led to the formation of urban mass culture, the tendency toward standardization, and the widespread sharing of beliefs, values, and tastes. This standardization of tastes generates popular art and architecture to come up with an answer that is understandable for everyone and is accepted by the majority. By emphasizing the nature of popular architecture, this study seeks to answer these questions: What is popular architecture? What dimensions and features can be defined for popular architecture?
Research objective: The aim of the research is to define popular architecture in the contemporary period and the recognition of the characteristics, dimensions, and components of popular architecture on an international and domestic level.
Research method: The research method is a systematic review. Therefore, 103 researches related to this topic were searched and identified in seven foreign databases and two Persian databases. Based on the relevance of the titles, abstracts, and content, two experts evaluated the searched research and ultimately, 33 articles related to the research were selected.
Conclusion: The results of the research indicate that the characteristics of popular architecture can be expressed in ten sub-categories, which include popular approval, social demonstration, stylistic imitation, lack of expression of a specific identity, comprehensible modernist expression, visual appeal, semantic, emotional, consumerism, and fashionism. These categories are also defined in the form of five main categories which are cultural-social, historical-identity, aesthetic-physical, semantic-emotional, and economic. The main characteristics of this architectural flow are directly or indirectly affected by the aesthetic-physical aspect. In this regard, the expression of popular architecture is mainly in modern appearance has a visual appeal for the general audience, and is expressed with the help of characteristics such as nostalgic expression and historicism.

Keywords

Popular architecture
the mass
consumerism
POP architecture
Kitsch architecture
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