مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رسانی علوم و فناوریمطالعات شهر ایرانی-اسلامی2228-639X1660202623Analytical Study of Spatial Configuration Indicators of Intermediary Spaces in Safavid-Era Historical Buildings (Case Studies: Imam Mosque of Isfahan, Akhavan-Haqiqi House, and Ganjali-Khan Complex) تحلیلی بر شاخص‌های چیدمان فضایی فضاهای بینابینی در بناهای تاریخی عصر صفویه (مطالعة موردی: مسجد امام اصفهان، خانة اخوان حقیقی و مجموعة گنجعلی‌خان کرمان)124fa مهرداد ماهی خامنهدانشجوی دکتری، گروه معماری، دانشکده معماری، واحد سمنان، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، سمنان، ایران 0009-0005-7498-0026حسینمرادی نسبدانشیار گروه معماری، واحد سمنان، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، سمنان، ایران 0000-0002-4421-5848حامدشیخ طاهریاستادیار گروه معماری، دانشکده فنی و مهندسی گرمسار، واحد سمنان، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، سمنان، ایران0009-0006-0919-80782025217Analytical Study of Spatial Configuration Indicators of Intermediary Spaces in Safavid-Era Historical Buildings (Case Studies: Imam Mosque of Isfahan, Akhavan-Haqiqi House, and Ganjali-Khan Complex)   Mehrdad Mahi-Khamaneh<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">*</a>  Hossein Moradi-Nasab<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">*</a>*  Hamed Sheikh-Taheri<a href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3">***</a>   This research, focusing on Safavid architecture, conceptualizes intermediary spaces not merely as transitional corridors but as structural mechanisms for the organization of meaning, social relations, and climatic responsiveness. Three cases (Haqiqi House, the Imam Mosque of Isfahan, and the Ganjali-Khan Complex) are purposefully examined through a historical–interpretive approach combined with space–syntax analysis using DepthmapX. The analysis of connectivity, integration, and depth illustrates that centralized courtyards and iwans across all typologies construct an interconnected ritual–social and circulatory network, whereas peripheral spaces consolidate territorial privacy. Accordingly, intermediary spaces become a spatial–semantic language that produces sacred experience and symbolic status, a systematic, recurrent, and space-configuring grammatical structure.   Keywords: Safavid Architecture; Intermediary Spaces; Space Syntax; Spatial Configuration; Imam Mosque of Isfahan.   Introduction The Safavid era (1501–1736 CE) represents a pivotal reconfiguration of Iranian architectural production in which, especially under Shah Abbas I, expansive building and urban programs consolidated an articulation between indigenous design lineages and broader Islamic spatial paradigms through increasingly complex configurational logics (Zarei, 2023; Eskandari, 2019; Salari, 2020). Within this milieu, intermediary spaces (courtyards, corridors, passageways, and semi-open halls) function as spatial mediators that bind programmatic components, script sequential movement, and stabilize microclimatic performance. Accordingly, they operate not only as connective tissue in the physical morphology of buildings, but also as semantic infrastructures through which social relations, hierarchies of access, and legibilities of ritual and civic order are staged across architectural and urban fabrics (Haeri, 2009; Rasoulpour, 2021; Karimi et al., 2020; Dari & Talischi, 2017; Benyani et al., 2018). Yet, prevailing scholarship has largely remained within qualitative description and symbolic exegesis, leaving intermediary spaces under-theorized in terms of comparable, quantitative syntactic indices. This has constrained the emergence of an integrative framework capable of correlating cultural, social, and sacred registers with measurable attributes of spatial configuration.To respond to this methodological lacuna, the present study formulates and tests a hybrid analytical framework grounded in Space Syntax and implemented in DepthmapX. In this model, connectivity, integration, and spatial depth are treated as operational proxies through which socio-political, climatic-functional, and symbolic-sacred performances of intermediary spaces can be inferred with analytic rigor. The investigation proceeds through a comparative reading of three Safavid exemplars (Haqiqi House and the Imam Mosque in Isfahan, and the Ganjali-Khan Complex in Kerman)selected to span private, public–ritual, and semi-public urban conditions, thereby enabling analytical generalization. The guiding question asks how the configurational structure of intermediary spaces registers socio-cultural, environmental, and political exigencies, and which latent design principles govern their disposition.   Research Method Methodologically, verified plans were collected, redrawn and calibrated in AutoCAD, then analyzed in DepthmapX under fixed settings. Axial and segment analyses generated connectivity and integration values, while VGA produced measures of spatial depth. Outputs were examined via descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression, and then interpreted in relation to historical, climatic, and symbolic readings to articulate Safavid spatial logic and its correspondence with deeper semantic layers.   <h3 style="text-align: left;">Results</h3> Table 1. Architectural and historical features of the studied buildings <table style="float: left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Building </td> <td> Address </td> <td> Architectural Features </td> <td> Plan </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Haqiqi House </td> <td> Isfahan, Takhti Crossroad, Lower Chaharbagh, Pardis Alley </td> <td> Central Courtyard: A rectangular courtyard paved with brick, featuring a pool and garden beds. Shahneshin (Reception Room): Designed with exquisite sash windows (orsi), and decorations including muqarnas, painted motifs, and “rasmibandi” (geometric–structural painting). Symmetry: Flanking rooms of the shahneshin are symmetrical, except for the northeast room which contains distinctive gilded decorations. Materials and Ornamentation: High-quality wood, wall paintings, stucco, and mirrorwork characterize the structure. Sash Windows: Orsi windows with lattice patterns and double-colored glass designed to minimize thermal exchange. </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Imam Mosque of Isfahan </td> <td> Isfahan, southern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, adjacent to the Safavid royal complex (Ali Qapu Palace) and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque </td> <td> The mosque follows the four-iwan typology and includes a forecourt, entrance vestibule, central courtyard, main domed sanctuary, two madrasas (Solaymanieh and Naseri), and winter prayer halls. The tilework employs the seven-color technique. Motifs such as chahar-leaf (chilepa), trees, birds, and living creatures inspired by Timurid aesthetics are used. The double-shell dome spans 20 meters in diameter and rises 52 meters high. Its acoustic reflection and light rotation create a unique spatial effect. The central dome displays a peacock motif that appears animated under natural light. The eastern prayer hall is plain and undecorated, while the western hall is embellished with seven-color tiles. </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Ganjali-Khan Complex </td> <td> Kerman, historical center, adjacent to the Grand Bazaar </td> <td> Square: Main plaza with brick arcades, pool, and green space. Bazaar: Includes coppersmiths’ bazaar, shops, and arcades. Bathhouse: Featuring decorated entrance, changing hall, hot chamber, and specialized skylighting system. Madrasa–Caravanserai: Initially a madrasa later converted into a caravanserai, currently functioning as an arts faculty. Mint House: Located on the northern side of the square, featuring a domed structure with skylights; now a coin museum. Cistern: Located on the western side, serving as the water supply for the complex. Mosque: On the northeast of the square with a prayer hall, iwan, and mihrab. Architectural Style: Based on the Isfahani school. Tilework and Stucco: Demonstrated throughout the complex, including the bathhouse entrance. Bathhouse Paintings: Depicting mythological and historical narratives. Skylights: Specialized roof lighting in the bathhouse and mint house. Changing Hall: Spacious central hall with smaller alcoves, featuring sculpted stone basins and decorative carvings. </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Table 2. Visual Graph Analysis (VGA) of Connectivity, Integration, and Spatial Depth Indicators in the Three Case-Study Buildings <table style="float: left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Building </td> <td> Connectivity Index </td> <td> Integration Index </td> <td> Mean Spatial Depth </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Haqiqi House </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Imam Mosque </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Ganjali-Khan Caravanserai </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Table 3. Numerical Values of Connectivity Index in the Studied Buildings <table style="float: left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Building Name </td> <td> Connectivity Index </td> <td> Minimum </td> <td> Maximum </td> <td> Mean </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Haqiqi House </td> <td> 3 </td> <td> 915 </td> <td> 269.012 </td> <td> 212.38 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Imam Mosque of Isfahan </td> <td> 4 </td> <td> 11,767 </td> <td> 2,695.97 </td> <td> 2,576.59 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Ganjali-Khan Complex </td> <td> 5 </td> <td> 1,864.92 </td> <td> 4,625 </td> <td> 1,479.9 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Table 4. Numerical Values of Integration Index in the Studied Buildings <table style="float: left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Building Name </td> <td> Integration Index </td> <td> Minimum </td> <td> Maximum </td> <td> Mean </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Haqiqi House </td> <td> 1.53 </td> <td> 9.02 </td> <td> 5.09 </td> <td> 1.56 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Imam Mosque of Isfahan </td> <td> 2.00 </td> <td> 12.65 </td> <td> 6.67 </td> <td> 1.90 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Ganjali-Khan Complex </td> <td> 0.97 </td> <td> 16.97 </td> <td> 10.23 </td> <td> 3.09 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Table 5. Numerical Values of Mean Spatial Depth in the Studied Buildings <table style="float: left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Building Name </td> <td> Mean Spatial Depth </td> <td> Minimum </td> <td> Maximum </td> <td> Mean </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Haqiqi House </td> <td> 1.96 </td> <td> 6.67 </td> <td> 2.89 </td> <td> 0.69 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Imam Mosque of Isfahan </td> <td> 2.00 </td> <td> 7.34 </td> <td> 3.11 </td> <td> 0.76 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Ganjali-Khan Complex </td> <td> 1.63 </td> <td> 12.02 </td> <td> 2.17 </td> <td> 0.53 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Table 6. Visual Graphs of Correlation between Spatial Connectivity, Integration, and Average Depth of Intermediary Spaces in the Studied Buildings <table style="float: left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Building </td> <td> Correlation between Connectivity and Integration </td> <td> Correlation between Connectivity and Mean Spatial Depth </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Haqiqi House </td> <td> Correlation Coefficient: 0.78 </td> <td> Correlation Coefficient: 0.55 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Imam Mosque </td> <td> Correlation Coefficient: 0.74 </td> <td> Correlation Coefficient: 0.44 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Ganjali-Khan Caravanserai </td> <td> Correlation Coefficient: 0.936 </td> <td> Correlation Coefficient: 0.46 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Discussion and Conclusion The syntactic findings reveal a consistent, transferable rule of Safavid spatial organization across house, mosque, and urban complex. In Haqiqi House, despite an introverted plan, connectivity is relatively high and peaks in the central courtyard and adjacent iwans, which operate as the household’s socio-ritual core. Peripheral rooms show low connectivity/integration and higher depth, producing a clear privacy gradient and controlled access; the strong connectivity–integration fit (R²≈0.78) and the inverse link between connectivity and depth confirm a cohesive core with segregated peripheries aligned with the andaruni/biruni logic and gendered territoriality. In the Imam Mosque, connectivity and integration peak at the courtyard and principal iwans, forming a multilayered network where intermediary spaces serve as primary nodes of congregation, circulation, and ritual staging, with ancillary educational/service areas structurally anchored to them. The robust connectivity–integration relation (R²≈0.74) and depth pattern indicate that main pilgrimage trajectories align with highest integration and lowest depth, intentionally directing movement and vision toward the sacred center; the entrance iwan functions as an integrated threshold that filters and frames this transition. At the urban scale, the Ganjali-Khan Complex exhibits a three-tier configuration: a highly integrated socio-commercial core (square and main passages), mediating intermediary rings linking public space to specialized programs (caravanserai, bathhouse, madrasa), and deeper, less integrated zones for controlled functions. Across all cases, high integration/connectivity with low depth concentrates social exchange, ritual intensity, and environmental moderation, while deeper, less connected spaces secure privacy, visual control, and role differentiation. Hence, syntactic measures act as objective mappings of social order, ritual structure, and environmental equilibrium, positioning intermediary spaces as configured carriers of meaning within Safavid spatial systems.   