WATER RESOURCES AND VILLAGE MORPHOLOGY: LESSONS FROM THREE TRADITIONAL IRANIAN VILLAGES

Abstract

Water plays an increasingly prominent role in the contemporary world, but its significance has been evident throughout history, particularly in arid climates like Iran. Understanding the impact of water on the built environments, such as villages, is crucial for comprehending the form and effects that have shaped these historical settlements, which are an integral part of each country's heritage. Therefore, a comprehensive review and analysis of the water's influence on the morphology of these villages becomes essential. This study explores the utilization of various water sources and management practices in different distinct types of traditional villages in the center of Iran, and their impact on the villages' morphology. The objective of this research is to demonstrate the influence of water on the different types of village forms found in this region. By examining the diversity of water sources and their management methods, this study illustrates how they have impacted the form of villages. The findings derived from this research are beneficial for the preservation of historical heritages and rural development plans, especially with the threat of climate change and water scarcity. The study begins with a literature review and then, through site surveys, focuses on analyzing the effects of water on the selected case studies in Iran. It highlights the crucial role that the availability and management of water resources play in a village's development and sustainability, as well as its form and morphology. Finally, it compares the results between each case study.