Journal of Researches in Islamic Architecture

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Today, there are a few dozens of historical index houses in the city Sabzevar. Reviews show that up until now, despite the presence of their special characteristics, variety and role, there have not been comprehensive studies about them but through the presence of valuable samples from various historical periods (Teymouri, Safavid, Qajar, Pahlavi), their exposure to destruction through changing the method of living, multiplicity of owners, migration and generally loss of attractions for today's life, reviewing these houses is necessary. Since most of the historical houses in Sabzevar are from the Qajar period, the purpose of this article is to read and recognize Qajari houses. The used research method is combined and the results obtained from the study show that Sabzevar's houses, with architectural specifications such as semi-hot and arid climate, have mostly been made as introvert houses and they can be divided to three types of the first, second and third period based on the features of architectural space, structure and decorations. Discussion of architectural typology has been proposed in some of the European countries since the late 11^th century. At first, this topic was treated in a very clichéd way and they reviewed categorization of buildings based on a mutual feature. Another one of methods of categorization at this time was dividing the buildings with mutual feature of their map. This method has many advantages, but unfortunately, by being drawn in one way of thinking, being caught up in a deterministic framework and linking historical process with deterministic materialistic views, they came to conclusion and the result of it is predetermined by considering the mentioned framework whereas in a study, in addition to the overall review, the results shall be obtained after the study and research.

Accurate identification and classification of various architectural types can be useful in understanding the space better, protecting it and also in achieving new methods of designing.

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Background: House in Islam, is considered as a center for teaching probity and creating a society without corruption and sin. Quran defines the best settlement for a human being the one, which is consistent with his needs and provides context for his growth and excellence. However, the mentioned factors are forgotten in contemporary housing and the Islamic theme is almost removed from the Iranian houses. So today we are witnessing houses far from the traditional Iranian pattern, which was combined with the rich Iranian-Islamic culture. In order to eliminate the gap between traditional and contemporary pattern, it is necessary to retrieve the values and principles considered in traditional architecture.

Researchers in this area, introduce features such as "unity, security, identity, coexistence with nature, moderation and social justice, beauty, hierarchy, preference spirituality, perfectionism, modesty, humility, purity, centrality, equality, privacy and comfort for Islamic house.

Purpose: Recent research in a different approach was after the principles, mentioned in Quran about the desired space arrangement in Islamic house, and by examining a sample of Iranian-Islamic house spatial arrangement, tryed to discover the latent geometry of Iranian-Islamic house spatial structure.

The purpose of the current study at the first step was to achieve the indicators affecting the desired spatial arrangement in Islamic perspective by grounded theory, and then evaluating the priorities of these indicators in Iranian- Islamic house spatial structure.

Methods: the methodology of the research was divided in to two main sections; the grounded theory and the case study method.

 In the first section, in order to investigate the pattern of desired spatial arrangement, the related verses extracted from Quran. Then, for apprehending the intention of each verse, the key points extracted from three different Quran interpretations; Al-Mizan interpretation, Noor interpretation, and Nemuneh interpretation. These key points then changed to codes (open coding). At the next stage, the codes with similar concepts gathered in groups called concepts. Psychological effects, social effects, residence interpretations, building orientation, visual contact of spaces, permeability control and different aspects of safety such as personal, bio-climatic and psychological, were some of the concepts extracted at this step. Then in axial coding, the concepts similar in content, created categories. Hence, the categories including the importance of Islamic residence, the importance of desired residence, importance of security, zoning, control and permeability, and the aims of the Islamic house, were some of the created categories. Finally the theory devise by selective coding. Selective coding was used after having found the core variable, which was the “characteristics of the Islamic residence” that was thought to be the core and explained the main concern. When the core variable was chosen, the data were selectively coded with the core guiding the coding not bothering about concepts with little importance to the core and its sub cores. Hence, the categories related to each other, and made four main sub cores; causal factors that include factors defining the cause of the investigation; underlying factors that defines the background of the investigation; preventive effects including factors that prevent achieving the main core; and strategies, which defines the solutions for achieving the goal. So, with the use of the grounded theory, the model of desired spatial arrangement extracted from Quran. Thus, the three key features of the desired arrangement and their application strategies defined: A) bioclimatic comfort and safety. B) Zoning. C) Monitoring and Control.

The second part of the research was devoted to the case study and assessed the extent to which the strategies were applied to Rasoulian house. At this stage, according to the extracted model, application of strategies for preparing bio-climatic comfort (appropriate orientation and spatial settlement of the building), appropriate zoning (visual hierarchy and connectivity of spaces and zones) and monitoring and control (space prmeability and permeability control of spaces and zone) evaluated in the case study in three scales: microscale, macro scale, and middle scale. The macro scale evaluated the extent to which the climatic factors were applied to the building. Zoning and monitoring factors evaluated with space syntax method and its two related software programs; “a-Graph” software, used for justification graph and permeability indicators analysis including mean depth (MD), relative integration and Control, and “Depth map” software, used for visibility graph and visual indicators analysis including visual connectivity and visual control. The mentioned indicators were analyzed both in micro and middle scales. Finally the evaluated indicators were scored according to their responsibility to the Islamic house aims mentioned in extracted model.

Results: According to the results, the example of Islamic-Iranian accommodation was in full compliance with environmental factors. The hierarchy of access and visibility control of access to the space results in more security from theft, psychological security, personal and family privacy, and provides a hierarchically well segregated complex. Besides, the great integration of private and semi-private arenas shows the importance of familiarity in Iranian- Islamic house structure. However, the high integration of public arena (the entrance) with the complex, which means easy access from entrance to the other spaces of complex, was inappropriate for security from theft, as well as individual and family privacy.

