Research Initiatives
Exploring a diverse range of my academic and field research projects, including in-depth studies, course-related investigations, and other research-based endeavors. Focused on heritage studies and historic building conservation, these initiatives are designed to advance understanding and contribute valuable insights to the broader knowledge community.
Thesis
In this section, I present a summary on the research and findings from my thesis, highlighting key insights and developments from my academic journey.
Master's Thesis
World Heritage Studies
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
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Bachelor's thesis
Conservation of Historic Buildings
Art University of Isfahan (AUI), Iran
Conservation plan for the Northern Facade of Mahmoud Sertipi's historical Residence
This historical house, dating from the Qajar period and featuring numerous decorations such as painted plaster and ornamental stucco,
It was identified that the most significant damage has been caused by human activities and rising moisture. Additionally, it was observed that parts of the house’s architectural structure have been removed, disrupting the load distribution, and it is necessary to pursue legal action against such intrusions. The study includes a damage assessment of the building deteriorations and proposes a conservation plan.
Course-related investigations
In this section, I present research projects undertaken during my academic studies across various courses. These investigations reflect the depth and breadth of my learning experiences.
French Secondary School
Study Project: Heritage Making at Historic Sites: Processes, Practices, and Politics
Prof. Dr. Johanna Blokker
World Heritage Studies Master's Program,
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
This project explores the Französisches Gymnasium in Berlin, a post-World War II initiative designed to promote social and educational renewal. As the building now stands abandoned and deteriorating, we propose two potential futures: one involves preserving and repurposing the space for cultural and artistic events, while the other recommends demolishing it to create an open park that embodies democratic engagement. Both proposals are underpinned by thorough historical research and aim to revive the community's connection to this historically significant site. The project was done by a team comprising Axel Velasco Maldonado, Gayathri Warrier, Niloofar Soleymani, and YiChen Lin with the supervision of Prof. Dr. Johanna Blokker in the Sommer Semester of 2023. The cover letter, table of contents, and Niloofar Soleymani's contributions can be found in the Pdf.
Cultural-led Revitalization and Regenerationin Abandoned Urban Districts
Heritage in Urban and Regional Studies
Dr. rer. pol. Ludger Gailing
Dr. Wolfgang Haupt
World Heritage Studies Master's Program
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
This paper examines culture-led revitalization in abandoned urban districts through case studies in South Korea and China. It analyzes the impact of past development policies and the outcomes of culturally driven initiatives, such as Gamcheon Village, Ihwa Village, Seongbuk Village, Totatoga, Beijing 798 District, M50 District, and Guangzhou International Club. The study highlights the benefits, like economic growth and improved quality of life, as well as challenges, such as commercial exploitation and social disparities, emphasizing the need for balanced urban planning strategies.
A Critical Reflection AI-Technology in Writing an Academic Paper
AI and Academic Writing
Dr. phil. Roland Bernecker
Dr. Phil. Britta Rudolff
World Heritage Studies Master's Program
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
In the course "AI and Academic Writing," we aimed to craft an article with ChatGPT that would not be recognized as AI-generated by detectors.
This article explores the revitalization approches in Iran, tracing its European origins and application in the historic city of Yazd, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following the completion of this article, we also composed pieces titled "Recommendations About Universities' Approaches Toward AI and ChatGPT" and "A Critical Reflection on AI Technology in Writing an Academic Paper."
A Narrative of Sister-Cities:
Friendship Associations of Freiburg and Isfahan
Cultural Management
Dr. phil. Roland Bernecker
World Heritage Studies Master's Program
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
In the Cultural Management course, our final essay required us to present the management system of an organization or institution. We chose to focus on Freundeskreis Germany and Iran. Due to the lack of coherent and concise information, we structured our analysis by conducting interviews, studying visual materials, and gathering stories shared within the community. This work was conducted by Niloofar Soleymani, Forough Moussavi, Nazli Zaki Alamdari, and Bahareh Khajehpour.
Network Society
Culture and Globalization
Prof. Miriam Friz Trzeciak
World Heritage Studies Master's Program
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
In this course, we were tasked with selecting a keyword to present. For our group presentation, we chose "network society" and conducted an in-depth study on Manuel Castells' theory of the network society. network society describes a social structure based on networks enabled by digital communications technologies, influencing the economy, culture, and politics.
Learning Journal on
Societies' Alterations Over Time
Introduction to Critical Intercultural Communication Studies I / II
Dr. Prof. Manuel Peters
World Heritage Studies Master's Program
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
From ancient times to 1500 AD, social orders changed little. Post-1500, rapid changes, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries with technology, prompted social scientists to study these shifts. National identity grew, but nation-states remained ethnically diverse. Increased immigration formed new communities, necessitating intersectional cultural studies. This journal explores the complexities of ethnic identification and nationalism, emphasizing the need to understand diverse responses to societal issues.
How to Talk about Nature?
