@ARTICLE{Parsa, author = {Parsa, Mohammad Ali and }, title = {The Origin of Window Architecture An Inquiry in the Concept of Window in Persian Language and Culture}, volume = {30}, number = {134}, abstract ={  In the architecture of various ethnic groups, windows are one of the main elements which are fundamental in forming the appearance and depicting the architectural characteristics of residential buildings. If windows contain environmental and cultural characteristics of where the building is located, they can present the architectural identity of that environment. In the structure of windows of traditional buildings such characteristics can be seen. However, with the progression of time, the increased use of disproportionate architectural features within buildings has created a lack of variety and cultural characteristics for windows. Without the ability to demonstrate the culture of the land they came from, windows have lost their historical role in our current everyday human life. Furthermore, most of the once recognized traditional windows have now lost their meaning and function amongst the majority within societies. To be able to understand better the concept of windows in traditional architecture it seems helpful to notice the literary meaning of the particular window in question. This includes its current and ancient synonyms in Persian and other languages. As most of human knowledge and experiences are saved in the form of words and terms, which are then continually transferred to other generations, it is necessary to draw such attention to languages. In the ancient Persian language, different types of grid that were placed to fill the space in wall openings or “light holes” (Rowzan) were called “Panjereh”, the word that is used nowadays for window. During this historical time other words were used to refer to and describe different types of windows. The word window usually gets its meaning in houses while in public and religious buildings they usually used “Rowzan”, meaning light gap. Additionally, some words used to refer to particular windows were denoted according to the name of the rooms or living spaces they were used in. These variations in the words that were once used to describe windows by their structural or functional means, exemplify the social and cultural relations and cultural richness of their historical time. This is confirmed by the use of such words in Persian literature and mystic poetry. In Persian, most of the words used for windows have meanings related to light and radiation. In some other languages as well the meaning of this word is related to environmental and climatic concepts. Despite the contemporary scientific belief regarding the importance of environmental issues affecting shape, size and variety of windows, our study reveals that shape and size of windows in Iran is more under the influence of architectural culture and living spaces that make other issues less important. }, URL = {http://jhre.ir/article-1-6-en.html}, eprint = {http://jhre.ir/article-1-6-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Housing and Rural Environment}, doi = {}, year = {2011} }