Original Paper
Typology of Earth-shelter Architecture in Iran

Meghedy Khodabakhshian; Seyed Majid Mofidi; Farah Habib

Volume 2, Issue 4 , October 2012, Pages 5-10

Abstract
  Earth-Shelter construction is one of the aspects in architecture where the thermal mass of the earth behind the outer walls are applied in order to reduce heat loss and keep the internal temperature at human comfort range. In case of earth-shelter buildings, housing is especially important. ...  Read More

Applied Article
Eco-Village and Climatic Design

Marzieh Ghasemi Eshtaftaki

Volume 2, Issue 4 , October 2012, Pages 11-18

Abstract
  Eco village design is a new field of knowledge still under development. It will be the physical manifestation of the unfolding of the ecovillage dream held by so many. It is generally agreed that concept of sustainability should play an increasing role in future urban development world-wide. ...  Read More

Original Paper
Analysis of Factors Affecting the Ecotourism Development

Masoomeh Shemshad; Iraj Malek Mohammadi

Volume 2, Issue 4 , October 2012, Pages 19-24

Abstract
  This research was carried out to investigate the role of natural resources cooperatives in ecotourism development. This was an analysis-descriptive study conducted through survey method. Statically population of study was 123 members of the directors of these cooperatives. A structured questionnaire ...  Read More

Original Paper
Investigating Sustainability Factors According to the Image of Iranian Bazar

Behzad Alipoor; Sara Raeesolmohadesin

Volume 2, Issue 4 , October 2012, Pages 25-30

Abstract
  The aim of this paper is investigate the social sustainability of the bazaar according to viewpoint of citizens as the main owners. What factors are the main reasons for back to this place in the image of people. Bazaar is not only a shopping center like modern commercial center in the city, ...  Read More

Original Paper
Social and Cultural Sustainability

Hengameh Haghi; Hossein Zabihi

Volume 2, Issue 4 , October 2012, Pages 31-38

Abstract
  Of building cultural centers in all communities and with any kind of attitude has always been one of the designers’ issues. When we use the term in ordinary daily conversation, we often think of culture as an equivalent to the “higher things of the mind”- art, literature, ...  Read More

Original Paper
Vernacular Architecture Values

Sasan Khatibi

Volume 2, Issue 4 , October 2012, Pages 39-42

Abstract
  Vernacular architecture has always had appropriate answer in conformity with the environment and climate. This paper has considered values of Iran vernacular urbanization and architecture in humid and moderate climate looking through sustainability and sustainable development concepts. Gorgan ...  Read More

Original Paper
Evaluation of the Urban Settlement s Optimal System

Melika Mehriar; Kianoosh Zaker Haghighi

Volume 2, Issue 4 , October 2012, Pages 43-50

Abstract
  In developing countries, the domination of peripheral and dependent capitalism relations and the lack of appropriate structures and channels of attracting, this system have caused some kind of spatial-anatomic unbalances that has resulted in the appearance of single cities with national and ...  Read More

Original Paper
Definition of Architecture

Afra Gharibpour

Volume 2, Issue 4 , October 2012, Pages 51-58

Abstract
  This paper seeks to investigate a new definition for architecture by unifying the three Vitruvian principles of firmitas, utilities, and venustas via a phenomenological approach in the interpretation and analysis of their role in defining architecture. The paper is composed in two main sections. ...  Read More