Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Fortifications such as city walls and citadels allowed people to settle in their land and protected their lives from natural and human threats. The history of sedentism in the central plateau of Iran dates back to 10,000 years ago. In addition to this historical context, there are still surviving vernacular urban and architectural spaces in Iran. Meybod is a desert city located in the central plateau of Iran, where human settlement might have begun during the Medain period. The city was fortified with a city wall and a citadel known as Narin Castle. The advent of modern streets and the loss of significant parts of the city walls in recent decades have endangered the integrity and values of these structures. Meybod city wall and Sharistan are also facing these challenges. To ensure effective conservation, a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of urban and architectural heritage is necessary, along with an explanation of the changes that have occurred over time. Therefore, the research focuses on the following problem: “How have the developments and transformations of Meybod Sharistan influenced the evolution and changes of Meybod city wall?” The following objectives are addressed:
• Understanding the transformations of Meybod city wall in interaction with the changes in Sharistan to form its current structure.
• Identifying the position of Meybod Sharistan and Meybod city wall in different historical periods.
Methods: This research employed a case study approach and a descriptive-analytical method. Bibliographic research was conducted by examining historical written sources, national and international documents and charters, as well as urban and regional development plans of Meybod. Other data sources, including aerial photographs, were also considered. The results of this research were presented through schematic illustrations and simulations of the current and initial conditions using 3D modeling software.
Findings: Meybod city wall is an integrated architectural complex within an enclosed environment. It is built from two main vernacular earthen materials: Khesht (adobe) and Chineh (mudbrick). Its form and layout follow the topography of the land, defining the boundaries of Sharistan between two elevated terraces to the south and north. 
Three of the four main gates, portions of the ditches, and 11 towers of the complex remain intact. In the south, the city wall merges with Narin Castle (the citadel) through a three-layered rampart. The city wall also features unique elements. One is Bagh Khandagh (ditch gardens), where the former ditches have been repurposed as gardens and farmland. Another distinctive feature is the Darbands, small gates that facilitate passage through the walls to the ditch gardens outside the city wall of Sharistan. The transformations of the city wall and Sharistan are categorized into distinct time periods. Based on the earliest reliable evidence of its foundation, the categorization begins with the Sassanian period:
1. Pre-Islamic Era to the 14th century (Sassanid Period): Sassanid cities were characterized by a citadel (Narin Castle) and city walls, which served as living areas for the ruler and high social classes, while lower classes lived outside the walls. The first foundation of the city wall was likely established during this period. The introduction of Islam to Iran led to the collapse of the Sassanid social hierarchy, and all social classes began living within the city walls of Sharistan, which included the citadel (Narin Castle), a Bazar (market), and the Jame Mosque. The city wall underwent significant restoration due to the Mongol invasion, and a northern gate was likely constructed during this time.
2. 14th century to the early 18th century (Muzaffarid Period to the Early Qajar Period): During the Muzaffarid period, the city’s importance increased due to its strategic location on the route from northern to southern Iran. As a result, it remained fortified, and the Kasnava gate was likely built. After the Muzaffarid period, the importance of the city wall gradually declined, although its conservation continued.
3. 18th century to 1925 (Qajar Period): During the Qajar period, modern concepts such as private property rights were introduced to Iran, which led to investment in real estate. Consequently, the city expanded northward, with ditch gardens and Darbands (small gates) created, along with the construction of private towers. The defensive role of the complex diminished, and the northern gate was replaced with a Sabat (an arched walkway or corridor).
4. 1925 to 1979 (Pahlavi Period): Urban planning concepts from the modern era were introduced to Iran. The first modern streets were built, disrupting the traditional urban fabric. City walls became obstacles to urban development, and the first street in Meybod was imposed, dividing the city into eastern and western sections.
5. Post-1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran): Modern construction and street development continued until the 1990s, during which the city walls were still regarded as an obstacle to development. The establishment of local NGOs, the inclusion of the historic city on heritage lists, and the development of urban plans that took heritage values into account led to restoration and conservation efforts. However, many of these activities were carried out with some errors.
Conclusion: The changes and transformations can be divided into three stages:
1. Formation and Expansion: This phase spans from the initial construction to the eve of the Qajar period, reflecting a close symbiosis between the city wall and the city itself. During this phase, the city wall served both as a protector and a boundary, while continuous expansion, repair, and construction took place.
2. Completion: The developments in this phase are attributed to the Qajar period, characterized by a situation in which the function of the complex was relatively preserved. As a result, the city wall continued to protect the city limits. Both the city and the city wall adapted to new needs and experienced internal growth.
