An investigation into geometric ratios of the sunken courtyards in traditional Iranian houses (a field study on Yazd and Kashan)
Abstract
In Iranian architecture, the emphasis on the use of geometric ratios such as human scale and modularization, caused beauty and harmony. Unfortunately, in contemporary architecture, the use of these scales has been forgotten, and their presence has been diminished. Therefore, the main goal of the present study was to analyze and evaluate the geometry and proportions used in six remaining traditional Iranian sunken courtyards in Yazd and Kashan. For each house, the length, width, height and the ratio between these dimensions were measured for the sunken courtyard, courtyard and earth of the case studies. Then, to find out which kind of proportions were used in these sunken courtyards, we proposed some statistical tests to compare our measurements with the traditional proportions used. In the end, the results showed that the proportions used in the design of the sunken courtyard, courtyard, and earth of the case studies are related and the traditional Iranian sunken courtyards have been designed mostly based on the use of Gereh (a unit of measurement), which was the most appropriate and most widely used scale in housing architecture.
Keyword : sunken courtyard, geometric ratio, statistical analyze, Gereh
How to Cite
Naseri, H., & Amini Farsani, Z. (2022). An investigation into geometric ratios of the sunken courtyards in traditional Iranian houses (a field study on Yazd and Kashan). Journal of Architecture and Urbanism, 46(1), 58-67. https://doi.org/10.3846/jau.2022.15719
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Abdi, M., Abouei, R., & Beigzadeh Shahraki, H. R. (2016). The study of the footprints of the garden pit in the architecture of Yazd during Atabakan and Al-Muzaffar era [Conference presentation]. International Conference on Contemporary Islamic-Iranian Architectural Traditions, Ardebil.
Abdullahi, Y., & Embi, M. R. B. (2013). Evolution of Islamic geometric patterns. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 2(2),
243–251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2013.03.002
Aboalghasemi, L. (2005). The norm of formation in Islamic architecture of Iran. In The endeavor of Mohammad Y. Kiani. Samt Publication.
Akkach, S. (2012). Cosmology and architecture in premodern Islam: An architectural reading of mystical ideas. SUNY Press.
Al-Mumin, A. A. (2001). Suitability of sunken courtyards in the desert climate of Kuwait. Energy and Buildings, 33(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7788(00)00072-4
Bemanian, M., Amirkhani, A., & Lilian, M. (2010). Order and disorder in architecture. Tahan and Hele Publications.
Bjerregaard, L. M. (2005). Forsegling og symbiose: Naturvidenskab og naturromantik — en dialogi moderne arkitektur: Belyst via studier af grænsen mellem inde og ude (Danish). Arkitektskolens Forlag.
Cohen, M. (2014). Introduction: Two kinds of proportion. Architectural Histories, 2(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.5334/ah.by
Dabbour, L. M. (2012). Geometric proportions: The underlying structure of design process for Islamic geometric patterns. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 1(4), 380–391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2012.08.005
Danaeinia, A., & Azad, M. (2019). The role of geometry of yard in the formation of the historical houses of Kashan. Mathematics Interdisciplinary Research, 4(1), 21–35.
Forshed, K., & Nylander, O. (2003). Bostadens omätbara värden (Swedish). HSB Riksförbund.
Gangwar, Ar. G. (2017). Principles and applications of geometric proportions in architectural design. Journal of Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology, 4(3), 171–176.
Guia, A., Memarian, G. H., & Saffaran, E. (2013). The meaning of the sunken courtyard and its place in traditional Iranian architecture. Athar Journal, 34(60), 90–104.
Hedian, H. (1976). The golden section and the artist. The Fibonacci Quarterly, 14, 406–418.
Hejazi, M. (2005). Geometry in nature and Persian architecture. Building and Environment, 40(10), 1413–1427. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2004.11.007
Hu, Y., Heath, T., Tang, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2017). Using quantitative analysis to assess the appropriateness of infill buildings in historic settings. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 34(2), 91–113. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44987221
Imani chat ghaye, F., & Heidari, S. (2018). A comparison of energy consumption in an underground building with a similar on-ground model in the climates of Tehran, Yazd, and Tabriz. JIAS, 1(13), 89–105.
Jormouzi, S., & Salehi, S. (2014). Beautiful proportions: Comparative comparisons of structural proportions of one of the marriages in the sacred treasury of Razavi with the conventional system of proportions in the West. Ganjine-ye Asnad, 23(90), 120–137.
Josephine, E. E. C. (2017). The study of geometric forms, proportion and scale of heritage buildings due to architectural theory. IPTEK Journal of Proceedings Series, 3(3), 263–272. https://doi.org/10.12962/j23546026.y2017i3.2455
Kiani, Z., & Amiriparyan, P. (2016). The structural and spatial analysing of fractal geometry in organizing of Iranian traditional architecture. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 216, 766–777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.12.074
Leopold, C. (2006). Geometry concepts in architectural design [Conference presentation]. 12th International Conference on Geometry and Graphics, Salvador, Brazil.
