The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

A Typology of Semi-Open Spaces in the Historical Houses of Ardakan (A Comparative Study of the Safavid and Qajar Periods)

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2025.501660.5748
Volume 22, Issue 145
July 2025
Pages 67-78
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Somayeh Omidvari 1
Javad Aghajani Keshteli 2
Hamid Ahrari 3

1 Associate Professor, Department of Architecture , Faculty of Art and Architecture, Science and Arts University, Yazd.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Art Research, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Science and Arts University, Yazd.

3 Bachelor of Architecture , Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Arts and Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: Vernacular architecture in each region takes shape in response to the needs of its users and in harmony with the climate, geography, and culture of that society. Ardakan is one of Iran’s historical cities, and distinctive architectural features were developed in response to local conditions. The presence of a central courtyard in appropriate conjunction with semi-open and enclosed spaces is one of the architectural characteristics of this region, in alignment with the climatic and geographical conditions of the desert area. Semi-open spaces are among the important elements in the architecture of this region and the identity of these historical houses. Despite the significance of semi-open spaces in the historical houses of Ardakan, no independent research has yet been conducted to identify and classify these spaces for potential use in the contemporary architecture of the region.
Research objective: The aim of this article is to conduct a typological study of semi-open spaces in the historical houses of Ardakan during the transition from the Safavid to the Qajar period
Research method: The methodology of this study is descriptive-analytical, and data analysis was conducted with data collected through both fieldwork and documentary research. The sample included six houses from the Safavid period and six houses from the Qajar period, which were purposively selected based on factors such as accessibility, the possibility of on-site visits and field research, validation by heritage experts, minimal alterations, and preservation of authenticity. The data were ultimately analyzed qualitatively.
Conclusion: The findings of the study reveal that semi-open spaces in these houses fall into three main types: semi-open living spaces (talar), semi-open living–passage spaces with shallow depth (iwan), and passage-oriented semi-open spaces. Each of these spatial types includes subcategories within itself. The analysis indicates that, throughout the two periods, the courtyard area decreased while the area allocated to semi-open spaces increased. Among the semi-open spaces, the semi-open living spaces occupy approximately 5% of the total area in Safavid houses and about 6% in Qajar houses. Despite their relatively small size, these semi-open spaces play a crucial role in defining the identity of Ardakan’s historical houses.

Keywords

Historical houses
Semi-open spaces
Safavid
Qajar
Ardakan
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