10.6092/issn.1973-9494/9228
Gobbe-Sabz (Cupola verde) è una delle costruzioni più importanti di Kerman, in Iran, risalente alla dinastia Qara-khitai (1222–1306 d.C.). Era costituito da un enorme complesso di edifici che fu quasi completamente distrutto da un terremoto. Ogni edifi­cio durante il suo ciclo di vita dalla ideazione al deterioramento acquisisce valori impor­tanti fondamentali per progettare il restauro. La teoria del restauro di Brandi considera le rovine come un’opera d’arte, sostenendo che esse sono il risultato di un processo unico e creativo. Afferma che è necessario un processo creativo per il restauro al fine di restituire il suo significato nella coscienza umana. Sebbene rimanga solo una picco­la parte di Gobbe-Sabz, nel tempo sono stati aggiunti molti valori culturali che potreb­bero essere utili nel processo creativo per la sua conservazione. L’attuale situazione di Gobbe-Sabz preclude la ricostruzione come architettura attiva e completa, deter­minando il processo di ripristino della sua condizione originale. Inoltre, alcuni valori e significati storici sono stati aggiunti nel corso degli anni. Questi forniscono una raccolta di idee e concetti che possono essere utili nel decidere il processo di conservazione. A tal proposito, questa ricerca propone strategie di conservazione e un quadro conc­ettuale per la valorizzazione delle rovine storiche in base alla loro situazione attuale.
application/pdf
1973-9494
9228
en
Kazem Mondegari
Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
creative process
Heritage Values in the Rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz, Iran
Text.Serial.Journal
https://conservation-science.unibo.it/
18
Articles
2018-12-31
2019-03-18
2018-12-31
2019-11-05
83-99
CSCH
Kazem Mondegari
2018/12/31
10.6092/issn.1973-9494/9228
83
Yazd University, Yazd
1973-9494
creative process
en
99
Heritage Values in the Rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz, Iran
https://conservation-science.unibo.it/article/download/9228/9063
18
H     ERITAGE VALUES IN THE REHABILITATION OF GOB-
      BE-SABZ, IRAN

    Mohsen Mohammadi*4
    School of Architecture and Urban Design, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

    Mohammad Mohammadi
    School of Architecture and Urban Design, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia

    Kazem Mondegari
    School of Art and Architecture, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran


    Keywords: Gobbe-Sabz, heritage values, rehabilitation, Brandi’s theory, creative
    process.


    1. Introduction

   When a monument is deteriorating or being destroyed over time as a result of natu-
ral disasters and/or human action, it may be known as a ‘ruin’. In this regard, what
has happened to the building and transformed it into a ruin shows that the mentioned
building was unable to find any compatibility with human needs and other situations. In
fact, the usual expectations from the rehabilitation of historic buildings is to grant them
a new function and adapt that function to the physical attributes of the building. On the
other hand, it would be unusual and irrational to revert the building to its original state.




                                                                                                    CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
So, the potential rehabilitation and the selection of a compatible function for this kind
of heritage, are of an ambiguous nature. Its destruction may, moreover, exacerbate
the problem. Monuments that have been designed to meet specific functions in their
own time, gradually accept changes in their physical attributes in order to respond to
human activities and needs. According to theoretical approaches, rehabilitation seeks
to extend the useful life of an existing building [1]. Rehabilitation tries to revive the
building by creating exploitative conditions which have a consequential effect on the
surrounding environment. By granting a compatible function, rehabilitation promotes
conservation and ensures the survival of monuments. It thus creates the right circum-
stances to achieve sustainable conservation.
   Hence, a number of approaches are presented for rehabilitation. For example, eve-
ry reasonable effort should be made to provide a compatible use for a property which
requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its environment, or
to use a property for its originally intended purpose. Also, “the distinguishing original
qualities or character of a building, structure, or site and its environment, should not be
destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural
features should be avoided when possible” [2]. Besides, ruins and many other ‘dam-
aged’ objects may become meaningful because of their alteration. The rehabilitation
of historic buildings is possible when remaining objects are compatible with human


*   Corresponding author: mo.mohammadi@aui.ac.ir

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                                                                                                       needs and activities together with physical attributes in a specific function. However, in
                                                                                                       the case of ruins, achieving this compatibility is too complicated, so any scientific and
                                                                                                       technological change requires a strong theoretical basis.
                                                                                                           Gobbe-Sabz was a collection of buildings which included a school, a mosque, a
                                                                                                       hospital, and tombs which unfortunately were all destroyed in an earthquake in 1897.
                                                                                                       Only the entrance porch and some tombs are left. Considering that Gobbe-Sabz’s
M. Mohammadi, M. Mohammadi, K. Mondegari - Heritage values in the rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz, Iran




                                                                                                       present condition means that it would be impossible for it to return to its previous condi-
                                                                                                       tion, a different approach is required to conserve the remnants today. So, to experience
                                                                                                       an architectural monument as a place, apart from the physical attributes and activities,
                                                                                                       a user’s conception of the monument is important [3]. What characteristics do the
                                                                                                       determination of rehabilitation strategies show? How have the characteristics in these
                                                                                                       monuments been created? From the creation of the work to the present situation, as a
                                                                                                       building deteriorates values develop, so that even as a ruin it can offer heritage value in
                                                                                                       its rehabilitation. This paper firstly uses a deductive method of reasoning and inference
                                                                                                       (as proposed by Brandi), to protect architectural works and consequently determine a
                                                                                                       theoretical framework for conservation of the ruins. It then puts forward a strategy for
                                                                                                       the protection of Gobbe-Sabz based on Brandi’s theory, by expressing the heritage
                                                                                                       values which have been created over time (from its creation to its present condition).


