Phenomenology of the Aesthetic Experience of place: Case Study Naqsh-e-Jahan Square

The present study attempts to investigate this concept through a phenomenological study of the lived experience of the visitors of Naghsh-e-Jahan monuments at summer time of 1393. Apart from a comprehensive review of literature on qualitative research methodology, and the architecture of the period, the theoretical foundations of phenomenology and its application in architecture were thoroughly reviewed. Using the phenomenological observation method of Max-Vanen & a semi-structured interview plan, 58 visitors of the historical monuments of Naghsh-e-Jahan were chosen as participants and were interviewed in depth. Then the recorded data were transcribed and analyzed and the findings indicated that 16 components were significantly effective in forming the esthetic perception of the participants. Therefore, as the result of the investigation, the following conclusions may be stated: The concept of beauty is not an absolute entity. The different concepts of beauty are formed on the basis of the lived experiences of the people.