shape Grammar of Kashan’s traditional Houses: Investigation of the formal structure and spatial relations of 19 historical houses of Kashan

Iranian architecture has been studied from different aspects. Shape Grammar is an analytical tool for studying the styles and history of architecture that has the ability to provide a common language and conceptual framework, a coherent and integrated form to study the geographical differences and evolution of Iranian architecture.In this research, the first step to compile this common grammar of Iranian architecture has been taken by compiling a grammar of a specific form related to the traditional houses of Kashan.

Out of 100 heritage houses, 19 samples were selected by random / judgmental sampling method. By analyzing the samples, minimal rules are presented.

The grammar presented in 4 steps produces the formal structure and the spatial relationships between the forms. A valid range of variables and an algebraic expression are presented. Also, with the help of grammar, the spaces in the samples have been typologized. In Kashan houses, the most important spaces, spaces with a width of 5, can be divided into 8 types based on the shape structure. In terms of spatial relationships between components, 6 specific types of relationships between the internal components of each of the previous form structures can be identified, which are described in the findings section.

The proposed grammar can be a coherent structure for the study of Iranian architecture. It can also be used as a suitable tool for typology. Provide the possibility of comparison as well as the relationship between different species and make the studies coherent.