Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, jundi_shapur University of Technology, Dezful, Iran

Abstract

Natural and human factors, including climatic characteristics, cultural contexts, livelihood types, and various other elements, have led to the formation of two types of rural layouts in Iran: flatlands and foothill settlements. The spatial organization in foothill villages in Iran is predominantly terraced, characterized by roof-yard layouts. However, some foothill villages exhibit unique features that differ from this dominant pattern. This study, focusing on the village of Dashtak, examines the ratio of mass to space in buildings, as well as their spatial organization, to analyze the differences compared to prevalent examples. The research method is based on field studies, with data collected through library research and direct observations. The objective of the study is to identify the factors shaping the distinctive architectural layout of Dashtak village. In the initial stage, a map of the village houses was created through field observation. Among the existing houses, only those with historical value, valid documentation, and the possibility of repeated visits were selected and analyzed. The analysis of architectural organization, the arrangement of mass and space, and access types revealed that the presence of a central courtyard in addition to the roof-yard layout indicates a unique spatial organization in foothill villages. This arrangement can be attributed to factors such as blocking undesirable winds, creating a private boundary against the public area of the roof-yard, and providing secondary access during emergencies through eastern and western balconies.

Keywords