Sahar Hosseinpour, Yahya Jamali, Azita Belali Oskuyi, Shamim Nottagh, Aref Monadi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Throughout history, due to gender-based distinctions formed within society, differing needs have been defined for men and women. Architecture, as one of the most impressionable aspects of society, has consequently undergone transformation. Attention to gender—as a social and cultural factor influencing the formation of physical environments and their spatial arrangement—is of particular importance. In exploring the relationship between gender and architecture, the concept of gendered spaces emerges, with examples identifiable in traditional Iranian architecture. In this context, cultural, social, and economic factors have generally shaped the conception of gender and space. Among the most significant elements of traditional architecture are residential houses. This study investigates, analyzes, and compares the physical components of a selection of traditional houses located in the historical fabric of Tabriz from the Qajar and Pahlavi periods, focusing on gender distinctions and the influencing factors. To this end, eight houses from the Qajar-era and eight from the Pahlavi-era were selected as case studies. The research aims to answer the following questions: How were gender distinctions manifested in the design of traditional houses in Tabriz during the Qajar and Pahlavi periods? what are the differences between them? And which spatial elements were most affected by gender differentiation? A qualitative analysis was conducted to address these questions. According to the findings, gender distinctions in the architecture of Qajar-era houses were more significantly influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors. In contrast, in Pahlavi-era houses, the impact of these factors on spatial gender segregation was considerably diminished. Ultimately, these homes exhibited an absence of gender-based spatial division and their architecture moved towards extroversion. Among all architectural elements, in Qajar-period houses, the greatest impact of gender distinction was evident in the spatial definition of two separate courtyards: the outer courtyard and the inner courtyard. In Pahlavi-era houses, although gender distinctions were generally reduced across all spatial components, private rooms, bathrooms, and—in some cases—the kitchen remained the elements most influenced by gender considerations.
