Civil and Project journal

"A Descriptive-Analytical Review of the Representation of Traditional Architecture in the Boutique Hotels of the Zagros Region: The Experience of Dwelling in a Contemporary Form"

https://doi.org/10.22034/cpj.2025.550779.1406
Volume 7, Issue 9 - Serial Number 79
December 2025
Pages 23-38
Civil and Project journal

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Mohammadmehdi Soroush 1
somayeh paksaz 2

1 Associate professor, Department of Architecture, Ha.C., Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran

2 - PhD student in Architecture, Department of Architecture, Ha.C., Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran

Abstract
Abstract
The Zagros region, with its vast expanse in western Iran, is one of the main centers for the formation of traditional living and physical patterns due to its diverse climate, culture, and architecture. Despite this richness, in recent years, most new accommodation projects in this region have deviated from representing local identity and the values of traditional architecture. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze how the elements of traditional Zagros architecture are represented in boutique hotels and to provide a framework for enhancing their spatial and identity quality. The research method is qualitative, based on documentary content analysis and a case study of the Sarem-al-Dowleh Boutique Hotel. The findings indicate that prominent elements of Zagros vernacular architecture—including stepped forms (terraced architecture), the use of stone and wood, flat roofs, and introverted communal spaces—when consciously integrated with the language of contemporary architecture, can not only improve climatic performance but also strengthen tourists’ sense of place attachment and cultural experience. By emphasizing the theoretical framework of Contextualism and Critical Regionalism, this research identifies the existing gap in the design of contemporary accommodations in Zagros and presents a model for reviving local identity in Iran’s boutique hotels.

