Across times and continents, there are architectural and urban patterns with a striking similarity - ranging from the Ganjali Khan Complex in Kerman, Iran (1596-1631), the underground structures of Bulla Regia, Tunisia (2nd-4th century CE) dating back to Roman times, the urban plan of Fez in Morrocco, Lübeck's mediaeval city in Germany and Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon, New Mexico (850-1150 CE). This publication attempts a comparison and a definition of these universal principles and what shapes them.
Perhaps surprising, different environmental and climatic conditions can achieve similar organizational outcomes, evidence for fundamental ordering criteria in architecture and city planning. Moreover, these convergences can occur despite large geographical distances and without any cultural transmission. The book explores these patterns, thus establishing a spatial grammar.
· Richly illustrated survey of spatial urban organization, based on the author’s numerous field trips
Pages: 256
Language: English
17 × 24 cm
110 illustrations
Khosrow Borzogi is a Professor of Architecture, the founder of the Ph.D. Program in Planning, Design, and Construction at the University of Oklahoma, and also the creator of the Center for Middle Eastern Architecture and Culture at the University of Oklahoma. He teaches Architectural Design, Diplomacy Lab, Graduate Studio, Middle Eastern Architecture, Professional Project Research, Urban Design Studio, and Architecture for Non-Majors. Dr. Borzogi previously was on the architecture faculty of the University of Tehran.