References Eskandari, A. (2019) Iranian Architecture in the Safavid Era. Tehran: Poursaeb. <a href="https://www.gisoom.com/book/11570963.">https://www.gisoom.com/book/11570963.</a> Rasoulpour, H. (2021) Architectural Reading of Space (1st ed.). Tehran: Shahrsazi Publishing. <a href="https://www.shahrsaziiran.com/product.">https://www.shahrsaziiran.com/product.</a> Zarei, M., &Soltanmoradi, Z. (2016) Examining the relationship between political stability and water management in Safavid Isfahan. Islam & Iran History (New Series), 26, 31(121), 100–102. <a href="https://ensani.ir/fa/article/367049/">https://ensani.ir/fa/article/367049/</a> Salari, A. A. (2020) Architecture Art from Safavid to Contemporary. Tehran: Ravian Miras Kohan. <a href="https://taaghche.com/book/198647/">https://taaghche.com/book/198647/</a> Salari, A. A. (2020) Architecture Art from Safavid to Contemporary. Tehran: Ravian Miras Kohan. <a href="https://taaghche.com/book/198647.">https://taaghche.com/book/198647.</a> Haeri, M. R. (2009) The Role of Space in Iranian Architecture: Seven Essays on the Language and Capability of Architecture. Tehran: Office of Cultural Research. <a href="https://www.gisoom.com/book/1599178.">https://www.gisoom.com/book/1599178.</a> Karimi, M., Hosseinpour-Tavani, N., & Delshad-Siahkali, M. (2020) A comparative study of intermediary space in Iranian and world architecture. Architecture Studies, 3(17), 43–55. <a href="https://ensani.ir/fa/article/447084.">https://ensani.ir/fa/article/447084.</a> Dori, A., &Talischi, G. (2017) Clarifying the spatial structure of Iranian architecture in the Safavid period (Case study: Hasht-Behesht Pavilion & Imam Mosque of Isfahan). Iranian–Islamic City Studies, 7(27), 41–50. <a href="https://www.sid.ir/FileServer/JF/24213962704.pdf">https://www.sid.ir/FileServer/JF/24213962704.pdf</a>. Bonyani, F., Memarzia, K., Habibi, A., & Fattahi, K. (2018) Spatial continuity in transitions from open to enclosed space. Architectural Thought, 2(4), 63–76. <a href="https://sid.ir/paper/267822/fa">https://sid.ir/paper/267822/fa</a>.     <a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">*</a> Ph.D. Student, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran. m.mkhamene@yahoo.com 0009-0005-7498-0026 <a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">**</a> Corresponding Author: Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran. moradi1352@iau.ac.ir 0000-0002-4421-5848 <a href="#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3">***</a> Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Garmsar Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran. taheri_arch@yahoo.com 0009-0006-0919-8078در معماری دورة صفوی، فضاهای بینابینی را نباید صرفاً گذرگاه&zwnj;های عملکردی قلمداد کرد، بلکه این فضاها به&zwnj;مثابة سازوکارهایی ساختاری برای تولید معنا، سازمان&zwnj;دهی دقیق روابط اجتماعی و پاسخگویی هوشمندانه به شرایط اقلیمی عمل می&zwnj;کردند. پژوهش حاضر با هدف تبیین این نقش ساختاری و نشان&zwnj; دادن چگونگی بازتاب جهان&zwnj;بینی صفوی در پیکربندی فضا، سه نمونة شاخص را مورد بررسی هدفمند قرار می&zwnj;دهد: خانة حقیقی به &zwnj;عنوان نشاندهندۀ عرصة خصوصی، مسجد امام اصفهان به &zwnj;منزلة فضای عمومی آیینی و مجموعة گنجعلی&zwnj;خان کرمان به &zwnj;عنوان یک مجموعة نیمه&zwnj;عمومی و شهری. روش&zwnj;شناسی این تحقیق بر رویکردی ترکیبی استوار است که خوانش تاریخی - تفسیری را با تحلیل دقیق پیکربندی فضایی، مبتنی بر نظریة نحو فضا تلفیق می&zwnj;کند. بدین &zwnj;منظور، پلان&zwnj; بناها بازخوانی شده، در نرم&zwnj;افزار Depthmap X تحلیل گردیده و شاخص&zwnj;های کلیدی اتصال، ادغام در سطوح محلی و کلی و میانگین عمق، به&zwnj; عنوان سنجه&zwnj;های عینی و اصلی به &zwnj;کار گرفته شده&zwnj;اند. نتایج تحلیل&zwnj;های صورت&zwnj;گرفته، نشان&zwnj;دهندة آن است که فضاهای مرکزگرا، به&zwnj;ویژه حیاط&zwnj;ها و ایوان&zwnj;ها، در هر سه تیپولوژی با بالاترین مقادیر ادغام و اتصال و کمترین میزان عمق، به&zwnj;مثابة گره&zwnj;های اصلی برای تعاملات اجتماعی، برگزاری آیین&zwnj;ها و سازمان&zwnj;دهی الگوی حرکت عمل می&zwnj;کنند. در مقابل، فضاهای پیرامونی با ادغام و اتصال کمتر و عمق فضایی بالاتر، قلمروهای خصوصی و حریم&zwnj;مند را تشکیل می&zwnj;دهند. این الگوی دوگانة سلسله&zwnj;مراتبی در مقیاس خانه، مسجد و مجموعة شهری تکرار شده و بیانگر وجود منطق ساختاری مشترک در معماری صفوی است. تفسیر ترکیبی داده&zwnj;های نحوی و خوانش فرهنگی - نمادین، بیانگر هم&zwnj;پوشانی شاخص&zwnj;های کمّی نحو فضا با لایه&zwnj;های معنایی است. برای مثال، ادغام بالای ایوان ورودی مسجد امام، به &zwnj;طور هم&zwnj;زمان با تجربة دعوت، هدایت نگاه به آسمان و مفهوم آستانه&zwnj;سازی قدسی انطباق می&zwnj;یابد. بر پایة مدل مفهومی نهایی، فضاهای بینابینی در معماری صفوی یک نظام هم&zwnj;زمان کالبدی، اقلیمی و معنا&zwnj;محور را ایجاد می&zwnj;کنند که در آن، معماری به زبانی سازمان&zwnj;یافته برای تولید و توزیع معنا، منزلت و تجربة قدسی تبدیل می&zwnj;شود.

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مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رسانی علوم و فناوریمطالعات شهر ایرانی-اسلامی2228-639X1660202623The Coexistence of Khalvat and Jalvat in Traditional Iranian Housing Case Study: Totonchi House– Shirazهمنشینی خَلوت و جَلوت در مسکن سنتی ایرانی (نمونه موردی: خانه توتونچی- شیراز)2544faعلی اکبرحیدریدانشیار گروه معماری، دانشکده فنی و مهندسی، دانشگاه یاسوج، یاسوج، ایران 0000-0002-2188-1850وحید توکلیان مربی گروه معماری، واحد داراب، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، داراب، ایران2024617The Coexistence of Khalvat and Jalvat in Traditional Iranian Housing Case Study: Totonchi House– Shiraz   Aliakbar Heidari<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">*</a>  Vahid Tavakolian<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">**</a>   Traditional Iranian houses represent a rich embodiment of vernacular architecture, reflecting not only functional dwelling requirements but also the cultural, social, religious, and spiritual values of Iranian society. Central to their spatial organization are the concepts of khalvat (privacy/seclusion) and jalvat (publicness/openness), which structure domestic spaces along a continuum rather than as rigidly opposing categories. Khalvat refers to secluded areas designed for repose, concentration, and private family activities, characterized by controlled access, whereas jalvat encompasses public or semi-public spaces intended for social interaction, reception of guests, and collective activities. This study investigates how these concepts are manifested within the spatial organization of traditional Iranian houses, with a focus on identifying physical and spatial indicators that define privacy and publicness. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis and space syntax techniques. Initially, semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen academic experts in Iranian architecture, using the Delphi technique and theoretical saturation to extract key indicators influencing khalvat and jalvat. Qualitative content analysis revealed seven primary indicators: spatial hierarchy, territorial definition, spatial location, visibility and visual control, spatial dimensions and proportions, lighting, and decorative elements. Subsequently, these indicators were examined in the Totonchi House in Shiraz, a representative Qajar-era residence, through field surveys, plan analysis, and spatial assessment using space syntax methods. Findings demonstrate that khalvat and jalvat manifest along a multilayered spectrum rather than as a strict binary. Public spaces, such as the central courtyard and the shahneshin (main reception hall), occupy central or axial locations, feature generous scale, abundant natural light, and rich ornamentation, and serve as primary venues for social interaction, collectively embodying jalvat. In contrast, private spaces such as the gooshvareh and kitchen are located in inner, secluded zones with controlled access, smaller scale, limited visual exposure, and subdued decoration, representing the strongest expression of khalvat. Intermediate spaces—including sedari rooms, verandas, and ancillary areas—demonstrate spatial flexibility, alternating between public and private characteristics depending on use, time, and occupants, highlighting the dynamic adaptability of traditional residential design.   Keywords: Khalvat, Jalvat, Traditional Iranian House, Totonchi House, Shiraz.   Research Methodology The present study is classified as fundamental–applied in terms of its objective and qualitative–analytical in nature, employing a mixed-methods approach. In the first stage, in order to develop a coherent theoretical framework and to extract the indicators influencing the manifestation of the concepts of khalvat and jalvat, the Delphi technique and the method of theoretical saturation were utilized. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 university faculty members holding the academic rank of associate professor or higher, all of whom possessed academic expertise and research experience in the field of Iranian architecture. The number of participants was determined based on reaching theoretical saturation, meaning that the interview process continued until no new concepts emerged from the collected data. All interviews were audio-recorded, fully transcribed, and subsequently analyzed using qualitative content analysis tools. To identify the frequency and prominence of key concepts, the software Word it Out was employed to generate word clouds and highlight recurring themes. Based on this analysis, a set of primary indicators was identified, including spatial hierarchy, territorial definition, spatial location, visibility and visual control, spatial dimensions and proportions, lighting, and decorative elements. These indicators formed the analytical framework for evaluating the manifestation of khalvat and jalvat in traditional Iranian residential architecture. In the second stage, to examine these indicators in an objective and physical manner, the space syntax method was adopted as an effective tool for analyzing spatial structure. This method enables the assessment of spatial connectivity, accessibility, and depth, providing insights into the relational organization of spaces. The selected case study was the historic Totonchi House in Shiraz, chosen due to its adherence to the classical typology of traditional Iranian houses, its multi-courtyard configuration, spatial diversity, and the feasibility of on-site documentation. Field surveys, plan analysis, and the examination of physical and spatial characteristics constituted the basis of the final analysis, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of how the concepts of khalvat and jalvat are embodied within the spatial structure of the house.   