Post-War Construction Processes Require Fundamental Rethinking

According to SAMA, Engineer Amin Moghomi, head of the Construction Engineering Organization of Iran (IRO), highlighted the impact of recent wars on the construction industry and stressed the urgent need for a fundamental overhaul of its processes. He identified the primary role of engineers as ensuring productivity. In his view, shifting from a purely execution-focused mindset to an integrated approach spanning design through operation—while addressing cost management, maintenance, energy efficiency, and reviving the logic of past architectural practices—can lead to improved quality of life and reduced costs.

War as an Opportunity for Reflection

The recent conflicts, referred to by names such as the 12-Day War and the Ramadan War, caused extensive damage. However, according to Engineer Moghomi, these events have also created an opportunity to rethink construction processes. Noting rising costs and both real and psychological shortages in the sector, he emphasized that beyond the destruction, these circumstances compel us to reconsider how we build.

The Core Role of Engineers and the Engineering Organization

Engineer Moghomi described the main duty of engineers as ensuring productivity, stressing that whether in times of war or peace, and regardless of construction market booms or recessions, the fundamental principle remains efficiency in both building and maintenance. He added: “We must accept that if we face shortages in the future, the speed and scheduling of construction must align with actual needs.”

Engineering Economics and the Importance of Maintenance

According to the head of the Construction Engineering Organization, one of the most critical areas requiring attention is engineering economics, along with the operation and maintenance of buildings. He noted that typically only construction costs up to the point of operation are considered, but if maintenance is handled properly, total building expenses can be significantly reduced. He suggested that half of the costs related to the operational period should be taken into account, though he refrained from providing precise figures, stating that this requires further expert analysis.

Changing Mindsets: Returning to Productivity Principles

Engineer Moghomi emphasized the need for a shift in attitude within the building industry, saying: “We should not merely think about changing supervisory and inspection titles; the core issue is preserving productivity.” He proposed using tools such as a building’s “technical identification” to manage supervision, control, and monitoring of costs, energy, and maintenance processes.

Return to Authentic Architecture: Cisterns and Courtyard Homes

Referring to a growing public preference for traditional architecture, such as courtyard homes with green spaces, he described this trend as a “return to fundamentals” and called for reviving the engineering logic of the past. He cited the example of cisterns, stating: “We do not necessarily need to return to the same forms as before, but we should implement the logic of cisterns in today’s buildings—meaning structures should serve to store rainwater and facilitate recycling.” He stressed that this approach does not disregard technology or innovation, but rather combines past logic with modern capabilities.

An Integrated View from Design to Operation

A key point emphasized by Engineer Moghomi was the need for an integrated perspective on the construction process, from design through operation. He warned that if energy consumption is high after construction and corrective measures are only considered later, new costs may arise that derail the process. Therefore, a holistic approach across design, execution, and operation can significantly enhance productivity.

Focus on Rental Housing and Producing Quality Output

He further addressed the current economic conditions, largely shaped by sanctions and unjust pressures, and stressed the importance of the rental housing sector, noting that the government is also paying attention to this area. He suggested that by focusing on producing high-quality rental housing, noticeable improvements in quality of life could be achieved while reducing unnecessary expenses. In this context, he underscored the role of “fairness in construction,” meaning that every individual should be placed in their appropriate role. He added that a builder must be a specialist but is not necessarily an engineer; rather, a combination of workers, engineers, doctors, and various experts can all contribute to the process.