Spatial experience and sensory perception: rereading the space in architecture (Case study: Goharshad Mosque)

Man has different perceptions and experiences in different spaces due to movement and activity, but in most architectural discourses, human movement in space and his perceptions of the environment are less considered visually, physically and mentally. Therefore, in the present study, the research method of philosophical approach and inductive reasoning has been used with the aim of explaining the understanding of spatial experience in Timurid mosques through material elements and movement in space so that the spatial quality of mosques of this period can be represented in contemporary mosques. The hypothesis is that there is a direct relationship between spatial experience and sensory perceptions and the material elements of Timurid mosques form this relationship. The results of studies show that the spatial experience in Goharshad Mosque is multi-sensory and the body of this mosque is built in a way that engages the five senses of pilgrims. The visual sense is dynamic according to the material elements in the space and always seeks to explore in its dynamic nature, and every element and part of this mosque and even each of the spaces attracts the eyes of pilgrims to understand the hidden meaning. A large number of perceptions are simultaneously experienced with the presence and walking in the spaces of this mosque. Since the spatial experience of the architectural space of Goharshad Mosque is a sensory event subject to movement, passing through the environments of this mosque induces various experiences to the pilgrim. This is because the movement of pilgrims in the spaces of this mosque is done in the form of physical, imaginary and visual movement.