In 1972 the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development of the time foresaw and approved the formation of a unit by the name of the Center for Architecture and Urban Studies And Research (CAUSAR) which would function under the supervision of the Urban Planning and Architecture Unit of the ministry, with the aim of providing an extended supportive network for urban planning and architectural research in Iran.

CAUSAR is the first official organization in the area of supervision and guidance of research projects at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. In 1997, the Islamic Consultative Assembly approved the establishment of CAUSAR with reference to Article 4 of Iran’s High Council for Urban Planning and Architecture Act on the founding of organizations.

During 1998-99, in line with Islamic cultural researches in the areas of urban planning and architecture, the constitution of the center was prepared and approved by the cabinet and the Guardian Council respectively. Since then, the center has established its organizational structure and continues its functions as a center subordinate to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.