The Position of Imitation and Innovation and Its Levels in Contemporary Iranian Architecture:Authenticity Assessment of Ten Significant Works with a Approach AHP–TOPSIS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahnaz Moeenisaleh
Mehdi Hamzehnejad
Farhang Mozafar
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran
10.48311/bsnt.2026.118881.82914
Abstract
Aims: This research aimed to clarify the conceptual boundaries of imitation (copying), modeling (extraction of a model), emulation (recreation of essence), and adaptation (adaptation/critical appropriation) and to measure the impact of each on the “link of the work with principles and identity”; because in the last century, “modernism” in art education and criticism – and consequently architecture – has sometimes been represented as a simplified duality of “imitation/innovation”; a duality that can lead to both the prevalence of formal copying and to excess in formal innovation disconnected from principles, context, and identity.

Methods: The research design is mixed (qualitative-quantitative): In the qualitative section, a theoretical framework was extracted from theoretical literature and architectural criticism, and then ten significant works of Iranian architecture were analyzed based on the four aforementioned categories. The multi-criteria decision-making model (AHP–TOPSIS) was used to rank the works.

Findings: The results showed that the Azadi Tower, Rafsanjan Sports Complex, and the Museum of Ancient Iran have the highest proximity to the ideal option, and the Qavamin Tower and Shiraz Commercial Center are ranked the lowest. The findings of structural equation modeling (SEM) also showed that adaptation (β=0.39), modeling (β=0.24), and imitation (β=0.18) have a positive effect, and mere imitation (β=-0.31) and excessive formal innovation (β=-0.27) have a negative effect on the connection of the work with principles/identity; also, imitation strengthens excessive formal innovation (β=0.21).

