Strategic Studies of Culture

Strategic Studies of Culture

Model of the influence of Indigenous Culture on residential building design

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
babak golestani 1
zolfaghar rashidi 2
rozita sepehrnia 3
1 epartment of Cultural Management , Ki.C. ,Islamic Azad University , Kish , Iran. Email: babak.golestani@iau.ac.ir
2 Department of Educational Science, Ro.C,Islamic Azad University , Iran. (Corresponding Author). Email: zo.rashidi@iau.ac.ir
3 Department of Cultural and Media Studies CT.C , Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Email: ro.sepehrnia@iau.ac.ir
10.22083/scsj.2026.541989.1322
Abstract
Introduction: In contemporary residential architecture, the issue of identity has gained increasing importance. Beyond functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal, housing is expected to reflect the cultural, historical, and social values of the communities in which it is situated. Indigenous culture, as a multidimensional and dynamic construct, encompasses beliefs, values, language, customs, traditions, arts, and ways of life that are transmitted across generations and contribute to the formation of collective identity. In this regard, architecture functions not merely as a physical setting for human activities but also as one of the most visible and enduring expressions of cultural meaning. In the Iranian context, residential development has, in many cases, become fragmented and increasingly disconnected from local cultural identity. The growing prevalence of imitative architectural forms, the erosion of indigenous spatial patterns, and the dominance of economic considerations have contributed to a decline in the authenticity of housing design. This situation has raised serious concerns regarding the erosion of cultural continuity and the diminishing presence of Iranian identity within the built environment. Accordingly, there is a pressing need to reconsider residential design through the lens of indigenous culture and local architectural values.
Method: This study employed an exploratory qualitative design based on the grounded theory approach. A sequential exploratory strategy was adopted to develop a conceptual model grounded in expert knowledge and interpretive analysis. Data were collected through an extensive review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with 20 academic experts and specialists in the fields of culture and architecture. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure the inclusion of informed and context-sensitive perspectives on the relationship between indigenous culture and residential design. The primary research instrument consisted of researcher-developed coding sheets used to record, organize, and analyze the data. To enhance the credibility of the findings, data validity was assessed through a Delphi panel of experts. Reliability was evaluated using Scott’s coefficient, which yielded a value of 0.95, indicating a high level of coding consistency and intercoder agreement. Data analysis was conducted in three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding.
Findings: The findings revealed that indigenous culture plays a significant and multidimensional role in shaping residential architecture. Among the causal conditions, three major factors were identified: historical architectural traditions, cultural beliefs and values, and local climatic and environmental conditions. These factors constitute the foundation of culturally responsive housing design, suggesting that residential architecture cannot be meaningfully separated from the historical and ecological context of place. The findings further demonstrated that the process of culturally grounded design operates within specific contextual conditions, including household economic status, housing market constraints, and construction-related regulations. These contextual factors influence the extent to which indigenous cultural principles can be incorporated into actual building projects. In addition, several intervening conditions were identified, most notably the imitation of foreign architectural styles and the dominance of economic rationality in housing production. These factors were found to weaken the integration of local identity into design practices and limit the expression of indigenous values in the built environment. In response to these challenges, three major strategic directions were proposed. First, the revitalization of traditional architectural patterns in contemporary forms was emphasized as an effective means of reconnecting modern housing with cultural heritage. Second, culture-oriented architectural education was identified as essential for preparing designers who are sensitive to local identity and capable of translating cultural meanings into spatial forms. Third, the active participation of local communities in the design process was recommended to ensure that housing reflects the lived values and expectations of its users. The implementation of these strategies was found to contribute to the preservation of cultural identity, the enhancement of social belonging, and the promotion of culturally sustainable residential environments.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the necessity of rethinking residential architecture as a cultural project rather than merely a technical or commercial undertaking. The evidence suggests that indigenous culture should be regarded as an active design resource capable of informing both the conceptual foundations and practical implementation of housing projects. In this respect, the study contributes to the broader discourse on the relationship between identity, place, and architecture. A key implication of the proposed model is that the revitalization of indigenous cultural values in housing design requires coordinated action at multiple levels. At the macro level, policymakers and urban governance institutions should establish frameworks that support culturally responsive design. At the meso level, schools of architecture, professional associations, and housing institutions need to revise curricula and professional standards to better integrate indigenous knowledge and local identity. At the operational level, architects and designers require practical tools and approaches that enable them to reinterpret traditional patterns in ways that are compatible with contemporary living requirements.
Keywords
Culture
Identity
Indigenous Culture
Residential Architecture
Residential Building Design Extended Abstract
Subjects
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Strategic Studies of Culture
Volume 6, Issue 2 - Serial Number 22
Spring 2026
Pages 217-244