The architecture of the Safavid era in Iran, particularly in Isfahan, is renowned for its use of complex geometric patterns and golden ratios, which create harmony and balance in architectural design. Semi-open spaces in the schools of this period, serving as transitional zones between open and enclosed spaces, play a crucial role in establishing both visual and functional connections.
This study aims to analyze the application of golden ratios and geometric proportions in the semi-open spaces of Safavid-era schools. The primary research question focuses on how golden ratios and geometric proportions are utilized in these spaces and which proportions are more prominent in the design of these schools. The research methodology combines both quantitative and qualitative analyses, involving the extraction of floor plans from selected schools, along with precise measurements and analysis of the geometric proportions of the iwans and smaller iwans.
The findings indicate that the semi-open spaces of Safavid schools are predominantly designed based on specific geometric ratios, such as the intersection of regular hexagons, √2 and √3 proportions, and the golden rectangle. Only in the iwan of the "Jadeh-ye-Koochak" school, due to its unique spatial and functional characteristics, these proportions are not observed, highlighting the impact of space functionality on the choice of geometric principles. This space follows a 1:0.9 proportion. The results demonstrate that geometric proportions not only played a significant role in achieving visual and functional balance, but also effectively facilitated the connection between open and enclosed spaces in the design of these schools. These findings may serve as a model for the design of semi-open spaces in contemporary architecture and contribute to the revival of cultural heritage and the use of geometric principles in modern architectural practice.