Results The findings of the study indicate that the concepts of khalvat (privacy) and jalvat (publicness) in the Totonchi House are not manifested as a strict binary opposition, but rather as a continuous and multilayered spectrum within the spatial structure of the house. Analysis of the spatial hierarchy revealed that more public spaces are located at shallower spatial depths with easier and more direct access, while private spaces are organized within deeper layers characterized by controlled and restricted accessibility. Similarly, the shahneshin (main reception hall), due to its privileged position along the principal façade, generous dimensions, ample natural lighting, and rich decorative elements, is clearly situated within the domain of jalvat. This space functioned as a representational area intended for receiving guests and hosting formal gatherings, reinforcing its public and outward-oriented character. In contrast, spaces such as the gooshvareh and the kitchen (matbakh), owing to their location within the inner, more secluded zones of the house, limited visual exposure, smaller scale, and controlled access, display the strongest manifestation of khalvat. The gooshvareh, regarded as the most private space in the house, was primarily used for rest and strictly personal activities. Likewise, the kitchen, with its specific functional role and limited spatial connections to other areas, falls within the realm of private and inward-oriented spaces. The findings further demonstrate that many spaces within the house—including sedari rooms, verandas (ivans), and ancillary rooms—possess a flexible and dual nature. Depending on the time of use, type of activity, and composition of occupants, these spaces can simultaneously embody characteristics of both khalvat and jalvat. Such spatial flexibility represents one of the most distinctive features of traditional Iranian architecture, enabling responsiveness to the changing needs of the household over time. Analysis of lighting and decorative indicators also revealed a clear differentiation between private and public realms. Jalvat spaces are characterized by greater access to natural light, larger openings, and more elaborate ornamentation, whereas khalvat spaces are defined by subdued lighting, simpler decorative treatment, and human-scaled proportions. These contrasts play a direct and significant role in reinforcing the spatial perception and experiential distinction between khalvat and jalvat within the traditional Iranian house.   Conclusion The present study aimed to investigate the manner in which the concepts of khalvat (privacy) and jalvat (publicness) are manifested in the architecture of traditional Iranian houses, using the Totonchi House in Shiraz as a case study. The findings demonstrate that these concepts do not exist as absolute and opposing categories, but rather emerge as a continuous and multilayered spectrum within the spatial system of traditional dwellings. The analysis of the seven key indicators—spatial hierarchy, territorial definition, spatial location, visibility and visual control, spatial dimensions and proportions, lighting, and decorative elements—revealed that each of these factors plays a direct role in determining the degree of publicness or privacy of spaces and, consequently, the manifestation of khalvat and jalvat. The results indicate that spaces such as the courtyard and the shahneshin exhibit the strongest expression of jalvat due to their central and axial positions, appropriate scale and spatial proportions, abundant natural lighting, and prominent decorative features. The courtyard, located at the geometric and functional core of the house, functions as the primary axis of spatial connections and collective activities, enabling simultaneous presence and extensive social interaction among occupants and guests. Likewise, the shahneshin, with its privileged location along the main façade, multiple openings, and elaborate ornamentation, provides a distinguished space for hosting guests and communal events, thereby reinforcing the social and representational character of the house. In contrast, the kitchen (matbakh) and the gooshvareh, as the most private spaces within the house, clearly embody the concept of khalvat. Their limited accessibility, greater spatial depth, reduced visual exposure, and restricted openings emphasize their inward-oriented and secluded nature. The gooshvareh served as a space for entirely personal and family-related activities, while the kitchen, with its specialized function and confinement to everyday domestic tasks—traditionally associated with the women of the household—constitutes a clear example of the inner domain (andaruni) in traditional Iranian residential architecture. Beyond these polar spaces, the majority of other spaces within the house demonstrate a high degree of spatial flexibility. Depending on the type of activity, timing of use, and number and identity of users, these spaces can alternately or simultaneously manifest qualities of both khalvat and jalvat. This spatial adaptability represents one of the fundamental characteristics of traditional Iranian architecture, enabling it to respond effectively to diverse family needs, social relationships, and changing functional requirements. Such an approach illustrates that the design of traditional houses was not confined to a rigid public–private dichotomy, but rather constituted a dynamic and layered spatial system capable of accommodating everyday life as well as social interactions. Architectural analysis further revealed that spatial dimensions and proportions, lighting conditions, and decorative treatments play a decisive role in reinforcing the perception of khalvat and jalvat. Public and communal spaces, characterized by larger scale, greater access to natural light, and rich ornamentation, enhance opportunities for social presence and interaction, thereby contributing to the realization of jalvat. Conversely, private spaces defined by smaller scale, subdued lighting, and minimal decoration create suitable conditions for retreat, tranquility, and privacy, strengthening the sense of khalvat. Ultimately, the results of this research emphasize that traditional Iranian residential architecture, through the definition of polar spaces alongside a wide range of intermediate zones, not only reflects cultural and social values such as respect for privacy, family structure, and social relations, but also provides flexibility and adaptability in spatial performance. The Totonchi House, as a representative example of Qajar-era residential architecture, clearly illustrates the intrinsic relationship between spatial structure and the fundamental concepts of khalvat and jalvat. As such, it offers valuable insights and practical guidance for the design of culturally responsive, flexible, and socially oriented spaces in contemporary Iranian architecture.   Refrence Holy Quran Altman, Iron (2003) Environment and Social Behavior: Solitude, Personal Space, Territory, Crowding, translated by Ali Namazian, Tehran, Shahid Beheshti University. Eslami, Motaharah; Peyvastehgar, Yaqowb; Heidari, Ali Akbar (2023) “Application of the concept of tranquility in contemporary houses of Kerman (Different dimensions of the formation of tranquility in two apartment and independent courtyard models)”, Iranian-Islamic City Studies, Volume 14, No. 51, pp. 95-112. Heidari, Ali Akbar; Peyvastehgar, Yaghowb; Kiaie, Maryam (2016-a) "Measuring the functional efficiency of space in various types of spatial organization of medical buildings using the space syntax technique (Case study: Measuring the location of nursing stations in the inpatient ward)", Iranian Scientific Association of Architecture and Urban Planning, No. 12, pp. 149-162. Heidari, Ali Akbar; Peyvastehgar, Yaghowb; Kiaie, Maryam (2016-b) “Analysis of the Granularity of Residential Blocks from a Criminological Perspective Using the Spatial Syntax Technique”, Fine Arts, No. 3, pp. 91-101. 10.22059/jfaup.2016.61105 Heidari, Ali Akbar; Peyvastehgar, Yaghowb; Kiaie, Maryam (2017) “Investigating the role of the courtyard in the spatial configuration of mosques in order to improve functional efficiency using the spatial arrangement method”, Fine Arts, No. 3, pp. 91-104.  10.22059/JFAUP.2017.64779 Heidari, Ali Akbar; Peyvastehgar, Yaghowb; Mohebnejad, Sara; Kiaie, Maryam (2018) “Evaluation of methods of creating privacy in three systems of large, small and small-scale construction in Iranian-Islamic housing configuration using the technique of space syntax”, Iranian Restoration and Architecture, Year 8, Issue 16, pp. 51-68. 20.1001.1.23453850.1397.8.16.5.2 Heidari, Ali Akbar and Malihe Taghipour (2018) “Analysis of Privacy in Traditional Houses Based on the Mass-to-Space Ratio (Case Study: Single-Yard Houses in Hot and Dry Climates)”, Hot and Dry Climate Architecture, Volume 6, Issue 8, pp. 77-99. 20.1001.1.26453711.1397.6.8.4.4 Lang, John (2002) Creating Architectural Theory: The Role of Behavioral Sciences in Environmental Design, translated by Alireza Ainifar, Tehran, University of Tehran Publishing and Printing Institute. Mansouri, Ali (2010) “Hijab and Covering in Iranian-Islamic Urban Planning (Field Research Example: Old Texture of Shiraz City)”, Housing and Rural Environment, No. 130, pp. 38-49. Memarian, Gholamhossein. (2002). The Syntax of Architectural Space. Soffe, Volume 12, Number 2: 75-83 Morteza, Hisham (2008) Traditional Principles of Construction in Islam, translated by Abolfazl Meshkin and Kiyomars Habibi, Tehran, Urban Planning and Architecture Study and Research Center. Nahj al-Balagha (2000), translated by Mohammad Dashti, Qom, famous. Najm al-Din Razi (1973) Mersad al-Abad, Tehran, published by Mohammad Amin Riahi. Naseri Azghandi, Hassan et al. (2023) “Distinguishing aspects of architectural privacy components influenced by differences in lifestyles in Eastern and Western cultures,” Iranian-Islamic Urban Studies, Volume 14, No. 54, pp. 63-81. Nasiri, Negar (2019) “A Comparative Study of the Concept of Solitude in the Iranian Introverted Home and the Western Extroverted Home”, Fine Arts, No. 39, pp. 37-46. 10.22059/jfaup.2018.68319 Nikpanah, Mansour and Ebrahim Nouri (2016) “Solitude in the Desert of the Heart, Iqbal’s Most Prominent Advice for Mystics”, Subcontinental Studies, No. 27, pp. 147-164. 10.22111/jsr.2016.2587 Omdiradi, Somayeh et al. (1403) “Reading and analyzing the qualitative components that affect the perception of space in traditional houses in Yazd (Comparative study: Rasoulian House and Mortaz House)”, Iranian-Islamic Urban Studies, Volume 15, No. 6, pp. 47-70. Omdirdi, Somayeh; Davoudi, Somayeh; Mehdipour; Hossein (2024) “Reading and analyzing the qualitative components affecting the perception of space in traditional houses in Yazd (Comparative study: Rasoulian House and Mortaz House)”, Iranian-Islamic Urban Studies, Volume 15, No. 6, pp. 47-70. Parsay Bukharai, Khwaje Mohammad (1975) Qudsiyyah (Words of Baha' al-Din Naqshband), introduction, corrections and commentary by Ahmad Taheri Iraqi, Tehran, Tahori. Pakzad, Jahanshah (2003) "Phenomenology of the Facade of Residential Buildings and the Development of Expectations from It", Fine Arts, No. 14, pp. 51-62. Soltanzadeh, Hossein (1997) Tabriz, Solid Brick in Iranian Architecture, Tehran, Cultural Research Office. Sharifani, Mohammad and Mohammad Marefat (2023) “Representation of Spiritual Values in Islamic Architecture Focusing on Residential Space”, Iranian-Islamic City Studies, Volume 14, Issue 53, pp. 1-20. Tarqi, Mohammad Ali (1970), Khayyam Arabic-Persian Dictionary, Tehran, Khayyam Bookstore. Zafarnavaei, Khosrow (2010) “Solitude in Islamic Mysticism”, Quarterly of Religions and Mysticism, 7th year, No. 25, pp. 107-129.   <a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">*</a> Corresponding Author: Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Yasuj University, Yasuj, Iran. Aliakbar_heidari@yu.ac.ir 0000-0002-2188-1850 <a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">**</a> Instructor, Department of Architecture, Darab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Darab, Iran. vahidtavakolian03@gmail.comخانه&zwnj;های سنتی ایرانی به&zwnj; عنوان پدیده&zwnj;های کالبدی، بازتاب&zwnj;دهنده ارزش&zwnj;های فرهنگی، اجتماعی و معنایی جامعه هستند و سازماندهی فضایی آنها همواره مبتنی بر اصولی چون خلوت و جلوت صورت گرفته است. خلوت به فضاهایی اشاره دارد که برای فعالیت&zwnj;های خصوصی و آرامش اعضای خانواده در نظر گرفته شده و دسترسی به آن محدود است، در حالی که جلوت، فضایی عمومی و نیمه&zwnj;عمومی را نشان می&zwnj;دهد که امکان تعامل اجتماعی و حضور مهمانان را فراهم می&zwnj;کند. با وجود اهمیت این مفاهیم، پژوهش&zwnj;های پیشین عمدتاً به توصیف&zwnj;های پراکنده بسنده کرده و تحلیل جامع و نظام&zwnj;مند شاخص&zwnj;های فضایی و کالبدی خانه&zwnj;های سنتی برای سنجش نمودپذیری خلوت و جلوت کمتر مورد توجه قرار گرفته است. هدف اصلی پژوهش حاضر، بررسی و تحلیل چگونگی نمودپذیری مفاهیم خلوت و جلوت در ساختار فضایی خانه&zwnj;های سنتی ایرانی است. در این راستا، ابتدا با استفاده از روش دلفی و به شیوه اشباع نظری، چارچوب نظری تحقیق شامل شاخص&zwnj;هایی چون سلسله&zwnj;مراتب، قلمرو، مکان&zwnj;یابی، قابلیت دید، ابعاد و تناسبات فضایی، نور و تزئینات استخراج شد. سپس با بهره&zwnj;گیری از روش نحو فضا و ابزار تحلیل کالبدی، این شاخص&zwnj;ها در نمونه موردی خانه توتونچی در شیراز بررسی شد. نتایج تحلیل نشان داد که فضاهای حیاط و شاه&zwnj;نشین به &zwnj;طور واضح ویژگی&zwnj;های جلوت را تجلی می&zwnj;دهند، در&zwnj; حالی &zwnj;که فضاهای مطبخ و گوشواره، خصوصی&zwnj;ترین بخش&zwnj;ها بوده، نمود خلوت در آنها بیشترین است. سایر فضاها با توجه به کارکرد و زمان استفاده، توانایی انعطاف&zwnj;پذیری و هم زمان نمود خلوت و جلوت را دارند.

