Analyzing the Homogenous Nature of Central Courtyard Structure in Formation of Iranian Traditional Houses

Abstract

In historical cities and especially traditional houses in 17-19 century A.D in Iran, vacuum model (central courtyard) as one of the most fundamental concepts, has always played a key role in organizing Iranian cities at large scale and consequently houses at a micro scale. In the spatial organization of traditional houses, the central courtyard, among other spatial elements, has consistently played the role of a homogenizer and organizer rather than a neutral factor. Generally in the vast range of Iranian central cities including Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd, courtyard has had a homogeneous and fluid nature, and has acted as a link between different spaces and contributed to the continuity of space in the traditional houses.