Also visibility of the private spaces from the half-private arena, damages the personal privacy. Moreover, the same permeability of semi-public and semi-private sectors from entrance, which means the separation according to permeability was not performed well and may undermine the privacy of the family.  Evaluation of the permeability of entrance space resulted in the priority of privacy to safety in placement of spaces.

Also the linear settlement of some interior spaces with opening on both interior and exterior facades, between interior and exterior yard, shows the importance of bioclimatic comfort in space arrangement. So the features according to their priority in spatial organization of Rasoulian house were as below:

According to the results, the most important issue was the adaptation to climatic factors and creating climate comfort by taking advantage of natural conditions and connection with nature. So, establishing bioclimatic comfort and security was prior to two other defined characteristics. That is while security of invade or theft was less important than the other aspects of security in the spatial structure of this Iranian- Islamic house example.

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Introduction

Privacy is known as one of the most basic features of Islamic architecture. Home is the most private places for the person so it is essential to provide confidentiality and privacy in it. Islam, Quran Verses and Hadiths of Prophet Mohammad and imams have focused on creating privacy in the houses. In this way, the privacy has been the basic principle on traditional architectures of Iran especially in housing.

Literature Review

Creating privacy is necessary point for people and providing this principle in the home is more important than the other places. Privacy In traditional architecture of Iran has created in both audio and visual kind. This principle has been used in traditional architecture of Iran before Islam but in Islamic architecture has been emphasized it more than before. Quran verses and Hadiths of imams and Prophet Mohammad are the most important references of Islam. So this article has reviewed these references to find the ways of creating privacy in the house.

Methodology

This article is tried to define and understand these objects: the meaning of privacy, reviewing the factors that create privacy in Zinatol Mulk historical house as a distinguished building in Shiraz city, recognizing the confidentiality principle in organizing spaces of this house and introduce the special strategies that used in making privacy. So the privacy principle, Quran verse and Islamic hadiths are reviewed at the first part of the article. This part is used by library resources, articles and internet sites. After that, checking the case study is done with using interview and direct observation from the Zinatol Mulk building. So at first part of article a brief introduction of Zinatol Mulk house has been said then the elements that create privacy in Zinatol Mulk house are reviewed in both audio and visual type.

Discussion

By studying the Quran verses and hadiths can be said that Islam insists on creating privacy especially at home into both audio and visual kind. So providing the privacy is necessary in Islamic architecture. Although this principle was used in Iranian buildings about 6000 years ago in the courtyard houses but the most use is in Islamic architecture. Therefore the successful case study in traditional architecture of Iran has been reviewed to understand the privacy principle. Zinatol Mulk house in Shiraz city was selected for evaluation. Zinatol Mulk house was chosen because of two reasons, first because Shiraz residential architecture is unique and it has productive and rich houses in its traditional architecture and second because this house is one of the most distinguished historical houses in Shiraz. The results also show the special features of confidentiality in this house. The factors that make visual and audio privacy in this house are divided into 4 main methods. These methods are location, proportions, introversion and the hierarchy. Each of these methods have special role in creating privacy in this house.

Results

Audio and visual privacy will be appeared as the introversion, hierarchy, location and proportions principles in the framework of the building. Each of this principles use special ways to provide the confidentiality. The privacy has important role in in Zinatol Mulk house design. So the architecture has emphasized on making privacy in this house. Therefore the hierarchy is much stronger and has more steps than the other houses.

Conclusion

By Checking the Quran Verses and Islamic hadiths that related to privacy and Compliance them with the architectural of Zinatol Mulk house (a distinguished case study in Shiraz city), it obtain that creating confidentiality in the main spaces of this building are as below:

Entry spaces in this House:

The privacy in the entry space has been created by these factors: existence of high walls around the buildings, losing the height of the corridor than the vestibule, the lack of windows in the exterior elevation, retreat the entrance to the alley, increasing the thickness of the around walls and entrance space.

Yard of house:

Privacy in the yard has been provided by these elements: using high walls around the building and in second floor to block the neighbor’s view on the yard, separation of two inside and outside yards and communicate them through an underground connection between Narangestan Qavam and Zinatol Mulk buildings, creating a separate yard for the toilet.

The rooms of house:

The factors that make privacy in the rooms are: locating the entrance perpendicular to the main axis of the yard, using larger and more windows in the gusts room (Shah Neshin) and smaller windows in living room (3 doors room and 5 doors room), recessing the windows of 3 doors room and 5 doors room, locating the 3 doors rooms apart from the public spaces of Home, providing the entrance spaces and patio in front of the rooms, communication between the rooms by the doors, increasing the thickness of walls in more private rooms, lack of openness in the closet room, creating the space hierarchy in the entrance of all the rooms.

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The golden ratio has been claimed to have held a special fascination for at least 2,400 years. Some of the greatest mathematical minds of all ages, from Pythagoras and Euclidian ancient Greece, through the medieval Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa and the Renaissance astronomer Johannes Kepler, to present-day scientific figures such as Oxford physicist Roger Penrose, have spent endless hours over this simple ratio and its properties. But the fascination with the Golden Ratio is not confined just to mathematicians. Biologists, artists, musicians, historians, architects, psychologists, and even mystics have pondered and debated the basis of its ubiquity and appeal. In fact, it is probably fair to say that the Golden Ratio has inspired thinkers of all disciplines like no other number in the history of mathematics. The Parthenon›s facade as well as elements of its facade and elsewhere are said by some to be circumscribed by golden rectangles. A 2004 geometrical analysis of earlier research into the Great Mosque of Kirvan reveals a consistent application of the golden ratio throughout the design, according to Mazouz. They found ratios close to the golden ratio in the overall proportion of the plan and in the dimensioning of the prayer space, the court, and the minaret.