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مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رسانی علوم و فناوریمطالعات شهر ایرانی-اسلامی2228-639X1660202623Sustainable Financing for the Development of the Islamic City with an Emphasis on Tehranتبیین تأمین مالی پایدار توسعۀ شهر اسلامی با تأکید بر شهر تهران4568fa ابراهیم جمشیدزادهدانشجوی دکتری شهرسازی، واحد تهران مرکزی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8225-1310پویانشهابیاندانشیار گروه شهرسازی، واحد تهران مرکزی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-2778-6982حسینکلانتری خلیل آباداستاد پژوهشگاه علوم انسانی و اجتماعی جهاد دانشگاهی و گروه معماری دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد کرج، ایرانhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5262-8065 2025817Sustainable Financing for the Development of the Islamic City with an Emphasis on Tehran<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a>   Ebrahim Jamshidzadeh <a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">*</a> Pooyan Shahabian<a href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3">**</a> Hossein Kalantari Khalilabad<a href="#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4">***</a> Urban development within Islamic financial systems requires financing mechanisms that align with value-based, justice-oriented, and participatory principles. Accordingly, the present study aims to design a financing model for the development of an Islamic city, with a specific focus on the metropolis of Tehran. Due to the complexity of the subject, a mixed-methods (quantitative–qualitative) approach was adopted. In the qualitative phase, grounded theory was used to analyze data obtained from semi-structured interviews with 14 experts in urban finance, urban management, and economics, through which the key components of the conceptual model were extracted. To empirically assess the relationships among the components, a quantitative phase using a structured questionnaire was conducted. Sampling in the quantitative phase was carried out through stratified random sampling among 15 experts and managers involved in urban financing. The data were analyzed using statistical tests such as Cronbach’s alpha, normality tests, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and multiple regression. The qualitative findings indicated that five core components—public participation, urban financing, Islamic financial instruments (such as sukuk, waqf, zakat, and qard al-hasan), Islamic-based legal policymaking, and sustainable urban development as the dependent variable with financing as the independent variable—form the structure of the final model. Quantitative analyses confirmed the significance of these components and showed that public participation has the strongest influence on urban development. These findings, in line with the theoretical literature, highlight the necessity of establishing operational frameworks that are compatible with Islamic, participatory, and accountable financial systems in urban financing structures. Ultimately, based on the findings, several recommendations were presented for reforming Tehran’s urban financing system, including the development of innovative Islamic financial tools for urban projects, enhancing transparency in public spending, and strengthening citizens’ participatory roles in development processes. This model can serve as an effective step toward achieving sustainable, equitable, and Islamic-oriented urban development in Iran’s urban governance system.   Keywords: Urban financing, Islamic city development, Islamic financial instruments, public participation. Introduction The rapid growth of urban populations and the increasing economic, social, and environmental demands of cities have intensified the need for sustainable financial resources to support infrastructure development and urban services (Jamarasi et al., 2022: 225). Meanwhile, the concept of the “Islamic city,” as both a theoretical and practical framework for urban design and development, is grounded in Islamic teachings and values. With its emphasis on social justice, public participation, environmental preservation, and cultural–religious identity, the Islamic city presents a distinct approach to urban development.Within this framework, sustainable urban development financing must also be based on Islamic principles to ensure not only support for long-term growth, but also the promotion of justice and transparency. Instability in municipal revenues and the limited use of diverse financing resources aligned with Islamic principles have contributed to slow development and spatial and economic inequalities. Therefore, analyzing financing models that emphasize Islamic-city principles can provide solutions for many challenges facing Tehran and offer a practical model for other Islamic cities, particularly in Iran.Given the significance of this topic, the present study aims to analyze sustainable financing for the development of the Islamic city with an emphasis on Tehran. The research seeks to identify challenges within Tehran’s urban financing system and propose strategies based on Islamic financial principles and teachings. Accordingly, the main research question is formulated as follows: What are the financing strategies for the development of the Islamic city? To answer this, a mixed (qualitative-quantitative) methodology was employed, integrating statistical analysis with grounded theory insights from expert opinions.   Methodology This study applies a mixed-methods approach to analyze and explain sustainable financing for the development of the Islamic city with an emphasis on Tehran. The integration of qualitative and quantitative methods enables a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under investigation.The quantitative component examines numerical and statistical data related to financing sources and mechanisms for urban development. The qualitative component analyzes deeper conceptual dimensions, theoretical foundations, and stakeholder experiences through semi-structured interviews.Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS, employing descriptive and inferential tests including trend analysis, correlation analysis, and statistical modeling to identify key factors influencing urban development financing.Qualitative data were analyzed using grounded theory. Open coding was applied to extract primary concepts, axial coding identified relationships among concepts, and selective coding formed the final categories and indigenous theory. Software tools such as MAXQDA supported this phase.In the final step, the results from both qualitative and quantitative analyses were integrated to develop a comprehensive understanding of financing mechanisms for Islamic-city development.   Results The results of the qualitative and quantitative analyses led to the identification and confirmation of components that can serve as an effective model for sustainable financing in the development of the Islamic city, particularly in a metropolis such as Tehran.The qualitative findings revealed that components such as public participation in urban financing, the use of Islamic financial instruments (e.g., sukuk, participation bonds, and waqf), a transparent and efficient financial management system, and a legal-policy framework aligned with Islamic principles constitute the four main pillars of the proposed model.The quantitative findings strongly indicated that an Islamic-based urban financing structure—especially through public participation, Islamic financial instruments, reformed financial management, and strengthened legal systems—plays a central role in achieving sustainable development in the Islamic city. These results not only validate the qualitative findings but also empirically reinforce the theoretical framework.   Discussion and Conclusion The present study sought to design a sustainable financing model for the development of the Islamic city, with a particular focus on Tehran, using a mixed methodology (qualitative grounded theory and quantitative regression analysis). Multiple regression results showed that the most influential variable is public participation, which demonstrated the highest beta coefficient among the variables affecting sustainable development. This finding is consistent with Al-Sharif et al. (2022), who emphasize citizen-centered approaches in the Islamic urban economy.Based on qualitative (interview analysis) and quantitative (statistical) evidence, the final model is grounded in five key dimensions: <ol style="text-align: left;"> <li>Public participation</li> <li>Urban financial management</li> <li>Islamic financial instruments (as independent variables)</li> <li>Legal and policy frameworks</li> <li>Sustainable development of the Islamic city (as the dependent variable)</li> </ol> The relationships among these components were confirmed both theoretically and empirically, indicating that a sustainable financing system in an Islamic city must be based on justice, transparency, religious legitimacy, and civic responsibility.   Reference Baharifar, H; Shahrabi, M; & Jalal, M. (2015). Small and Medium Enterprise Financing Model, Collective Financing: Concepts, Models and Legislative Considerations. Tehran: Research Center of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Iran (In Persian). Belleflamme, P., Lambert, T., &Schwienbacher, A. (2014). Crowdfunding: Tapping the Right Crowd. Journal of Business Venturing, 29(5), 585-609. Chapra, M. U. (2011). The global financial crisis: Some suggestions for reform of the global financial architecture in the light of Islamic finance. Thunderbird International Business Review, 53(5), 565-579. Elasrag, H. (2016). Islamic Finance for SMES. Journal of Economic and Social Thought,3. 437-453. Hendriks, F. (2014). Understanding Good Urban Governance: Essentials, Shifts, and Values. Urban Affairs Review, 50(4), 553–576. Khmel, V., Zhao, S. (2015), Arrangem,ent of financing for highway infrastructure projects under the conditions of Public–Private Partnership, IATSS Research, Article In Press. Kim, J. (2016). Handbook on urban infrastructure finance. New Cities Foundation. Leon, F., & Weill, L. (2018). Islamic banking development and access to credit. Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, 52, 54-69. Ordanini, A., Miceli, L., Pizzetti, M., & Parasuraman, A. (2011). Crowd-Funding: Transforming Customers into Investors through Innovative Service Platforms. Journal of Service Management, 22(4), 443-470. Sadeghi, H. (2020). Applying grounded theory in sustainable urban development studies: Insights from Tehran. Journal of Urban Studies, 15(3), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.1234/jus.2020.15345 Shaban, M., Duygun, M., & Fry, J. (2016). SME's lending and Islamic Sullivan, a (2003), Urban Economic, 5thed, Mc Graw-Hill Higher Education     <a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a>. This article is derived from the first author’s doctoral dissertation entitled “Designing and Formulating a Sustainable Financing Model for Urban Development in Iran with an Emphasis on the City of Tehran,” completed under the supervision of the second. <a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">*</a> Ph.D. Student in Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Ebrahim.jamshidzadeh@iau.ir  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8225-1310 <a href="#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3">** </a>Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. shahabian@iau.ac.ir https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-2778-6982 <a href="#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4">***</a> Full Professor, Research Institute for Humanities and Social Studies, ACECR, and Department of Architecture, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran. h_kalantari2005@yahoo.com https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5262-8065توسعۀ شهری در نظام&zwnj;های مالی اسلامی مستلزم هم&zwnj;سویی سازوکارهای تأمین مالی با مبانی ارزشی، عدالت&zwnj;محور و مشارکت&zwnj;جویانه است. در این راستا، پژوهش حاضر با هدف طراحی مدل تأمین مالی توسعه شهر اسلامی با تأکید بر کلان&zwnj;شهر تهران انجام &zwnj;گرفته است. با توجه &zwnj;به ماهیت پیچیدۀ موضوع، از رویکرد ترکیبی (کمّی - کیفی) بهره گرفته شد. در بخش کیفی، با استفاده از روش نظریۀ داده&zwnj;بنیاد، اطلاعات حاصل از مصاحبه&zwnj;های نیمه&zwnj;ساختاریافته با ۱۴ نفر از خبرگان حوزه&zwnj;های تأمین مالی، مدیریت شهری و اقتصادی تحلیل شد و مؤلفه&zwnj;های کلیدی مدل مفهومی استخراج گردید. برای ارزیابی تجربی روابط بین مؤلفه&zwnj;ها، از روش کمّی و ابزار پرسش&zwnj;نامه استفاده شد. نمونه&zwnj;گیری در بخش کمّی به روش تصادفی طبقه&zwnj;ای از بین 15 نفر از کارشناسان و مدیران مرتبط با حوزه تأمین مالی شهری صورت گرفت و داده&zwnj;ها با استفاده از آزمون&zwnj;های آماری مانند آلفای کرونباخ، آزمون نرمال بودن، تحلیل عاملی اکتشافی (EFA) و رگرسیون چندگانه بررسی شد. یافته&zwnj;های کیفی بیانگر آن بود که پنج مؤلفۀ اصلی شامل مشارکت مردمی، تأمین مالی شهری، ابزار مالی اسلامی (نظیر صکوک، وقف، زکات و قرض&zwnj;الحسنه)، سیاست&zwnj;گذاری قانونی منطبق با اصول اسلامی و توسعه پایدار شهری به&zwnj; عنوان متغیر وابسته و تأمین مالی در نقش متغیر مستقل، ساختار مدل نهایی را شکل می&zwnj;دهند. تحلیل&zwnj;های کمّی نیز ضمن تأیید معناداری این مؤلفه&zwnj;ها نشان داد که مشارکت مردمی، بیشترین اثرگذاری را بر توسعۀ شهری دارد. این یافته&zwnj;ها در تعامل با ادبیات نظری، بر لزوم ایجاد چارچوب&zwnj;های اجرایی منطبق با نظام مالی اسلامی، مشارکت&zwnj;پذیر و پاسخگو در ساختار تأمین مالی شهری تأکید دارند. در پایان با توجه به یافته&zwnj;ها، پیشنهادهایی در راستای اصلاح نظام تأمین مالی شهر تهران ارائه شد. نتایج این مطالعه در دو بخش تحلیل کیفی و کمّی، به کشف و تأیید مؤلفه&zwnj;هایی انجامید که می&zwnj;توانند الگویی اثربخش برای تأمین مالی پایدار توسعۀ شهر اسلامی به&zwnj;ویژه در کلان&zwnj;شهری چون تهران فراهم سازد.

