Seeking Resiliency in the Architecture of Dwelling: Kuy-e Narmak (1952–1958)

Abstract

This essay examines Kuy-e Narmak, a residential neighborhood developed in 1950s Tehran, under the auspices of Mosaddegh’s Modernization Program. It argues that the “Economy Without Oil” model, introduced by the Mosaddegh administration, and the implemented land-ownership system contributed to creating a resilient urban form and housing model in Iran. More importantly, it shows how underpinning top-down housing design approaches with bottom-up initiatives would allow democratic over bureaucratic processes for developing large-scale housing schemes, and encourage the active involvement of people in creating their urban communities.