Golden Ratio and Geometry,plays an important role inIranian traditionalarchitecture (I.T.A) and it is very serious in bases of construction.In a recent book, author Jason Elliot speculated that the golden ratio was used by the designers of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the adjacent Lotfollah mosque.In Traditional proportion knowledge, «Beauty» is not an individual style and verve, and it has geometric rules and methods.Hence, proportional theories created.»Iranian golden Rectangle» and «Gaz and Module» are two main important design ratiotheories in I.T.A.

Many experts expected two above ratios have been used in buildings design by traditional Iranian architects. Testing these two theories in several historic houses of Qajar era in Shiraz city is the aim of present study.

Gaz and module means the unitratios which areused in length measurement. Babylonia and Assyria were invented these measurement units (1Babylonia Gaz=0.53m), which used by Iranian later butby doublingtheamount of it (1 Iranian Gaz=1.06m).

Measurements repeated for width and lengths for all three categories, as repeated. Length and width of spaces calculated in Gaz unit and the compared to Gaz (and its quarter fractional too). Considering the test results data leading to refuse or accept the theory,the difference data with the smallest difference possible is calculated.

Iranian golden Rectangle means the length to width ratio of a rectangle surrounded by a Regular Hexagon, which is not more than three possible ratios (1.73,1.15, and 2.31)depended on the type of architecture space.to perform the study, spaces are divided by three main categories as below:

1- Ccentralcourtyard

2- Five-door rooms

3- Three-door rooms

Analyzing the geometries and spaces results the ratios as below:

1- The Aspect ratio of Central Courtyardis 1.73.

2-The Aspect ratio of Five-door rooms is Apex. 1.73

3- The Aspect ratio of Three-door rooms is 1.15.

Sample selection is done randomly with the proviso that the selection sample is in the Qajar era, and indicator such a shaving historical valueand Also include disa selection from different neighborhoods of old shiraz.

The exact dimensions were recorded and statistical data prepared and analyzed using Spss software. The normality of data was checked by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Accordingly, data was converted to a normal distribution by using a Box-Cox and subsequently t-test was used to test hypotheses. The ratio of coefficient of variation was also used to compare the “Gaz and Module” theory and the “Iranian golden Rectangle” theory. However, architects have been tried to follow the “Gaz and Module” theory for designing important houses spaces, but The results of the study shows architecture of Shiraz historical houses, gotvery closed to»Gaz and Module» theory and not exactly, especially in Qajar period. However, «Gaz and module» theory is not so much accurate, but it can be accepted to study the Qajar era architecture by it.

Considering the actual situation and the plan of the Shiraz historical houses, the authors concluded that deviation from the “Gaz and Module” theory can be explained according to the type of separation and division of lands in other words architects could not get the exact ratios why the land division plans were oblique in many cases. This research and analyze is also done by poor ahmadi and Partners for traditional Yazd houses. They also concluded «Iranian golden Rectangle» is rejected in Yazd houses. Therefore,its advised to expand the analyzes of «Iranian golden Rectangle» theory for other Iranian traditional cities.

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Qualitative aspects of housing always considered as the most critical planning tools and have gained great interest in recent housing research. Housing areas in order to provide social development, involved the environment around in addition to residential units. This paper tries to assess the quality of traditional houses, describe and analyze them to achieve the criteria to devise guidelines in the next step which are effective for increasing the quality of contemporary housing. Iranian traditional houses have a kind of internal spaces structure on the basis of religious and traditional ideas of Iranian families.These houses have manifested native-traditional models of the past history of Iran which have originated from individual and collective cultures of the people, who have been formed, have grown, have been manifested and have reached perfection. Study of Iranian contemporary architecture indicates that it has been changed with regard to its rich and meaningful history during the time. Roots of the principles governing the traditional houses can be found in Iranian thoughts and culture. Any building which is constructed aims at fulfillment of some living needs. Traditional houses are not only a shelter. Residence indicates meaningful link with the place which can include all of the different levels of private and general life environment. This link is an effort to find identity and to have attachment feeling toward a place while our modern houses couldn’t have fulfilled the most primary needs of residence i.e. tranquility and physical relaxation and generally inspired quality expectations. In this regard, to reach the aim through qualitative approach and case study strategy, this value of the Iranian traditional housing was investigated.
This study was carried out by qualitative method and in order to final assess of the data, AHP method was used. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is a structural technique to organizing and analyzing complex decisions, based on mathematics and psychology. Rather than prescribing a «correct» decision, the AHP helps decision makers find one that best suits their goal and their understanding of the problem. It provides a comprehensive and rational framework for structuring a decision problem, for representing and quantifying its elements, for relating those elements to overall goals, and for evaluating alternative solutions. Therefore the method of collecting data was based on lists for interview techniques, observation, investigate the features of place and space, measuring attitudes and by searching the literature and documents and maps about the subject. So at first multiple systems of residential environment quality assessment were studied and then a model to assess the quality of housing for this paper was developed. In the second step through the main factors of the model, 5 criteria have been determined to assess the quality of housing.In the next stage parameters derived from the lists in relation to each criterion were analyzed compared to the data of other criteria and the overall impact of research factors in reciprocating reviews and alternatives obtained in relation to the main criteria have been introduced in traditional houses. Then by analyzing and interpreting of these alternatives and considering the effects of lifestyle, human needs and conditions of contemporary society strategies to improve the quality aspects of contemporary housing have been proposed. The term lifestyle can denote the interests, opinions and behavioral orientations of an individual, group, or culture. The term refers to a combination of determining intangible or tangible factors. Tangible factors relate specifically to demographic variables, i.e. an individual›s demographic profile, whereas intangible factors concern the psychological aspects of an individual such as personal values, preferences, and outlooks. Therefore, a lifestyle is a means of forming a sense of self and to create cultural symbols that resonate with personal identity. Not all aspects of a lifestyle are voluntary. Surrounding social and technical systems can constrain the lifestyle choices available to the individual and the symbols she/he is able to project to others and the self.According to the results of the research there is a significant relation between the quality of traditional houses, human, the architecture and the past lifestyle that emanates from traditions and original values. The evaluation showed that in order of importance the criteria of human needs, environmental, physical, functional and structural qualities have contributed in this meaningful relation and among them the first three criteria are more effective. Although in general comparison the coordinated presence of all proposed criteria resulted in lasting quality. Recognizing the traditional strategies and perception the Persian culture and life style can help modern architects to design suitable contemporary house design. People really need a house that response all its duties, not only merely be a shelter.Hence the main orientations for the development of housing in the qualitative aspects should be provided with development of long-term, medium-term and short-term goals. Providing desirable housing according to the physical and spiritual needs of Iranian families is one of long-term goals that must be met in the future.

