Tehran has grown dramatically sinceAgha Mohammad Khan Qajar chose it as the capital of theQajar dynasty in 1796. Despite the occurrence of earthquakes during and before theQajar era, some buildings still remain from Tehran's era of antiquity. However, most of Tehran's historic architecture has been obliterated by a wave of hasty modernisation that has swept the capital over the last 40 to 50 years. Of the eight city gates of old Tehran, none remain today.Qajar culture flowered into a mature form of vernacular architecture, and many relics today remain of this tradition. Most, however, are government offices and residences of the elite. TheAhmad Shahi Pavilion andSahebgharaniyeh Palace in theNiavaran Palace Complex are examples of this tradition.
Many of the urban designs of modern Tehran are attributed toVictor Gruen. Gruen devised a master plan for many of northern Tehran's neighborhoods between 1963–1967.[1][2][3] Many palaces were built and by the late 1970s, Tehran had grown so large thatRay, a former satellite and city in itself, became connected to the ever-expanding "Greater Tehran".Pahlavi architecture tried incorporated themes from EuropeanModern architecture. The "White House" ofSa'dabad Palace Complex and the main Niavaran Palace are examples of thisarchitectural style.
Features of the city include gates and palaces. Despite the chaotic sprawl of Tehran, many designers are gradually incorporating aesthetics in their designs, and international awards have been given to projects in the city.[4][5]
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