Contrastive study of culture and architectural design pattern for Iranian houses in Safavid and Qajar dynasties: formation of private space in entrance

Contrastive study on the elements of traditional houses in different times, is an effective method in understanding the culture and design factor, the architectural evolution, space organization, ornaments and the structure of the historical buildings and it describes that different features and distinguishing factors in traditional houses were usually closely related to the political, economy, and social issues of that region. Synchronized with historical dynasties, traditional houses are thus, easily distinguishable regarding their architectures and the manner of architectural pattern can be followed regarding the historical evolution. As Isfahan was the capital of Iran in Safavid time, building magnificent palace-like houses were the trend; in Qajar dynasty as well architecture had its own unique elements. The present study enjoyed the mixed methods of descriptive and analytical methods as well as case study. The problem was examined based on observation, field studies, and documentation; the results then were compared and contrasted. The architectural design of these houses are introverted (mainly) as well as extroverted (in jolfa). The main front of the houses are in southern part and having porch, straight sky line, rectangular garden, rectangular rooms, sometimes octagonal houses, abundant ornamentations in central halls, using natural colors, easier use of bricks as the main material are some features of these houses. The present study aims to analyze and evaluate how the privacy of entrances in both Safavid and Qajar houses as one of the most significant elements of architectural times formed.