The Hammam: The Restoration and Revitalization of Teheran's Qibla Hamman (The Khanum Hammam)

In ancient Persian culture, water is considered the holiest natural element, signifying purity, brightness and cleanliness. The public bath hammam is one of the most enduring buildings that we find in Iran. It is a place to cleanse the body, but it also serves as a centre for socialization; a cultural hub in each district. This thesis explores the Iranian public baths and their connection to urban heritage. The dissertation first contextualizes the concept of the hammam within the Persian tradition as an interactive cultural forum. A proposed set of ideas and standards meet the contemporary needs of the public and indicate ways in which they can benefit from - and allow for – the continuity of public baths in the future. The design proposal involves the restoration and revitalization of the Qibla Hammam (also known as the Khanum Hammam) In Tehran, a public bath from the Safavid dynasty (1501–1736).