3. Decline: This phase coincides with the arrival of modern urban development trends in the post-Qajar period. The original function of the city wall was lost, and it was no longer intertwined with the city. Consequently, it became an obstacle to urban growth. This paved the way for modern constructions and the demolition of parts of the city wall by the 1990s. Eventually, a shift in perspective occurred, and the city wall began to be recognized as a heritage site with historical and cultural significance.

Abstract Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: After the outbreak of COVID-19, the 15-minute city approach emerged as a post-pandemic urban planning strategy, attracting significant attention from many urban researchers. The 15-minute city approach is an innovative method based on a mid- to long-term comprehensive and systemic vision of the city, aiming to provide a better quality of life for its residents. The six fundamental functions of this approach—living, working, meeting needs, healthcare, education, and entertainment—are integrated within a planning network composed of four dimensions: proximity, density, diversity, and digitalization. In addition to the concept of the 15-minute city, other time-related urban concepts have been introduced by researchers and urban institutions. These time-based discourses, known as X-minute cities and encompassing a range of labels such as 1, 15, 20, or 30-minute cities or neighborhoods, activate a set of policies from the street level to the city scale. Researchers worldwide, considering factors like the scale of study, cultural, social, and economic contexts, type of study, and academic disciplines (urban planning, urban design, geography, transportation), have approached this concept in various ways. This diversity in perspectives presents numerous challenges. Therefore, the present research aims to clarify the dimensions and applications of this concept by re-examining the subject. The objective of this study is to provide a deep and robust theoretical foundation for advancing research on the concept of the 15-minute city. Accordingly, the present research conducts a meta-analysis of articles related to this approach within the time frame of 2014-2023. Methods: This research employs a meta-analysis method and a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the concept of the 15-minute city to elucidate the definition of this approach, its principles, characteristics, and measurement methods. Accordingly, this study is of a fundamental-theoretical nature. Meta-analysis is a systematic review that has a specific and well-defined research question and utilizes precise and organized methods to identify, select, and evaluate relevant studies, as well as to collect and analyze data from the research included in this review. For the purpose of meta-analysis and an in-depth study of the existing literature, a systematic review of global theoretical literature related to this concept was conducted over a ten-year period (from 2014 to 2023) to understand its concepts, dimensions, key elements, tools and methods, and their evolution. This literature was collected by searching the keywords “15-minute city,” “15-minute neighborhood,” “20-minute city,” “20-minute neighborhood,” “temporal urbanism,” and “walkable neighborhoods” in the titles of English articles through two search engines, Google Scholar and Scopus, as well as in the titles of Persian articles in the Noormags, SID, Civilica, MagIran, and ISC databases. To screen the articles, a qualitative assessment checklist and the QARI tool along with Program Skills Appraisal Critical (ASP) were utilized. Additionally, using the KESP checklist, each article was assigned a score ranging from one to five. Articles that accumulated scores above 21 were scientifically and qualitatively approved, while the remaining ones were excluded. By employing these tools and eliminating duplicate and irrelevant articles, a total of 106 articles were subjected to concise analysis, of which 4 were in Persian and 102 were in English. Findings: The findings of the research indicate that this approach is shaped by four fundamental dimensions: density, diversity, proximity, and digitalization. In this meta-analysis, topics such as the spatial distribution of articles, conceptual models, the nature of studies and effective criteria in elucidating the approach, scales of studies, methods and tools for data collection, the scientific validity of articles, and the consequences and topics related to the 15-minute city approach were examined. The spatial distribution of the articles reveals that over 40% of the studies have been conducted on European cities and neighborhoods. Regarding the 15-minute city model, most studies have relied on Paris 15-minute city model and Melbourne’s 20-minute neighborhood, with some studies introducing modifications relevant to their specific contexts. In evaluating and applying the 15-minute city approach, various dimensions and components have been identified. This article provides an in-depth examination of these components, categorizing them into five aspects: individual factors, environmental factors, facilities and services, physical factors, and perceptual-social factors. Concerning the scale of research, studies have been conducted at various levels, ranging from neighborhoods to metropolitan areas and states, with the city scale being the most extensively researched. In terms of methodology, the articles on the 15-minute city approach exhibit quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches. The reviews indicate that while there is a predominant focus on quantitative methods within this approach, the majority of studies employ mixed methods overall. Half of the reviewed articles hold a Q1 scientific ranking, and over 90% of the first authors are faculty members from prestigious universities worldwide, as well as doctoral and master’s students. The concentration of the reviewed articles within the fields of urban planning and its subfields—such as transportation, urban planning, and urban design—demonstrates the specialized nature of this topic within urban science. Due to its comprehensive nature, the 15-minute city approach influences a wide range of topics, from the health and well-being of citizens to feelings of satisfaction and social equality across various aspects of citizens’ lives. Conclusion: Based on the conducted reviews, the 15-minute city approach has a positive impact on important urban issues, including health and well-being, air quality, smart cities, social interactions, service location, urban agriculture, increased active transportation, happiness and vitality, social trust, satisfaction, time management, resilience, and social equality. Therefore, the significance of this approach as a comprehensive and holistic strategy becomes increasingly evident. Additionally, a limited number of Persian articles have addressed the 15-minute city approach, indicating opportunities for further studies on this approach for Iranian urban researchers and professionals. According to the conducted studies, the most significant research gaps concerning the 15-minute city include examining the effects of this approach on the macroeconomic aspects of location, land value, and value chains in urban spaces. Moreover, despite the elucidation of the 15-minute city approach, the necessary urban planning and management requirements for its realization still require further research. It should be noted that due to the innovative nature of this approach, more comprehensive results will be achieved over time with the increasing number of articles in this field.

