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Mis Motahareh Eslami Mahmoodabadi, Mr Yaghowb Peyvastehgar, Mr Aliakbar Heydari,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
Housing, as a space for settling and living, has always been one of the first spaces that humans have dealt with since the beginning of history, and the characteristics of this building, especially its interior space, are due to the direct connection with humans during long hours of the day. It has been of great importance. Peace is one of the spiritual and psychological needs of every person that must be provided at home, and this issue turns the provision of peace into one of the most important functions of the home.
Providing peace in connection with contemporary houses, whose residents, due to the many problems of urban life, consider the house more than ever as a place for rest and relaxation, is more important, and this is the way to achieve this. The meaning of the house has been investigated less in specialized texts, especially in the field of architecture, Based on this, the current research was conducted with the aim of extracting the factors that create peace in the house and the function of the spatial characteristics of the house in providing these factors in two common models of contemporary houses, including apartment houses and independent houses with a yard, and the way of showing peace in the house. investigated. In this study, the “Structure of Meanings” method was used as a qualitative research approach with the techniques of photography, field observation, questionnaires and semi-structured ladder interviews. The conceptual framework of the research under Rapaport’s model of meaning levels (1988) describes the consequences and meanings governing characteristics in the form of “characteristics, overt function and hidden function” propositions.
To ensure that the necessary information was obtained, the concept of theoretical saturation determined the number of samples, interviews and data collection.
Based on the diagram of the value chain structure, the presentation of the concept of relaxation is mainly influenced by the environmental capabilities of “connection with the open space”. Other features such as “building age”, “kitchen model”, “property”, “spatial dimensions” and “number of rooms” help to create peace in the house. In addition to providing a structured framework to study the compatibility between creating the concept of relaxation and the spatial characteristics of the house, the research results emphasize the basic values of the residents and the hidden meanings related to these characteristics.
Providing peace in connection with contemporary houses, whose residents, due to the many problems of urban life, consider the house more than ever as a place for rest and relaxation, is more important, and this is the way to achieve this. The meaning of the house has been investigated less in specialized texts, especially in the field of architecture, Based on this, the current research was conducted with the aim of extracting the factors that create peace in the house and the function of the spatial characteristics of the house in providing these factors in two common models of contemporary houses, including apartment houses and independent houses with a yard, and the way of showing peace in the house. investigated. In this study, the “Structure of Meanings” method was used as a qualitative research approach with the techniques of photography, field observation, questionnaires and semi-structured ladder interviews. The conceptual framework of the research under Rapaport’s model of meaning levels (1988) describes the consequences and meanings governing characteristics in the form of “characteristics, overt function and hidden function” propositions.
To ensure that the necessary information was obtained, the concept of theoretical saturation determined the number of samples, interviews and data collection.
Based on the diagram of the value chain structure, the presentation of the concept of relaxation is mainly influenced by the environmental capabilities of “connection with the open space”. Other features such as “building age”, “kitchen model”, “property”, “spatial dimensions” and “number of rooms” help to create peace in the house. In addition to providing a structured framework to study the compatibility between creating the concept of relaxation and the spatial characteristics of the house, the research results emphasize the basic values of the residents and the hidden meanings related to these characteristics.
Engineer Zahra Ezzati Koroliya , Doctor Azita Belali Oskui, Engineer Yahya Jamali, Doctor Aref Monadi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (6-2024)
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.
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.
