NADER ARDALAN - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by NADER ARDALAN

Intellect Books, Oct 15, 2019

A PERSONAL REFLECTION: On the Traditional, the Modern and the Perennial in Architecture CONTEMPOR... more A PERSONAL REFLECTION: On the Traditional, the Modern and the Perennial in Architecture CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IN PRE-REVOLUTIONARY IRAN Nader Ardalan President, Ardalan Associates MG Edited Aug.10.16 /NA Edit 1.4.17(19,281 words) INTRODUCTION Without assuming a more anthropological or scholastic probe, what follows are my personal reflections on the architectural and planning challenges and opportunities that I experienced and directly participated in Iran from 1964 to 1979. The critical value of this study is that instead of younger generations having to piece through disjointed fragments of historical documents to conjure up what and how events occurred; here is a living testament of the actual, real individuals who made this history and the often-missing human feelings and issues that motivated their actions. It is not edited or flavored through the lens of thirty to forty years of post-revolutionary fervor and misunderstandings.

Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the cu... more Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the current reign of quantity and material consumerism that is threatening the very existence of life on earth, we remain in anxious anticipation of the yet unknown next phase of human consciousness to help mitigate life’s unfolding challenges. Thus, human beings exist in a transitional situation that is precarious and yet full of potential. Within this panorama this paper focuses on two less challenging, yet pivotal questions regarding our urban environments: “What are the transcendent foundations that have given birth and historically sustained great cities of the Middle East over the last ten millennia and what can we learn from them that may inform and influence the holistic transformation and life patterns of our cities today and their future?”Presi tra passato, quando le credenze religiose tradizionali strutturavano la maggior parte delle visioni del mondo, e l’attuale regno della quantità e del consumismo materiale, che sta minacciando l’esistenza stessa della vita sulla terra, rimaniamo in trepida attesa della prossima fase ancora sconosciuta della coscienza umana per contribuire a mitigare le emergenti sfide della vita. Così, gli esseri umani esistono in una situazione di transizione che è precaria eppure piena di potenzialità. In questo panorama, l’articolo si concentra su due domande meno impegnative, tuttavia cardine, per quanto riguarda i nostri ambienti urbani: “Quali sono i fondamenti trascendenti che hanno dato i natali ed hanno sostenuto storicamente le grandi città del Medio Oriente negli ultimi dieci millenni e che cosa possiamo imparare da loro che possa informare e influenzare le trasformazioni olistiche e i modelli di vita delle nostre città di oggi ed il loro futuro?

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Sep 1, 2016

Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the cu... more Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the current reign of quantity and material consumerism that is threatening the very existence of life on earth, we remain in anxious anticipation of the yet unknown next phase of human consciousness to help mitigate life’s unfolding challenges. Thus, human beings exist in a transitional situation that is precarious and yet full of potential. Within this panorama this paper focuses on two less challenging, yet pivotal questions regarding our urban environments: “What are the transcendent foundations that have given birth and historically sustained great cities of the Middle East over the last ten millennia and what can we learn from them that may inform and influence the holistic transformation and life patterns of our cities today and their future?”

Iranian Studies, Mar 1, 1974

My aim in this lecture shall be to situate the world of color within the traditional context of t... more My aim in this lecture shall be to situate the world of color within the traditional context of the Islamic culture of Persia; to explore the conceptual motivations that provoked its intense crystallization and saturation during the Safavid era; and to ultimately follow this world of color as it is annihilated into nothingness within the presence of Absolute Light. We will therefore witness the conceptual birth, life and death of color as a cyclical yet timeless, metaphysical expression of the Absolute within the world of phenomenal forms.Tis light makes color visible; at nightRed, green and russet vanish from thy sight.So too the light by their contraries are shown.From the dark jungle as a lion brightColor from the viewless Spirit leaps to light.Rūmī

Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) eBooks, Dec 1, 2018

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gul... more The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gulf Sustainable Urbanism (GSU) since 2011. This holistic, multi-year, cross-disciplinary, cross-border study focusing on sustainable urbanism in the Gulf Region is sponsored by Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, Qatar. The main focus of the commissioned research is the future of urbanism in the coastal region, on a sustainable basis, both environmentally and socio- economically. A study of historical urbanization patterns was conducted on a representative sample of 14 urban settlements in 8 countries surrounding the Gulf: twelve coastal cities (including two cases of "twin" cities) and two associated hinterland cities. Urban and regional histories were documented and analyzed to understand the complex relationships that generated long-lasting urban forms and efficient building designs.