                                                                                                          2. Identification of heritage values

                                                                                                            In terms of values, Jokilehto [4] asserts there are two basic categories: cultural val-
                                                                                                       ues and contemporary socio-economic values. “Cultural values include identity values
                                                                                                       and emotive values based on recognition; relative artistic and relative technical values,
                                                                                                       based on evidence and research; and rarity value, which is more of an administrative
                                                                                                       nature and based on statistics. Contemporary socio-economic values are based on
                                                                                                       heritage as a resource; functional value and usefulness of the property; educational
                                                                                                       value, tourism, social value, awareness, and the political value that often depends on
                                                                                                       the priorities of the ruling regime” [4]. Based on the situation of historic ruins, several
                                                                                                       changes occur in the monuments’ identified heritage values through time. It is neces-
                                                                                                       sary for conservation reasons that not only the present situation be considered, but
                                                                                                       also those values that have been added during the life of the site/monument. The iden-
                                                                                                       tification of a monument requires phenomenological approaches and restorative doc-
                                                                                                       trines which have been formed in these areas. Considering the studies and views of
                                                                                                       the researchers, who have taken into account the heritage values and conservation of
                                                                                                       the historic monument, Brandi’s view is highly valuable in this regard. Influenced by the
                                                                                                       philosophy of Heidegger, Brandi [5-7] theorized that a monument is regarded as a work
                                                                                                       of art. Hidden values in it are considered as an issue of conservation and restoration.
                                                                                                            On the ideas raised by Brandi, in “A History of Architectural Conservation”, Jok-
                                                                                                       ilehto states, “In contrast with certain trends, tending to integrate human creativity in
                                                                                                       the general socio-economic context, Brandi sustained the specificity of a work of art,
                                                                                                       claiming that it was the result of a unique, creative process. Consequently, also its
                                                                                                       perception required a critical process to reclaim its significance in human conscious-
                                                                                                       ness, a process that came to follow similar lines with the philosophy of Heidegger” [2].
                                                                                                       Furthermore, Brandi does not believe that a work is an outcome of the temporal and
                                                                                                       spatial requirements which are spent on it, but it is real and its existence is sustained
                                                                                                       independently from the time and place that can be related to the creator. Even the


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creator or owner of that work, who is apparently influenced by the conditions of their
time and place, is only an intermediary in the emergence. In this regard, the independ-
ence of the work from time and place constraints has clearly been emphasized.
    Jokilehto [2] explains Brandi’s idea [4] that “following from the definition of the work
of art, that time and space constitute its formal condition, and are fused in a synthesis
– each in relation to the other, in a rhythm that constitutes the form”. In addition, Jokile-
hto [2] considers a three-phase “phenomenological relation” for the work of art which
shapes “its historical time-line”. The three phases are:
   “1. The duration required by the artist to bring the work of art into being;
    2. The interval from the end of the formulation by the artist till the present;
    3. The instant of recognition of the work of art in the consciousness at the present
       moment.” [2]
    Defining restoration as more of a critical act than a technical one, “Brandi disagrees
with archaeological restoration, where the remains are often treated from a purely his-
toric viewpoint. He thus asserts that even ruins are often remains of works of art that
should be examined following the same critical process. Ruins can also be part of a
more recent construction, a part of another work of art” [2]. “Each work of art, there-
fore, has its own individual history and involves resolving different, individual problems”
rather than the use of a generalist method [8]. Consider the three phases for a monu-
ment: firstly, it is built for the purpose of responding to certain human needs or func-
tions in its own time; secondly, sometimes an evolutionary and developmental process
is carried out after the establishment of the building that is beyond the creator’s control;
thirdly, some concepts, based on visitors’ individual perceptions, exist, regardless of
the motivation for the creation and subsequent fate of the work.
    The degree of stability and habitability of the monument is not necessarily a criterion
to understand how strong or weak these values and their impact are. After the emer-
gence stage, until the time a building is regarded as a historic monument in viewers’
eyes, it experiences different circumstances which cover a broad and complicated




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area of reference. In the second stage, the fate of the building has been formed and
influenced based on the time period and what happened during that period along with
the degree of its safety and originality, when compared with the time in which it was
built. Therefore, a historic monument - in whatever condition, either physically stable
or in ruins - provides different opportunities which need to be protected. For example,
in Persepolis, near the city of Shiraz in Iran, which was built for ritual ceremonies and
was the seat of government, the perception that today emerges from the ruins is dif-
ferent from the founding intentions. Thinking about a site which is 2500 years old that
belonged to the period of the Achaemenid Empire, when compared to others, may
bring to mind concepts of durability, glory and learning lessons from history. Such con-
cepts, which come readily to a visitor’s mind, are opportunities that might be exploited
in restoration issues. In other words, the mentioned concepts reveal the existing val-
ues of a building which can be added to those that have already been identified. By
generalizing Brandi’s approach, a ruin which is basically the remnant of a legacy, can
be accepted as a work of art. This ruined place is not only a place where people lived,
it is a source of information about the way people lived. Consequently, viewers can
be informed and learn about the life and history of the place. These monuments may
thus be regarded as valuable documents that can have effects on people’s minds and
stimulate their contemplation.



