The mosque has historically served as a cornerstone of urban design in Iranian cities, seamlessly integrating with the evolving needs of urban life. However, declining mosque attendance and a lack of emphasis on sustainable architecture in recent decades have raised critical concerns, forming the central focus of this study. This research aims to identify the key factors that enhance mosque accessibility for diverse social groups while proposing sustainable architectural solutions tailored to contemporary user expectations. Combining analytical-descriptive methods with field studies (questionnaire-based), the study engaged Kashan residents from various socioeconomic backgrounds, alongside architecture students and professors, as its statistical population.
The study addresses two primary questions: (1) How can traditional mosque architecture, refined over centuries, be innovatively adapted to align with sustainable principles while preserving Kashan’s architectural identity? (2) Can functional diversification of mosques—such as integrating public amenities—increase community engagement without undermining their spiritual essence? A questionnaire evaluating design parameters was distributed to 384 participants, with collected data systematically analyzed. Findings reveal that sustainability, alongside physical, functional, and psychological components, significantly influences mosque attendance. Contextual design strategies rooted in Kashan’s architectural heritage emerged as a sustainable pathway, while multifunctional spaces proved effective in attracting broader demographics without compromising the mosque’s spiritual core. These insights offer practical guidelines for designing mosques that balance cultural preservation, sustainability, and societal relevance.