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According to the lifestyle, house can be the ground for extensive activities based on employment, cultural, social opportunities for residents. In accordance with needs and activities of human as a space user, Historical houses are built associated with the natural environment. Recognition and protection of values Respect national identity, and Understanding their performance and social role is a basis for understanding and explaining the management system of protecting these valuable elements inhistorical context of Isfahan. Life in some Historical houses is associated with the owner occupation; thus, a space is predicted for working at home. Working pattern at home creates spaces for the profession of the owner, and in some cases, makes some of the spaces multi-functional. Such houses can be classified as historic house workshops. In addition, some historic houses were Occupied by people who were too influential in the social-political conditions of their era; and some of the Important events have been occurred in these house. Despite having historical and architectural value, these Houses can be categorized as an example of the houses of celebrities In Isfahan.
Thisstudy Aims to find out the reason of the House workshop s’ architectural style in the historical context of Isfahan and analyze the space and organization of house workshops in order to understand the presence of work space in the main body of the building. The main objectives to answer the key question will be as follows: Analyzing the residential architecture stance in cultural, political, social and economic evolution in Safavid and Qajar eras in Isfahan so that we can understand the typology of historical houses in this city based on the performance and provide a comprehensive category for the historical houses with performance beyond the housing. This is a descriptive-analytical study develope and usie field observation, literature review and gathered information through interviews with a number of residents of historical houses in Isfahan. The findings were analyzed by a qualitative method through comparing and interpreting.
Based on the methodology, first, the economic and social conditions of Isfahan in Qajar and Safavid periods were briefly expressed. Then, considering the various functions of houses due to prevailing economic and social conditions at that time, the spaces in the body of the house with multiple functions or specific function beyond the space in residential architecture of these historical periods in Isfahan were analyzed; based on specific objectives and questions of the research, historical houses with multiple functions in Isfahan were classified,These houses weredivided into two general categories: 1. Houses that are influenced by other functions and have changes in the form and space; 2. Houses that are not affected by other functions; and no changes have been occurred in the form and body of the house. Then, trying to identify the cause of the multiple roles in the function of houses, the study achieved another category in which the multi-functional historical houses of Isfahan are divided into two classes of celebrities’ houses and workshop houses. Based on the owner’s professional field, celebrities’ houses are categorized into three categories of: houses of cultural celebrities, political celebrities, and economic celebrities. Workshop house is also divided into two categories based on the type of owner’s occupation: 1. Workshop houses that produce certain products; 2. Non-manufacturing workshop houses where the owner’s enforcement activities in various fields (educational, administrative, etc.) can be done at home.
Previously, Zahiri (2014) in his book entitled as «We came, you were not home», based on field studies, examined the place of some of celebrities’ houses in Tehran such as the houses of Badi›ozaman Foruzanfar, AbdulHossein Zarrinkoub, Saeed Nafisi, Mohammad Moein, Sadegh Hedayat, Simin Daneshvar, Nima Youshij, Ahmad, Mehdi Akhavan Sales, Houshang Ebtehaj, Malek al-Sho’ara Bahar, Hussein Monzavi, Sohrab Sepehri, Mohammad Mossadegh, Mehrdad Avesta, etc. In the introduction Of the book, He (or she) says that: “Among these 44 houses, about 40 percent are historically registered and are away from being destroyed by days to some extent. Among the registered ones, 22 percent have Converted to museums, 58 percent of celebrities’ inheritors have sold the legacy of their father or spouse. In addition, among houses which are not registeredas historical buildings, more than 65 percent are destroyed, and there is nothing left but their obscure names»(Zahiri, 2014). The results of this field study indicate the adverse security conditions of this kind of historical houses in the country. Due to having a function beyond housing in the historical contexts, by planning and performing renovation projects, these houses can become economic and cultural institutions in the historical contexts like before. So far, no typology and renovation management system determination of the house workshops and celebrities’ houses have been conducted in the historical context of Isfahan. This research demonstrates that we can present a classification and typology based on specific function in the historical houses with roles beyond housing. Also, we can determine the impact of the relationship between work space and house in the form and structure of the building. Also, in this discussion, through the knowledge gained from the ultra-residential function and intangible values of the relationship between work space and house, we can provide a pattern to explain the renovation projects based on space and spirit revival.

