واکاوی میزان همسازی خانههای تاریخی با شرایط زیستبوم در معماری قاجار: مقایسه خانه صادقی اردبیل با خانه بروجردی کاشان
محورهای موضوعی : باستانشناسی اسلامیسجاد رسولی دیان 1 , متینه رستمیپور 2 , حبیب شهبازی شیران 3
1 - دانشجوی دکتری باستانشناسی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، اردبیل، ایران.
2 - دانشآموخته کارشناسی ارشد باستانشناسی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، اردبیل، ایران..
3 - دانشیار، گروه باستانشناسی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، اردبیل، ایران.
کلید واژه: معماری, خانههای تاریخی, اردبیل, کاشان, سازگاری اقلیمی,
چکیده مقاله :
در ایران، هماهنگی معماری با خصوصیات آبوهوایی هر منطقه از دیرباز مورد توجه بوده است. مطالعه مبانی شکلدهنده معماری در بستر شهرهای ایران نشان میدهد که همواره اقلیم و طبیعت نقش بسزایی در شکلگیری شهرها و به تبع آن معماری و به ویژه مسکن داشته است. پژوهش پیشرو همسازی و هماهنگی دو بنای تاریخی خانه صادقی اردبیل و خانه بروجردی کاشان را با اقلیم و جغرافیای دو ناحیه مورد مطالعه و مقایسه تطبیقی قرار میدهد. هدف از پژوهش، گونهشناسی معماری و عناصر تزئینی خانههای تاریخی صادقی اردبیل و بروجردی کاشان در عصر قاجار و مقایسه تطبیقی آنها از منظر میزان همسازی با اقلیم است. در واقع این پژوهش به صورت تحلیلی ـ تاریخی و بر اساس پیمایش نگارندگان در بافت تاریخی اردبیل و کاشان، همراه با مطالعات کتابخانهای؛ ویژگی عناصر معماری این بناها را به عنوان متغیرهای اصلی مورد تجزیه و تحلیل قرار میدهد و در نهایت به دنبال نسبت و میزان انطباق این متغیرها با نوع اقلیم در هر منطقه است. نتایج این پژوهش نشان میدهد که نظام معماری ایرانی در دو اقلیم مورد مطالعه، نه تنها در مغایرت با اصول، معیارها و استاندارهای معماری پایدار و ویژگیهای زیستمحیطی نبوده؛ بلکه در پیوندی کامل با آن قرار دارد. هر دو خانه صادقی اردبیل و بروجردی کاشان متناسب با اوضاع اقلیمی، فرهنگی و اجتماعی هر کدام از شهرها بنا نهاده شده و مهمترین تأثیرات اقلیم بر بناها را میتوان در جهتگیری و زاویهبندی پلان بناها، موقعیت فضاهای اندرونی، ویژگیهای حرارتی، تهویههای مناسب، اندازه و ابعاد بازشوها، انتخاب نوع پلان و میزان فشردگی و مصالح بومی و متناسب با اقلیم بازشناسی نمود.
In Iran, the harmony between architecture and the climatic characteristics of each region has long been a subject of careful consideration. Studies on the formative principles of architecture within the context of Iranian cities reveal that climate and nature have always played a crucial role in shaping urban fabric and, consequently, architectural forms—particularly residential architecture. This research undertakes a comparative analysis of the ecological compatibility and adaptation of two historic houses, the Sadeghi House in Ardabil and the Boroujerdi House in Kashan, in relation to the climate and geography of their respective regions. The primary objective is a typological and decorative element study of these Qajar-era historic houses, coupled with a comparative assessment of their adaptation to local climate conditions. Employing an analytical-historical methodology, based on the authors’ field surveys in the historic districts of Ardabil and Kashan, alongside comprehensive library research, this study analyzes the architectural elements of these houses as the main variables. Ultimately, it examines the extent to which these variables correspond with the climatic characteristics of each region. The results demonstrate that the Iranian architectural system in these two distinct climates not only does not conflict with sustainable architectural principles and environmental standards but is integrally aligned with them. Both the Sadeghi House and the Boroujerdi House were constructed in harmony with the climatic, cultural, and social conditions of their cities. The most significant climatic influences on the buildings can be observed in the orientation and angular configuration of the floor plans, the positioning of interior spaces, thermal characteristics, effective ventilation, size and dimensions of openings, choice of plan typology, degree of spatial compactness, and use of native materials adapted to the local climate.
