The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

An Inquiry on the Concept of Vernacular Architecture of Mazandaran in the Contemporary Era (Case Study: Sari City)

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2025.502492.5764
Volume 22, Issue 146
August 2025
Pages 27-36
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Isa Hojat 1
Seyed Yahya Islami 1
Seyed Ali Seyedian 2
Sara Motevalli 1

1 School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: The emergence of vernacular architecture is the physical manifestation of the interaction between geographical and human components within a given ecosystem. In traditional eras, this interaction evolved through a gradual process; however, the transition to modernity has transformed this progression. What are the constructive components of an ecosystem, and how have they influenced the formation of vernacular architecture in Mazandaran Province across different historical periods?
Research objective: This study aims to identify the constructive components of an ecosystem and critically reflect on the concept of vernacular architecture in contemporary Mazandaran. Subsidiary objectives include extracting criteria and sub-criteria influencing physical manifestations of vernacular architecture.
Research method:  Employing a qualitative approach with a historical-analytical method, the city of Sari was selected as the case study. Meta-synthesis of literature was conducted using MaxQDA 20 to identify criteria and sub-criteria. Pairwise comparison was used to calculate sub-criteria weights. Through purposive sampling, documentary studies, and field observations, contemporary vernacular architecture in Mazandaran was analyzed using a combined Emic (insider perspective) and Etic (outsider perspective) framework.
Conclusion: Results identify 43 constructive sub-criteria of the ecosystem, categorized under 5 geographical and 7 human criteria. Emic analysis reveals that the historic Āb-Anbār-e-No neighborhood scored 628. 66 points, while the contemporary Bakhsh-e-hasht scored 197.66. The etic comparison demonstrates incompatibility in contemporary sari’s physical manifestations due to misalignment with 21/ 43 sub-criteria, including precipitation & humidity, solar exposure & temperature, wind patterns & ventilation from geographical factors and habits & norms, customs & ethics, rituals & traditions from human factors causing dissonance with vernacular principles.

Keywords

Vernacular Architecture
Ecosystem
Contemporary Human
Contemporary Era
Mazandaran
Sari
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