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مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رسانی علوم و فناوریمطالعات شهر ایرانی-اسلامی2228-639X1660202623Performance in the Sarās of the Historic Bazaar of Maragheh (Case Study: Saray-e Khameneh, Saray-e Meytoolār, and Saray-e Sadr-e Kabir)تعامل تناسبات فضایی با کاربری تجاری در سراهای بازار سنتی مراغه (نمونه موردی: سرای خامنه، سرای میتولار، سرای صدرکبیر)6988fa حبیب اسماعیل فام بهیدانشجوی دکتری معماری، گروه هنر و معماری، دانشکده هنر و معماری، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد تبریز، تبریز، ایران0009-0005-4708-2378سحرطوفاندانشیار گروه معماری، دانشکده هنر و معماری دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد تبریز، تبریز، ایران 0000-0002-1298-513X2025119The Interaction Between Spatial Proportions and Commercial Performance in the Sarās of the Historic Bazaar of Maragheh (Case Study: Saray-e Khameneh, Saray-e Meytoolār, and Saray-e Sadr-e Kabir)   Habib Esmaeilfam<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">*</a>  Sahar Toofan<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">**</a>   Sarās, as inward-oriented and spatially organized components of traditional Iranian bazaars, were historically formed on the basis of a coherent system of spatial proportions that structured both economic activities and patterns of user presence. The historic bazaar of Maragheh represents a notable example in which the sarās have undergone significant spatial and functional transformations due to physical interventions, economic shifts, and managerial changes over time. This study aims to examine the relationship between spatial proportions and the quality of commercial performance in selected sarās of the Maragheh bazaar. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach based on a combination of documentary studies and field surveys. Three representative sarās Khamaneh, Mitular, and Sadr Kabir were selected as case studies. Their spatial proportions were documented through field measurements and analyzed using geometric drawings prepared in AutoCAD. To enhance the reliability of the findings, the results of the spatial analysis were evaluated through a parallel method, comparing morphological data with documentary evidence and observable patterns of spatial use. The findings indicate that sarās exhibiting coherent spatial organization, balanced courtyard proportions, and clear circulation hierarchies demonstrate higher levels of commercial vitality and user presence. Conversely, disruption of these spatial systems has led to a decline in spatial quality and weakened commercial performance. The study suggests that a critical re-reading of original spatial proportions should be considered a fundamental principle in strategies aimed at the revitalization of historic bazaar sarās.   Keywords: Historic Bazaar; Sarā; Spatial Proportions; Commercial Performance; Maragheh.   Introduction The traditional bazaar, within the historical urban fabric of Iran, transcends its role as a mere economic institution; it has historically served as one of the principal organizing strata of urban structure and social life. The lineage of this complex spatial order dates back to the pre-Islamic era, achieving its zenith of spatial and functional coherence during the Islamic period, particularly with the establishment of the caravanserai and tīmcheh systems (Pirnia & Ma’marian, 2014). This historical substratum functioned not only as a locus of commodity exchange but also as an arena for the genesis of social relations, cultural practices, political dynamics, and religious rituals. This materialized through a sequential typology of physical elements such as rāstahs (long corridors), tīmchehs, and sarāhs, each endowed with a specific function in the urban spatial and economic ordering (Molaei & Saber-mand, 2020). Among these constituent elements, sarāhs—acting as centralized cores for commerce, warehousing, and often production—held strategic significance. The dominant organizational paradigm in sarāh design is inwardness, predicated on the central courtyard (hayat). This geometric order, which dictated the arrangement of hojreh (cells/units), the hierarchy of access, and the definition of intermediary spaces (e.g., riwāq or portico), not only ensured security and sustained economic viability in past eras but also regulated the quality of user presence and interaction. Regrettably, in recent periods, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and function transformation, many historic sarāhs have experienced severe spatio-physical discontinuity (Habibi & Maghsoudi, 2013). Incongruous interventions, the excision of original structural components, and the disregard for inherent geometric logic have led to the weakening of these spaces’ commercial efficacy. This trend suggests that functional decline is not solely rooted in physical deterioration but stems directly from the disruption of the original spatial proportions that guaranteed environmental legibility and sustained economic flow. The primary objective of this research, predicated on the fundamental assumption that Iranian historical bazaars are cohesive spatial systems where built structure and economic function are inextricably interwoven, is to systematically elucidate the causal relationship between spatial proportions and the quality of commercial performance within selected sarāhs of the historic Bazaar of Maragheh. This aim necessitates an analytical inquiry grounded in fundamental concepts of spatial organization, moving beyond mere architectural description. To this end, we have empirically assessed physical variables, including the geometry of the central courtyard, the dimensional ratios of constituent elements (porticoes), and the hierarchical organization of the access network, as independent variables. Conversely, the dependent variable, “Commercial Performance Quality,” has been evaluated across three dimensions: user presence/accessibility, spatial legibility and perception, and economic sustainability. Adopting this approach, the research seeks to uncover the intrinsic logic governing the persistence of exemplar sarāhs (e.g., Sarā-ye Khāmeneh) in contrast to those exhibiting functional depreciation (e.g., Sarā-ye Sadr-e Kabir). Ultimately, the goal is the extraction of a consistent spatio-functional paradigm, one that can serve as both a theoretical foundation and an operational basis for formulating revitalization and restoration strategies for bazaar sarāhs within Iran’s historic contexts.   Theoretical Framework This research is situated within the theoretical framework of Islamic architecture and the Iranian city, asserting the inseparable relationship between Form and Function (Saremi & Behra, 2021). In spatial analysis, dimensional proportions and plan geometry directly influence spatial perception and user behavior patterns. To analyze the spatial structure of the sarāhs, modern spatial analysis concepts are employed alongside traditional readings: Spatial Organization and Central Courtyard Proportions: The central courtyard, as the organizing nucleus, requires balanced proportions to establish a robust perceptual centrality. Imbalanced ratios (e.g., elongated rectangles) invariably distort this centrality. Access System and Hierarchy: The legibility of the access network, established through defined entry points and path hierarchies, determines the degree of Integration within the sarāh’s movement network. Dispersed entrances undermine hierarchy and reduce efficiency. Mediating Elements (Porticoes): In Indo-Persian architecture, porticoes (riwāqs) serve beyond mere sun screening; they create continuous connective spaces that enhance the user Choice index for alternative routes and overall Integration, thereby improving the quality of presence. The research posits that stability in balanced geometry and the retention of structural elements will lead to higher commercial dynamism, as a favorable movement experience encourages longer presence and, consequently, more sustainable economic activity.   Methodology The research methodology employed is descriptive-analytical with an applied orientation. Data were collected and processed via two principal pathways: <ol style="text-align: left;"> <li>A) Documentary and Preliminary Field Studies: Collection of historical and administrative data pertaining to the Maragheh Bazaar and the case-study sarāhs (Sarā-ye Khāmeneh, Sarā-ye Mitoolar, Sarā-ye Sadr-e Kabir). The field survey stage involved documenting existing plans and elevations to record the current physical state and observable historical elements (e.g., porticoes and corridors).</li> <li>B) Geometric Analysis and Quantification of Spatial Proportions: The core phase involved precise geometric analysis of architectural plans utilizing AutoCAD software. In this stage, quantitative metrics of spatial proportions were extracted for each sarāh, including:</li> </ol> Central Courtyard Dimensional Ratio: Calculation of the length-to-width ratio to assess geometric equilibrium. Coverage Ratio of Intermediate Spaces: Measurement of the percentage area occupied by porticoes relative to the courtyard’s perimeter. Access Network Analysis: Coding of entrances and movement paths to evaluate the hierarchy and concentration of access points. <ol style="text-align: left;"> <li>C) Validation through the Parallel Method: To ensure the validity of the quantitative findings, the Parallel Method was utilized. This method mandates the correlation of geometric analysis outcomes (form) with behavioral data (actual performance). Behavioral observations encompassed the actual pattern of commercial presence, the density of activity across different sarāh zones, and their documented operational history over time. This triangulation confirms whether the derived spatial logic genuinely influenced economic vitality.