Cultural and livelihood impacts on the physical and biolospatial formation of traditional houses in Paveh

Abstract

Native design of buildings is a branch of architecture based on local needs and available materials that reflect regional traditions. The city of Paveh in the northwestern Iranian province of Kermanshah has many valuable buildings, with some dating back to more than three thousand years which are stepped-type based the topography of the land. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of culture and livelihood on the physical and biological space formation of traditional houses in Paveh. Data were collected through measuring livelihood standard, geographical location, and type of materials, culture and environmental factors through observation method in spring 2023 and based on questionnaire as a tool. The data analysis was done through factor analysis and regression tests with Lisrel and SPSS software. Validation of the questionnaire was confirmed through content validity and its reliability was checked through Cronbach alpha (r=0.701). By confirmatory analysis, research components with a factor load above 0.4 were identified and confirmed. The ADJR2 index in the regression test showed that the research indicators predict 61% of the physical and biospatial variance of the traditional houses in Paveh. The component of culture and climate has the highest influence (beta=0.779) on the physical and spatial formation of traditional houses there. The results obtained from the observation method also showed that the cultural, social, religious, livelihood features include the use of natural materials, spatial hierarchy, proper separation of spaces, building houses on top or next to each other and paying attention to the environment, including the correct orientation, the use of brick laying, the appropriate dimensions of the openings, etc. which have been the most important factors in bodily and spatial formation of houses in Paveh.

Keywords

• terraced houses
• paveh city
• culture and livelihood
• physical and spatial elements
• traditional architecture