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                                                                                                          3. Existing values in the historic monument

                                                                                                           In most cases, the actual condition of the historic ruin provides insufficient informa-
                                                                                                       tion for it to be rebuilt as an active and complete form of architecture, a fact that leads
                                                                                                       to determining how to implement the process of rehabilitation. As mentioned, some
M. Mohammadi, M. Mohammadi, K. Mondegari - Heritage values in the rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz, Iran




                                                                                                       heritage values and meaning are added to a historic ruin over time and thus become
                                                                                                       a collection of ideas and concepts that can be useful in deciding the rehabilitation
                                                                                                       process. They include:
                                                                                                           Originality: Originality is a key criterion in the evaluation of historic monuments.
                                                                                                       The originality of the work refers to the integrity and original characteristics found in the
                                                                                                       form of its primary structure, taking into account the changes caused by the passing of
                                                                                                       time. The value of originality of a monument is related to the definition of its nature, so it
                                                                                                       is possible that based on the context in which a monument’s significance is evaluated,
                                                                                                       different interpretations may be provided.
                                                                                                           Age: Since architectural works are regarded as important cultural symbols of a
                                                                                                       country or of humanity in general, in addition to their technical and artistic qualities,
                                                                                                       they are considered as vessels of human life. As such, they are able to transfer a col-
                                                                                                       lection of information and knowledge related to the generation in which they were cre-
                                                                                                       ated. As time passes, the historic aspects of the building become more prominent and
                                                                                                       are regarded as real documents that show the evolution and development of life styles
                                                                                                       and construction techniques over time. However, other concepts such as survival and
                                                                                                       resistance are added to its value. In this regard, it can be noted that the concept of
                                                                                                       age dates back to a time that we have not lived in. In other words, a monument that is
                                                                                                       hundreds or thousands of years old, has experienced many events from its emergence
                                                                                                       to the present time and has therefore acquired many historical references. The value
                                                                                                       of the historical references will increase over time, as the distance between the appur-
                                                                                                       tenance of building characteristics and the perceiver increases. Thus, the assessment
                                                                                                       of the monument is a combination of contemporary outlooks and those from previous
                                                                                                       ages.
                                                                                                           Uniqueness: Since each monument is formed based on its own era of spatial and
                                                                                                       temporal characteristics, as well as those imposed on it by specific compatible chang-
                                                                                                       es over time, each has its own particular features that distinguish it from other monu-
                                                                                                       ments. Nevertheless, some order and similarity can be seen in the architecture within
                                                                                                       a specific geographic location or in popular architectural patterns and techniques of the
                                                                                                       time. But every building may contain features that in comparison with similar buildings
                                                                                                       show their unique values.
                                                                                                           Rarity: Basically, many historic monuments were created with unique features in
                                                                                                       their own time and illustrate the opinions and thoughts of their creators. However,
                                                                                                       because of natural events such as erosion, earthquakes, floods, and war, they may
                                                                                                       be destroyed. Today, there may be mere fragments and, in some cases, only one
                                                                                                       sample of these monuments which can be regarded as representative of features and
                                                                                                       commonalities. To understand the distinction between the concept of ‘uniqueness’ and
                                                                                                       ‘rarity’, consider items produced in large quantities (mass-production) which have a
                                                                                                       uniform design, such as machine-made carpets. These items have equal value, but
                                                                                                       when a large number of them are lost, the remainder may attain rarity status. The value
                                                                                                       of uniqueness, on the other hand is not formed in the mass production process. It is the



                                                                                                  86
influence of the specific circumstances in producing each product that makes it unique
(for example, hand-woven carpets).
    Aesthetics: Artistic and general conceptual aspects of an architectural work,
achieved through the composition of the elements and spaces, as well as the location
and landscape of the building are also affective. The combination of the mentioned
dimensions may lead to a different dignity for a building and bring values that can be
studied in terms of aesthetics.
    Demographic events: This feature shows the meanings which have originated from
the events that have constantly impinged on a monument through continued interac-
tion with its surroundings. The demographic events are repeated by people as stories
over time which can reveal the human lifestyles, beliefs and thoughts that have played
a part in the monument’s life history.
    Brandi identified adding value to historic monuments by investigating and studying
a monument’s background within the three time phases previously given. In addition to
mentioned values, there are other values including archaeological, national, technical,
and dramatic life values. Given the above discussion, it can be noted that in addition
to the physical and functional aspects of the monument, meaningfulness is also added
through the process of time, as the monument becomes recognized as being worthy
of conservation and consideration of revitalization. Created over time, these values
and their effects can be compared with the context and effects of other buildings play-
ing an important role in the monument’s identity and character within the surrounding
community.