Conclusion: Innovation with cultural legitimacy is strengthened when it goes beyond the level of formal copying and remains connected to the model, meaning, and context (in the form of imitation and adaptation).
Keywords
Imitation
Patterning
Mimesis
Appropriation
Innovation
Four-level spectrum of modernism
Iranian Architecture
Subjects
Abedini H, Ayvazian S, Diba D. Explaining the Theoretical Model for the Role of Architecture in Enhancing the Physical Qualities of Public Spaces as Contemporary Urban Heritage. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2024; 14(3):43-62. [Persian] Available at: http://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article-2-75267-fa.html
Aghaeimehr M, Gharehbaglou M. Identity-Based Contemporization; Case Study: Iran Contemporary Urban Districts in Pahlavi Era. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2020 May 10;10(1):11-18. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1399.10.1.5.1. Available at: https://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article-2-39835-en.html
Amani M, Irene Del Monaco A, Nencini D. Analyzing the possibility of using the theory of Gustavo Giovannoni as a model of action in the old context of the historical city of Tabriz. Naqshejahan - Basic studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2024 Jan 10;13(4):1-24. Available at: http://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article-2-72846-en.html
Bayzidi Q, Etessam I. Explanation of Regionalistic Viewpoints & their Evolution in Contemporary Architecture. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2013 Apr 10;3(1):7-18. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1392.3.1.7.4. Available at: https://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article-2-9498-en.html
Daneshjoo K, Farmahin Farahani S. Geometry in Pre-Islamic Iranian Architecture and its Manifestation in Contemporary Iranian Architecture. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2013 Apr 10;3(1):55-66. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1392.3.1.3.0. Available at: https://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article-2-6205-en.html
Diba D. Contemporary architecture of Iran. Architectural Design. 2012 May;82(3):70-9. https://doi.org/10.1002/ad.1406
Diba D. L'Iran et l'architecture contemporaine. Mimar (Singapore). 1991;38:20-25. [French] Available at: francis.inist.fr/vibad/index.php?action=getRecordDetail&idt=19648743
Eslami SG, Shapourian F. The Theories and Methods of Teaching Creativity in Contemporary Western Psychology. Motaleate Tatbighi Honar, 2014; 3(6): 113-124. [Persian] Available at: https://www.sid.ir/Fa/Journal/ViewPaper.aspx?ID=229162
Fallahtafti R, Mahdavinejad M. Window geometry impact on a room's wind comfort. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. 2021 Mar 24;28(9):2381-2410. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-01-2020-0075 Available at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ECAM-01-2020-0075/full/html
Fardpour S, Dolatabadi F, Mahdavinejad M. Contemporization of the Concept of Semantic Authenticity in Tehran's Architectural Cityscape. Hoviatshahr. 2022 Jun 22;16(2): 5-16. https://doi.org/10.30495/hoviatshahr.2022.17740
Hassanisaleh S, Etessam I, Zabihi H. Media Beauty of Architectural Technology in Selected Monuments in Contemporary Architecture of Iran. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2021 Apr 10;11(1):37-52. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1400.11.1.5.8. Available at:
Hojati A, Saedvandi M, De Anjelis E. Analysis of Performance of Three Wind-catchers for Ventilation of Contemporary Houses in Isfahan Hot and Arid Climate. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2021 Dec 10;11(3):16-32. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1400.11.3.7.4
Iranishad A, Habib F, Mahdavinejad M. Contemporization of Historical Neighborhoods with the Aim of Urban Spaces Place Making. Urban Management Studies. 2019 Feb 20; 10(36): 41-60. [Persian] Available at: http://ums.srbiau.ac.ir/article_13939.html?lang=en
Iranishad A, Habib F. Reconnection to Context: Place-based Contemporization and Reuse of Tehran Valuable Houses. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2021 Jun 10;11(2):1-26. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1400.11.2.1.6. Available at: https://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article-2-52189-en.html
Kamelnia H. Community Architecture Approach in Cluster Housing Design; Assessing Methods of Participation in Contemporary Housing Design. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2013 Oct 10;3(2):63-73. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1392.3.2.1.0
Latifi M, Mahdavinejad M. Contemporization of Isfahan Indigenous Housing Model based on Analysis of non-Morphic Relationships of Plan, Case Study: Jangjouian House. Journal of Iranian Architecture Studies. 2022 Sep 13; 11(21): 185-203. doi: 10.22052/jias.2022.245859.0. Available at: https://jias.kashanu.ac.ir/article_112789.html?lang=en
Mahdavinejad M, Ansari M, Samadzadeh S, Rafiei S, Mousavi K, Estakhr F. Contemporizing Valuable Urban Districts Regarding to Educating Environment Paradigms, Case: Yazd, Iran. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 2014 Feb 21;116:4406-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.956
Mahdavinejad M, Hosseini SA. Data mining and content analysis of the jury citations of the Pritzker Architecture prize (1977–2017). Journal of Architecture and Urbanism. 2019 Feb 1;43(1):71-90. https://doi.org/10.3846/jau.2019.5209
Mahdavinejad M, Masoudi Tonekaboni S. Self-Shading and Highperformance Architecture; Case Studies: Configuration of Contemporary Buildings of Tehran. Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development, 2019; 11(25): 201-208. Available at: http://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_85091_en.html
Mahdavinejad M, Shahri S. Contemporization of Tehran Traditional Architecture by Parametric Algorithm. Hoviatshahr. 2015 Feb 20; 8(20):31-44. [Persian] Available at: http://hoviatshahr.srbiau.ac.ir/article_6419_697f157aebfd2e62eeb7b8574b770aeb.pdf
Mahdavinejad M. Dilemma of Prosperity and Technology in Contemporary Architecture of Developing Countries. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning, 2014 Sep 10;3(2):35-42. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1393.4.2.7.3. Available at:
Mahdavinejad M. Discourse of High-Performance Architecture: A Method to Understand Contemporary Architecture. Hoviatshahr, 2017 Aug 23;11(2):53-67. [Persian] Available at: http://hoviatshahr.srbiau.ac.ir/article_10930_79f91b76bac9a77aba9d4aff60465705.pdf
Mahdavinejad M. High-Performance Architecture: Search for Future Legacy in Contemporary Iranian Architecture. Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development, 2017 Mar 14;9(17):129-138. [Persian] Available at: http://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_44611_955a20b5cfd1f32308e627ddc8528b91.pdf
Mahdavinejad M. Islamic Art, Challenges with New Horizons and Contemporary Beliefs. HONAR-HA-YE-ZIBA, 2003; 12: 23-32. [Persian] Available at: https://journals.ut.ac.ir/article_10646_6e80c03e63a7b07eaf5acb767eea9551.pdf
Mashhadi Abolghasem Shirazi, M., Diba, D., Mahdavinejad, M. Economy-based Contemporization and Preservation of Contemporary Architectural Heritage; Strategies for Action in Residential Buildings from the 1950s to the 1970s. The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar. December 2023; 20(126): 69-80. (doi: 10.22034/bagh.2023.374094.5297) https://www.bagh-sj.com/article_181097.html?lang=en
Maghsoud M, Nasr T. ITC-based Technologies and Green Strategy for Contemporization of Tehran Silo. Naqshejahan-Basic studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2022 Mar 10;12(1):1-9. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1401.12.1.2.2
Mazaherian H, Shahteimori Y. International Approaches to New Constructions in Historic Context: Study of Theories and International Agreements. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2012 Apr 10;2(1):7-18. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1391.2.1.4.4
Medghalchi L, Ansari M, Bemanian M, Pourjafar M. Spatial continuity in contemporary Iranian architecture. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2016 Sep 10;6(2):48-59. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1395.6.2.5.5. Available at: https://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article-2-6586-en.html
Mirgholami M, Toghraii A, Ghazipour S. Neoliberalization Process in Contemporary City: A Theoretical Model. Naqshejahan - Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2017 Dec 10;7(3):35-47. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1396.7.3.6.5
Mofareh-Bonab M, Masaeli S, Akrami G. Investigating the reasons for the reducing function of the national building regulations in fading design concepts in contemporary architecture. Naqshejahan-Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning, 2024; 14(2):99-118. Available at: http://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article-2-74295-en.html
Moulaii M, Shahhoseini G, Dabaghchi S. Explaining and analyzing how to make smart cities in the context of the influencing components and key factors. Naqshejahan - Basic studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2016 Nov 10;6(3):75-93. [Persian] Available at: https://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article-2-3435-en.html
Moulaii M, Jodeyriheydari N, Hemati K. Contemporization of Historic Houses and Sustainable Tourism Development; Case Study: Arbab-Hormuz Mansion in Tehran. Naqshejahan-Basic studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning. 2021 Jul 10;11(2):49-65. [Persian] https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23224991.1400.11.2.3.8

  • Receive Date 19 March 2026
  • Revise Date 28 May 2026
  • Accept Date 13 June 2026