Adaptive Reuse of Historical Safavid Caravanserais in Iran as a Sustainable Development Strategy

Abstract

A large number of caravanserais were built during the Safavid era in Iran. However, due to the natural effects and human neglecting actions they are going to be ruined. Adaptive reuse of Safavid Caravanserais can be considered as one of the possibilities to preserve them from being demolished. The present study intends to categorize caravanserais based on the diversity of Iranian geographical and climatic zones as well as their distances from urban centers to determine their potential for adapting reuses. Since several of caravanserais still possess a characteristic building plan to accommodate travelers and are capable of retaining their functional elements, adaptive reuse can be applied. Therefore, the decision to reuse some of the buildings as hotels or restaurants seems rational.