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Explanation of the Relationship Between Single-Courtyard and Double-Courtyard (Inner and Outer) Plans Pattern with the Spatial Organization of Historical Houses
Engineer Zahra Ezzati Koroliya , Doctor Azita Belali Oskui, Engineer Yahya Jamali, Doctor Aref Monadi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
The courtyard has been one of the main spaces in houses, particularly in traditional architecture of Iran, that has played a significant role in the spatial organization of houses. The main question of this research is: What is the relationship between the spatial organization of historical houses with single-courtyard and double-courtyard, and the number of courtyards? The aim of this research is to discover the relationship between the number of courtyards (single-courtyard and double-courtyard) and the spatial organization of historical houses. The required information for this research has been gathered through library resources, documents from the Cultural Heritage Organization, and field observations. The study employs a descriptive-analytical method with a qualitative approach to analyze the case studies. The statistical population consists of (20) single-courtyard and double-courtyard historical houses from the Qajar period in Tabriz. This research was conducted in three stages: In the first stage, the influential factors in the spatial organization of historical houses were introduced. In the second stage, the houses plans were analyzed based on the factors derived from the theoretical framework of the research. In the third stage, the data obtained from the analysis of the samples were compiled and concluded. The study specifically examines the main and selected spaces of the houses, including the entrance, courtyard, Tanabi (main hall), rooms, Iwan (a type of porch), and stairs. Various factors influence the spatial organization of historical houses, and this research focuses on those related to the research topic. One of these factors is the geometry of spatial layout; the study of historical houses architecture often shows that the courtyard is usually a central space, with other spaces and functions arranged around it. Therefore, central and radial layout patterns are more prevalent in studies focused on courtyards. Besides the central and radial layout patterns, the geometric pattern of the spaces around the courtyards, which reflecting the geometric form of the built fronts around the courtyard, is also influential and worth examining in the geometry of spatial layout. Another influential factor in the spatial organization of historical houses is axes. Based on studies, it can be stated that movement axes (internal and external), visual axis, and symmetry axis are the main influential axes in the spatial organization of historical houses. Another factor is hierarchy; in historical houses, hierarchy is more about spatial hierarchy and access hierarchy. According to studies, it can be stated that the elongation of courtyards, the depth of spaces relative to the entrance, and permeability are influential in the spatial and access hierarchy. 
In summary, it can be stated that in single-courtyard and double-courtyard houses, various factors such as the geometry of spatial layout (based on central and radial layout patterns, and the geometric pattern of the spaces around the courtyards), axes (based on internal and external movement axes, visual axis, and symmetry axis), and spatial and access hierarchy (based on elongation of courtyards, depth of spaces relative to the entrance, and permeability) collectively indicate a specific type of spatial organization, related to each of the two mentioned types. The research findings show that although these factors are similar in some cases, they also create differences in the spatial organization of single-courtyard and double-courtyard plans. For instance, the study of the geometry of spatial layout shows differences in the arrangement of spaces relative to the courtyard, differences in massing and the number of built fronts around the courtyard, the degree of introversion relative to the type of courtyard, and etc. The study of axes indicates differences in movement paths and internal spatial relationship, differences in the direction of visual axes, the manner of symmetry observance, and etc. The study of hierarchy shows differences in the division of the house’s areas, differences in the placement of spaces at various depths relative to the entrance based on their function, and etc.

Investigating the Role of Gender Distinctions in the Design of Traditional Houses in Tabriz during the Qajar and Pahlavi Eras
Sahar Hosseinpour, Yahya Jamali, Azita Belali Oskuyi, Shamim Nottagh, Aref Monadi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
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.

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