Comparative Analysis of Garden Pavilions (Koshks) in the Qajar and Pahlavi Periods: Emphasizing Transformations in Vegetation Cover

Subject Areas :

Reza Naghdbishi ^{1 *} , Hoda Ranjbar ²

1 - Department of Architecture, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 -

Received: 2025-04-17 Accepted : 2025-05-26 Published : 2025-06-15

Keywords: Persian gardens, koshks, vegetation patterns, Qajar-era landscaping, Pahlavi-era modernism,

Abstract :

This research presents a comparative review of the architectural features of garden pavilions (koshks) during the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties, focusing particularly on transformations in their vegetation cover. The study aims to assess the significance of structural, functional, and conceptual changes between these two historical periods.

Employing a mixed-methods approach within the pragmatism paradigm, the research adopts an exploratory design. The qualitative phase utilizes thematic content analysis to identify key components through a three-stage coding process (open, axial, and selective), resulting in the extraction of seven distinct vegetation-related design elements characteristic of Persian garden pavilions.

For the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed questionnaire was created based on these components, with its content validity and reliability rigorously evaluated. The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to compare the two periods, enabling dependent comparisons (evaluating the same metric across different periods by the same respondents) while accommodating non-normal data distributions.

The study population comprised 51 experts with field experience or research background in Persian gardens containing pavilions. Findings reveal that while Persian gardens underwent visible transformations between Qajar and Pahlavi eras, they maintained conceptual continuity, preserving their spatial structure as a cultural spatial language. Based on these results, practical design recommendations are proposed for contemporary applications

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