</li> </ol>   Case Study Analysis and Comparative Assessment of Proportions and Performance The analysis of the three sarāhs in Maragheh across both physical and functional levels reveals a significant divergence in their commercial trajectories, directly correlated with geometric coherence: <ol style="text-align: left;"> <li>A) Sarā-ye Khāmeneh (Exemplar of High Spatial Integration)</li> </ol> Sarā-ye Khāmeneh (Total Area: 2150 sq. m.) stands as a successful case study in achieving high Integration. The retention of near-square proportions in its central courtyard ensures it functions as a “strong perceptual center.” Crucially, the presence of U-shaped wooden porticoes surrounding the courtyard creates a linear and continuous movement network on the first floor. These porticoes act to amplify the Movement Integration index; users are systematically channeled through logical and selectable paths to access any cell on this level, simultaneously benefiting from adequate shading—a vital factor for sustained presence during peak daylight hours. This spatial coherence directly translates into the highest level of sustained accessibility and preservation of retail functions. <ol style="text-align: left;"> <li>B) Sarā-ye Mitoolar (Exemplar of Geometric Imbalance)</li> </ol> Sarā-ye Mitoolar (450 sq. m.), despite the high geometric coherence of its nearly square courtyard emphasizing spatial centrality, has failed to reach the dynamism of Sarā-ye Khāmeneh. This functional gap is primarily attributable to the lack of a unified hierarchy in entrance organization (two main entrances), leading to an uneven distribution of activity concentrated along the dominant axis. While porticoes exist, the organization of these entrances negatively impacts the Choice index, preventing the optimal exploitation of the courtyard’s balanced physical potential. This suggests that courtyard proportionality alone is insufficient for optimal performance; the quality of the access system is a critical determinant of commercial performance sustainability in sarāhs. <ol style="text-align: left;"> <li>C) Sarā-ye Sadr-e Kabir (Exemplar of Severe Spatial Discontinuity)</li> </ol> Sarā-ye Sadr-e Kabir (1000 sq. m.) represents the apex of hierarchical organizational breakdown. The sarāh features four dispersed entrances that disrupt the movement hierarchy and severely diminish the Integration of the access network. Following adverse events, substantial portions of the structure were renovated, leading to the complete removal of the porticoes; this action destroyed the spatial quality of the first floor and compromised the daylighting of its cells. The excision of the riwāqs eliminated continuous visual and kinetic connectivity, being the primary cause of the isolation of the second floor and the palpable drop in commercial activity in those sections.   Comparative Analysis The Parallel Method analysis demonstrated that stability in physical proportions has guaranteed functional stability: <table style="float: left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Physical Feature </td> <td> Sarā-ye Khāmeneh </td> <td> Sarā-ye Mitoolar </td> <td> Sarā-ye Sadr-e Kabir </td> <td> Impact on Commercial Performance </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Central Courtyard Form </td> <td> Near-Square (Balanced) </td> <td> Near-Square (Balanced) </td> <td> Irregular Rectangle (Distorted) </td> <td> Balanced proportion Strong centrality Better dynamism. </td> </tr> <tr> <td> First Floor Porticoes </td> <td> Present (U-shaped, Continuous) </td> <td> Present (Quadrilateral) </td> <td> Eliminated (Spatial Discontinuity) </td> <td> Continuity of portico High movement legibility & presence quality. </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Access Hierarchy </td> <td> Strong, Courtyard-Centric </td> <td> Two Entrances, Relative Distribution </td> <td> Weak, Four Dispersed Entrances </td> <td> Well-defined access system manages flow efficiency. </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Current Performance Quality </td> <td> Most Active and Sustainable </td> <td> Moderate, Concentration near entrances </td> <td> Weak, Concentrated on Ground Floor </td> <td> Physical coherence is the main factor for functional continuity. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   As evidenced, Sarā-ye Khāmeneh, by maximizing geometric coherence (squareness of the courtyard and continuity of the porticoes), has successfully maintained its spatial quality and commercial dynamism over time.   Conclusion This research, utilizing geometric analysis validated by behavioral and comparative assessment of traditional commercial spaces through the case study of three exemplary sarāhs in the Maragheh Bazaar (Khāmeneh, Mitoolar, Sadr-e Kabir), demonstrates that original spatial proportions—comprising balanced courtyard geometry and a distinct access hierarchy—directly influence kinetic legibility and the quality of user presence, serving as the primary factor for the persistence of economic life within the historical context of the sarāh. Deviation from this physical order, particularly through the removal of mediating elements such as porticoes (as in Sarā-ye Sadr-e Kabir) or imbalance in the plan (Sarā-ye Mitoolar), results in spatial discontinuity and the gradual erosion of commercial capacities. Therefore, this study validates the efficacy of comparative geometric analysis as a potent tool for interpreting the performance of traditional architectural spaces. The principal conclusion is that revitalization interventions in historic bazaar fabrics must move beyond formalistic approaches and prioritize the re-establishment of the organizing logic of physical proportions to ensure long-term success. 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DOI: 10.22034/ias.2023.394277.2190 Saremi, Hamidreza; Bahra, Bahare. <a href="https://www.magiran.com/paper/2357617/components-of-place-quality-in-the-iranian-islamic-city?lang=en">Components of place quality in the Iranian-Islamic city</a>. <a href="https://www.magiran.com/volume/179891">Journal of Studies On Iranian - Islamic City, Volume:11 Issue: 43, 2021, </a>PP 5 -24. DOI: 20.1001.1.2228639.1399.10.40.1.5 Shokouhi Bidhendi, Mohammadsaleh; Shadkam, Sheida. <a href="https://www.magiran.com/paper/2542477/the-birth-of-the-bazaar-in-the-iranian-city-an-assessment-of-the-hypotheses-on-the-emergence-of-the-first-bazaars-in-iran?lang=en">The Birth of the Bazaar in the Iranian City: An Assessment of the Hypotheses on the Emergence of the First Bazaars in Iran</a>. <a href="https://www.magiran.com/volume/198620">Soffeh, Volume:33 Issue: 100, 2023, </a>PP 103 -117. DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.52547/sofeh.33.1.103">10.52547/sofeh.33.1.103</a> Soltanzadeh, Hoseyn. (2001).iran 's Bazar and Carvansara .tehran : cultural research office . Vasigh, Behzad. <a href="https://www.magiran.com/paper/2931444/comparative-analysis-of-proportions-and-ornaments-of-the-entrance-of-houses-from-the-qajar-and-pahlavi-eras-in-dezful?lang=en">Comparative Analysis of Proportions and Ornaments of the Entrance of Houses from the Qajar and Pahlavi Eras in Dezful</a>. <a href="https://www.magiran.com/volume/240694">Journal of Studies On Iranian - Islamic City, Volume:15 Issue: 58, Winter 2025, </a>PP 47 -60. DOI: 20.1001.1.2228639.1403.15.58.4.5         <a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">*</a> Ph.D. Student in Architecture, Department of Art and Architecture, Ta.C. Islamic Azad University, Tabriz,Iran. <a href="mailto:habib.esmaeilfam@iaut.ac.ir">habib.esmaeilfam@iaut.ac.ir</a> 0009-0005-4708-2378 <a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">**</a> Corresponding Author: Associate Professor, Art and Architecture, Department of Art and Architecture, Ta.C. Islamic Azad University, Tabriz,Iran. <a href="mailto:Sahar.toofan@iaut.ac.ir">Sahar.toofan@iaut.ac.ir</a> 0000-0002-1298-513Xسراها در بازارهای سنتی ایران به&zwnj; عنوان فضاهایی درون&zwnj;گرا و سازمان&zwnj;یافته، بر پایه نظمی فضایی و تناسبات کالبدیِ مشخص شکل گرفته&zwnj;اند؛ نظمی که در کنار پاسخگویی به نیازهای اقتصادی، کیفیت حضور و تعامل کاربران را نیز سامان می&zwnj;دهد. بازار تاریخی مراغه از جمله نمونه&zwnj;هایی است که سراهای آن در گذر زمان، تحت &zwnj;تأثیر تحولات کالبدی، اقتصادی و مدیریتی، با تغییراتی در ساختار فضایی و عملکرد تجاری مواجه شده&zwnj;اند. این پژوهش به بررسی رابطه میان تناسبات فضایی و کیفیت عملکرد تجاری در سراهای بازار مراغه می&zwnj;پردازد. روش تحقیق، توصیفی- تحلیلی و مبتنی بر ترکیب مطالعات اسنادی و برداشت&zwnj;های میدانی است. در این راستا سه سرای خامنه، میتولار و صدر کبیر به&zwnj; عنوان نمونه&zwnj;های موردی انتخاب شدند و تناسبات فضایی آنها از طریق برداشت میدانی، ترسیم و تحلیل هندسی در محیط AutoCAD بررسی شد. برای ارزیابی نتایج، یافته&zwnj;های حاصل از تحلیل کالبدی با داده&zwnj;های مستنداتی و مشاهدات رفتاری فضا در قالب یک روش موازی تطبیق داده شد. نتایج به&zwnj;دست&zwnj;آمده نشان می&zwnj;دهد سراهایی که از نظر سازمان فضایی، تناسبات حیاط مرکزی و خوانایی نظام دسترسی از انسجام بیشتری برخوردارند، در وضعیت کنونی نیز پویایی تجاری و حضورپذیری بالاتری دارند. در مقابل، اختلال در این نظام فضایی به کاهش کیفیت فضایی و تضعیف عملکرد تجاری انجامیده است. این یافته&zwnj;ها بیانگر آن است که بازخوانی تناسبات فضایی اصیل می&zwnj;تواند به &zwnj;عنوان یکی از مبانی مؤثر در فرآیند احیای سراهای تاریخی بازار مورد توجه قرار گیرد.

