International Art and Architecture Research Association

The International Art and Architecture Research Association (IAARA) was established in 2003 as a non-profit and a non-government organization. IAARA is an organization that engages professionals dedicated to solving the problems of rapid urbanization in Iran. Research, training and counsellorship in art, architecture and urban design form the main core of activities of the association.

The IAARA attempts to accomplish its goals with the help of numerous architects and university professors. Major contributions are also made by a group of scientific and operational managers in the country. Currently the IAARA collaborates with a number of national and international organizations such as universities, research institutes, professional firms, mayors, and city managers as well as individual scholars and practitioners.

The IAARA has been recognized as the Iranian partner and representative of "Best Practices & Local Leadership Programme" by UN-HABITAT in Nairobi, Kenya. IAARA is currently involved in organizing the first "World Olympiad for Urban Design" to take place in 2010 (WOUD 2010).

The organization's headquarters is located in Tehran, Iran and with an additional office in London, United Kingdom.