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Since man has been engaged in architecture, he has paid attention to the spiritual , inner needs and aesthetics sense too. Today, in architecture, aesthetics is limited to formal secondary factors due to lack of the systematic and applied explanation, while this concept has a more definition and is closely related to structure, details of construction, audience and environment. Iranian architecture that has manifested aesthetics over many years age, has been a rich source for adapting the principles of aesthetics in architecture. Quantitative and qualitative foundations in traditional architecture, which are related to the aesthetics and visual principles set on structure and proportions, lead to aesthetics appearance. Accordingly This research tries to answer the question: how are aesthetics principles engaged in Iranian architecture in order to utilizing them in contemporary architecture.
The analysis of the houses was carried out in Mashhad because of its historical background, which was a rich source of architectural works. In this research, current findings of different schools and philosophers viewpoints about aesthetics were collected next analyzed and Interpreted with content analysis method which they formed the criteria of analysis. Using the documentations, 10 types of Mashhad historical houses were analyzed with aesthetics factors, all of them were belonged to Qajar period. In this analysis, according to architectural changes affected from historical conditions (Qajar period), the spatial & structural principles of the houses belonged to the first period and the beginning of the second period were conformed with aesthetics criteria. While the houses belonged to second Qajar period, they included elements as sloping roofs, and issues like: having less application of the symmetry and proportionality in the plan & façade, and more extravagance, which is a conception of Western architecture and doesn’t fit to regional culture and climate.
 

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The concept of contentment derived from the content is one of the names of Allah that in Islamic foundations has been emphasized. The traditional man, relying on these bases, to illustrate the divine names, he has tried in different aspects of his life. Architecture is one of the areas which these names appear in it and from a variety of architectures; the house provides the most possible for these traits to a Muslim. Accordingly, the present study sought to analyze the manifestation of the concept of contentment in the architecture of Iranian traditional houses. The results of this analysis can be used as doctrines for application in contemporary architecture. The research process is carried out as follows which after the terminology of this concept in literature and extracting synonyms and opposites with it these meanings are discussed in various Islamic texts including Quran verses, hadiths, infallible traditions (AS) and their interpretations. On the other hand, in the specialized literature of architecture, this issue is being examined and the issues that have been mentioned in this topic are extracted. Then, by analyzing and categorizing the findings, the principles related to contentment, which are feasible in architecture, are extracted. Due to the lack of specialized resources in relation to the various methods of presentation of the principles obtained, from the point of view of experts and architects also used for this purpose. Finally, after extracting the parameters related to each principle the depiction of the obtained items in the Mortaz House collection is analyzed as a case study. The results of the research showed that the concept of contentment in the architecture of Iranian traditional homes is based on four principles of Avoidance of futility, self-affirmation, moderation, and Rule of no injury.

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In this study emptiness is considered as a transcendental and effective concept that appears in the form and content of things. What is seen as internally present in an entity is existent in the first instance because of the external presence of its opposite. The entity and its opposite are intertwined through the principle of inverse correspondence, a higher level of accord that emerges from the disposition of asymmetrical qualities. this symmetrical, yet reversed, reciprocity is the logic of ‘‘is and yet is not’’ and that of ‘‘simultaneity, and biconditionality, of opposites without their higher synthesis.
Emptiness is often understood as nonexistence, a void that is symptomatic of a predominant fixation on objects. In contrast emptiness is neither nothing nor the suffocating void of limitless expansion in which things are at best desolately scattered. Rather, it is the ultimate foundation of reality that transcends ideas of ‘‘being’’ and ‘‘non-being.’’ Subsequently, what is operating in emptiness is a double negation: the negation of being, which leads to nonbeing, and the negation of nonbeing.  Existential Identity depends on the dialectical relationship of that thing with its opposites. The identity of a being is determined not by what is believed to be existent within itself but by its dialectical relationship with the opposite, like the moment in which one finds one’s self to be the being of warmth in reference to coldness enveloping and penetrating the body.
Ignoring Emptiness and empty space caused intensifying the focus of designers and architects on the full space and this has increased the contemporary architecture crisis. this study aims to take advantage of the values of the vernacular architecture of Iran and its continuity. It relies on the theory of empty space and the opposite pairs, as the first pillar of creating empty space. Answers to this question: what is the role of empty space in the vernacular Yazd houses in semantic dimension?
 This study aimed to clarify the role of this concept in the vernacular architecture of Iran by understanding the meaning of emptiness. and evaluating selected houses as a case study. This research has been done in qualitative research and data is collected by observation and study of written documents.
The emergence of empty concept coincides with two elements or opposite qualities in such a way that the two opposites are interconnected without diminishing one another. Based on theoretical findings, the expression of the empty concept is conditional on the existence of three pillars: The first: the contradiction, the second: interaction, the third: balance and unity.
Based on the theoretical findings, expression of emptiness concept has three main pillars. Firstly: the contradiction (Coexistence of two opposing elements), secondly: the interaction of two opposites, thirdly: balance and unity. Since the emptiness operates as the foundational principle in traditional genres of architecture in Asia suchas Iran, the process of integrating the three pillars extracted from theoretical foundations were evaluated and analyzed in five vernacular houses of Yazd. In the phenomenological study of five houses in Yazd as a case study houses were investigated in three aspects: shape - body, functional, semantic. This article focuses on semantic aspect.
The findings depict that the emptiness as a transcendental concept is the result of the process of opposite elements and their interactions and the development of the unity of opposites. According this study, the philosophy of emptiness has manifested in the form of the dialectic of opposites. this study has brought one’s attention to the arrangement of contrasting qualities in the yazd houses such as the crossing and peresence inside and outside.
The architect of an Iranian traditional house positions things of spiritual character in such a way that they create a coordinated balance between forces. In this fashion, the house ‘‘brings into special focus the underlying relatedness of things, the mutuality which exists in spite of differences between outside and inside, great and small, and observer and observed.
Vernacular architects had understood the necessity of companionship of opposing pairs and their dialectical as an essential element of empty concept. They have considered interactive opposite qualities such as darkness and light, outside and inside, male and female, silence and talk, simplicity and complexity, uniformityand variety. The results of the research show that empty space plays a major role in the vernacular architecture of Iran. The empty spaces are more focused and authentic and solid spaces take their identity and credit from empty and void spaces.
 

