Explaining the Relation between Spatial and Event Patterns in the Architecture of Historical Houses in Vaneshan Village

Abstract

In research on vernacular architecture’s values, identifying architectural and construction patterns is increasingly attracting attention. It leads to documentation of the architectural heritage, which in turn helps in revitalisation and restoration planning. It renders one village as an ancient museum, and another as enjoying a dynamic life. Vernacular architecture is influenced by natural environment, as well as local culture and daily life. This research aims to study the patterns of spaces and events in a village to unveil its recurring features: a qualitative research which studies the architectural patterns in the historical village of Vaneshan, near Golpaygan, a town in Isfahan province. The data obtained through observations, library, interviews, and detailed surveys, is studied in a logical-analytic manner. To do so, the natural features affecting the formation of the village's domestic architecture is discussed, followed by the study of architectural elements of houses and the events related to each element.The results show that the desirability of nature has resulted in semi-open spaces: spaces corresponding to most daily activities and provide environmental comfort in different seasons. The yard plays a connecting role for other elements, significantly contributing informingpause and movement patterns. Porches play three different roles. The 'Kebas', the 'Khune nunva-e' (twotypes of kitchens), and the stableconsist of two separate spaces for cold and hot seasons. Normally, the first floor includes service spaces and the second floor is used for living. This functional division, creates more privacy on the second floor, and at the same time, provides suitable answers to heating requirements in liveable rooms in cold conditions.

Keywords

• patterns of space
• patterns of events
• historical houses of vanshan village
• vernacular architecture