Mahdavi Nejad, M. J., Yari, F., Silvayeh, S., & Kermani mazhari, A. R. (2013). Explaining the position of geometry in traditional Iranian architecture in order to take advantage of ancient patterns to achieve sustainable architecture and urbanization [Conference presentation]. The 1st Conference on Architecture and Sustainable Urban Spaces, Mashhad.
Markowsky, G. (1992). Misconceptions about the Golden Ratio. The Collage Mathematics Journal, 23(1), 2–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/07468342.1992.11973428
Mehdizadeh, F., Tehrani, F., & Valibeig, N. (2011). Applying the ‘Hanjar’ triangles in the mathematical calculation, implementation and enforcement of traditional Iranian architecture. Maremat-e Asar & Baft-haye Tarikhi-Farhangi, 1(1), 15–26.
Nabavi, F., & Ahmad, Y. (2016). Is there any geometrical golden ratio in traditional Iranian courtyard houses? Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 10(1), 143–154. https://doi.org/10.26687/archnet-ijar.v10i1.744
Nadimi, H. (1999). The truth of the role. Academy of Sciences, 6(14), 19–34.
Najafgholi Pour Kalantari, N., Etessam, I., & Habib, F. (2017). Manifestation of geometry and proportions in traditional architectural monuments of Iran in the Azeri style of the geographical range of Azerbaijan. Geograpical Journal of Territory, 14(54), 115–131.
Najiboghlo, G. (1999). Geometry, and decoration in Islamic architecture (M. Ghaiomibidhendi, Trans.). Rozane Publication.
Nasrabadi, A., Pour Jafar, M. R., & Daghahi, A. A. (2016). An analysis of the aesthetic role of geometry in the formation of the urban space of four Abbasid gardens. Urban Studies, 5(17), 41–54.
NoghrehKar, A. H. (2011). Theoretical foundations of architecture. Payame Noor University.
Oreskovic, N. M., Charles, P. R. S. L., Shepherd, D. T. K., Nelson, K. P., & Bar, M. (2014). Attributes of form in the built environment that influence perceived walkability. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 31(3), 218.
Sajjadzadeh, H., Hemmati, S., & Farahanikia, B. (2015). The effect of sunken courtyard on the climate comfort of the residents of Kashan district case study of Bakuchi House [Conference presentation]. National Conference on Civil and Architecture with an Approach to Sustainable Development, Fouman.
Samarghandi, A. T. (1964). Samarieh. Farhang Iran Zamin.
Shateryan, R. (2008). Climate and architecture of Iran. Simaye Danesh.
Silvayeh, S., Daneshjo, K., & Farmihan Farahani, S. (2013). Geometry in pre-Islamic Iranian architecture and its manifestation in contemporary Iranian architecture. Naqshejahan: Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning, 3(1), 55–66.
Soltan Zadeh, H. (2011). The role of geography on formation courtyards in traditional houses in Iran. Human Geography Research, 43(74), 69–86.
Tavassoli, M. (2003). Construction of city and architecture in warm and dry climate of Iran. Payam Publisher.
U. S. Green Building Council. (2009). LEED 2009 for neighborhood development rating system. https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-2009-neighborhood-development-current-version
Wågø, S., Hauge, B., & Støa, E. (2016). Between indoor and outdoor: Norwegian perceptions of well-being in energy efficient housing. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 33(4), 326–346. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44987209
Abdullahi, Y., & Embi, M. R. B. (2013). Evolution of Islamic geometric patterns. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 2(2),
243–251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2013.03.002
Aboalghasemi, L. (2005). The norm of formation in Islamic architecture of Iran. In The endeavor of Mohammad Y. Kiani. Samt Publication.
Akkach, S. (2012). Cosmology and architecture in premodern Islam: An architectural reading of mystical ideas. SUNY Press.
Al-Mumin, A. A. (2001). Suitability of sunken courtyards in the desert climate of Kuwait. Energy and Buildings, 33(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7788(00)00072-4
Bemanian, M., Amirkhani, A., & Lilian, M. (2010). Order and disorder in architecture. Tahan and Hele Publications.
Bjerregaard, L. M. (2005). Forsegling og symbiose: Naturvidenskab og naturromantik — en dialogi moderne arkitektur: Belyst via studier af grænsen mellem inde og ude (Danish). Arkitektskolens Forlag.
Cohen, M. (2014). Introduction: Two kinds of proportion. Architectural Histories, 2(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.5334/ah.by
Dabbour, L. M. (2012). Geometric proportions: The underlying structure of design process for Islamic geometric patterns. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 1(4), 380–391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2012.08.005
Danaeinia, A., & Azad, M. (2019). The role of geometry of yard in the formation of the historical houses of Kashan. Mathematics Interdisciplinary Research, 4(1), 21–35.
Forshed, K., & Nylander, O. (2003). Bostadens omätbara värden (Swedish). HSB Riksförbund.
Gangwar, Ar. G. (2017). Principles and applications of geometric proportions in architectural design. Journal of Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology, 4(3), 171–176.
