Using Maths To Create Beautiful Buildings In Iran

After reading an article about the use of specific ratios and geometry in Persian architecture, Massimo Rumi was fixated on the idea of travelling from his home country of Italy to Iran.

Massimo said: "I was fascinated by the spirituality and wisdom behind it. The article was talking about the use of specific ratios, found in nature in the design of life forms, to reflect ‘divine beauty’ in the Persian building.

“Visiting Iran was always in my mind, not only to admire the incredible mix of colours and geometric patterns of many Iranian buildings, but also to learn more about one of the oldest civilisations to ever exist in this world.”

Massimo took his trip in November 2016 and only intended it to be 10 days long, however the ease of travel in Iran and friendliness of the locals, made him choose to stay longer.

During this time, the photographer visited the oldest and most breathtaking mosques and bazaars in the world.

He said: “The holy grail of Persian architecture are Isfahan and Shiraz, but everywhere you go you find something that will surprise and amaze you.

“From the troglodyte villages around Tabriz, where people’s lifestyles have not changed much over the years, to the incredible hospitality of Kurdish people in the Kurdish Province, or some of the oldest bazaars in the world such as the one in Yazd or Kashan.”

Massimo visited Iran’s mosques in the early mornings to appreciate their breathtaking beauty without any people around.

He said: “You walk into a mosque and an immediate feeling is the vastness of its space. Beautiful mosaics and stained glasses, which colours' are projected on the floor by rays of light, add a spiritual vibe to the experience.

“Mesmerising details can have a psychedelic effect on you. The sumptuous decorations are designed with the precision more of fine china than of monumental architecture.”

The photographer is not only keen to show the world the beauty of Iran, but also erase any negativity surrounding this ancient country.

He said: “Since sanctions have been lifted on Iran, a moment of changed has arrived. However, when I decided to embark on my month-long trip to Iran, many people thought I was crazy to go to such ‘dangerous’ country.

“Iran’s image is still overwhelmingly negative across much of the world, but I travelled from north to south, using night buses, taxis and internal flights, and based on my personal experience I can say that Iran is by far the most safest, interesting, welcoming country I have ever visited.”