  4. A ruin’s values in the heritage context: the case of Gobbe-Sabz

   Gobbe-Sabz, consisted of a collection of buildings which included a school, mosque
and tombs. It belonged to the Qara-khitai dynasty and was one of the most important




                                                                                                 CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
and prominent buildings in Kerman, Iran. It was one of the largest existing architectural
complexes of the time but was unfortunately destroyed in various earthquakes. Today
only the entrance porch and several tombs have survived [9-10]. Some action has
been taken to protect what remains of Gobbe-Sabz by emphasizing its background
and moving toward the rehabilitation of this construction, which could eventually lead
to the re-creation of the great old architecture. According to the historic documents
relating to Gobbe-Sabz, it was a place where people learned science and literature
and was the first university in Kerman; it has been extensively damaged through the
ages and only a small part remains, the entrance porch. The most beautiful part of this
structure is the top of the porch with its tiles and the two spiral columns on the sides.
The building is highly admired by the people of Kerman, as well as Iranian people
(Figure 1 and 2).




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M. Mohammadi, M. Mohammadi, K. Mondegari - Heritage values in the rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz, Iran




                                                                                                       Figure 1. A view of the present situation from the entrance porch. Source: Authors, 2016.




                                                                                                       Figure 2. The entrance porch is surrounded by a low wall which distinguishes the boundary
                                                                                                       between the building and private properties and streets. Source: Authors, 2016.

                                                                                                          The Qara-khitai dynasty was founded by Boraq Hajeb in Kerman, in late 1222 AD.
                                                                                                       He died after almost 13 years of governance, in 1235 AD in Kerman. He was buried in
                                                                                                       a school he had built in the Tork-Abad neighborhood in Kerman. According to historic
                                                                                                       documents, it was found that Boraq Hajeb, in his later years, had designated an area

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outside the city (Tork-Abad) for the construction of his tomb but died before it was
completed. Now, the area is called Khaja Khezr and the tomb is known as Gobbe-
Sabz. Gobbe-Sabz was completed in the time of Boraq Hajeb’s son and the tombs of
seven other Qara-khitai kings are also situated in Kerman. Until 1896, Gobbe-Sabz
was regarded as the most important building in Kerman, but after an earthquake, and
already partly in ruins, it was completely destroyed. “Until 1896, the Kuba Sabz [Gobbe
Sabz] or Green Dome was by far the most conspicuous building in Kerman. It was the
tomb of the Kara Khitei dynasty, and formed part of a college, known as the Madrasa
of Turkabdd. The Kuba was a curious cylindrical building, perhaps fifty feet high, with
greenish-blue mosaic work outside, the plastered interior showing traces of rich gild-
ing. […] The date was A.H. 640 (1242), which would be eight years after the death of
Bordk Hdjib, the founder of the dynasty” [11].
    There were also some other buildings, such as a mosque, hospital, and dormitory
around the school that have now disappeared completely. Only a small central area
where a grave covered by thick marble, the entrance porch, some tiles and the base
of the dome’s wall still survive. Today, most of the Gobbe-Sabz area, school, hospital,
Great Mosque and all adjacent facilities have been pillaged by people and the pillaged
materials used to construct residences. This, of course, means that the physical attrib-
utes of the ruin have been substantially changed. The close proximity of the neighbor-
hood, in addition to the human interference of building roads and new constructions,
has led to serious damage to the main structure of the remaining ruin, with a separa-
tion of the features and a breakdown in the structure of the complex. Only the partial
remains of Gobbe-Sabz resist, ostentatiously appearing as a single valuable structure,
seemingly bearing no relationship with other parts of the complex. The new construc-
tions around this monument have, moreover, been erected without considering the
value of the ruin and its relationship with other parts of the complex, consequently
disturbing the visual quality of the surrounding landscape. The lack of accessibility and
absence of principal communicating streets in the vicinity have also contributed to the




                                                                                                  CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
neglect of this building.
    As mentioned earlier, one of the main criteria in evaluating historic monuments is
‘originality’. In the case of Gobbe-Sabz, although only a small part is currently acces-
sible, its remnants are worthy of study in order to identify its primary structure and the
changes that have taken place over the years. It belongs to the Qara-khitai period and
tombs are located inside this building, dating back to the 12th century AD. Today, they
are regarded as a historic document important in the understanding of architectural
history.
    The historic descriptions and the Gobbe-Sabz remnants reflect the ‘unique’ features
of this construction. While the constructions of the IL-Khanid period in Iran benefited
from decorative styles, the use of certain architectural elements and composition of
volumes, Gobbe-Sabz has special features that make it unique among other monu-
ments of the IL-Khanid period. One of its special features is the double dome which
originally had a very tall stem reaching the height of the outer dome which turned it
into a static and vertical component and was an exclusive particular belonging to this
building. The construction and the use of green tiles on the dome, moreover, resulted
in Gobbe-Sabz becoming a prominent feature of the city. In addition, the detail of the
porch in this building is a good example of the uniqueness and innovation of Iranian
architecture (Figure 3) [12].



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M. Mohammadi, M. Mohammadi, K. Mondegari - Heritage values in the rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz, Iran




                                                                                                                        Figure 3. The morphology of the dome in Gobbe-Sabz [11].