Dr Omid Rahaei, Mr Milad Omidi, Ms Fereshteh Masihpour,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Volume 13, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Abstract
Traditional houses are shaped to adapt to the climate and culture, with designers emphasizing internal airflow. Evidence indicates that the physical elements of the courtyard can influence the natural ventilation process of the spaces surrounding the central courtyard. The research question is: What is the airflow pattern inside the central courtyard of the Suzangar House in Dezful, and what impact does it have on cultural characteristics? This study aims to investigate the natural ventilation in the central courtyard of the Suzangar House, as a representative of the Qibla courtyard typology, under the influence of external winds. This enables, in addition to airflow pattern analysis, the identification of the relationship between this pattern and cultural features. The present study is applied and interdisciplinary. The research method is mixed: initially, after reviewing traditional houses with central courtyards, pattern recognition and classification based on the courtyard’s orientation and direction were conducted, and the Soozangar House was selected. The physical elements of the central courtyard (courtyard orientation) were considered as the independent variable, and the airflow circulation pattern inside the central courtyard (flow velocity and direction) was considered as the dependent variable. These were measured experimentally using a data logger device during the research testing period. Subsequently, the data were simulated and analyzed by Gambit pre-processor and ANSYS Fluent software (after validation and reliability confirmation) through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods. Results indicate that Dezful’s traditional architecture, featuring central courtyards and spring porches (Baharkhab), supports activities around the central courtyard, which forms an integral part of Dezful’s cultural identity. The courtyard serves as a space for lighting, ventilation, and communication. The airflow inside the central courtyard forms a vortex pattern, providing adequate ventilation for the spring porches. Furthermore, considering the prevailing wind direction, the optimal building orientation is southeast with an approximate east-west elongation, which does not hinder airflow inside the building. The central courtyard, by fulfilling various roles in residents’ daily life, especially the spring porch as a gathering space influenced by the existing airflow, is recognized as a symbol of cultural identity. Attention to the presented results will improve the disorder and airflow circulation pattern inside the central courtyard, thereby enhancing more effective natural ventilation.
Research Method
The current research aims to investigate and analyze the behavior of the airflow inside the central courtyard and its surrounding spaces under the influence of outside wind in Dezful climate, under the influence of the architectural elements of the central courtyard to achieve the pattern of physical variables of native architecture for use in contemporary architecture. To achieve the purpose of the research, the following steps were taken: Considering the variety of houses in Dezful, according to the topic and purpose of the research, houses with a central courtyard were considered as a statistical population, among them, the Suzangar house was randomly selected and considering the amount access and the possibility of doing the next steps of the research were selected. Surveys and field observations were made in the test period using an experimental method from a case sample and their results were recorded. Dependent variables have been used by precise digital devices, i.e. thermometers and hygrometers. Then, after drawing the plans of the desired house, gridding was done with Gambit software and after defining the boundary conditions, numerical calculations and final simulations were done in Fluent software. Since the process of natural ventilation of these courtyards is considered in the research, therefore, the climatic performance of the central courtyards in question is only investigated from the point of view of natural ventilation.
Conclusion
In the typology of Dezful houses, most of these houses have thick walls and many semi-open spaces on the upper floors, and the hollow walls have good shading while maintaining privacy. According to the typology, the overall attention of the facade is toward the southeast to receive the right light and to avoid the west light. But the building method should be such that there is a possibility of natural ventilation and the composition of different spaces should facilitate it. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate this method of the building according to the direction of the building and the type of prevailing wind in order to determine the condition of internal airflow and natural ventilation. The first result obtained is that creating a movement path to enter the central courtyard and creating an entrance opening in the corner of the courtyard has helped to create a whirlwind flow in the middle of the courtyard. In other words, in the general state, regardless of the intensity and weakness in each state, after entering the alley leading to the entrance of the building, the wind enters from the corner of the yard and creates a vortex in the middle of the yard, which increases in height and passes through the terraces and the balcony of the building moves from the top of the building. Therefore, in general, we can conclude that the orientation and elongation of traditional houses in this climate cannot prevent the creation of airflow and natural ventilation, and in each of the prevailing wind conditions, there is airflow inside the house with different disturbances. In the meantime, based on the findings of the research, mode B has more optimal conditions during normal wind, if the wind is strong, option C is suggested.