Natural Heritage and Cultural Landscapes
Dr. Francesc G. Rodríguez
World Heritage Studies Master's Program
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
In this course, we explored how various cultures, religions, and beliefs interpret nature, and we wrote reflection reviews on related articles. The articles I analyzed were "Nature’s Looking Glass" by Hillary Angelo and Colin Jerolmack, and "Nature Abhors a Garden" by Michael Pollan.
Fashion and Heritage, Stories we wear
Natural Heritage and Cultural Landscapes
Prof. Simona von Eyb
World Heritage Studies Master's Program
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
In this course, we explored "the stories we wear" by focusing on traditional needlework, specifically "Pate Doozi." We examined its meanings, stories, challenges, and future as a living heritage of Iranian needlework, accompanied by a poster introducing an artisan working with this craft.
StoryTelling Media and PR
Natural Heritage and Cultural Landscapes
Dr. phil. Roland Bernecker
Prof. Simona von Eyb
World Heritage Studies Master's Program
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
This paper explores a tourism engagement campaign centered around the Great Mosque of Xi’an and its surrounding Hui community. Although the mosque is not a UNESCO site, it is a significant state-level heritage monument. The paper discusses a proposed cultural photography festival designed to enhance awareness of the Hui culture and promote sustainable tourism. It aims to bridge the gap between local communities, Chinese authorities, and business interests, addressing challenges in marketing and tourism management. The project seeks to shift focus from static sites to a dynamic, living cultural experience, leveraging social media and community engagement to foster a deeper connection with the Hui heritage.
Introduction / Coaching
to World Heritage Studies
Prof. Miriam Friz Trzeciak
World Heritage Studies Master's Program
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany
In this course, we were assigned to select a key concept for presentation. Our group chose "Imagined Communities," focusing on Benedict Anderson’s influential theory. We explored Anderson’s notion of nations as "imagined communities," where members, despite never meeting, share a collective identity. We also examined Christian Hall’s contributions to the discourse, highlighting how these ideas shape our understanding of nationalism and community.
Comparative Study of Supplementary Structures in the Isfahan Historical Bazaar: A Case Analysis of Timche
Research Methodology
Dr. Ali Zamanifard
Conservation of Historical Buildings Bachelor's Program
Art University, Iran
In this course focused on learning how to write an academic essay, we selected a subject to explore in-depth. Our research examines the recent additions to the Isfahan bazaar, comparing the physical and functional aspects of Timchehs within the traditional bazaar structure. Urban changes since the Qajar period have shifted commercial focus from bazaars to street edges, often creating spaces devoid of identity. Many new constructions in the bazaar remain abandoned or repurposed as warehouses, lacking connection with surrounding buildings and the social interactions characteristic of the traditional bazaar. Despite neglect, the Amadgah Complex stands out as a successful urban space that continues to attract the younger population.
Examination and Comprehension of Architectural and Urban Structures
A Study of the Jewish neighborhood in Jubareh, Isfahan
Dr. Zatollah Nikzad
Conservation of Historical Buildings Bachelor's Program
Art University, Iran
Isfahan, a historic city in central Iran, is home to numerous valuable monuments and has hosted a rich mix of cultures over the centuries. Despite Isfahan's generally uniform urban system, each neighborhood has a unique character. Jubareh, one of Isfahan's oldest neighborhoods, also known as Charah Adian (Crossroads of religions), exemplifies this uniqueness. This study explores Jubareh's historical context and lived experiences to provide a deeper understanding of the neighborhood.
​This project, a comprehensive study spanning approximately 200 pages, was completed by Niloofer Soleymani and Sara Gholamian. 20-page of the study is available in Persian.
Conservation Project
Dr. Alireza Razaghi
Conservation of Historical Buildings Bachelor's Program
Tehran Art University, Iran
This project involves identifying a specific area within a historic neighborhood, conducting research, and designing an intervention that harmonizes with the existing structure and surrounding context. Attached are some of the project sections.
Conservation Project
A Study on Traditional Structures
Dr. Alireza Razaghi
Conservation of Historical Buildings Bachelor's Program
Tehran Art University, Iran
In this study, we examined the structural integrity of traditional edifices, focusing on how various architectural elements collaboratively sustain vertical alignment and efficiently transfer vertical loads to the foundation. the findings were represented through 3D models constructed in Rhino.
Revitalizing of of historical complex heritage
Dr. Zatollah Nikzad
Conservation of Historical Buildings Bachelor's Program
Tehran Art University, Iran
In this project, the objective is to identify a central core within a historical context and propose a comprehensive revitalization plan for both the core and its surrounding neighborhood. The focus of this study is "Baqea Shah Kamal," and the project was conducted by Niloofar Soleymani, Sara Gholamian, and Alireza Soleimani. Historically, this tomb and its adjacent structures formed a multifunctional complex catering to the needs of the local community, encompassing educational institutions, foundations, workshops, and residential areas. The complete study spans 220 pages, with a 25-page summary provided in the attached document.