Head of Department

Department Members

Pirouz Hanachi
Professor
pirouzhanachi@ut.ac.ir
Professor Academic Rank Subject Area
Pirouz Hanachi Professor Conservation and Restoration of Architecture and Urban Heritage
Somayeh Fadaei Nezhad Associate Professor Conservation and Restoration of Architecture and Urban Heritage
Mohammad Bagher Kabirsaber Assistant Professor Conservation and Restoration of Architecture and Urban Heritage
Mohammad Hasan Talebian Professor Iranian Architectural Studies
Elham Andaroudi Associate Professor Iranian Architectural Studies
Saeid Khaghani Assistant Professor Iranian Architectural Studies
Mohammad Hasan Khademzade Assistant Professor Iranian Architectural Studies

Objectives

  • The Master's program in Iranian Studies focuses on revisiting and deepening the historical background of architecture, cities, and urbanism in Iran, as well as expanding and deepening the existing knowledge in this field. It is evident that when explaining and defining the characteristics of architecture and cities as living environments in different periods, other aspects of human life, such as culture, art, and history, will also be addressed in addition to settlements and buildings. The aim of establishing the Master's program in Iranian Architectural Studies is to train researchers in the history of architecture and to expand knowledge about the glorious history of Iranian architecture. Graduates of this program can work as researchers in the history of Iranian architecture and urbanism at relevant research centers, including universities and research institutions, the Cultural Heritage Organization, and archaeological groups, or serve as instructors of history of architecture and urbanism at universities. They may also work as consultants in scientific groups related to architectural and urban design. Familiarizing students with the temporal and spatial characteristics of the historical architecture of the pre-Islamic period (until the end of the Sassanid period), understanding the concept and characteristics of cultural domains during this period, how architecture evolved in these domains, getting acquainted with important architectural and urban works of this period, and interpreting archaeological findings related to this period are among the goals of this program.
     

Method

  • In this course, while familiarizing students with examples of architecture from the pre-Islamic historical period, they will engage directly with the remaining artifacts. Guided by the instructor, students will select a topic for a supplementary research project on either a well-known example or a lesser-known archaeological study and will present their findings in class. Selecting general topics in the field of architecture from pre-Islamic Iran is permitted. Since most information regarding pre-historic architecture in Iran comes from the research of archaeologists, it is necessary for students to become practically familiar with the interpretive methods of architectural analysis of archaeological findings. It is advisable to seek assistance from experts and specialists in each area, region, and site for introducing archaeological findings and analyzing their characteristics. In these sessions, the instructor will strive to encourage students to pose questions and express opinions from an architectural history perspective, in the presence of invited specialists (in archaeology and art history), using clear and comprehensible maps and images, thereby closely familiarizing them with existing information and gaps in knowledge.
     

Admission Conditions and Regulations

  • Graduates from various fields of architecture and urban planning can enroll in the Master's program in Iranian Architectural Studies. Admission conditions comply with the regulations of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology.
     
  • The total number of credits for this program is 28, consisting of 12 credits from specialized courses, 10 credits from elective courses, and 6 credits for the thesis. Additionally, students can take 12 credits of remedial courses if needed.

Historical environments encompass a diverse collection of buildings, monuments, and valuable ensembles that have formed over centuries as a product of the complex relationship between humans and the built environment. Due to their unique historical characteristics and various architectural, economic, cultural, and social values, they deserve recognition. Historical environments and their valuable architectural heritage are considered irreplaceable assets, showcasing centuries of craftsmanship and granting unique advantages to places. Buildings, valuable urban complexes, and textures are among the most significant legacies passed down from previous generations. We must treat them as great wealth, transferring them to future generations while preserving their authenticity and integrity and equipping them for contemporary life.

This program is designed with a novel approach to heritage preservation, aiming for development grounded in special attention to cultural, historical, social, and economic values. The purpose of revising the previous program and developing this one was to provide a fresh perspective based on the expansion and generalization of modern attitudes and policies towards preservation and to leverage global experiences. Given the breadth of the subject and the need to specialize the fields of study and education in preservation, the proposed program is divided into two specializations: Architectural Heritage Preservation and Urban Heritage Preservation. The key criteria and indicators in this revision focus on updating and aligning the program with global advancements, considering the roles and capacities of graduates, employment opportunities for alumni, and localizing the program in line with the values emphasized by society, particularly religious, ideological, and national values.


Objectives

To strive for a fresh perspective on preserving cultural and historical wealth and its connection to contemporary life, as well as the relationship between the tourism industry and investment in cultural and historical assets.
To train effective specialists who, in addition to gaining knowledge in the technical and specialized fields of preservation, are aware of the various dimensions and unparalleled values of Iranian-Islamic culture and civilization.
To emphasize the use of modern technologies in the preservation education process.

To highlight one of the principal cultural objectives after the Islamic Revolution of Iran, which is to identify the characteristics and cultural-historical values of the country through the study, understanding, and preservation of historical cultural buildings and ensembles, as well as their revival and continuity in support of the cultural policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.


Admission Conditions and Regulations

Graduates of undergraduate programs and higher in architecture, urban planning, and restoration can enter this program, provided they meet the conditions outlined in the entrance exam guide each year.

The total number of credits for these two courses is 28, which includes 12 credits of specialized courses, 4 credits of shared specialized courses, 8 credits of elective courses, and 4 credits for the thesis. Additionally, students may complete 12 credits of remedial courses if needed.

 

  • Objectives


    The primary objective of establishing the PhD program in Restoration and Revitalization of Historical Buildings and Fabric is to enter the field of education and research in heritage conservation and restoration at the highest level. The PhD program is a full-time and the highest degree in higher education, leading to the awarding of a "Restoration and Revitalization of Historical Buildings and Fabric" degree.

    Providing an appropriate framework to enhance the education and research level of students interested in pursuing the highest level of education in heritage conservation.
    Creating a foundation for recognizing and critically examining prevailing theories and studies in the field of heritage conservation.
    Innovating in educational and research areas of heritage conservation and contributing to the advancement and expansion of knowledge boundaries in this field.
    Training effective managers in the management and leadership of restoration projects and plans for historical buildings, complexes, and fabrics in governmental, public, private sector organizations, and national policy-making and planning institutions.
    Ensuring the necessary human resources to promote and teach this discipline in other universities and relevant research centers.
    Disseminating and producing knowledge in heritage conservation that aligns with the cultural characteristics and specific conditions of the country.
    Training proficient specialists who, in addition to acquiring knowledge in the technical and specialized fields of conservation, also possess sufficient mastery in theorizing and conducting in-depth studies of heritage.
    The duration of the PhD program is four years (eight academic semesters). However, under special circumstances, with the approval of the Graduate Studies Council of the faculty and in compliance with the university's financial regulations, students may be allowed to use additional years.

    The total number of credits for this program is 36, of which 18 credits are for coursework and 18 credits are for the doctoral thesis.