Persian Gardens Meanings Symbolism and Design
LANDSCAPE ONLINE 46:1-19 (2016), DOI 10.3097/LO.201646
Leila Mahmoudi Farahani*, Bahareh Motamed, Elmira Jamei
Deakin University, School of Architecture and Built Environment, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong; 3220, Australia
Abstract
Culture and identity in a society can be represented in the architecture and the meanings intertwined with it.
In this sense, the architecture and design are the interface for transferring meaning and identity to the nation
and future generations. Persian gardens have been evolved through the history of Persian Empire in regard to
the culture and beliefs of the society. This paper aims to investigate the patterns of design and architecture
in Persian gardens and the meanings intertwined with their patterns and significant elements such as water
and trees. Persian gardens are not only about geometries and shapes; but also manifest different design
elements, each representing a specific symbol and its significance among the society. This paper seeks to
explore Persian gardens in terms of their geometric structure, irrigation system, network construction and
pavilions alongside design qualities such as hierarchy, symmetry, centrality, rhythm and harmony. In the
second stage, the paper investigates the fundamental symbols and their philosophy in the creation of Persian
gardens and in relation to the architecture and design.