The Role of Geography in the Process of the Formation of Open Spaces in Mazandaran Rural Houses

Javadian Koutenaee, Zohreh; Soltanzadeh, Hossein; Karimi Fard, Leila

doi:10.22034/toc.2025.444365.1150

The Role of Geography in the Process of the Formation of Open Spaces in Mazandaran Rural Houses

https://doi.org/10.22034/toc.2025.444365.1150

Volume 6, Issue 20
Spring 2025

Pages 46-57

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Zohreh Javadian Koutenaee ¹

Hossein Soltanzadeh ²

Leila Karimi Fard ¹

¹ Department of Architecture, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

² Department of Architecture, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Over time, the shape of houses and living patterns are changing. This development is inevitable both in the city and in the countryside. Assuming that the style and quality of rural life depends on the pattern of houses and geography can play a significant role in the formation of rural housing, The review of this research is important. This research aims to analyze the role of geography and environment in the process of forming open spaces and areas in rural houses in Mazandaran province. The main question of this research is what role geography plays in the process of forming open spaces in rural houses in Mazandaran. Considering that open spaces and areas have played a very important role in the activities and livelihoods of residents in the past, are the structure and function of areas affected by geographical zoning? This research was conducted using a qualitative, applied, descriptive, and analytical method, and the data collection was documentary with field observations. This study examined rural housing in three geographical areas: plains, foothills, and mountains to understand the context for formation of local architecture and identify cause-and-effect relationships. While analyzing the available statistical data, samples from all three areas were examined, and finally, for the reliability of the results, field discussions and qualitative interviews were also conducted with residents. The findings of the study indicate that the geographical environment has a very influential role in the open spaces of rural settlements. Basic studies show that the areas in mountainous and foothill areas are relatively small, while in plain villages they have significant dimensions. The results of observations and discussions confirm that over time, changes in the lifestyle of villagers have led to physical changes in houses, and not only the environment but also economic, social, and cultural factors have played a role in the formation of spatial relations in rural housing. In this study, the concept of spatial relations focuses on the interaction of open spaces with the residential sector in rural housing.

Keywords

Rural houses

Environment and geography

Mazandaran villages

Open spaces

Spatial relations

Subjects

Architecture

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