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Explaining the physical and functional characteristics of semi-open spaces and their compliance with climatic conditions in Qajar-Era vernacular houses of Tabriz
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Raheleh Zohouri   , Niloufar Nikghadam * , Mansoureh Tahbaz |
| Department of Architecture, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. , n_nikghadam@iau.ir |
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Abstract: (449 Views) |
Objective: In today’s world, despite growing public awareness of the unique potential of semi-open spaces, insufficient attention to climatic conditions in their design has caused their inefficiency in cold regions. In contrast, in traditional Iranian architecture, semi-open spaces were essential for residential buildings, fulfilling the residents’ functional and social needs, despite providing comfort only by architectural and climatic solutions. This study aims to improve the status and quality of semi-open spaces by examining and recognizing their climatic characteristics in vernacular houses, drawing inspiration for the climatic design of contemporary housing in cold climates.
Method: This qualitative research is based on the grounded theory method. Data were collected through case studies of
10 historical houses from the Qajar era that still exist in Tabriz. This research first described the physical features, and primary data were extracted. Then, climatic categories were systematically formed by establishing connections between the physical and functional components of semi-open spaces. Analyses were conducted, key concepts were extracted, and the categories were integrated. In the next step, the characteristics of the case studies were identified and analyzed. After comparing them with climatic studies, their responsiveness to climatic needs was evaluated and analyzed. Finally, a conclusion was drawn based on the findings and assessments.
Results: The climatic analysis and evaluation of the samples show that in the cold climate of Tabriz, the climatic characteristics of semi-open spaces have a good response to the climatic needs and play an effective role in achieving climate-responsive design goals and providing comfort in hot and cold seasons.
Conclusions: The physical characteristics of semi-open spaces—including physical structure, location in the building, orientation, enclosure, dimensions and proportions, access pattern, and adjacency to other spaces—all play an effective role in responding to climatic conditions and achieving the goals of climate-responsive architecture, having been formed under the influence of the climate. These spaces fulfill both interfacial and residential functions, accommodating the daily life activities and social interactions of the inhabitants. The residential function of semi-open spaces reflects their physical adaptation to climatic conditions and the suitability of their environmental qualities. |
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| Keywords: semi-open space, climate-responsive architecture, cold climate, vernacular architecture of Tabriz. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1966 kb]
(62 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
معماری
Received: 2025/08/16 | Accepted: 2026/01/4 | Published: 2026/03/15
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