Guia, A., Memarian, G. H., & Saffaran, E. (2013). The meaning of the sunken courtyard and its place in traditional Iranian architecture. Athar Journal, 34(60), 90–104.
Hedian, H. (1976). The golden section and the artist. The Fibonacci Quarterly, 14, 406–418.
Hejazi, M. (2005). Geometry in nature and Persian architecture. Building and Environment, 40(10), 1413–1427. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2004.11.007
Hu, Y., Heath, T., Tang, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2017). Using quantitative analysis to assess the appropriateness of infill buildings in historic settings. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 34(2), 91–113. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44987221
Imani chat ghaye, F., & Heidari, S. (2018). A comparison of energy consumption in an underground building with a similar on-ground model in the climates of Tehran, Yazd, and Tabriz. JIAS, 1(13), 89–105.
Jormouzi, S., & Salehi, S. (2014). Beautiful proportions: Comparative comparisons of structural proportions of one of the marriages in the sacred treasury of Razavi with the conventional system of proportions in the West. Ganjine-ye Asnad, 23(90), 120–137.
Josephine, E. E. C. (2017). The study of geometric forms, proportion and scale of heritage buildings due to architectural theory. IPTEK Journal of Proceedings Series, 3(3), 263–272. https://doi.org/10.12962/j23546026.y2017i3.2455
Kiani, Z., & Amiriparyan, P. (2016). The structural and spatial analysing of fractal geometry in organizing of Iranian traditional architecture. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 216, 766–777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.12.074
Leopold, C. (2006). Geometry concepts in architectural design [Conference presentation]. 12th International Conference on Geometry and Graphics, Salvador, Brazil.
Mahdavi Nejad, M. J., Yari, F., Silvayeh, S., & Kermani mazhari, A. R. (2013). Explaining the position of geometry in traditional Iranian architecture in order to take advantage of ancient patterns to achieve sustainable architecture and urbanization [Conference presentation]. The 1st Conference on Architecture and Sustainable Urban Spaces, Mashhad.
Markowsky, G. (1992). Misconceptions about the Golden Ratio. The Collage Mathematics Journal, 23(1), 2–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/07468342.1992.11973428
Mehdizadeh, F., Tehrani, F., & Valibeig, N. (2011). Applying the ‘Hanjar’ triangles in the mathematical calculation, implementation and enforcement of traditional Iranian architecture. Maremat-e Asar & Baft-haye Tarikhi-Farhangi, 1(1), 15–26.
Nabavi, F., & Ahmad, Y. (2016). Is there any geometrical golden ratio in traditional Iranian courtyard houses? Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 10(1), 143–154. https://doi.org/10.26687/archnet-ijar.v10i1.744
Nadimi, H. (1999). The truth of the role. Academy of Sciences, 6(14), 19–34.
Najafgholi Pour Kalantari, N., Etessam, I., & Habib, F. (2017). Manifestation of geometry and proportions in traditional architectural monuments of Iran in the Azeri style of the geographical range of Azerbaijan. Geograpical Journal of Territory, 14(54), 115–131.
Najiboghlo, G. (1999). Geometry, and decoration in Islamic architecture (M. Ghaiomibidhendi, Trans.). Rozane Publication.
Nasrabadi, A., Pour Jafar, M. R., & Daghahi, A. A. (2016). An analysis of the aesthetic role of geometry in the formation of the urban space of four Abbasid gardens. Urban Studies, 5(17), 41–54.
NoghrehKar, A. H. (2011). Theoretical foundations of architecture. Payame Noor University.
Oreskovic, N. M., Charles, P. R. S. L., Shepherd, D. T. K., Nelson, K. P., & Bar, M. (2014). Attributes of form in the built environment that influence perceived walkability. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 31(3), 218.
Sajjadzadeh, H., Hemmati, S., & Farahanikia, B. (2015). The effect of sunken courtyard on the climate comfort of the residents of Kashan district case study of Bakuchi House [Conference presentation]. National Conference on Civil and Architecture with an Approach to Sustainable Development, Fouman.
Samarghandi, A. T. (1964). Samarieh. Farhang Iran Zamin.
Shateryan, R. (2008). Climate and architecture of Iran. Simaye Danesh.
Silvayeh, S., Daneshjo, K., & Farmihan Farahani, S. (2013). Geometry in pre-Islamic Iranian architecture and its manifestation in contemporary Iranian architecture. Naqshejahan: Basic Studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning, 3(1), 55–66.
Soltan Zadeh, H. (2011). The role of geography on formation courtyards in traditional houses in Iran. Human Geography Research, 43(74), 69–86.
Tavassoli, M. (2003). Construction of city and architecture in warm and dry climate of Iran. Payam Publisher.
U. S. Green Building Council. (2009). LEED 2009 for neighborhood development rating system. https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-2009-neighborhood-development-current-version
Wågø, S., Hauge, B., & Støa, E. (2016). Between indoor and outdoor: Norwegian perceptions of well-being in energy efficient housing. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 33(4), 326–346. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44987209