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The home as the oldest and closest human shelter has a direct relationship with human culture. The connection between culture and architecture is more pronounced in vernacular residential architecture. Vernacular houses are the result of choices and adaptation of humans to the environment over time. They have evolved from the evolution of human experiences against various cultural, natural, biological, and economic factors. Human beings are always in the position of choosing different subjects of their lives. But what is true is that people usually choose things in different situations that are consistent with their mental structures, and at the same time, the result of that choice can meet their needs. It can be assumed that human culture is the basis of its various choices. Choosing is, on the one hand, influenced by the environmental conditions, which, basically, the type of response to these conditions influenced by cultural variables and attitudes of individuals.
Therefore, the main question is the question of what, how and why the effect of the «choice» factor, especially cultural choices, is on the formation of the vernacular house›s structure in Ardebil. The purpose of this study is to understand the semantic dimensions of the vernacular houses of Ardebil and to analyze the role of cultural choices in shaping of spatial_ physical and behavioral patterns, and in organizing the structure of houses. Accordingly, a number of houses belonging to the middle class of the city from the late Qajar and early Pahlavi periods in the traditional context of the city of Ardabil were chosen as a case study. Then the physical dimensions and cultural and behavioral components related to their inhabitants were extracted. The methodology of this research is qualitative. The method of data collection is field studies, documentary studies, and semi-structured interviews. The method of analyzing data is descriptive-analytic based on the rational reasoning method and qualitative content. The research steps are pursued in four steps: in the first step, the «basis of choice», which consists of two sections: «environmental factors» and «basic assumptions of culture» or the third level of culture, are explained; In the second step, the «Indicators of choice», which include the second-level variables of culture, such as do›s and don›ts, norms, rules, expectations, and valuations, were analyzed; In the third step, the «manifestation of choice», which are examples of the Indicators of choice as «meanings», were examined; And in the final step, «Impressions of choice» or Patterns of space and patterns of current behaviors related to
housing were analyzed. Following the above process in the formation of the structure of vernacular Ardebil houses in the late Qajar and early Pahlavi, the results were as follows: Environmental factors such as economic bottlenecks and cold climates formed meanings such as courtesy, self-sufficiency, foresight for the winter and ... as examples of choice indicators. These factors have had a great influence on the physical structure and discipline of the residential spaces of vernacular Ardebil houses in all three macro, middle, and small scales. For example, the orientation of the building, the establishment of the kitchen inside the house, the use of thick walls of brickwork and double-glazed windows, the presence of minimal spaces (consisting of a linear extension of a two-part pattern of the atrial chamber), simplicity in the components of the building, the use of indigenous materials and ... . Social and cultural commonalities such as worldview, religion, values, and beliefs, and ideals in the homogeneous and traditional Ardebil community of the time have shaped such meanings as the need to preserve kinship and neighborliness, the importance of the structure and position of the family, and norms and values such as religiosity, traditionalism, veil, Empathy with the people was in the minds of the people. The physical implications of these meanings are building houses of the same spatial pattern, without indicating superiority and isolation from other buildings, observing Islamic norms in the construction of houses, adopting solutions to privacy in houses, and so on. On the other hand, the behavior settings, the type of use of spaces, spatial divisions, territories and spatial boundaries, the relations of spaces, the use of communal spaces, etc. have also been influenced by valuations, norms, requirements, and the necessities of cultural factors. In sum, it can be said that culture in two stages affects human choices in relation to the issue of housing: 1) The basic assumptions or variables of the third level of culture (Figure 1), determine and explain the range of choice options for individuals. 2) Indicators of choice or second-level variables of culture (Figure 1), by defining a set of values, requirements, and necessities, generate meanings and orientations for the basis of choice, including environmental factors. This will prioritize some options against other options. Hence, human choices can be considered «cultural choices». Cultural differences are one of the most important factors influencing people›s choices. This means that differences in the culture of different societies create different meanings in people›s minds that create different behavioral and physical- spatial patterns. The research process of this paper for the recognition of vernacular Ardebil houses can be used as a model for understanding the structure of other houses in other regions and cultures. However, the method used in this research will have different results for different climates and cultures. However, given the fact that many variables of the basis of choices, such as climatic conditions and some of the basic assumptions of culture in different societies, have remained constant over time, one can use the results of the analysis of the structure of vernacular houses to improve the housing situation today in order to help make the house more consistent with the ecosystem, climate, and culture of societies.

