Book Launch: Nationalism in the Architecture of Modern Iran

Book Launch and Join us in the AA Bookshop for the launch of our recent publication Nationalism in the Architecture of Modern Iran by Niloofar Kakhi on Wednesday 11 June, 6–8pm.

This groundbreaking study examines the spirit of Iranian nationalism as it has been expressed through major architectural projects from the 1920s to the present day. It discusses the early influence of the western Beaux Arts tradition in shaping architectural teaching; the significance of archaeological discoveries from the Archaemenid and Sassanian periods; the role of vernacular traditions and of Sufi philosophy as they have been reflected in a national architectural style; and the continual tension between the notion of Iranian identity and international modernism. Nationalism in the Architecture of Modern Iran creates a platform for the critical assessment of national identity in contemporary Iranian architecture.

Niloofar Kakhi received her PhD in histories and theories of architecture from the Architectural Association. Following her Visiting Research Fellowship at the University of St Andrews, she received an MA in Islamic Art History from the Iran University of Art. She has taught, led design projects and held managerial roles in the construction industry.