                                                                                                           Other special features of Gobbe-Sabz are its ornamentation and aesthetic values,
                                                                                                       which include mosaic tile work in the entrance porch, the brick and tile porch ceiling,
                                                                                                       the broad and narrow margins, and the spiral columns and tabloids around the porch.
                                                                                                       Although this building has changed due to different events and ensuing damage, it is
                                                                                                       still valuable and beautiful. In addition to the applied ornaments, in terms of artistic and
                                                                                                       ‘aesthetic’ values, this building ​​benefited from the architectural features of its era, and
                                                                                                       in spite of the major destruction of the ornamentation in the earthquake, the left porch
                                                                                                       still remains to remind people of these values [13]. In the Gobbe-Sabz remnants, the
                                                                                                       spiral tile (known as Zaghreh) is an element applied in the entrance porch of the build-
                                                                                                       ing and is a well-known prominent feature. These decorative ornaments, delicately
                                                                                                       and beautifully worked on both sides of the porch, are unique in terms of elegance and
                                                                                                       precision (Figure 4, 5 and 6).




                                                                                                  90
         Figure 4. Mosaic tiles in the entrance porch. Source: Authors, 2016.




                                                                                                CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE




Figure 5. Detailed view of mosaic tiles in the left side of porch. Source: Authors, 2016




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M. Mohammadi, M. Mohammadi, K. Mondegari - Heritage values in the rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz, Iran




                                                                                                       Figure 6. Remains of part of the mosaic tiles in the right side of porch and mosaic pieces in
                                                                                                       boxes. Source: Authors, 2016.

                                                                                                           The value of ‘rarity’ in the example of Gobbe-Sabz is present due to the surviving
                                                                                                       parts and are what remains of the Qara-khitai and Turkan Khatun historic buildings
                                                                                                       (schools, mosques, and tombs) which have unfortunately been destroyed. Therefore,
                                                                                                       the remaining porch, which is a small part of the collection, is more important than
                                                                                                       other similar monuments. In addition, the spiral tile in this building is not present in
                                                                                                       any other monuments from these periods and therefore increases the value of Gobbe-
                                                                                                       Sabz in terms of rarity.
                                                                                                           Another important point to consider in the conservation of Gobbe-Sabz, is its ‘demo-
                                                                                                       graphic’ value and the relationship that has been formed between the people and this
                                                                                                       building across the centuries. Although Gobbe-Sabz was founded as a scientific and
                                                                                                       educational center, it was not used as such for many years. However, more recently,
                                                                                                       because of the tombs inside and perhaps owing to the religious form of the dome and
                                                                                                       use of the colour green, which was regarded as holy in the Safavid dynasty, it has
                                                                                                       been used for religious purposes. People living in the neighborhood still hold Tasu’a
                                                                                                       and Ashura rituals and other religious ceremonies here. They hang religious clothes
                                                                                                       and symbols and have even built a religious center (Tekye) with the same name next
                                                                                                       to the Gobbe-Sabz monument (Figure 7). The site today holds such an important posi-
                                                                                                       tion among people for ritualistic ceremonies that it has become a significant value in
                                                                                                       considering the conservation and restoration of the monument (Table 1).




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      Figure 7. The religious center (Tekye) next to Gobbe-Sabz. Source: Authors, 2016.


Table 1. Heritage values in the Gobbe-Sabz monument


  Heritage values                 Description
                                  Primary structure
  Originality
                                  Study the changes over time
  Age                             As a historic document
                                  The morphology of dome




                                                                                                 CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
  Uniqueness
                                  Ornaments and decorative style
                                  Only remaining part of a huge historic complex
  Rarity
                                  Spiral tile (Zaghareh)
                                  Mosaic tile
  Aesthetics
                                  Spiral tile (Zaghareh)
                                  Relationship between people and the monument
  Demographic Events
                                  Religious center


  5. Strategies for the rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz based on its heritage values

    Considering Brandi’s theory on restoration, there are three critical times within the
life of a monument which are likely to have important roles in intervention for reha-
bilitation. From its creation to the present, a historic monument introduces a range
of values that could prove useful in the creative process of rehabilitating the historic
ruins. Based on Gobbe-Sabz’s present situation and the conceptual framework that
has been presented for the rehabilitation of the historic ruins in this study, we suggest
several strategies; these strategies can be categorized in two scales: context scale
and building scale.



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                                                                                                          5.1. The context scale

                                                                                                           The context scale is defined as the surrounding area which includes the monument,
                                                                                                       its accessibility and position in the neighbourhood. The context scale can be used for
                                                                                                       protecting and properly understanding the architectural space that is referred to. To-
                                                                                                       day, in the context scale, there is no well-defined space related to the historic period
M. Mohammadi, M. Mohammadi, K. Mondegari - Heritage values in the rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz, Iran




                                                                                                       of the Gobbe-Sabz building; however, the open space next to the porch affords an
                                                                                                       appropriate relationship with the surrounding context. The presence of the porch in an
                                                                                                       open adjacent space affords visibility from the surrounding streets. By determining the
                                                                                                       historic area, it can be defined in architectural design guidelines to control the archi-
                                                                                                       tectural forms, skyline and materials in the buildings around the monument (Figure 8).




