Traditional Gardens

Traditional gardens strive to create a sense of place, makan. They exist in a well defined area and focus on a pool. There is an emphasis on shade as well. Their simplest expression is the pool in the centre of a mosque; in a domestic context there may even be flowers.
The Madrasa-ye- Nimvar is a late eighteenth century theological school set in the northern part of the great bazaar of Isfahan. Its traditional chahar bagh design includes trees to provide shelter for al fresco lectures and recitations. Note the central pool.