Expression of Spatial Continuity of Architecture and Urban Development within Iranian Bazaars (Case Study: Tabriz Bazaar)

Abstract

Architecture is a reality which is recognized within the space. Accordingly, there is a spatial continuity (hierarchy) across various elements in the historical context of old Iranian cities, which had promoted a kind of movement, dynamism, discipline and hierarchy. Without a discontinuity, an individual may find himself/herself within something with the sense of place would be induced into him/her. Iranian bazaars along with adjacent spaces are highlighted examples of such continuity. The present research is mainly aimed at providing a pattern of communication and physical spatial continuity within old Iranian architecture to be used by contemporary architecture. The main research question is that: how can one express the spatial continuity of architecture and urban development across bazaar?Followed in the present study is a descriptive – analytic approach. In particular, Tabriz Bazaar is considered via data gathered by documentary – field methods. The results emphasized on the fact that, meeting the principle of hierarchy, a spatial continuity is established, i.e. any activity defines a specific scope and territory. Furthermore, communication and physical features (the principle of link among urban elements) of architecture and urban development are created. Working as a joint, the principle of spatial continuity either connects or disconnects a place to/from another place; it is the physical connection between the spaces and their continuity.