Villa construction in a theoretical vacuum

October 20, 2025

Villa construction in a theoretical vacuum: from the ecological crisis to the VGENE idea;
VGENE (Villa Green Energy & Environmental Network) 

Abstract
Title: Villa Construction in the Absence of Theory: From Environmental Crisis to the VGENE Idea

In recent years, villa construction in Iran has expanded rapidly, yet without a coherent theoretical or environmental framework. This uncontrolled growth—driven by high demand, weak supervision, and the neglect of local context—has led to declining construction quality, resource inefficiency, and escalating environmental degradation. The present symposium, hosted by the Nazar Research Center and the Iranian Society of Landscape Architecture, addresses this “theoretical vacuum” by introducing VGENE (Villa Green Energy & Environmental Network) — a localized framework for designing sustainable Iranian villas.

VGENE proposes an integrative model based on indigenous energy and quality indicators, contextual design rooted in climate, landscape, and culture, as well as material optimization and resource management. It redefines “certification” not as a static checklist but as a learning-oriented and meaning-based process for sustainable architecture.

The session aims to:

Articulate the existing theoretical and practical gaps in villa construction;
Present the VGENE roadmap;
Define positive quality and energy requirements for sustainable villas;
Initiate networking for pilot projects and policy recommendations.
Presenters:

KEY SPEAKERS:

Babak Dariush, Faculty Member, Farhangshar Research Institute; Director, Villa Architecture Studies Center
Amir Abbas Aboutalebi, Researcher, Farhangshar Research Institute; Editor-in-Chief, Villa Magazine

Critic:
Dr. Ali Samani Majd, Director, Zayandehroud Environmental Research Center

Moderator:
Dr. Mohammad Atashinbar, Faculty Member, University of Tehran

Keywords:
Sustainable Villa Design, Environmental Crisis, Contextual Architecture, Energy Efficiency, VGENE Framework

Related Link:
CIVILICA

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