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Complexity and conflict are some of the strategies to increase visual diversity, which is less considered today in the context of extensive construction and adherence to the universal, inclusive model. This issue has led to long-term boredom in contemporary homes. However, the factors of contradiction and complexity are seen in the visual diversity of traditional architecture. In this way, the set of opposites as a strategy for creating some visual difference is one of the essential items that can reduce architectural space's uniformity. In this regard, since the utilization of the contrasting phenomena has some different consequences in architecture space organization (from positive to destructive impact) so, it must be evaluated in a valuable physical environment where this concept of conflict is well traceable. One of the most useful settings can be considered to be a case study for assessing the utilization of the opposite phenomena, is the traditional architecture in Iran. This architecture is full of exemplars that can be useful for learning architectural design. In this research, because of the undeniable quality of traditional houses in Yazd, these houses selected as research case studies. What follows in this discussion is a qualitative assessment of the traditional homes for finding the kind of the opposite phenomena and the process application to use them. In this study, the research method is based on grounded theory, and the field information was collected in two sections: open interviews and observations. The results of this research show that Structural and visual elements of the traditional houses in Yazd consist of the positive association of conflicting elements that you can experience in different situations. The results of this study indicated that the physical and spatial structure of traditional houses in Yazd had provided conditions where one can experience a positive association of opposites in different situations. In this process, it was found that the types of opposites that can be classified into four types of sensory, perceptual, visual, and symbolic contrasts increase the best understanding of the phenomenon, respectively, balance the totality of space, increase diversity and increase the semantic load of space.

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The use of proportions has always been considered in traditional Iranian architecture, and especially after Islam, because of the creation of an architecture that is far from Individual Interests and the impact that has on the quality of  building conceptual understanding. The purpose of the present study is to examine the proportions in the courtyards of the historical houses of Behbahan city and to express their characteristics in order to provide a true picture of the proportions governing them and to provide a starting point for future research in the field of proportions. According to the studies that have been done so far, the architecture of major buildings and even the architecture of famous cities such as Kashan, Yazd, Isfahan and Shiraz have been used in some way, However, there has been no research on the use of proportions in the traditional architecture of smaller cities. However, examining the suitability of buildings in each area over different time periods can help to complement the architectural information of traditional buildings. And finally, by completing the information, check that the proportions used are the same or different in different regions. And basically what are the reasons of their differences and similarities. That represents a new window into Iranian architecture. The first step in achieving this is to examine the proportions in different areas. The city of Behbahan is no exception, due to its several thousand years history and its role in all historical periods. In addition, Behbahan was once a major commercial city and dock (base) of Khuzestan, Pars and port cities. And its historical texture has more than 40 neighborhoods, with many valuable buildings in terms of architecture. However, less research has been conducted about the architecture and features of traditional houses in Behbahan. And, except in books such as the Book of "Identity of Behbahan", and some travel logs and memories such as " Travelogue of  south iran ", it has not been done in detail as a comprehensive study. Hence the choice for this research. But due to the wars and wreaks that took place in the Khuzestan region, and also the warm weather conditions of the region, and also the lack of attention of organizations, landowners, unfortunately, today few of these historic houses remain, that  most of which belong to The Qajar and the first Pahlavi era. It is necessary to check the proportion in different buildings But since the house is considered as an essential part of any period building and the courtyard has always played a central role in the structure of traditional homes, This research tries to study the proportions in the courtyard of Behbahan houses. In order to answer the main question of this research, "Which of the proportions has been used in the traditional architecture of Iran in the courtyards of Behbahan houses?" 

To answer the above question, a descriptive - analytic method has been used in this research. Today there are many houses in the historical context of Behbahan that Mostly remained from the Qajar and Pahlavi periods. There were 31 homes available for researchers based on documents available,that 10 were selected.On the condition that in choice of samples for each period, criteria such as appropriate historical value, specific construction period, healthy architectural framework, and no interference, have been taken into consideration. Of these, 8 are listed on the National Heritage List. Firstly, using library studies tools, different types of architectural ratios and architecture of Behbahan houses are studied. Then, by gathering documents and using field studies and the direct presence of researchers in the houses, their general characteristics, including the period of construction, the neighborhood and the components of the houses, were extracted, Finally, the dimensions required for analysis were extracted from maps using AutoCAD software and based on the graphical scale size of the maps. In the last step, using descriptive-analytical method by Excel software and in some cases by geometric analysis, the data is analyzed based on architectural proportions. The results show that, Among the existing proportions used in the Behbahanchr('39')s courtyards in both Qajar and Pahlavi periods, most of them follow the Iranian gold and square geometry, and the 1.618 golden ratios are less of a concern for architects. In general, the use of √2 and √1.25 ratios is more commonly used in construction and measurement because of its proximity to square form and its simplicity and speed. Some homes may also had been fitted to a part of facade that is more important than other parts or has symmetry such as a porch or three-door and five-door rooms, This confirms the importance and application of proportions in the main spaces of traditional homes. In addition in some aspects, the combination of two proportions is used side by side. 

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Bathhouses (Garm-abeh) are beneficial and worth concerning public buildings in the history of Iranian Islamic architecture, which include excellent factors in each one of their spaces. Hierarchy is one of the most apparent qualities of these buildings, which is the main concern of this paper, introducing Mian-dar [middle corridor] as the space between Sar-bineh [cloakroom] (place for undressing, resting and conversing, located past the entrance and before the Garm-khaneh) and Garm-khane [hot chamber] (Main place where washing and massaging takes place), which brings this quality in such space. This research will dig into the secrets of architects that made this fact possible, which are studied in the scale of bath’s three main spaces (Sar-bine, Garmkhaneh and Mian-dar) and tools and methods they’ve used in anatomy of Mian-dar. Therefore, by gathering the information of all of Fars’ public baths from the Safavid to Pahlavi Period, researchers studied and analyzed mechanisms of hierarchy in Mian-dar and geometry and circulation in the main three parts of these public baths and their effects on this quality. Concerning this study and analysis on calculations and tables, this paper has found that there is a specific area proportion between Sar-bineh, Mian-dar and Garm-khaneh; The results also show, Corridor (Daalaan) is the main element used in Mian-dar of medium sized bathhouses, which is often U shaped and includes 2 to 4 turns inside itself. But in the large scaled bathhouses, corridors join forces with Vestibules (Hashti) which are halls to access other minor spaces; and in small bathhouses, architects on have only used walls and short turns in combining with corridors to separate two main bathhouses’ spaces, creating a sense of hierarchy.