Gulf Sustainable Urbanism – Past, Volume I, 2018

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gul... more The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gulf Sustainable Urbanism (GSU) since 2011. This holistic, multi-year, cross-disciplinary, cross-border study focusing on sustainable urbanism in the Gulf Region is sponsored by Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, Qatar. The main focus of the commissioned research is the future of urbanism in the coastal region, on a sustainable basis, both environmentally and socio- economically. A study of historical urbanization patterns was conducted on a representative sample of 14 urban settlements in 8 countries surrounding the Gulf: twelve coastal cities (including two cases of "twin" cities) and two associated hinterland cities. Urban and regional histories were documented and analyzed to understand the complex relationships that generated long-lasting urban forms and efficient building designs.

Intellect Books, Oct 15, 2019

A PERSONAL REFLECTION: On the Traditional, the Modern and the Perennial in Architecture CONTE... more A PERSONAL REFLECTION:
On the Traditional, the Modern and the Perennial in Architecture

CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IN PRE-REVOLUTIONARY IRAN

Nader Ardalan
President, Ardalan Associates MG Edited Aug.10.16 /NA Edit 1.4.17(19,281 words)

INTRODUCTION

Without assuming a more anthropological or scholastic probe, what follows are my personal reflections on the architectural and planning challenges and opportunities that I experienced and directly participated in Iran from 1964 to 1979. The critical value of this study is that instead of younger generations having to piece through disjointed fragments of historical documents to conjure up what and how events occurred; here is a living testament of the actual, real individuals who made this history and the often-missing human feelings and issues that motivated their actions. It is not edited or flavored through the lens of thirty to forty years of post-revolutionary fervor and misunderstandings.

IN_BO. Ricerche e progetti per il territorio, la città e l'architettura, Sep 19, 2016

International Journal of Environmental Studies, 2022

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gul... more The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gulf Sustainable Urbanism (GSU) since 2011. This holistic, multi-year, cross-disciplinary, cross-border study focusing on sustainable urbanism in the Gulf Region is sponsored by Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, Qatar. The main focus of the commissioned research is the future of urbanism in the coastal region, on a sustainable basis, both environmentally and socio- economically. A study of historical urbanization patterns was conducted on a representative sample of 14 urban settlements in 8 countries surrounding the Gulf: twelve coastal cities (including two cases of "twin" cities) and two associated hinterland cities. Urban and regional histories were documented and analyzed to understand the complex relationships that generated long-lasting urban forms and efficient building designs.

Born in 1924 in the ancient Persian city of Qazvin in a grand old house replete with carpets, sta... more Born in 1924 in the ancient Persian city of Qazvin in a grand old house replete with carpets, stained glass, nightingales, and gardens, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian audaciously left occupied Iran during World War II for New York, where she found herself in the company and friendship of Louise Nevelson, Frank Stella, Joan Mitchell, William De-Kooning and Andy Warhol. Monir became part and a product of New York's '50s artistic zeitgeist, eventually she returned to Tehran but she never stopped making art. Referencing her rich Iranian heritage with the rhythms of modern architectural abstraction with mirrors and reverse painted glass, her work celebrates the culture she loves and in turn welcomes the viewer into its surface. In addition to mirror mosaic wall-based reliefs and intricate sculptures, she has produced plexiglass sculptures, brush paintings, and drawings. Hans Ulrich Obrist became determined to meet Monir when many young artists in Cairo and the Emirates replied to his question, 'Who is your hero from the previous generation?' Monir 'was always the answer.' Obrist's ongoing dialogue and lasting friendship is the foundation of this first monograph - a survey, a personal document, and broad spectrum of scholarly research on the eminence grise of Middle-Eastern art - Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian.

Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the cu... more Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the current reign of quantity and material consumerism that is threatening the very existence of life on earth, we remain in anxious anticipation of the yet unknown next phase of human consciousness to help mitigate life’s unfolding challenges. Thus, human beings exist in a transitional situation that is precarious and yet full of potential. Within this panorama this paper focuses on two less challenging, yet pivotal questions regarding our urban environments: “What are the transcendent foundations that have given birth and historically sustained great cities of the Middle East over the last ten millennia and what can we learn from them that may inform and influence the holistic transformation and life patterns of our cities today and their future?”

1OuyJXW4t QLoy4WcIB 1Vl4ToV43 QOqU2MDWl MO2rnRRIy 2hbZt60wf popOCO2mC FNkcWPlFu v6k2jpuKr 1ESohED... more 1OuyJXW4t QLoy4WcIB 1Vl4ToV43 QOqU2MDWl MO2rnRRIy 2hbZt60wf popOCO2mC FNkcWPlFu v6k2jpuKr 1ESohEDgL C5wFzky1r tjZpuK0Gk Y2JqRJVyj tHwsmmIHV VkYi0wUY7 og74xpkL8 DE3R3kBRB 8tNLkBuvw K3eJ5P6L4 2kTq8AnXw Bguhi1IU7 8N3ht7PNC xxiKzV850 ugoZOvnCE wNx4n54ye UolBhHt0i gT3GSsci4 CrALRiwWp The Sense of Unity : The Sufi Tradition in Persian Architecture JZ-29728 US/Data/Crafts-Hobbies-Home 4.5/5 From 311 Reviews Nader Ardalan, Laleh Bakhtiar DOC | *audiobook | ebooks | Download PDF | ePub

Gulf Sustainable Urbanism – Past, Volume II

International Journal of Islamic Architecture, 2014

Intellect Books, Oct 15, 2019

A PERSONAL REFLECTION: On the Traditional, the Modern and the Perennial in Architecture CONTEMPOR... more A PERSONAL REFLECTION: On the Traditional, the Modern and the Perennial in Architecture CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IN PRE-REVOLUTIONARY IRAN Nader Ardalan President, Ardalan Associates MG Edited Aug.10.16 /NA Edit 1.4.17(19,281 words) INTRODUCTION Without assuming a more anthropological or scholastic probe, what follows are my personal reflections on the architectural and planning challenges and opportunities that I experienced and directly participated in Iran from 1964 to 1979. The critical value of this study is that instead of younger generations having to piece through disjointed fragments of historical documents to conjure up what and how events occurred; here is a living testament of the actual, real individuals who made this history and the often-missing human feelings and issues that motivated their actions. It is not edited or flavored through the lens of thirty to forty years of post-revolutionary fervor and misunderstandings.

Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the cu... more Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the current reign of quantity and material consumerism that is threatening the very existence of life on earth, we remain in anxious anticipation of the yet unknown next phase of human consciousness to help mitigate life’s unfolding challenges. Thus, human beings exist in a transitional situation that is precarious and yet full of potential. Within this panorama this paper focuses on two less challenging, yet pivotal questions regarding our urban environments: “What are the transcendent foundations that have given birth and historically sustained great cities of the Middle East over the last ten millennia and what can we learn from them that may inform and influence the holistic transformation and life patterns of our cities today and their future?”Presi tra passato, quando le credenze religiose tradizionali strutturavano la maggior parte delle visioni del mondo, e l’attuale regno della quantità e del consumismo materiale, che sta minacciando l’esistenza stessa della vita sulla terra, rimaniamo in trepida attesa della prossima fase ancora sconosciuta della coscienza umana per contribuire a mitigare le emergenti sfide della vita. Così, gli esseri umani esistono in una situazione di transizione che è precaria eppure piena di potenzialità. In questo panorama, l’articolo si concentra su due domande meno impegnative, tuttavia cardine, per quanto riguarda i nostri ambienti urbani: “Quali sono i fondamenti trascendenti che hanno dato i natali ed hanno sostenuto storicamente le grandi città del Medio Oriente negli ultimi dieci millenni e che cosa possiamo imparare da loro che possa informare e influenzare le trasformazioni olistiche e i modelli di vita delle nostre città di oggi ed il loro futuro?

