Comparative Study on Cliff Dwelling Earth-shelter Architecture in Iran

Abstract

Climatic diversity in Iran causes a variety of earth shelter type in the country. The two cliff dwellings which is alive till today are seen in cold and arid climate of Iran among 5 total climates of this country. This survey is used qualitative grounded theory method which for reach to formal comparative typology and to find the differences, similarities and pros and s of these two types of cliff dwelling and its compliances with their climate has been conducted by in field manner. The earth- shelter type is subset of earth architecture and cliff dwelling is one of seconds subsets that involve two alive communities in Iran which are continued cliff architecture and separated cliff architecture. Kandovan in East Atropatakan province of Iran by cold climate has a historical separated cliff dwelling and Maymand in Kerman province by arid climate has continued cliff dwelling. This two types have many differences in special structures, forms and climatically adaptations. Recognition of values of this kind of historic dwelling and its conservation is necessary. The result of this survey showed that special organization, climatically adaptation and suitable use of earth thermal behavior in Maymand is better than Kandovan instead the natural ventilation and use of day lighting is better in Kandovan because of its separated cliff forms.