                                                                                                       Figure 8. A view from Gobbe-Sabz showing skyline and diversity of private buildings. Source:
                                                                                                       Authors, 2016.

                                                                                                           Moreover, in the conservation process, conditions may be created in which people
                                                                                                       are not just onlookers but are brought face to face with the dramatic aspects of the
                                                                                                       monument; thus, by following an appropriate hierarchy and understanding the aes-
                                                                                                       thetics and spatial aspects, visitors can come face to face with its values as well. For
                                                                                                       example, in the design of the surrounding landscape, it will be necessary to create spe-
                                                                                                       cific perspectives and proper access to the porch, so that the porch itself is located at
                                                                                                       the center of the view and attracts the visitors’ attention. In this case, temporary events,
                                                                                                       like annual religious street festivals which occur at certain times of the year and other
                                                                                                       special occasions, can easily take place in this context. This kind of event, besides not
                                                                                                       requiring any specific functional prerequisites, also have considerable meaning cor-
                                                                                                       respondences with the mentioned values of the building. The benefits achieved from
                                                                                                       the considerable adaptability with the mentioned heritage values and meanings are
                                                                                                       quite significant.
                                                                                                           Since some religious rituals are held in the Tekye (religious center) next to Gobbe-
                                                                                                       Sabz, its presence within this context is appropriate. While these activities are tempo-
                                                                                                       rary and only held for special events, they may take a long time to prepare in terms
                                                                                                       of the presence of visitors to the place and their integration. The continuity of these
                                                                                                       religious rituals has a great influence in creating a sense of belonging to this place and
                                                                                                       is a key point to be considered in rehabilitating the monument. Increasing this sense
                                                                                                       of belonging and attachment to the neighborhood will consequently be an extremely



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important element in the conservation process and may be further strengthened by
giving a special name to one of the surrounding streets, such as Gobbe-Sabz Street.

   5.2 The monument scale

    It should be noted that in order to protect a monument in the scale of its building,
even where the remnants are just a small part of a great collection, there are features
which can strengthen its cultural values. This scale can define micro strategies which
are applied to the monument and its features rather than its context. Since a large
part of Gobbe-Sabz has been destroyed and reconstruction is impossible, the exist-
ing physical features ​​should be made evident to widen the range of accepted values.
Thus, the first strategy is ‘cleaning’, in other words, making these manifestations more
readable. In addition, physical aspects can reinforce the values ​​related to rarity (the
only remaining part of a huge collection) and uniqueness (spiral tile) and other historic
values.
    Another considerable point that can be effective in the monument’s scale strategies
and reinforce the acceptance of visitor reference is to present the monument to profes-
sionals from different fields who will be able to recognize its values. Research and edu-
cational activities in the field of restoration of historic monuments and cultural heritage
can also help to identify, understand and communicate the values in the monument.
In this regard, due to the limitation caused by physical interference, it is necessary to
consider the possible adaptability of the immediate space surrounding the monument
to suit visitor traffic and activities. For example, if there is a direct relationship between
an activity and the number of visitors, then activities that require fewer visitors would
be more suitable for a monument which has lost most of its physical features; in the
case of short-term activities, the number of visitors might be increased. In other words,
activities without specific guidelines and restrictions create conditions with greater flex-
ibility, and so the appropriation of space for visitors can be adapted to the physical




                                                                                                      CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
remnants of the monument.
    Generally, the approaches can be classified as follows:
    In the scale of context:
    •     Organizing the open space around the monument.
    •     Determining the historic area and establishing guidelines for urban construction
          and development.
    •     Defining a hierarchy of access and determining appropriate views to the monu-
          ment.
    •     Naming the street leading to the monument.
    •     In the scale of the monument:
    •     Highlighting the effects and values.
    •     Strengthening activities that encourage the presence of experts, who may be
          unfamiliar with the monument, in order to increase appreciation and knowledge
          of the values.
    Finally, in regarding the international context of conservation, one can also consider
the following issues to determine how to deal with historic ruins.
    The monument must be considered based on its context scale and accessibility
with respect to the monument design environment. In other words, the access routes
which lead to the monument and provide the visitor with their first impressions of the



                                                                                                 95
                                                                                                       various aspects of the monument have a significant effect on the viewers’ perceptions
                                                                                                       and therefore require special attention.
                                                                                                           It is necessary to listen to the people who live in the neighbourhood of the monu-
                                                                                                       ment and study the relationship that exists between them (demographically and an-
                                                                                                       thropologically). This demographic study should not only be limited to the monument
                                                                                                       and the activities inside it but should also be expanded to include a wider area outside
M. Mohammadi, M. Mohammadi, K. Mondegari - Heritage values in the rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz, Iran




                                                                                                       that is also affected.
                                                                                                           Consideration should be given to the process of protecting the monument.
                                                                                                           People’s relationship with the context and monument, as well as their sense of iden-
                                                                                                       tity and belonging to the monument should be strengthened.
                                                                                                           The values that have accrued over long periods of time should be reported promi-
                                                                                                       nently in the present time. Although this may occur in different ways, setting up a pres-
                                                                                                       entation inside the monument naturally has the potential to manifest its values, such
                                                                                                       as rarity and uniqueness and aesthetic aspects, more successfully. Any restorative
                                                                                                       activity that impair these values should be excluded.
                                                                                                           The meanings that have been created in the monument over time and have formed
                                                                                                       its historic nature should have a significant role in deciding the programme for its con-
                                                                                                       servation and restoration. Therefore, such activities should be selected so that they en-
                                                                                                       hance these meanings and their significance. Monuments which contain the concept
                                                                                                       of rarity should host activities infrequently, so they have a measure of protection that
                                                                                                       will in the long-term extend their preservation. Therefore, special events and short-
                                                                                                       term activities should be chosen which will certainly contribute to creating awareness
                                                                                                       among the population of the importance of historic monuments, but care must be taken
                                                                                                       with how it is organised.


