Architect vs. Client

It is usually believe that architects should be good psychologist. They should fully comprehend their clients’ needs and desires and at the same be able to communicate with them. Designing for people plays a prominent role in architecture. However, there is a wide gap between these two groups in Iran. Architects do not believe in general society style of living, thinking and behaving. Observing misbehaviors, misunderstandings of their own people and on the other hand becoming familiar with innovations, progressions and methods of thinking in other cultures, have made architects more and more parted from normal cognitions of majority.

In addition, rapid changes in economical and political conditions in Iran have emerged newly shaped wealthy class that most of them do not have graduate studies or have low education or in some ways, their studies are not related to their sources of income. On of the most profitable investments in Iran is building construction. So different groups are investing in this field, regardless to their own profession and there will be no surprise, most of them do not have any background and knowledge about architecture (nor as engineering, neither as art). Governmental or well-off private investors are the main group who are responsible for hiring knowledgeable and skillful architects; although, connections, relationships and money actually in real context are the key factors in selecting architectural consultants. Irresponsible and not well-educated architects are mostly to blame for architectural construction conditions in Iran.

Where young, innovative and well educated architects who are aware of to up-to-date progressions in architecture should make the grounds of meaningful, convenient and fashionable architecture in society, instead profiteering individuals or companies engaged in building business are forming new urban context and housing. Talented architects are not aware of the masses needs and desires and people do not have confidence in them.