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Soltanzadeh zarandi M, Ashraf Ganjouei M. Typology of Qajar Houses in Kerman based on Shape and Spatial Organization. CIAUJ 2023; 8 (1) :101-120
URL: http://ciauj-tabriziau.ir/article-1-435-en.html

The study of historical houses has always been of great interest for various reasons. Some researchers, when studying a collection of buildings, aim to identify distinct architectural types. This not only enhances our understanding of architecture but also allows for comparative analysis with other typological studies. Researchers employ various approaches and methodologies, guided by their specific research questions and objectives. A particularly useful approach involves examining the shape and its various combinations, as it helps uncover similarities and establish archetypal patterns. In the case of this research which delves into the study of Qajar houses in Kerman city, the focus is primarily on the houses' geometric aspects and shapes. The goal is to extract commonalities and similarities among these houses by analyzing the organization of architectural elements and spatial layouts, and potentially propose a model for them. To achieve this, the following steps were undertaken: First, the research team identified the Qajar-period houses in Kerman city along with available documentation. Subsequently, they applied two key indices for systematic analysis: the mass index (micro scale) and the courtyard structure Index (macro scale). The mass index assesses the arrangement and composition of elements within the house's plan, providing a clear and quantifiable understanding of how elements were likely organized around the courtyard. The courtyard structure index examines the pivotal role of the courtyard in the overall house layout.An examination of the samples based on these indicators revealed several commonalities. These included trends in house expansion and development, as well as spatial organization. Notably, the second spatial layer predominantly emerged on the north side, and the room-corridor combination was the prevailing plan arrangement. While elements on the courtyard facades exhibited a certain level of coordination in terms of quantity, their dimensions varied, resulting in a lack of symmetry between the facade and the plan. In a broader perspective, this suggests a degree of architectural freedom and asymmetry in element organization within the plan. Furthermore, an analysis of courtyard orientation revealed that the north-south direction was more prevalent than the east-west direction, with a slight variation. This north-south orientation was particularly dominant in larger houses with added second layers of space.The presence of similarities in both the formation of the second layer and the facade indicates a level of regularity in the spatial organization of the plan. Additionally, facade symmetry serves as evidence of the geometric structure of the plan. These commonalities suggest the existence of a distinct architectural type; however, it is important to note that there is also evidence of architectural freedom in the arrangement of facades and opposite sides of the courtyard. The architects did not strictly adhere to complete symmetry or a specific pattern, displaying a degree of creative expression.One noteworthy limitation of this research is the relatively small number of samples, which can significantly impact the selection process. Nevertheless, in the pursuit of identifying and characterizing a specific type of Qajar houses in Kerman, this study has developed indicators for analyzing houses that are not limited to a particular period or building. These indicators can be valuable for future research on a larger scale, encompassing various types of historical buildings. This broader perspective could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of architectural evolution and typologies beyond the Qajar era in Kerman.