Fatemeh Parchebaf Motlagh’s scientific contributions

Sustainable architecture is an approach in architecture that takes into account environmental considerations while meeting human needs. this approach ends in an effective use of natural resources in designing and construction. Preliminary studies of indigenous and historical architecture show the manifestations of different dimensions of sustainable architecture in this architecture. Over time, traditional architects, based on their numerous experiences, have developed and implemented designs that are compatible with the natural environment while in harmonizing and modeling the surrounding nature, . The historical context of Kashan, as a part of valuable local heritage that has a luxurious traditional architecture, is no exception, and its architecture has been formed in accordance with the environmental conditions. In this paper, in a descriptive and analytical method while using library resources and field surveys, various aspects of environmental sustainability are investigated, and the components of sustainability are extracted from this aspect. Furthermore,, the historical bazaar of Kashan is identified as an important part from the cultural, social, and economic perspectives of the historical context of the city. Besides, this area, based on the framework formed in the theoretical foundations of the research, is evaluated, and its situation in terms of sustainability as well as strength and weakness in relation to environmental sustainability is determined. The results show that factors such as the climate-friendly design to preserve resources, the use of indigenous materials, human design, and building reliability have caused this market to be in a good condition in terms of environmental sustainability. However, disrupting the market order by establishing new arteries, neglecting the strengthening of its structure, and permitting human interventions, all, have damaged its stability.

Nature is a key source of inspiration in environment-friendly design. In the bionic approach, humans can create spaces and elements adaptive to the environment and enhance their living conditions. Meanwhile, a comparative comparison of man-made and natural structures helps us to better understand this matter. This study conducts a comparative comparison of two natural and anthropogenic structure patterns by analyzing termite nests and the Ouee underground complex. First, through field studies and local surveys, the Ouee underground complex was investigated and analyzed. Then, termites and termite nests were investigated by documentary methods and library studies. Comparative criteria for the two samples were derived by examining different sources in three categories of form and structure, climatic solutions, and security techniques. The two samples were analyzed by the logical reasoning method. Finally, after a comparative review and analysis of the construction criteria and principles for each sample collection, it can be said that the Ouee complex and termite nests are very similar in structure. Similar techniques and solutions can be observed in the formation of troglodytes and natural complexes. Modeling of nature can be said to be an instinctive human behavior throughout history, as can be seen in the form of bionic architecture today or in the discussion of imitation of nature in the past.

Background and objectives: Clay is one of the main earth materials used in architectural works from the past, with Iran considered as having one of the oldest histories of using earth materials based on climatic criteria. Over time, the use of these materials fell into neglect despite the county's hot, arid climate and clay being a cheap, recyclable and highly accessible material. The importance of knowing these materials and analysing them during history is, therefore,particularly high. In addition, the sustainability and durability of some historic mud-brick buildings make it necessary to analyse and examine their materials in order to take advantage of the valuable experiences of the past and reveal their underlying techniques. Using clay and providing new solutions, therefore, is arguably pointless without examining and analysing the past. This is why we need to examine characteristic features of their construction in different historical periods to devise new solutions for their strengthening. With the aim of knowing the quantitative and geometric aspects of clay used in Iran's historical buildings, this research has investigated these materials in historical buildings from different periods in Kashan, a rich example of the country's historical textures. This study concernstheir appearance, chemical compounds, physical characteristics and

Objective: Self-sufficiency and reliance on natural materials are fundamental principles of Iranian architecture, with brick being a locally abundant material in Iran. Over time, brick buildings require retrofitting, restoration, and enhancement. To gain a deeper understanding of brick and its retrofitting, it is essential to analyze historical bricks and incorporate past experiences in brick making. This research aims to examine the technical characteristics of bricks used in the historical buildings of Kashan city across different time periods. Five brick samples from these historical structures have been selected for analysis. Method: The research employs a quantitative approach based on field studies and laboratory experiments. The experiments are categorized into three groups. The first group comprises basic tests, including density, specific gravity, moisture content, and water absorption. The second group encompasses mechanical tests, focusing on compressive and bending strength. The third category involves chemical tests conducted through X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. Results: The tests revealed that the specific weight of the samples ranged from 1.6 to 2.14 grams per cubic centimeter, while water absorption varied between 9.3 and 18.5 percent. The compressive strength was found to be between 53.12 and 195.27 kg/cm², and the bending strength ranged from 11.62 to 125.83 kg/cm². The findings indicate that basic characteristics significantly influence mechanical properties. As specific weight and volume density of the samples increase, their internal pore structure diminishes, leading to reduced moisture content and lower water absorption. Furthermore, higher sample density correlates with increased compressive and bending strength. The predominant chemical composition in the samples was quartz, while the presence of gypsum contributed to decreased mechanical resistance. In contrast, higher levels of quartz, anorthite, and albite enhanced the resistance of the samples Conclusions: The physical and mechanical characteristics of brick samples remain relatively stable over time. Consequently, it appears that the resistance parameters are more influenced by the quality of the raw materials, sample density, and production methods rather than the age of the samples.

Defense architecture is one of the hidden values of historical contexts and passive defense has different criteria based on the type of use and different dangers in historical periods. Today, with the advancement of technology and the change of dangers, the principles of passive defense have also changed, but the initial measures in historical monuments are comparable to the new and modern principles of passive defense. Noshabad Owi Underground Complex, as a 1400-year-old historical site of which only a limited part has been identified so far, is an example of past defense architecture and allows the study of passive defense principles. The purpose of this research is to identify the architectural design in the first part and to analyze the passive defense arrangements in the Owi underground complex in the second part and to investigate how these components are used in the design of architectural elements and its spatial organization. In this article, using descriptive-analytical method and using library resources and field perceptions, while introducing and recognizing the architectural design of this underground complex, the principles of passive defense have been studied and its components and aspects using different sources. Has been extracted and analyzed. The results show that in this underground complex, various techniques and measures in the field of passive defense have been used in the fields of architecture, structures and facilities in accordance with the type of hazards and equipment of the past, and this is the intelligence of the predecessors. It shows us and complete knowledge of the general principles of passive defense from decades ago.