Paper Title
IDENTIFICATION OF REGIONAL ARCHITECTURAL FACTORS AFFECTING IN CONTINUITY OF IDENTITY IN IRANIAN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE (CASE STUDY: MASHHAD, ARG STREET)

Abstract
Abstract - In creating identities, architecture has a crucial role to play. A significant trend in contemporary architecture is the tendency of identification and achievement of identity. Representation of architectural identification and its continuity is identified by cultural heritage as a sustainable process. The purpose of this study is to examine how architects were able to express the concept of regional identity in their designs as a result of that experiment. The research examines functional, structural and environmental aspects. Different factors are proposed in Architecture literature to stablish continuity of design identity. These factors are grouped in five different areas with regarded to visual appearance: Mass and Articulation, Openings, Architectural Detail, Materials and Principles of façade arrangements. The theoretical research framework provides for five major areas of understanding contemporary architectural works, namely construction technology, shape and form, design concept, the materials used, and relationship with the surrounding environment. For this purpose, ARG Street has been selected as a case study for this research because of its use as an appropriate case to obtain qualitative and quantitative data that are required in order to carry out this study. Based on its different features, it was found to be more effective in the context of architectural identity. This research employed a methodological approach using key expert interviews and surveys (building assessments and evaluations) applied to eight cases that represent the architectural values of the Arg Street. Moreover, these kinds of buildings have been chosen by researcher because they challenge the designer to develop cultural identities in architectural works. As a results of the basic parameters, these projects have been evaluated. The findings confirm conclusively that factors which influence the continuity of architectural identity are mass and articulation, architectural detail, materials and openings. The traditional materials can be adapted to the region’s climatic conditions easily. In addition, the study recommends that emphasizing harmony with context and environment will increase their success in achieving identity oriented and context-oriented work. Keywords - Identity, Iranian Contemporary Architecture, ARG Street, Architectural Factors, Continuity of Identity