Design Elements Used to Create a Perception of Space in Architecture: A Case Study of Iranian Architecture

Abstract

Human beings are constantly interacting with their space and perceive their environment through their senses. These perceptions are sometimes interpreted through knowledge and experience, sometimes through instant feelings and memories. The most significant perception component is visual perception, and it is about the sense of sight. The design elements that affect the visual perception of space are form, color, material, texture, light, and reflection. Space is a reflection of human life with all its dimensions. In modern buildings, space designs are in harmony with people's needs, beliefs, and knowledge. However, in historical buildings, it is sometimes necessary to fully discover the space's architectural qualities and sensory features of the space to sense space perception fully. For the purposes of the study, five examples of the historical buildings that have historic and architectural quality and importance in Iran were selected from the list of Iran Cultural Heritage Organization. The study discusses the design elements that affect the perception of space in these historic buildings and the design objectives of the vernacular historical architecture in Iran.