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Sep 1, 2016

Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the cu... more Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the current reign of quantity and material consumerism that is threatening the very existence of life on earth, we remain in anxious anticipation of the yet unknown next phase of human consciousness to help mitigate life’s unfolding challenges. Thus, human beings exist in a transitional situation that is precarious and yet full of potential. Within this panorama this paper focuses on two less challenging, yet pivotal questions regarding our urban environments: “What are the transcendent foundations that have given birth and historically sustained great cities of the Middle East over the last ten millennia and what can we learn from them that may inform and influence the holistic transformation and life patterns of our cities today and their future?”

Iranian Studies, Mar 1, 1974

My aim in this lecture shall be to situate the world of color within the traditional context of t... more My aim in this lecture shall be to situate the world of color within the traditional context of the Islamic culture of Persia; to explore the conceptual motivations that provoked its intense crystallization and saturation during the Safavid era; and to ultimately follow this world of color as it is annihilated into nothingness within the presence of Absolute Light. We will therefore witness the conceptual birth, life and death of color as a cyclical yet timeless, metaphysical expression of the Absolute within the world of phenomenal forms.Tis light makes color visible; at nightRed, green and russet vanish from thy sight.So too the light by their contraries are shown.From the dark jungle as a lion brightColor from the viewless Spirit leaps to light.Rūmī

Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) eBooks, Dec 1, 2018

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gul... more The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gulf Sustainable Urbanism (GSU) since 2011. This holistic, multi-year, cross-disciplinary, cross-border study focusing on sustainable urbanism in the Gulf Region is sponsored by Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, Qatar. The main focus of the commissioned research is the future of urbanism in the coastal region, on a sustainable basis, both environmentally and socio- economically. A study of historical urbanization patterns was conducted on a representative sample of 14 urban settlements in 8 countries surrounding the Gulf: twelve coastal cities (including two cases of "twin" cities) and two associated hinterland cities. Urban and regional histories were documented and analyzed to understand the complex relationships that generated long-lasting urban forms and efficient building designs.

Gulf Sustainable Urbanism – Past, Volume I, 2018

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gul... more The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gulf Sustainable Urbanism (GSU) since 2011. This holistic, multi-year, cross-disciplinary, cross-border study focusing on sustainable urbanism in the Gulf Region is sponsored by Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, Qatar. The main focus of the commissioned research is the future of urbanism in the coastal region, on a sustainable basis, both environmentally and socio- economically. A study of historical urbanization patterns was conducted on a representative sample of 14 urban settlements in 8 countries surrounding the Gulf: twelve coastal cities (including two cases of "twin" cities) and two associated hinterland cities. Urban and regional histories were documented and analyzed to understand the complex relationships that generated long-lasting urban forms and efficient building designs.

Intellect Books, Oct 15, 2019

A PERSONAL REFLECTION: On the Traditional, the Modern and the Perennial in Architecture CONTE... more A PERSONAL REFLECTION:
On the Traditional, the Modern and the Perennial in Architecture

CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IN PRE-REVOLUTIONARY IRAN

Nader Ardalan
President, Ardalan Associates MG Edited Aug.10.16 /NA Edit 1.4.17(19,281 words)

INTRODUCTION

Without assuming a more anthropological or scholastic probe, what follows are my personal reflections on the architectural and planning challenges and opportunities that I experienced and directly participated in Iran from 1964 to 1979. The critical value of this study is that instead of younger generations having to piece through disjointed fragments of historical documents to conjure up what and how events occurred; here is a living testament of the actual, real individuals who made this history and the often-missing human feelings and issues that motivated their actions. It is not edited or flavored through the lens of thirty to forty years of post-revolutionary fervor and misunderstandings.

