Persian Gardens: Meanings, Symbolism, and Design

Leila Mahmoudi Farahani; Bahareh Motamed; Elmira Jamei

doi:10.3097/LO.201646

Authors

Leila Mahmoudi Farahani Deakin University, School of Architecture and Built Environment, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, 3220, Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3128-1805
Bahareh Motamed Deakin University, School of Architecture and Built Environment, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, 3220, Australia
Elmira Jamei Deakin University, School of Architecture and Built Environment, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, 3220, Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7909-9212

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3097/LO.201646

Keywords:

Persian gardens, symbolism, meaning, culture, chahar-bagh

Abstract

Culture and identity in a society can be represented in the architecture and the meanings intertwined with it. In this sense, the architecture and design are the interface for transferring meaning and identity to the nation and future generations. Persian gardens have been evolved through the history of Persian Empire in regard to the culture and beliefs of the society. This paper aims to investigate the patterns of design and architecture in Persian gardens and the meanings intertwined with their patterns and significant elements such as water and trees. Persian gardens are not only about geometries and shapes; but also manifest different design elements, each representing a specific symbol and its significance among the society. This paper seeks to explore Persian gardens in terms of their geometric structure, irrigation system, network construction and pavilions alongside design qualities such as hierarchy, symmetry, centrality, rhythm and harmony. In the
second stage, the paper investigates the fundamental symbols and their philosophy in the creation of Persian gardens and in relation to the architecture and design.

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