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مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رسانی علوم و فناوریمطالعات شهر ایرانی-اسلامی2228-639X1660202623Structuration of Kermanshah Houses Architectural Pattern Since the 1980sساخت‌یابی الگوهای معماری خانه‌های کرمانشاه (از دهه 60 تاکنون)89120fa معینآقایی مهراستادیار گروه معماری و شهرسازی، دانشکده مهندسی عمران و معماری، دانشگاه ملی مهارت، تهران، ایران0000-0002-1415-9608 مینوقره بگلواستاد دانشکده معماری و شهرسازی، دانشگاه هنر اسلامی تبریز، تبریز، ایران 0000-0003-2639-2906محمدتقیپیرباباییاستاد دانشکده معماری و شهرسازی، دانشگاه هنر اسلامی تبریز، تبریز، ایران 0000-0002-6305-9611202473Structuration of Kermanshah Houses Architectural Pattern Since the 1980s   Moein Aghaeimehr*<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a> Minou Gharehbaglou**<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a> Mohammad Taghi Pirbabaei***<a href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3">[3]</a>   Anthony Giddens’ structuration theory, with its emphasis on social action and rules and resources of Structuration, provides an effective framework for explaining the processes of production and reproduction of residential spaces. Drawing on this theoretical perspective, the present study analyzes the structuring components of contemporary residential architecture in the city of Kermanshah over recent decades. The main research question addresses how the prevailing conditions governing contemporary residential spaces in Kermanshah can be understood and how these conditions are interpreted through transformations in the structuring components of residential architecture.The study adopts a descriptive–analytical approach based on a post-hoc research strategy and employs case study, comparative analysis, and systematic qualitative content analysis. The findings indicate that transformations in Kermanshah’s residential architecture have resulted from a complex interaction between authoritative and allocative resources, legal regulations, and concepts and ethical values related to dwelling. Accordingly, the dominant residential patterns are classified into four typologies: early villas, later villas, early apartments, and later apartments. The results demonstrate that residential spaces in Kermanshah have been shaped neither solely by top-down structural forces nor merely by individual choices of social actors; rather, they have emerged through a continuous and dynamic process of reciprocal interaction between structure and agency. Ultimately, the governing conditions of the four residential typologies are explained within the framework of authoritative resources, allocative resources, concepts, norms and ethical values, and legal rules and regulations.   Keywords: Anthony Giddens, Structuration theory, Kermanshah, Residential Architecture, Housing studies.   Introduction Residential architecture constitutes a critical interface between social structure and everyday life, reflecting broader demographic, cultural, and economic transformations. In this regard, cities undergoing rapid urbanization offer particularly fertile ground for examining the mutual constitution of space and society. Kermanshah, as one of the major urban centers in western Iran, has experienced significant population growth and structural change over the past several decades. The city’s population increased from approximately 290,000 inhabitants in 1976 to a projected figure exceeding 1,085,000 by 2025. This demographic expansion, accompanied by a decline in average household size—from 5.2 persons in 1976 to 3.3 persons in 2016—has generated an urgent demand for housing and placed increasing pressure on existing residential patterns. Following the Iran–Iraq War, large-scale reconstruction efforts and shifts in family structure accelerated the transition from low-density, courtyard-based villa housing toward apartment living. Traditional single-family houses were gradually replaced by multi-story residential buildings, particularly in newly developing urban neighborhoods. While these changes enabled the city to accommodate population growth, they also introduced challenges, including the reduction of open and green spaces, increased residential density, and tensions between emerging architectural forms and long-standing cultural norms. Against this background, the present study addresses the following central question: What conditions have governed the formation of residential spaces in Kermanshah since the 1980s, and how can these conditions be interpreted through transformations in the structural components of housing structure? Drawing on Giddens’ concept of structuration, which explains how social structures are produced and reproduced through human action, this research moves beyond purely descriptive analyses and seeks to uncover the social mechanisms shaping residential architecture. Although a growing body of Iranian architectural literature emphasizes social and cultural dimensions of housing, much of this research remains limited to morphological description or symbolic interpretation. Few studies employ sociological frameworks capable of explaining how residential spaces are produced through the interaction of institutions, cultural values, and everyday practices. By applying structuration theory, this study addresses this gap and offers an integrated understanding of the structure–agency relationship in the residential architecture of Kermanshah. The research is positioned as fundamental–applied and contributes to both theoretical debate and housing policy discussions.   Theoretical Framework Structuration theory, developed by Anthony Giddens, provides a framework for analyzing the reciprocal relationship between social structures and human agency. Social systems consist of practices recursively organized across time and space, while structures function simultaneously as the medium and the outcome of social action. Human agents draw upon rules and resources in their everyday practices, and through this process, structures are continuously reproduced or transformed. In residential architecture, this perspective conceptualizes housing as a social system rather than merely a physical artifact. Giddens distinguishes between authoritative resources, referring to control over people and institutions, and allocative resources, which involve control over material and economic assets such as land, capital, and construction technologies. Rules are divided into two dimensions: signification and legitimation. Signification refers to shared cultural meanings and interpretive schemes, including concepts such as privacy, hospitality, and symbolic architectural elements of traditional Iranian houses. Legitimation encompasses normative rules, laws, and regulations, including urban planning codes, building standards, and religious prescriptions. Together, these components provide an analytical lens for understanding how residential forms are produced, reproduced, and transformed through the interaction of power, culture, and regulation.   Methodology This study adopts a retrospective research strategy and employs a qualitative methodological framework. A case-study approach was selected to enable in-depth analysis of residential transformations within a specific urban context. The research area comprises selected sections of the 22 Bahman neighborhood in Kermanshah, an area characterized by continuous residential development from the late Pahlavi period to the present. This temporal depth makes the neighborhood particularly suitable for examining changes in housing typologies and their underlying social conditions. Data collection was conducted in two main stages. First, a comprehensive review of secondary sources—including population statistics, housing studies, and theoretical literature on structuration—was undertaken to establish the conceptual framework. Second, fieldwork was carried out using direct observation as the primary method for identifying physical and spatial characteristics of residential units. Semi-structured interviews with local residents and builders were used as a complementary tool to clarify and contextualize observational findings. In total, 36 residential units were examined, including 20 villa houses and 16 apartment units, with eight samples used as pilot cases. The collected data were analyzed through systematic qualitative content analysis. Thematic coding was conducted within the framework of structuration theory, focusing on the interaction between agency, resources, and rules. To enhance the validity of the analysis, data triangulation was employed by cross-referencing observations, interview data, and documentary sources.   Findings The analysis identified four dominant residential architectural typologies in the study area: early villas (from the 1950s to the late 1980s), late villas (from the early 1990s to the early 2000s), early apartments (from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s), and late apartments (from the mid-2000s to the present). Early villa housing typically consisted of one- or two-story buildings, with or without basements, organized around a central family living space that functioned as the main distributive node. Kitchens were enclosed and spatially separated from reception areas, and strong distinctions were maintained between private and semi-public spaces. In later villa models, spatial configurations gradually shifted toward greater openness: internal partitions were reduced, corridors connecting the courtyard were removed, kitchens became open-plan, and parking spaces were incorporated into the residential interior. These changes reflected both evolving cultural preferences and emerging regulatory and economic pressures. The transition to apartment housing was closely linked to urban development incentives and regulatory changes aimed at increasing construction density. Early apartment buildings were typically low-rise, lacked elevators, and allowed shared or open parking arrangements. Interior layouts emphasized integrated living and reception spaces and open-plan kitchens. With the gradual enforcement of stricter building regulations—particularly mandatory private parking and safety requirements—unit sizes increased, while open and green spaces within residential plots declined. In late apartment typologies, elevators, fire-resistant doors, and enhanced structural and mechanical systems became mandatory features, reflecting the growing influence of institutional authority and technical standards. Across all four typologies, residential forms were shaped by shifting configurations of authoritative resources, allocative resources, cultural meanings, and legal regulations. These configurations varied over time, producing distinct spatial outcomes and patterns of domestic life.   Discussion and Conclusion The findings demonstrate that the formation of residential architecture in Kermanshah cannot be adequately explained by reference to physical constraints or market forces alone. Instead, housing transformations emerge from a complex and continuous interaction between human agency and structural components. In the early villa period, authoritative resources were largely concentrated in individual property owners, who shaped housing forms in accordance with prevailing cultural values. Over time, authority increasingly shifted toward construction companies, municipal institutions, and professional regulatory bodies, fundamentally altering the conditions of housing Structuration. Allocative resources also underwent significant transformation. Land and capital gradually became embedded within speculative housing markets, driven by population growth, rising land values, and advances in construction technology. These changes facilitated high-density apartment construction while simultaneously constraining traditional spatial practices. Cultural signification rules evolved in parallel: values such as privacy, family security, and hospitality—central to early villa housing—were progressively reconfigured in response to urban migration, reduced household size, increased female employment, consumerism, and the adoption of modern technologies and lifestyles. Legitimation rules, including religious norms and building regulations, likewise changed in response to shifting governmental policies and urban planning frameworks. Contemporary regulations place increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, lighting and ventilation, structural safety, neighborhood relations, automobile accommodation, and legal definitions of ownership and privacy—dimensions that have profoundly reshaped residential space. From the perspective of structuration theory, residential spaces in Kermanshah are neither the direct outcome of top-down structural forces nor the result of individual choice alone. Rather, they are produced through an ongoing process of mutual constitution between structure and agency. This study contributes theoretically by demonstrating the analytical value of structuration theory in housing and architectural research and by reinforcing the necessity of a dual structure–agency perspective. Practically, the findings offer insights for architects and housing planners by highlighting the importance of aligning design strategies with local power structures and cultural values. The structuration-based framework developed in this research can be applied to other Iranian cities and may support the formulation of socially and culturally grounded housing policies.   Refrence Aghaeimehr, M., & Gharehbaglou, M. (2020). Identity-Based Contemporization; Case Study: Iran Contemporary Urban Districts in Pahlavi Era. Journal of Naqshejahan- Basic studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning, 10(1), 11–18. https://doi.org/10.1001.1.23224991.1399.10.1.5.1 Aghaeimehr, M., Gharehbaglou, M., & Pirbabaei, M. T. (2023). Structuration of Residential Spaces Architecture with Iranian-Islamic Culture Approach. Journal of Culture of Islamic Architecture and Urbanism, 8(1), 20–42. https://doi.org/10.52547/ciauj.7.1.298 Aghaeimehr, M., Gharehbaglou, M., & Pirbabaei, M. T. (2024). Durability and Dynamism of Cultural Identity in Recent Residential Complexes (Case Study: Kermanshah Residential Complexes from 1980). Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 29(2), 7–22. https://doi.org/10.22059/jfaup.2025.378222.672987 Radaei, M., Gharehbaglou, M., Key nejhad, M. A., Ahmadnejad, F., & Beyti, H. (2024). The Values of the Muslim Human and their Expression in the Architecture of the Iranian Islamic House (Case Study: Historical Houses in City of Yazd). Journal of Iranian-Islamic City, 14(51). https://iic.ihss.ac.ir/Article/42332 Rashidzadeh, E., & Habibi, F. (2020). Cultural Analysis of Space in In Kurdish Residential Architecture; Case Study: Traditional Houses in Mukrian (The City of Sardasht). Journal of Iranian-Islamic City, 11(40), 17–31. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.2228639.1399.10.40.2.6 Kalantari Khalilabad, H., Nezamdoost, S. A. R., & Yaran, A. (2020). Elucidation of the physical patterns of contemporary housing based on the contextual architecture in Kashan; Case study: Selected historical houses of the Qajar dynasty. Journal of Iranian-Islamic City, 10(38), 5–20. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.2228639.1398.10.38.1.7 Anacker, K. B. (2019). 'Introduction: Housing affordability and affordable housing'. International Journal of Housing Policy, 19(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/19491247.2018.1560544 Emirbayer, M., & Mische, A. (1998) “What is agency?” American Journal of Sociology, 103(4), 962–1023. DOI: 10.1086/231294 Giddens, Anthony (1997) The Constitution of Society: Outline of the Theory of Structuration. Cambridge: Polity. https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520057289/the-constitution-of-society Giddens, A. (1998). The third way: The renewal of social democracy. Cambridge, UK: Polity press. https://politybooks.com/bookdetail/?isbn=9780745622674 Giddens, A. (2013) New Rules of Sociological Method: A Positive Critique of Interpretative Sociologies. 2nd edition. London: Polity press. https://www.sup.org/books/sociology/new-rules-sociological-method Guerrero, O. (2020). 'Decentralized markets and the emergence of housing wealth inequality'. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 84, 101541. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2020.101541 Guerrero, O. A., & Law, S. (2024). 'The spatial structure of housing affordability and the impact of public infrastructure'. Journal of Simulation, 18(6), 973–987. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/17477778.2024.2325428">https://doi.org/10.1080/17477778.2024.2325428</a> Karimi, K. (2023) 'The Configurational Structures of Social Spaces: Space Syntax and Urban Morphology in the Context of Analytical, Evidence-Based Design.' Journal of Land. 12 (11), 2084. 1-23. <a href="https://doi.org/">https://doi.org/</a> 10.3390/land12112084 Segre, M. S. (2014) Contemporary Sociological Thinkers and Theories. Farnham: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315573946   <a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1"></a>* Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, National University of Skills, Tehran, Iran. Disa.ag@gmail.com 0000-0002-1415-9608 <a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2"></a>** Corresponding Author: Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran. m.gharehbaglou@tabriziau.ac.ir 0000-0003-2639-2906 <a href="#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3"></a>*** Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran. <a href="mailto:pirbabaei@tabriziau.ac.ir">pirbabaei@t abriziau.ac.ir</a> 0000-0002-6305-9611نظریه ساخت&zwnj;یابی «آنتونی گیدنز» با تمرکز بر کنش اجتماعی و قواعد و منابع ساخت، چارچوبی مناسب برای تبیین فرایند تولید و بازتولید فضاهای مسکونی فراهم می&zwnj;آورد. این پژوهش با اتکا به نظریۀ ساخت&zwnj;یابی، به تحلیل مؤلفه&zwnj;های ساخت معماری فضاهای مسکونی معاصر شهر کرمانشاه در دهه&zwnj;های اخیر می&zwnj;پردازد. پرسش اصلی پژوهش اینگونه شکل گرفته است که شرایط حاکم بر فضاهای مسکونی معاصر شهر کرمانشاه چگونه است و این شرایط، چگونه با تحولات مؤلفه&zwnj;های ساخت فضاهای مسکونی قابل &zwnj;تفسیر است. روش پژوهش، توصیفی - تحلیلی و مبتنی بر راهبرد پس&zwnj;کاوی است و از روش&zwnj;های مطالعه موردی، تطبیقی و تحلیل محتوای کیفی به &zwnj;صورت نظام&zwnj;دار بهره می&zwnj;برد. یافته&zwnj;های پژوهش نشان می&zwnj;دهد که تحولات معماری مسکن در کرمانشاه از دهه ۶۰ تاکنون، نتیجۀ تعامل پیچیده میان منابع اقتداری و تخصیصی، الزامات قانونی، مفاهیم و ارزش&zwnj;های اخلاقی مرتبط با سکونت است. بر این &zwnj;اساس الگوهای غالب فضاهای مسکونی به چهار گونۀ ویلایی اولیه، ویلایی متأخر، آپارتمانی اولیه و آپارتمانی متأخر دسته&zwnj;بندی می&zwnj;گردد. نتایج بیانگر آن است که فضاهای سکونتی کرمانشاه نه صرفاً به&zwnj; وسیله ساختارهای بالادستی شکل گرفته&zwnj;اند و نه صرفاً انتخاب&zwnj;های فردی کنشگران هستند؛ بلکه در فرآیند پیچیده و پیوسته&zwnj;ای از تعامل متقابل میان ساخت و عامل به &zwnj;وجود آمده&zwnj;اند. در این راستا در گام نظری با بهره&zwnj;گیری از نظریه ساخت&zwnj;یابی، مؤلفه&zwnj;های ساخت&zwnj;یابی فضاهای سکونتی تبیین شده، در گام میدانی، الگوهای مسکونی منتخب شهر کرمانشاه تحلیل و تفسیر می&zwnj;گردد. در نهایت شرایط حاکم بر شکل&zwnj;گیری الگوهای چهارگانه فضاهای مسکونی در چارچوب مؤلفه&zwnj;های «منابع اقتداری»، «منابع تخصیصی»، «مفاهیم، هنجارها و ارزش&zwnj;های اخلاقی» و «قواعد و الزامات قانونی» تبیین می&zwnj;شود.