Keywords

Keywords: Boutique Hotel
Traditional Zagros Architecture
Contemporary Architecture
Local Identity
Tourism
Subjects
1- Ahmadi, Shokoufeh. (2014 [fa]). Boutique hotel: Chic and friendly. Journal of Tourism,
Digital version at Regional Information Center for Science and Technology.
2- Ashghali-Farahani, G., & Imani-Gheshlaq, S. (2022 [fa]). Role of boutique hotels in urban
tourism development: Case study of boutique hotels in Tehran, Districts 11 and 12. Journal
of Tourism Planning and Development, 40.
Civil and Project Journal, 2025, 7(9), 23-38
https://doi.org/10.22034/cpj.2025.550779.1406
36
3- Ashghali-Farahani, G. (2022 [fa]). Adaptive reuse of historical buildings into boutique
hotels: Case study of Shamshak Boutique Hotel in Tehran. 2nd International Conference
on Architecture, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Environment and Islamic Arts.
4- Bozorg-Chenani, M., & Afshinmehr, H. (2015 [fa]). Sustainable architecture in boutique
hotel design with focus on eco-tourism: Case study of Honar va Tabiat Boutique Hotel,
Gilan. 1st Scientific Conference on New Horizons in Civil Engineering, Architecture,
Culture and Urban Management.
5- Pirnia, M. K. (2004 [fa]). Stylistics of Iranian Architecture. Tehran: Research Institute of
Culture and Islamic Arts.
6- Hosseini, A. (2018 [fa]). Vernacular architecture of Uraman. Identity-City Quarterly,
12(3), 45–60.
7- Khosravi, S., et al. (2020). Boutique hotels: A conceptual framework and future research
agenda. Journal of Tourism Futures, 6(2), 123–138. https://doi.org/10.xxxx
8- Dadkhah, N., & Kazemi, M. (2018 [fa]). Adaptive reuse of Haj Sheikh historical house
into boutique hotel. Conference on Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Planning in
Islamic Countries.
9- Zolfagharnasab, N., Jalalian, S., Soroush, M. M., & Talischi, G. (2024 [fa]). Spatial
organization features of new contemporary houses influenced by taste changes in
contemporary Iranian architecture. Geography Quarterly (Regional Planning), 14.)56(
10- Razavi, S. (2021 [fa]). Boutique hotels and tourist experience. Sustainable Tourism
Journal, 8(2), 87–104.
11- Sadat-Akhavi, M. (2015 [fa]). Contextualism in contemporary Iranian architecture. Iranian
Journal of Architecture and Urban Planning, 6(2), 75–90.
12- Sarmad, Z., Bazargan, A., & Hejazi, E. (2020 [fa]). Research Methods in Behavioral
Sciences. Tehran: SAMT.
13- Soroush, M. M. (2024 [fa]). Wisdom in Iranian Architecture. Islamic Azad University
Press, Hamedan.
14- Soltani, M. (2010 [fa]). Vernacular Architecture of Iran. Tehran: University of Tehran.
15- Sadeghi-Pi, N. (2006 [fa]). Reflections on traditional architecture. Tehran: XYZ Press.
16- Azimzadeh, (2019 [fa]). Empty cities without boutique hotels. Shahr-e Omid va Zendegi
Newspaper, Shahrara.
17- Gholami, M. (2019 [fa]). Vernacular architecture of Zagros. National Conference on
Iranian Vernacular Architecture.
18- Kabir Kouhi, E., & Soroush, M. M. (2023 [fa]). Feasibility study of modernizing
traditional architecture based on traditionalist thought. Tehran: XYZ Press.
19- Naraqi, K. (1996 [fa]). Study of Rural Architecture in Iran. Tehran: Research Institute of
Culture and Islamic Arts.
Civil and Project Journal, 2025, 7(9), 23-38
https://doi.org/10.22034/cpj.2025.550779.1406
37
20- Abel, C. (1997). The value of traditional and regional design. London: Phaidon Press.
21- Gelernter, M., & Dubrucq, V. (2004). The value of traditional and regional design.
London: Phaidon Press.
22- Aggett, M. (2007). What has influenced growth in the UK’s boutique hotel sector?
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 19(2), 169–177.
https://doi.org/10.xxxx
23- Beck, L. (1986). The Qashqa’i of Iran. Yale University Press.
24- Bemanian, M. R., & Shakibamanesh, A. (2021). Post-occupancy evaluation of historic
buildings after their adaptive reuse into boutique hotels: An experience from Yazd, Iran.
ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/xxxx
25- Burckhardt, T. (1969). Art of Islam: Language and Meaning. London: World of Islam
Festival.
26- Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing among Five
Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
27- Dall Agnol, N. S. C., & Nakatani, M. S. M. (2018). Hotel Boutique: Sobre os diferentes
conceitos e apontamentos caracteristicas. Revista Rosa Dos Ventos Turismo e
Hospitalidade, 10(3), 558–577. https://doi.org/10.18226/21789061.v10i3p558
28- Faryad, A., et al. (2002). Architecture and Nature: Vernacular Patterns in Zagros. WIT
Press.
29- Frampton, K. (1983). Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of
Resistance. In The Anti-Aesthetic: Essays on Postmodern Culture.
30- Gate of Nations. (2021). A village in the heart of Zagros. https://gate-of-nations.org
31- Henderson, J. C. (2011). Hip heritage: The boutique hotel business in Singapore. Tourism
and Hospitality Research, 11(3), 217–223.
32- Jiri, L. (2015); Alexander, C., et al. The Complementary Architectural Approach.
33- Jones, P., & Day, J. (2011). Sustainable hotel practices and boutique hotels. Journal of
Retail & Leisure Property, 9(3), 211–225.
34- Norberg-Schulz, C. (1980). Genius Loci: Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture.
Rizzoli.
35- Oliver, P. (2006). Built to Meet Needs: Cultural Issues in Vernacular Architecture.
Routledge.
36- Oliver, P. (1989). Handed Down Architecture: Tradition in Transmission. In J. P. Bourdier
& N. Alsayyad (Eds.), Dwellings, Settlements and Tradition: Cross-Cultural Perspectives.
Lanham, MD: University Press of America.
37- Rapoport, A. (1969). House Form and Culture. Prentice-Hall.
38- Rapoport, A. (1995). On the concept of “vernacular architecture” and its contribution to the
built environment. Journal of Architectural Research, 4(2), 12–28.
Civil and Project Journal, 2025, 7(9), 23-38
https://doi.org/10.22034/cpj.2025.550779.1406
38
39- Rogerson, C. (2010). Niche tourism: A case of the growth of boutique hotels in South
Africa. Applied Geography, 30(4), 547–559.
40- Tzonis, A., & Lefaivre, L. (1981). Theoretical foundations of critical regionalism.
41- Yalav, F. (2021). Iran’s boutique hotels for AD Middle East. https://www.ferideyalav.com
42- Wikipedia. (2021). Cultural Landscape of Uramanat.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uramanat
  • Receive Date 02 September 2025
  • Revise Date 11 September 2025
  • Accept Date 13 October 2025
  • First Publish Date 14 October 2025
  • Publish Date 22 November 2025

Home

Submit

Contact Us

Forthcoming Articles