Introduction
Architecture has always been one of the significant artistic manifestations in human life, and in response to contemporary societal needs, sustainable architecture has gained a crucial role. One of the fundamental principles in this domain is harmony with the climate and the optimal use of energy resources. In many traditional Iranian cities, unique examples of energy efficiency and intelligent interaction with the environment can be observed (Mahdavi-Nejad et al., 2013: 70). In fact, climate-responsive architecture reflects the indigenous architecture of each region, as the inhabitants, in the absence of modern technology, relied on lived experience and intimate environmental knowledge to develop natural and effective solutions to create comfort and counteract adverse climatic conditions such as severe cold, intense heat, and disruptive winds.
The reciprocal influence between nature and humans has always played a key role in habitation patterns and the formation of living spaces. Studies of traditional houses across various regions of Iran indicate that climate has been a decisive factor in shaping architectural form, structure, and ornamentation. Investigations reveal that traditional Iranian architecture largely aligns with the principles of sustainable architecture, with considerations of culture, authenticity, local materials, functional spatial relationships, and climate compatibility embedded within it.
For instance, in the mountainous climate of Ardabil, combating cold and optimizing solar heat utilization have been primary architectural concerns, whereas in the hot and arid climate of Kashan, the main priority has been protecting living spaces from scorching heat and cooling the environment. In this context, two exemplary structures—the Sadeghi House in Ardabil and the Boroujerdi House in Kashan—exemplify architectural adaptation to two distinct climatic conditions. This study aims to examine and analyze the degree of compatibility between the architectural elements and decorative features of these two houses with the bioclimatic conditions of their respective regions, addressing the following questions:
To what extent do the compatibility features of the elements and decorations of the historic Sadeghi and Boroujerdi houses align with the ecological conditions of their regions?
How well do the orientation and plan typologies of these houses correspond to the climatic characteristics of their environments?
Methodology
This research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. Initially, theoretical foundations and the conceptual framework were developed through an extensive literature review. Subsequently, two case studies—the Sadeghi House in Ardabil and the Boroujerdi House in Kashan—were selected, and their architectural analyses were conducted by correlating theoretical findings with field observations. Architectural elements and decorations of both houses were examined from the perspective of their interaction with the regional climate. The collected data were then analyzed comparatively. This study endeavors to document and analytically explain the relationship between climate and architecture in these two exemplary cases.
- Discussion
Amos Rapoport, a distinguished architect and researcher, authored a seminal book in 1969 titled House Form and Culture. He was among the first to emphasize that the form and layout of houses must be considered within their environmental and cultural contexts. Taking a global perspective, Rapoport presented numerous examples of homes constructed using local and vernacular patterns rather than prevailing architectural styles. According to his observations, folk traditions manifest—either consciously or unconsciously—in the physical form of a culture, reflecting the needs, values, dreams, aspirations, and emotions of each people (Rapoport, 1969: 2).
One effective method of adapting to harsh hot or very cold climates is to cover all or part of a house with earth. Early humans often used caves as shelters, which naturally protected their belongings from external elements. Earth acts as an insulator against extreme heat and cold. In arid regions, there is a significant time lag between soil and ambient air temperatures, sometimes lasting an entire season. Thus, during summer, subterranean depths of around 9 to 11 meters maintain cooler temperatures, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling, while in winter, the same delay provides warmth (Golany, 1988: 83).
Thermal properties of houses depend not only on their depth but also on factors such as soil density and moisture, solar angle and intensity throughout the day, and the type and amount of vegetation cover. When building partially or fully underground is impossible, a simpler alternative is to bring earth inside the house. Clay has been used as a construction material for thousands of years; it is estimated that between one-quarter and one-half of the world’s population still live in dwellings made of earth (Mo Henry, 1996: 80).
Many contemporary theorists regard connection with nature and a sense of place as inseparable. Thinkers such as Chermayeff and Alexander have addressed the void created by modern humans’ estrangement from nature, viewing close contact with the natural world as a source of unparalleled joy (Chermayeff & Alexander, 1974: 58). Since humans are part of nature, true completeness requires ongoing interaction with it.
Additionally, theorists like Bell and Spirn have explored the subtle dimensions and indirect signs of nature—such as its diversity, complexity, and mystery—and sought to inspire patterns for human-made spaces based on natural processes. Simon Bell concluded from his research that engagement with nature through direct experience can reduce feelings of alienation within living environments (Bell, 2003: 124).
Overall, the description of architectural elements in the historic Sadeghi House in Ardabil and the Boroujerdi House in Kashan clearly demonstrates the pivotal role of environmental factors in their optimal configuration. The most significant climate-influenced architectural features include:
a) Boroujerdi House, Kashan
- Central Courtyard: The central courtyard plays a pivotal organizational role, around which the entire house’s elements are arranged. It regulates the spatial connection between summer and winter quarters and provides access to other sections such as basements on the north, south, east, and west facades (Arvini & Niazi, 2006: 85).