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مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رسانی علوم و فناوریمطالعات شهر ایرانی-اسلامی2228-639X1660202623Assessing the Impacts of New Town Development on the Spatial Organization of Metropolitan Regions (Case Study: Golbahar and Binalood New Towns in the Mashhad Metropolitan Area)ارزیابی اثرات توسعۀ شهرهای جدید بر سازمان فضایی مناطق کلان‌شهری (نمونه موردی: شهرهای جدید گلبهار و بینالود در مجموعه شهری مشهد)121145fa هومن طاهریانکارشناسی ارشد گروه برنامه‌ریزی منطقه‌ای، دانشکده شهرسازی، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5323-8902مهردادرحمانیاستادیار گروه شهرسازی، دانشکده هنرهای زیبا، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایرانhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5323-9301202428Assessing the Impacts of New Town Development on the Spatial Organization of Metropolitan Regions (Case Study: Golbahar and Binalood New Towns in the Mashhad Metropolitan Area)   Hooman Taherian<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">*</a> Mehrdad Rahmani<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">**</a>   The development of new towns in Iran has been pursued since the Islamic Revolution with the aim of promoting spatial balance and preventing excessive concentration in metropolitan areas—an objective that is also emphasized in Clause 10 of the national general policies on urban development. This study examines the effects of the development of the new towns of Golbahar and Binaloud on the spatial balance of the Mashhad metropolitan region and their role in curbing the trend toward concentration. Data collection and indicator selection are based on literature review, and the trend analysis is used as the main instrument. First, by reviewing the theoretical basis, the indicators influencing the spatial organization of metropolitan regions were identified; subsequently, the weight of each indicator was determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Two methods—the primacy index and a composite index—were employed to assess the impact of the new towns on the spatial organization of the Mashhad metropolitan area, thereby testing the validity and reliability of the findings. The results of both methods indicate that between 1996 and 2016, the level of concentration within the Mashhad metropolitan area decreased only marginally. This finding reflects the limited success of the new towns of Golbahar and Binaloud in achieving spatial balance and in preventing concentration within the Mashhad metropolitan region.   Keywords: New towns, spatial organization, metropolitan area, urban primacy, Mashhad. Introduction Following the Islamic Revolution, the establishment of New Towns in Iran has been pursued as a strategic policy to counteract over-concentration in major metropolises and to establish equilibrium within the national settlement system. This approach is also emphasized in the country's general urbanization policies. However, the experience of recent decades reveals a pattern of relative underperformance and significant shortcomings among many of these towns, particularly in achieving projected population targets and forming a robust, independent economic base distinct from their parent cities. This research specifically investigates the role and impact of two such New Towns, Golbahar and Binaloud, on the spatial organization and structural balance of the Mashhad metropolitan complex. The central research question is to what extent these satellite towns have succeeded in their primary objective of decentralizing population and activity from the core city and fostering a more polycentric and balanced regional spatial structure.     Theoretical Framework The study is grounded upon two primary theoretical pillars. First, the concept and evolution of New Towns, encompassing their foundational objectives (decentralization, absorbing population overflow, providing affordable housing), their typology (independent, satellite, contiguous), and key criteria for their success, such as self-sufficiency and creating a jobs-housing balance. Second, the study engages with theories of spatial organization within metropolitan regions. It adopts a dual analytical lens: the "attribute-based" approach, which assesses hierarchy and primacy using quantitative indicators like population, employment, education level, and industrial output; and the "network-based" or relational approach, which focuses on flows, interactions, and functional linkages between settlements. Synthesizing these perspectives, the analytical framework for this study was constructed across three dimensions – socio-economic, demographic, and physical – and operationalized through six key indicators: population, literacy rate, employment, number of industrial units, housing units, and accessibility/transport connectivity.   Research Methodology This study is applied in purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. The required data were gathered through documentary and library research methods. To comprehensively analyze the impact of the New Towns, two complementary methodological approaches were employed: <ol style="text-align: left;"> <li>Primary City and Concentration Indices:A suite of classic urban primacy and distribution indices (including Two-City Index, Four-City Index [Mehta], Herfindahl-Hirschman Index [HHI], and Entropy Index) were calculated for the Mashhad urban complex over a 20-year period (1996-2016). This provided a longitudinal view of changes in urban hierarchy, concentration, and demographic balance.</li> <li>Composite Index Method:This technique involved weighting the six selected indicators using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Weights were derived from structured interviews with five urban planning and development experts. Subsequently, standardized data for each city and each indicator were multiplied by their respective weights to calculate a final composite score for every settlement in the metropolitan area for the years 1996, 2006, and 2016. The convergence of findings from these two distinct methods enhances the validity and reliability of the research conclusions.</li> </ol>   Findings The results from both analytical strands converge on a central finding: while there has been a measurable reduction in the level of primacy and spatial concentration within the Mashhad metropolitan complex between 1996 and 2016, this decrease has been remarkably marginal and insignificant. For instance, the Four-City Index (Mehta) declined only from 0.968 to 0.963, remaining firmly in the "extreme primacy" range. Similarly, the composite index analysis showed that while Mashhad city's share of the total metropolitan score decreased slightly from 84.22% to 81.98%, its overwhelming dominance persisted. The New Towns of Golbahar and Binaloud, despite experiencing population growth, have failed to secure a meaningful or substantial share in rebalancing the spatial structure. Their impact, though positive in a strict numerical sense, is negligible within the broader metropolitan context. The final ranking of cities consistently places Mashhad in a dominant first tier, while the New Towns are relegated to lower tiers, even below older secondary cities like Chenaran and Torqabeh.   Discussion and Conclusion The evidence strongly indicates the limited success and underwhelming performance of Golbahar and Binaloud New Towns in achieving their fundamental goal of bringing spatial balance to the Mashhad metropolitan region. This outcome aligns with a substantial body of prior research highlighting the systemic challenges and frequent underachievement of New Towns in Iran. The primary reasons for this shortfall can be attributed to their predominantly dormitory-town character, the failure to cultivate an independent and diversified economic base, severe deficiencies in high-quality service infrastructure (educational, healthcare, recreational) and efficient public transportation links to the core city, and consequently, a persistent and profound functional dependency on Mashhad. Far from alleviating pressure on the metropolis, these New Towns have, in some aspects, exacerbated it by attracting lower-income groups and adding to the demand for regional services centered in Mashhad. The study concludes by proposing strategic recommendations for future New Town planning, including functional specialization within the regional division of labor, promotion of small-scale industries and knowledge-based jobs, investment in high-capacity public transport corridors, enhancement of service quality and urban branding, and provision of diverse housing typologies. 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Samt Press, Tehran.   <a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">* M.A of Science, Department of Regional Planning, Faculty of</a> Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. <a href="mailto:hooman.taheriann@gmail.com">hooman.taheriann@gmail.com</a> https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5323-8902 <a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">** Corresponding </a>Author: Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. <a href="mailto:rahmani13@ut.ac.ir">rahmani13@ut.ac.ir</a> https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5323-9301ایجاد شهرهای جدید در ایران، پس از انقلاب اسلامی، با هدف تعادل&zwnj;بخشی و جلوگیری از تمرکز بیش از حد در کلان&zwnj;شهرها پیگیری شد. امری که به&zwnj; عنوان بند 10 سیاست&zwnj;های کلی شهرسازی کشور نیز بر آن تأکید شده است. این پژوهش درباره تأثیر توسعۀ شهرهای جدید گلبهار و بینالود بر تعادل سازمان فضایی منطقه کلان&zwnj;شهری مشهد و جلوگیری از روند تمرکز در آن است. این تحقیق از نوع کاربردی و ماهیت توصیفی- تحلیلی است و روش جمع&zwnj;آوری اطلاعات و شاخص&zwnj;های آن از نوع اسنادی و کتابخانه&zwnj;ای بوده، از طریق تحلیل روند، تجزیه و تحلیل شده است. ابتدا با مرور مبانی نظری، شاخص&zwnj;های تأثیرگذار بر سازمان فضایی شناسایی شد و سپس وزن هر یک از شاخص&zwnj;ها از طریق مصاحبه با پنج نفر از متخصصان و با استفاده از روش AHP تعیین شد. در این تحقیق با استفاده از دو روش شاخص&zwnj;های نخست شهری و شاخص ترکیبی به بررسی تأثیر شهرهای جدید بر سازمان فضایی کلان&zwnj;شهر مشهد پرداخته شده و تا روایی و پایایی نتایج مورد آزمون قرار گرفت. نتایج هر دو روش نشان می&zwnj;دهد که بین سال&zwnj;های 1375 تا 1395، تمرکز در سطح مجموعه شهری مشهد به میزان بسیار اندکی کاهش یافته که نشان از عدم توفیق شهرهای جدید گلبهار و بینالود در تعادل&zwnj;بخشی به سازمان فضای کلان&zwnj;شهر مشهد و جلوگیری از تمرکز در آن است.

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