<p>Undoubtedly, an important part of factors leading to an undesirable situation in contemporary Iranian architecture results from inadequate training of architecture. Which model should be adopted in architectural education? A model adopted from reductionist-based formal knowledge or a model that utilizes both formal knowledge and various economic, social, cultural, climatic aspects. The first option does not seem reasonable due to ample frustrations. So, top paradigm is an option able to change the theory and practice in architectural education by exploiting indigenous knowledge as well as formal training. The methodology of this study is analytic that seeks to explain and provide a top model in teaching architecture. The results suggest that indigenous knowledge of rural architecture is one of the basic requirements for achieving an effective approach to desirable development.</p>