- High Walls: Tall walls surrounding the house effectively block hot, sandy winds from the desert and cold, biting winter winds, creating a more favorable microclimate within the interior spaces.
- Basement: A key feature in Kashan’s traditional houses, the basement serves as the main summer living area to shield inhabitants from heat and as a storage space during other seasons. Ventilation is enhanced by vertical and horizontal wind catchers, and in some cases, a pool positioned at the entrance cools incoming air with moisture, mitigating Kashan’s dry air (Arvini & Niazi, 2006: 92).
- Shahneshin (Reception Room): Positioned at the front, the shahneshin serves a ceremonial role for entertaining guests and also controls access to the private inner quarters, symbolizing the homeowner’s authority.
- Windows and Orosi (Stained Glass Screens): Wooden doors at room entrances protect against pests, while orosi windows moderate indoor temperature and provide acoustic benefits. Locals also report that the stained glass repels insects (Navabakhsh et al., 2010: 89).
- Iwan: A large, roofed veranda facing the courtyard, used especially in spring and early summer for resting when temperatures are still moderate.
- Private Courtyard: Located behind the main building and enclosed by tall walls, providing shade throughout the day. A water pool allows usage even during the hottest hours, with surrounding rooms connected via windows.
- Hashti (Entrance Vestibule): A transitional space after the main door that prevents direct airflow exchange between exterior and interior, preserving internal microclimate (Navabakhsh et al., 2010: 49).
- Windcatcher: Used extensively for natural cooling, designed according to prevailing wind direction and speed, mitigating the intense heat from late spring through early autumn (Memarian, 1994: 56–59).
b) Sadeghi House, Ardabil
- Materials: Iranian architects traditionally sourced materials locally to maintain self-sufficiency and environmental harmony (Pirnia, 2003). Ardabil’s historic houses, including Sadeghi House, typically employ stone foundations and brick superstructures, reflecting knowledge of the mountainous climate and geology (Khezri, 2009: 111–123).
- Stone Foundations (Korsi-cini): The region’s cold, mountainous climate and high precipitation necessitated stone foundations that elevate the building above ground to prevent moisture ingress, allowing airflow beneath floors (Sadeghi House example).
- Form: Houses in cold climates are compact with minimal external surface area to reduce heat loss, typically adopting cubic or rectangular massing to optimize volume-to-surface ratio. This is evident in Ardabil’s traditional houses.
- Thick Walls: Thick walls made of local materials with high thermal capacity store solar heat during the day and release it at night, maintaining indoor comfort (Zandiyeh, 2010: 2–21; Moulanaei, 2013: 125).
- Small Openings: To minimize heat loss and reduce cold drafts, windows and openings are few and small, except on the southern façade, which is elongated to maximize solar gain.
- Other Architectural Features: Compact dense fabric, small enclosed spaces, narrow pathways aligned with the terrain slope, flat roofs, and use of stone and brick are characteristic of the mountainous northwest climate.
- Conclusion
The investigation of Iran’s traditional architectural system demonstrates that it not only does not conflict with the principles and standards of sustainable and environmental architecture but is in fact closely aligned with them. Unlike many modern buildings, traditional Iranian architecture is not antagonistic to natural conditions but rather rooted within nature, preserving privacy and introversion.
A comparative study of historic houses in Ardabil and Kashan reveals that traditional buildings are relatively consistent with sustainable architecture principles, influenced by factors such as culture, authenticity, local materials, and functional spatial relationships. Climate responsiveness and energy conservation have been carefully considered, with a clear reciprocal influence between nature and humans in the design and construction methods.
The examination of traditional houses in the cold climate of Ardabil and the hot, arid climate of Kashan indicates that climate plays a crucial role in shaping housing typologies, with special attention to the economic dimensions of climate-compatible architecture. The vernacular architectural knowledge, developed through local experience over extended periods, naturally fosters comfortable living conditions.
Ultimately, urban and rural fabrics and buildings across diverse natural settings exhibit architectural characteristics adapted to their climatic zones. In other words, design principles and architectural formations in cold climates with specific geographies differ markedly from those in hot, arid climates. The cold, mountainous northwest of Iran gives rise to dense, compact fabrics; small, enclosed spaces; south-facing orientation; narrow, terrain-aligned pathways; presence of courtyards and iwans; low ceiling heights; small openings; thick walls; stone foundations; stone and brick materials; and flat roofs. Conversely, Kashan’s hot, dry climate leads to features such as central courtyards, water pools, basements, large openings, adobe walls, windcatchers, entrance vestibules (hashti), private courtyards, tall walls, iwans, and ceremonial reception rooms (shahneshin) characteristic of the Boroujerdi House.
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