Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

A Study on the Typology of Traditional Houses in Kermanshah during the Qajar Period: Cultural Factors Affecting the Relationship between Gender and Space

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Behnoush Malekizadeh 1
Mohanna Alizadeh 2
1 Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Technical and Vocational University, Tehran, Iran
2 Master of Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ias.2021.300912.1698
Abstract
Traditional houses have faced catastrophic threats of destruction due to lifestyle changes over past centuries. Given that traditional houses constitute a significant portion of historical buildings, their study and preservation are of paramount importance. Consequently, the classification of traditional houses and the categorization of their architectural patterns are crucial for understanding and grouping similar structures. Such typologies can be adapted in contemporary architecture, thereby contributing fundamentally to the preservation and continuity of these archetypal forms. A house is a place where inhabitants should feel comfortable; the inner quarters—typically inhabited by women and children—must exhibit sufficient variety to prevent monotony and fatigue. Access to certain areas by men and women is often restricted or encouraged based on their gendered connotations; thus, some spaces are designated as “female domains” while others as “male domains.” Throughout various historical periods in Iran, definitions and perceptions of women and gender identity have evolved, shaped by prevailing social, economic, cultural, and ritual paradigms. These shifting perspectives have led to transformations in gendered spatial arrangements, either expanding or limiting them. This study employs analytical and historical methods to examine the typologies of traditional houses in Kermanshah and the cultural factors affecting the gender-space relationship within these homes. The findings reveal that cultural elements such as ritual beliefs, women’s dress codes, and educational practices have significantly influenced the dynamics between gender and spatial organization.
Research Objectives:

To examine the typologies of Kermanshah houses and their spatial relationships.
To investigate the impact of cultural factors on the relationship between gender and space.

Research Questions:

Do different house typologies in Kermanshah affect spatial relationships?
Do cultural factors influence the relationship between gender and spaces?
Keywords
Typology
Traditional Houses
Qajar Houses
Gender and Space
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