The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Redefining “Transspatial”: Integrating the Philosophies of Abu Nasr al-Farabi and Christopher Alexander in Architectural Space Creation

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2025.511633.5779
Volume 22, Issue 149
November 2025
Pages 41-52
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Somayeh Hatefi Shojae 1
Mahmud Rezaei 1
Seyed Gholamreza Islami 2
Behrouz Mansouri 1

1 Department of Architecture, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Problem statement: The interpretation of semantic and spiritual layers in architectural works, especially traditional architecture, through contemporary Western theories is often problematic. Consequently, the need for a new model arises in relation to architectural practices and examples, to effectively revise and expand upon these existing theories.
Research objective: The main goal of the article is to examine the potential of Iranian-Islamic intellectual systems in developing new contemporary architectural models. It aims to advance modern theories such as the theory of “Christopher Alexander”, along with the ideas of ‘Abu Nasr Al-Farabi”, so that they can foster innovation and a deeper understanding of architecture.
Research method: The research methodology employed in this study is qualitative, relying on comparison, literature review, content analysis, and logical reasoning. Relevant research was reviewed, and data from interviews were summarized, coded, and analyzed using Atlas TI software. The case study focused on the Iranian house, exploring both its physical and non-physical dimensions.
Conclusion: Architecture encompasses theoretical, practical, and craft dimensions. However, Al-Farabi classified the craft based aspects of sciences into practical and theoretical parts. As a result, in the field of architecture, the scope of his “al-riʾāsat al-binā” is theoretical-crafts, which corresponds to phases zero and one of architecture, and the scope of his “al-bināʾ” is practical-crafts, corresponding to phases two and three of architecture. At the first levels, physical, objective, and material aspects have less impact. As a result, the semantic aspects of “ṣināʿat al-riʾāsat al-binā” are more. These levels find normative aspects in his utopian-non-utopian range. This level and scope are not seen in contemporary theories, such as Alexander’s theories of living centers or Punter and Kanter’s sense of place. As a result, Farabi’s architectural model provides the ability to redefine “Transspatial” and “ Intraspatial” for the analysis of works. On this basis, the “center” in Christopher Alexander’s thought can be developed with levels of transspatial and Intraspatial.

Keywords

Transspatial
Intraspatial
Farabi
Living Centers
Creation of Architectural Space
Iranian House
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