                                                                                                         6. Conclusion

                                                                                                          Over time, a monument is damaged and undergoes deterioration and loss, but it can
                                                                                                       also acquire values. In other words, a monument, in addition to the artistic and func-
                                                                                                       tional values which were considered at the time of its creation, may undergo changes
                                                                                                       across the years which add other values.
                                                                                                          Therefore, with each physical condition that buildings experience, according to
                                                                                                       Brandi’s theory, conservation not only goes beyond the historical value-based ap-
                                                                                                       proach but should also consider the changes that occur over time. Monuments that
                                                                                                       have acquired different values and significance should adopt new sets of strategies
                                                                                                       for their conservation or modify them. Strategies to appropriately address the monu-
                                                                                                       ment and its values must be correctly implemented to restore and protect the historic
                                                                                                       monuments.
                                                                                                          As presented in this paper, Gobbe-Sabz is a historically valuable building, situated
                                                                                                       in Kerman in Iran. It is unfortunately not in a good state of conservation today due to
                                                                                                       the many different events it has experienced. It may, however, be possible to identify
                                                                                                       the values inherent in Gobbe-Sabz based on the changes and evolutions that have
                                                                                                       taken place in it through the years. Its present situation can, therefore, be regarded as
                                                                                                       an opportunity for study and to propose strategies for its conservation. In spite of the
                                                                                                       poor physical condition of the Gobbe-sabz monument investigated in this study, from
                                                                                                       the discussion of its issues many relevant aspects have arisen that may be applied to
                                                                                                       other historic monuments wherever they may be located and whatever their condition.


                                                                                                  96
    Notes
    1. This article is a further development of two publications based on research pub-
lished in the Persian language. They are:
- Mohammadi, M. Mohammadi, M. and Khajepour, M. (2013) Identification and Protec-
tion of Present Values in Gobbe-Sabz: A Historical Monument in Kerman. Journal of
studies on Iranian–Islamic City, 3 (12), pp. 79-88.
- Mohammadi, M. and Mondegari, K. (2012) The Role of Meaning in Determining the
Properties of Compatible Function with Historic Ruins. SHAHR V MEMARI BUMI:
Journal of Architecture and Urban Design, 2, pp. 99-110.



      References

[1]     Yeomans, D. (1994) Rehabilitation and Historic Preservation: A Comparison of
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[2]     Jokilehto, J. (1999) A History of Architectural Conservation. Oxford: Butterworth-
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[3]     Canter, D. (1977) The psychology of place. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
[4]     Jokilehto, J. (2007) Conservation Concepts. In Conservation of Ruins (ed. John
        Ashurst), Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
[5]     Brandi, C. (1963) Teoria del restauro. Rome, Edizioni di Storia e Letteratura.
[6]     Brandi, C. (1966) Le due vie. Bari, Editori Laterza.
[7]     Brandi, C. (1989) Les deux voies de la critique. (ranslated by P. Philippot),. Brus-
        sels: Marc Vokar.
[8]     Martinez, A. H. (2008) Conservation and Restoration in Built Heritage: A Western
        European Perspective. In The Ashgate Research Companion to Heritage and




                                                                                                    CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
        Identity, (eds. Brian Graham and Peter Howard), pp. 245-265. Hampshire: Ash-
        gate Publishing Limited.
[9]     Bastani Parizi, M. I. (1969) A List of Historic Monuments in Kerman. Kerman;
        Conservation of monuments organization.
[10]    Vaziri, A. A. (1996) The History of Kerman. Tehran: Bahman Press.
[11]    Sykes, P. M. (1902) Ten thousand miles in Persia Or, Eight years in Iran. London:
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[12]    Zia’i, S. A. (2006) Cultural Heritage of the Qara-Khitai Dynasty in Kerman:
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        127-160.
[13]    Javadi, Sh. (2000) Gobbe-Sabz: The Oldest Examples of Mosaic Tile in Iran.
        Honar-Ha-Ye-Ziba, 7, pp. 12-20.