Traditional houses are shaped to adapt to the climate and culture, with designers emphasizing internal airflow. Evidence indicates that the physical elements of the courtyard can influence the natural ventilation process of the spaces surrounding the central courtyard. The research question is: What is the airflow pattern inside the central courtyard of the Suzangar House in Dezful, and what impact does it have on cultural characteristics? This study aims to investigate the natural ventilation in the central courtyard of the Suzangar House, as a representative of the Qibla courtyard typology, under the influence of external winds. This enables, in addition to airflow pattern analysis, the identification of the relationship between this pattern and cultural features. The present study is applied and interdisciplinary. The research method is mixed: initially, after reviewing traditional houses with central courtyards, pattern recognition and classification based on the courtyard’s orientation and direction were conducted, and the Soozangar House was selected. The physical elements of the central courtyard (courtyard orientation) were considered as the independent variable, and the airflow circulation pattern inside the central courtyard (flow velocity and direction) was considered as the dependent variable. These were measured experimentally using a data logger device during the research testing period. Subsequently, the data were simulated and analyzed by Gambit pre-processor and ANSYS Fluent software (after validation and reliability confirmation) through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods. Results indicate that Dezful’s traditional architecture, featuring central courtyards and spring porches (Baharkhab), supports activities around the central courtyard, which forms an integral part of Dezful’s cultural identity. The courtyard serves as a space for lighting, ventilation, and communication. The airflow inside the central courtyard forms a vortex pattern, providing adequate ventilation for the spring porches. Furthermore, considering the prevailing wind direction, the optimal building orientation is southeast with an approximate east-west elongation, which does not hinder airflow inside the building. The central courtyard, by fulfilling various roles in residents’ daily life, especially the spring porch as a gathering space influenced by the existing airflow, is recognized as a symbol of cultural identity. Attention to the presented results will improve the disorder and airflow circulation pattern inside the central courtyard, thereby enhancing more effective natural ventilation.
Research Method
The current research aims to investigate and analyze the behavior of the airflow inside the central courtyard and its surrounding spaces under the influence of outside wind in Dezful climate, under the influence of the architectural elements of the central courtyard to achieve the pattern of physical variables of native architecture for use in contemporary architecture. To achieve the purpose of the research, the following steps were taken: Considering the variety of houses in Dezful, according to the topic and purpose of the research, houses with a central courtyard were considered as a statistical population, among them, the Suzangar house was randomly selected and considering the amount access and the possibility of doing the next steps of the research were selected. Surveys and field observations were made in the test period using an experimental method from a case sample and their results were recorded. Dependent variables have been used by precise digital devices, i.e. thermometers and hygrometers. Then, after drawing the plans of the desired house, gridding was done with Gambit software and after defining the boundary conditions, numerical calculations and final simulations were done in Fluent software. Since the process of natural ventilation of these courtyards is considered in the research, therefore, the climatic performance of the central courtyards in question is only investigated from the point of view of natural ventilation.
Conclusion
In the typology of Dezful houses, most of these houses have thick walls and many semi-open spaces on the upper floors, and the hollow walls have good shading while maintaining privacy. According to the typology, the overall attention of the facade is toward the southeast to receive the right light and to avoid the west light. But the building method should be such that there is a possibility of natural ventilation and the composition of different spaces should facilitate it. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate this method of the building according to the direction of the building and the type of prevailing wind in order to determine the condition of internal airflow and natural ventilation. The first result obtained is that creating a movement path to enter the central courtyard and creating an entrance opening in the corner of the courtyard has helped to create a whirlwind flow in the middle of the courtyard. In other words, in the general state, regardless of the intensity and weakness in each state, after entering the alley leading to the entrance of the building, the wind enters from the corner of the yard and creates a vortex in the middle of the yard, which increases in height and passes through the terraces and the balcony of the building moves from the top of the building. Therefore, in general, we can conclude that the orientation and elongation of traditional houses in this climate cannot prevent the creation of airflow and natural ventilation, and in each of the prevailing wind conditions, there is airflow inside the house with different disturbances. In the meantime, based on the findings of the research, mode B has more optimal conditions during normal wind, if the wind is strong, option C is suggested.
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