Mendeley TY _ JOUR ID - 1403080748400 TI - Reading and Analyzing Qualitative Components Influencing Spatial Perception in Traditional Houses of Yazd (A Comparative Study of Rasoulian House and Mortaz House) JO - Iranian Islamic city studies JA - ES LA - fa SN - 2228-639X AU - omidvari somayeh AU - Davoudi Somayeh AU - Mahdavipour Shahrbabak Hossein AD - هیات علمی دانشگاه علم و هنر یزد AD - دانشگاه ازاد اسلامی واحد علوم و تحقیقات AD - عضو هیئت علمی دانشکده معماری دانشگاه یزد Y1 - 2025 PY - 2025 VL - 56 IS - SP - 47 EP - 70 KW - Components of Perception KW - Mortaz House KW - Quality of perception KW - Perception of Space KW - Rasoulian House. DO - N2 -

With the expansion of the field of architecture and its connection with other fields such as behaviorism and environmental psychology, topics such as the process of perception and the analysis of the components affecting it have drawn the attention of many researchers. Different theorists including "Lang", "Cremona" and "Ian Bentley" expressed different theories in the field of environmental perception and examined the components affecting qualitative perception and things like readability, variety, vitality, flexibility, sense Place and... have been presented in the explanation of qualitative components. While introducing the quality measurement models based on these theories, this article deals with the extraction and selection of the most effective components on the perception of space. In this research, which is of a mixed type, first among the components affecting the quality of perception, four components "variety, readability, visual compatibility and sensory richness" which have been given special attention by most theorists, were initially selected and While describing and analyzing the quality of each of the selected components, qualitative indicators such as geometry, order, fluidity, balance, evocativeness, etc. were extracted. Because these indicators can be evaluated in the measurement of qualitative perception; In the second part of the article, the impact of the components and indicators was measured using the questionnaire method and the average analysis of the obtained statistical data. In the following, with the aim of measuring and evaluating the mentioned indicators in the qualitative perception of two traditional houses in the historical context of Yazd, namely " Rasoulian" and " Mortaz", which in recent decades have become parts of the Yazd Faculty of Art and Architecture. Qualitative and quantitative measurements have been identified and analyzed in order to identify and accurately analyze the perceptual differences in these two houses. The respondents of the questionnaire of this research were graduates of Yazd Faculty of Art and Architecture who had the experience of attending these two houses for consecutive years and gained a relatively accurate understanding of these two houses. The analyzes have shown the perceptual commonalities in these two houses. Relying on the quantitative measurements, the findings of the article confirm that from the perspective of the users, all four investigated components had a significant effect on the qualitative perception of the spaces of this two houses, and this is a sign of the secret of the dynamics and durability of traditional architecture of Yazd.

 

Keywords: Components of Perception, Mortaz House, Quality of perception, Perception of Space, Rasoulian House.

 

Introduction

 

The field of architecture has undergone significant transformation over the years, evolving from a discipline primarily concerned with aesthetics and construction techniques to one that actively incorporates insights from behavioral science, environmental psychology, and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach has led to a deeper understanding of spatial perception and the Components influencing it. The Perception of Space, which refers to the way humans cognitively and sensorially interpret their surroundings, plays a critical role in how architectural spaces are experienced, appreciated, and utilized. In recent decades, researchers and theorists such as Kevin Lynch, Matthew Carmona, and Ian Bentley have contributed extensively to this field, offering frameworks and theories that identify multiple key qualitative components effecting spatial perception. These components, including legibility, diversity, vitality, flexibility, and a sense of place, are foundational to creating spaces that resonate with users on cognitive, emotional, and sensory levels.

This study delves into these theoretical insights by focusing on the Traditional Houses of Yazd, a city renowned for its ingenious desert-adaptive designs and historic urban fabric. Yazd’s traditional houses exemplify a harmonious blend of functional and aesthetic elements, offering a wealth of insights into how architecture can show environmental challenges while fostering a profound connection with its inhabitants. The research specifically examines and studies two exemplary traditional houses—Rasoulian House and Mortaz House—to explore the qualitative components influencing spatial perception. By conducting a comparative analysis, the study seeks to uncover the principles underlying the timeless appeal and enduring vitality of these architectural masterpieces.

 

Theoretical Foundations and Methodology

The Central part to this research is the identification and analysis of key qualitative components that effect on spatial perception. Based on a comprehensive review of theoretical literature and information, four components have been selected for detailed exploration: diversity, legibility, visual compatibility, and sensory richness. These components are frequently emphasized in the works of leading theorists and are considered essential in shaping meaningful and engaging architectural spaces. Each component is analyzed to extract specific attributes that contribute to spatial quality. For instance:

The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of spatial perception. In the qualitative phase, detailed analyses of the selected components are conducted through site visits, architectural documentation, and interpretative studies. Attributes such as geometry, order, fluidity, balance, and memorability are explored to understand how these components contribute to the overall spatial experience.In the quantitative phase, structured questionnaires are distributed to users and occupants of two Case Studies:Rasoulian House and Mortaz House. The survey captures subjective experiences and perceptions, providing statistical data that complements the qualitative findings. The combination of these methods ensures a robust analysis of how qualitative components influence spatial perception in traditional houses.