      Biographical Notes

   Mohsen Mohammadi is an architect and holds a PhD degree in architecture from
the School of Architecture and Urban Design, Art University of Isfahan. He has been
a lecturer in architecture at the Saba Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shahid Bahonar
University of Kerman since 2011. His research and teaching explore the links between


                                                                                               97
                                                                                                       visual and spatial properties of the built environment and behavioural and educational
                                                                                                       outcomes. His main research interests lie at the interface between people and the
                                                                                                       built environment and the meaning perceived by people in architectural design. He
                                                                                                       follows meaning in architecture through a philosophical approach with the theory of
                                                                                                       ‘place’, and the notion of affordances in ecological and perceptual psychology. He cur-
                                                                                                       rently focuses on investigating the links between affordances and the built environment
M. Mohammadi, M. Mohammadi, K. Mondegari - Heritage values in the rehabilitation of Gobbe-Sabz, Iran




                                                                                                       from an architectural viewpoint, with an aim to further understanding the relationship
                                                                                                       between environmental design, human behaviour in the community, and its contribu-
                                                                                                       tion to a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, he has conducted some architectural and urban
                                                                                                       research projects which include historical conservation projects in Iran.

                                                                                                          Mohammad Mohammadi is an architect and PhD candidate at the School of Archi-
                                                                                                       tecture and Urban Design, RMIT University, Australia. He specializes in the social life
                                                                                                       of public spaces, mainly privately owned public spaces. He is interested in exploring
                                                                                                       the past, current and future life of public spaces. Mohammad currently focuses on an
                                                                                                       activity-based approach toward the analysis of privately-owned public spaces and how
                                                                                                       the built environment can engage in social interactions through different activities. He
                                                                                                       has also been involved in different professional conservation research projects and
                                                                                                       practices in Iran.

                                                                                                           Kazem Mondegari is an Assistant Professor of architecture at the School of Art
                                                                                                       and Architecture, Yazd University, Iran. He also has been Vice President for Social &
                                                                                                       Cultural Affairs of Yazd University since 2013. Kazem got his PhD degree in architec-
                                                                                                       ture from the University of Tehran in 2004. His thesis was entitled “Tacit Knowing of
                                                                                                       Site as a Place; Effective Presence in Architectural Concept”. He is interested in the
                                                                                                       preservation of historical buildings and context, as well as in architectural design in the
                                                                                                       historical context, in both academic and professional areas. Since 1994, he has been
                                                                                                       in charge of different decision-making and consultant positions in governmental and
                                                                                                       city council centres related to cultural heritage, such as Director of Cultural Heritage
                                                                                                       of Yazd Province (1994-1997), Director of Strategic Board of Heritage Office of Iran
                                                                                                       (1997), Member of Technical Council of Cultural Heritage of Yazd Province (1999-
                                                                                                       now). He has been actively engaged in heritage conservation research and programs
                                                                                                       as a member of the Strategic Board in research centres of many historical cities includ-
                                                                                                       ing Yazd (2003), Meybod (2003), Abarkuh (2004).


                                                                                                           Summary
                                                                                                           Gobbe-Sabz (Green Cupola) is one of the most important and prominent build-
                                                                                                       ings in Kerman, Iran, dating back to the Qara-khitai dynasty (1222 – 1306 AD). It
                                                                                                       was a huge complex of buildings that was almost totally destroyed in an earthquake.
                                                                                                       Every building during its lifecycle from creation to deterioration acquires values that
                                                                                                       are important in making any decision about restoration. Brandi‘s theory of restoration
                                                                                                       considers ruins as a work of art, claiming that they are the result of a unique, creative
                                                                                                       process. He asserts it is necessary to have a creative process for restoration to reclaim
                                                                                                       its significance in the human consciousness. Although there remains only a small part
                                                                                                       of Gobbe-Sabz, many remarkable heritage values have been added over time that
                                                                                                       could be helpful in the creative process for its conservation. The present situation of
                                                                                                       Gobbe-Sabz precludes rebuilding it as active and complete architecture, determining


                                                                                                  98
the process of rehabilitating its original condition. Moreover, some heritage values and
meanings have been added to it across the years which are a collection of ideas and
concepts that can be useful in deciding the conservation process. In this regard, this
research proposes conservation strategies and a conceptual framework for the reha-
bilitation of the historic ruins based on their current situation.

    Riassunto
    Gobbe-Sabz (Cupola verde) è una delle costruzioni più importanti di Kerman, in
Iran, risalente alla dinastia Qara-khitai (1222 - 1306 d.C.). Era costituito da un enorme
complesso di edifici che fu quasi completamente distrutto da un terremoto. Ogni edifi-
cio durante il suo ciclo di vita dalla ideazione al deterioramento acquisisce valori impor-
tanti fondamentali per progettare il restauro. La teoria del restauro di Brandi considera
le rovine come un’opera d’arte, sostenendo che esse sono il risultato di un processo
unico e creativo. Afferma che è necessario un processo creativo per il restauro al fine
di restituire il suo significato nella coscienza umana. Sebbene rimanga solo una picco-
la parte di Gobbe-Sabz, nel tempo sono stati aggiunti molti valori culturali che potreb-
bero essere utili nel processo creativo per la sua conservazione. L’attuale situazione
di Gobbe-Sabz preclude la ricostruzione come architettura attiva e completa, deter-
minando il processo di ripristino della sua condizione originale. Inoltre, alcuni valori e
significati storici sono stati aggiunti nel corso degli anni. Questi forniscono una raccolta
di idee e concetti che possono essere utili nel decidere il processo di conservazione.
A tal proposito, questa ricerca propone strategie di conservazione e un quadro conc-
ettuale per la valorizzazione delle rovine storiche in base alla loro situazione attuale.




                                                                                                    CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE




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