IN_BO. Ricerche e progetti per il territorio, la città e l'architettura, Sep 19, 2016

International Journal of Environmental Studies, 2022

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gul... more The Harvard University Graduate School of Design has been leading a research project entitled Gulf Sustainable Urbanism (GSU) since 2011. This holistic, multi-year, cross-disciplinary, cross-border study focusing on sustainable urbanism in the Gulf Region is sponsored by Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, Qatar. The main focus of the commissioned research is the future of urbanism in the coastal region, on a sustainable basis, both environmentally and socio- economically. A study of historical urbanization patterns was conducted on a representative sample of 14 urban settlements in 8 countries surrounding the Gulf: twelve coastal cities (including two cases of "twin" cities) and two associated hinterland cities. Urban and regional histories were documented and analyzed to understand the complex relationships that generated long-lasting urban forms and efficient building designs.

Born in 1924 in the ancient Persian city of Qazvin in a grand old house replete with carpets, sta... more Born in 1924 in the ancient Persian city of Qazvin in a grand old house replete with carpets, stained glass, nightingales, and gardens, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian audaciously left occupied Iran during World War II for New York, where she found herself in the company and friendship of Louise Nevelson, Frank Stella, Joan Mitchell, William De-Kooning and Andy Warhol. Monir became part and a product of New York's '50s artistic zeitgeist, eventually she returned to Tehran but she never stopped making art. Referencing her rich Iranian heritage with the rhythms of modern architectural abstraction with mirrors and reverse painted glass, her work celebrates the culture she loves and in turn welcomes the viewer into its surface. In addition to mirror mosaic wall-based reliefs and intricate sculptures, she has produced plexiglass sculptures, brush paintings, and drawings. Hans Ulrich Obrist became determined to meet Monir when many young artists in Cairo and the Emirates replied to his question, 'Who is your hero from the previous generation?' Monir 'was always the answer.' Obrist's ongoing dialogue and lasting friendship is the foundation of this first monograph - a survey, a personal document, and broad spectrum of scholarly research on the eminence grise of Middle-Eastern art - Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian.

Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the cu... more Caught between the past when traditional religious beliefs structured most world views and the current reign of quantity and material consumerism that is threatening the very existence of life on earth, we remain in anxious anticipation of the yet unknown next phase of human consciousness to help mitigate life’s unfolding challenges. Thus, human beings exist in a transitional situation that is precarious and yet full of potential. Within this panorama this paper focuses on two less challenging, yet pivotal questions regarding our urban environments: “What are the transcendent foundations that have given birth and historically sustained great cities of the Middle East over the last ten millennia and what can we learn from them that may inform and influence the holistic transformation and life patterns of our cities today and their future?”

1OuyJXW4t QLoy4WcIB 1Vl4ToV43 QOqU2MDWl MO2rnRRIy 2hbZt60wf popOCO2mC FNkcWPlFu v6k2jpuKr 1ESohED... more 1OuyJXW4t QLoy4WcIB 1Vl4ToV43 QOqU2MDWl MO2rnRRIy 2hbZt60wf popOCO2mC FNkcWPlFu v6k2jpuKr 1ESohEDgL C5wFzky1r tjZpuK0Gk Y2JqRJVyj tHwsmmIHV VkYi0wUY7 og74xpkL8 DE3R3kBRB 8tNLkBuvw K3eJ5P6L4 2kTq8AnXw Bguhi1IU7 8N3ht7PNC xxiKzV850 ugoZOvnCE wNx4n54ye UolBhHt0i gT3GSsci4 CrALRiwWp The Sense of Unity : The Sufi Tradition in Persian Architecture JZ-29728 US/Data/Crafts-Hobbies-Home 4.5/5 From 311 Reviews Nader Ardalan, Laleh Bakhtiar DOC | *audiobook | ebooks | Download PDF | ePub

Gulf Sustainable Urbanism – Past, Volume II

International Journal of Islamic Architecture, 2014