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The intertextual reading of narrating the life with the experience of space in the inner layers of mind and emphasizing the unconscious memories is a mental cognition method of the past architecture. In this paper the architecture of Iranian introverted houses has been interpreted based on mentality scheme and the Mobius theory. The nature of Mobius strip spread out inseparable layers and traverses the inward-outward path simultaneously. It is a long soft rectangular strip that is obtained by wrapping and connecting the two ends. The Mobius strip’s start and finish will be same, so the movement on it will be repeated infinitely.
The purpose of mental interpretation of architecture is to face the deepest layers of existence and to re-learn the identity we have forgotten. The starting point in the deepest layers of existence is the point that we will return to after the inward and outward path. The concept of home is defined as the starting point for moving into the deep center of existence, in which the study interprets the architecture of the house by emphasizing the experience of space from the mental perspective of the dwellers or guests present in these spaces, without judgment and with intertextual reading.
This study uses qualitative research strategy to interpret the past architecture subjectively. It also seeks first-hand information by exploratory-interpretive library studies about "In-Between Reality" in the empty space of the house and its role in arousing the hidden layers of the mind. The study specifically examines the relationship between the subject's mental perspective as a dependent variable and the internal domain of the home as independent variables. The analysis is done semantically, which explores the intrinsic possibilities of the text and the epistemology of home architecture. In order to complete the discussion in this article, the mentally hidden layers are adapted to the Mobius surface and provide a method for reading the architectural space by using narrative knowledge.
The conclusion of this paper shows that reading the narrative of life in Iranian introverted houses that is a method of architectural cognition will occur through the passage of time as the Mobius phenomenon passes through itself. Providing a way of interpreting the mentality scheme in architecture is possible through the epistemology of the concept of home and the discovery of the interior of the inhabitants as they move to the next level of existence. This is a profound transition to lost spirituality that requires internal transformation. Such insight is unusual for ordinary humans, but not inconceivable. The experience of meaning in architectural space in narrating the life Iranian houses further us into the Mobius-like path in the hidden layers of our minds. The end of this path leads to Mirror Vision- mirroring mystical intuition- in the philosophy of Suhrawardi.  Directing the path of the mind from inside to inside will increase one's ability to recognize and return to oneself.

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Appropriate structural and physical design has been one of the climatic strategies of traditional houses in interacting with nature. Over many years, these houses have tested various types of designs and have now reached a stable structure and have obtained some reproducible principles. This way, not only have they affected the health of the users directly and positively, but also, they have prevented energy wastage, rectified the unhealthy conditions in internal spaces, reduced environmental crises, etc. These principles, however, have been disregarded in the structural aspects of spaces in the modern architecture. Bearing this in mind, the present study aimed to recognize the geometric and proportional patters as well as the standards being employed in the structures of central courtyard, winter halls, and the seasonal rooms designed based on the cold climate. The connections between various spaces were also investigated based on their structural features so that by comparing climatic criteria, we can get to a sustainable designing pattern based on the structural patterns. We can also recognize the most common nature-friendly spatial ratios in this region and make use of them to meet the needs of the modern era. In the current study, 12 traditional houses belonging to Qajar era were investigated. In so doing, the needed information was collected from the spaces affected by the cold climate via field observations and the obtained data were classified. Then using computational methods, logical reasoning, and qualitative as well as quantitative analyses, a series of geometric proportions and spatial relations were detected. The results of the analyses regarding the most common ratios, dimensions, and areas were indicative of the high compatibility of spatial patterns with the cold climate. More specifically, some spaces that are used for similar purposes in special seasons of the year have similar proportions and shapes. The differentiation between the spaces has only been limited to winter and summer. The details of the structures designed for winter have been attended to relatively more. Therefore, the structural patterns employed in the past can be used for designing buildings in the modern era. By doing so, we will be able to reduce most of the energy wastage.

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The period spanning middle of Qajar era to the first decade of Pahlavi is a part of Iran contemporary architecture which is influenced by inevitable alterations caused by modernity. Modern forms and figures have gradually changed spatial hierarchy of houses and their structure and consequently have led to a combinational style. A brief survey of spaces and chief elements of traditional houses of Sanandaj demonstrates these changes quite well. This paper tries to shed light on the prevalent style of spatial hierarchy of house entrances in transitional time period from tradition to modernity in Sanandaj. This research has been conducted using a theoretical approach and by a historical-interpretational method. In theoretical part, a qualitative approach is adopted and considering the literature history, effective factors on spatial quality evaluations are analyzed. The practical part of the research is carried out in two phases and by taking case studies under account. In this viewpoint, the theoretical part is firstly a brief appraisal of the architecture of the historical eras of Qajar and Pahlavi, evolution criteria and social revolutions of those periods as well. Moreover, assessment of houses based on historical periods has been done utilizing field studies, local survey, photography, house plan depicting and existing documents and plots. Secondly, based on acquired field and librarian information, all qualified houses for this research are compared and analyzed to attain a comprehensive understanding of their entrance spatial hierarchy. Findings of the research indicate that there has been a hierarchy in entrance of houses with traditional architecture pertinent to the needs of residents which is neglected to some extent by the designers in Pahlavi period. In conclusion it is admitted that by intermediate spaces, alongside the provision of confidentiality, it would be possible to achieve a proper definition of private and semi-private spaces in houses. Furthermore, disruption in functions and entities of other spaces could be avoided, which in turn leads to introducing a pattern for obtaining confidentiality; an inseparable principle of entity in Iranian architecture and culture.

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