 

Case Studies: Rasoulian House and Mortaz House

Rasoulian House and Mortaz House were selected as case studies due to their exemplary representation of Yazd’s traditional architecture. Both houses, situated within the city’s historic fabric, embody the principles of adaptive design, cultural expression, and environmental harmony. Despite their differences in architectural spaces and historical contexts, both houses offer valuable insights into the qualitative aspects of spatial perception.

 

Rasoulian House

Rasoulian House is renowned for its central courtyard design, which exemplifies the traditional Persian architectural approach to creating a microclimate in hot and dry environments. The house features symmetrical layouts, intricate stucco work, and a well-defined spatial hierarchy. The courtyard acts as the focal point, surrounded by iwans (semi-open spaces), closed rooms, and subspaces. The interplay of light and shadow in the courtyard, coupled with the presence of water features and greenery, gives the space a sensory richness. The use of traditional materials such as adobe, brick, and plaster further adds to the tactile and visual appeal of the house.

 

Mortaz House

Mortaz House, though distinct in its design, shares several similarities with Rasoulian House in terms of its adaptive use of spatial elements. The house is characterized by its geometric precision, balance, and functional layout, which reflect a strong focus on legibility. The clear spatial hierarchy and axial alignments make the house easily navigable, while the harmonious integration of architectural elements ensures visual consistency. The use of semi-open spaces, such as iwans and porches, allows for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the overall spatial experience.

 

Findings and Implications

The findings of this study highlight the significant role of the four identified components in shaping spatial perception. Diversity, legibility, visual compatibility, and sensory richness are shown to have a substantial impact on how users experience and interpret the spaces in two traditional houses:Rasoulian House and Mortaz House. Attributes such as geometry, order, fluidity, balance, and memorability further enhance the qualitative richness of these environments.The perceptual commonalities observed between the two houses underscore the effectiveness of traditional architectural principles in creating meaningful and engaging spaces. These principles, rooted in a deep understanding of human needs and environmental context, have contributed to the enduring vitality and resilience of Yazd’s traditional architecture. The findings also provide valuable insights for contemporary architectural practices, emphasizing the importance of integrating qualitative components into Contemporary design processes.

 

Lessons for Contemporary Architecture

This research underscores the relevance of traditional architectural principles in showing contemporary challenges. By drawing inspiration from the qualitative components analyzed in this study, architects can create spaces that are both functional and meaningful. For instance, incorporating elements of diversity in spatial arrangements can enhance user engagement and adaptability, while ensuring legibility can improve the navigability and coherence of spaces. Similarly, both emphasizing visual compatibility and sensory richness can create environments that foster a sense of place, community, and well-being.

In conclusion, this study confirms that the qualitative components analyzed are integral to the spatial perception of Yazd traditional houses. These components enhance the aesthetic, functional, and emotional qualities of the spaces, contributing to their enduring relevance in contemporary architectural discourse. The lessons learned from Rasoulian House and Mortaz House highlight the potential of traditional architectural principles to inform and inspire future design practices, ensuring the creation of spaces that resonate with users on multiple levels.

 

Refrences

Atkinson, R. L. (2014). Psychology of sensation and perception (H. EbrahimiMoghadam, Trans., 2nd ed.). Tehran: Farabi Publications. (Original work published in Persian)

Pak Nehad, H., &Pajoohanfar, M. (2017). Improving spatial quality patterns of urban parks to enhance social interactions among citizens: A case study of parks in Gorgan. Golestan University Quarterly Journal, 7(26), 22–55. (Original work published in Persian)

Paykan, E., &Rafieian, M. (2019). In search of an integrated framework for spatial perception in interactive studies of human and environment. Armanshahr Architecture and Urban Development, 28, 125–138. (Original work published in Persian)

Shahcheraghi, A., &Bandarabad, A. (2020). Enclosed in the environment (Application of environmental psychology in architecture and urban planning). Tehran: Jihad Daneshgahi Organization Publications. (Original work published in Persian)

Tahmasebi, A., Alizadeh, H., &Aslani, P. (2018). A study of the components shaping the semantic-perceptual quality of the environment: A case study of the Gatarcheenan neighborhood in Sanandaj. Armanshahr Architecture and Urban Development, 25. (Original work published in Persian)

KamuShalmani, K., &Hanachi, S. (2015). Examining the impact of visual factors in urban spaces on citizens' behavioral patterns: A case study of Rasht Municipality Square. City Identity, 24. (Original work published in Persian)

 

 

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