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and objectives: The study of agricultural heritage provides valuable insights into the indigenous perspectives on the interaction between human societies and the natural environment. Analyzing various dimensions of this heritage explains how natural resources were historically harnessed for subsistence. The limitations of past human capacities, coupled with the absence of advanced agricultural technologies, prompted innovative responses—transforming constraints into opportunities and developing environmentally adapted and efficient practices. Agricultural heritage encompasses a system of tangible and intangible values, manifesting in the physical forms of gardens, agricultural fields, and associated structures, as well as in non-material elements such as traditional farming techniques. Climatic diversiyt, historical developments, and culturally specific approaches to agricultural organization have contributed to the emergence of diverse agricultural heritage systems across different regions. In the contemporary context, the recognition and revitalization of agricultural heritage are critical not only for sustaining rural livelihoods but also for preserving  rural communities and the conservation of traditional ecological knowledge.
Methods: The revival of agricultural heritage values can contribute to tourism, landscape enhancement, environmental sustainability, and heritage preservation. However, a comprehensive understanding requires the recognition and study of both tangible and intangible aspects, as these aspects are interdependent. This qualitative research seeks to examine the agricultural heritage of a village, with a particular focus on farm-related buildings, through an integrated approach that considers both physical structures and non-physical cultural practices. In this context, a review of existing literature on agricultural heritage led to the selection of Vaneshan village as the case study. Over a three-year period, research was conducted on the village’s vernacular architecture and its agricultural heritage. Data were collected through field observations, surveys, and interviews, and were subsequently analyzed using a logical and interpretive framework.
Findings: The findings indicate that the agricultural heritage of Vaneshan village is shaped by two key climatic and geographical features: the Kohan Rud River and Deegah Mountain. Although the river does not directly supply irrigation water, its flow enhances the local groundwater, which feeds the village’s three qanats and their water sources. The alluvial soil along the riverbanks and the elevated groundwater levels make these areas significantly more suitable for cultivation compared to the steep mountain slopes, which demand more intensive irrigation. Conversely, the selection of the fortified mountain area for residential settlement reflects an intentional avoidance of high groundwater zones. Consequently, the village has expanded along the river, due to the agricultural potential of the plain and the natural barriers posed by Deegah Mountain. Two key architectural elements representing Vaneshan’s agricultural heritage are the Pigeon Tower and the Keche. The Pigeon Tower, beyond providing nutrient-rich manure for agriculture, also serves as a watchtower and acts as a dual function that distinguishes its form from similar structures in the region. The Keche, a temporary dwelling used during agricultural activity, plays a significant role in both the functional landscape and the visual character of the fields. It is considered a distinctive and valuable feature within the village’s agricultural heritage system.
Conclusion: In examining the agricultural heritage of Vaneshan village, it is essential to consider intangible cultural elements, such as traditional farming practices, irrigation methods, and harvesting techniques, as these inform and influence the physical characteristics of agricultural structures. A comprehensive and accurate understanding of agricultural heritage requires an integrated approach that includes both tangible and intangible dimensions. The Keche represents a form of temporary shelter used in the agricultural lands of Vaneshan during planting and harvesting seasons. Unlike permanent village dwellings, which serve as year-round residences, the Keche is used seasonally and remains unoccupied outside periods of agricultural activity. Despite its temporary function, the Keche reflects the architectural values found in Vaneshan’s historic homes, notably simplicity, minimalism, and proportionality. These three attributes help define the distinction between the permanent house and the seasonal Keche, and have their architectural and cultural boundaries.