Cultural Identity & Architecture | Influences on Distinctive Persian Traditions

In this interview with Samane Zare, you will hear her personal stories and insights from a career studying and practicing Persian architecture, including:

• An overview of the five core principles of Persian architecture and how these concepts have guided building design for millennia
• A description of distinctive Persian architectural elements such as arches, domes, iwans, and muqarnas, with specific examples like the Kasra Arch, Soltanieh Dome, and Shah Mosque that showcase their evolution and engineering brilliance
• An exploration of how Persian architecture incorporates nature through geometric and plant patterns inspired by lotus flowers and natural forms, the use of “Persian colors,” and the use of colored glass to create unique light effects
• Examples of Samane’s own projects in Shiraz that blend traditional Persian elements with modern design, including how she adapts ancient concepts like central courtyards and natural ventilation to meet the needs of today’s buildings while honoring architectural heritage

Expected Learning Outcome:

This lesson includes clear expected learning outcomes that support students in understanding cultural identity through first-person perspectives, while building intercultural awareness and connections between individual experience and global traditions.

• Students will identify and describe key cultural practices and beliefs from the lesson’s focus community (i.e., Persian culture). 
• Students will articulate insights into their own cultural identities and how those identities relate to what they learned. 
• Students will analyze how cultural expressions (like architecture) reflect values, history, and social traditions.
• Students will compare perspectives across cultures while finding similarities and differences through human themes. 
• Students will make connections between cultural traditions and broader global contexts (tradition, cultural preservation), showing critical thinking about identity and intercultural understanding.