Healthy and inclusive housing design: analysing Mashhad's traditional house using space syntax

Abstract

The crucial importance of modern design in developing healthy and inclusive housing is undeniable. This study is inspired by traditional Iranian dwellings, particularly those from the Qajar period in Mashhad, to examine their possible contributions to contemporary housing design. These historical residences, prioritizing climatic adaptation, human needs, and tenant well-being, provide significant insights for modern construction. This study use space syntactic analysis to investigate the spatial configuration of traditional Mashhad dwellings, aiming to discern architectural principles that facilitate social contact, community participation, and privacy. We emphasize essential elements such as Hozkhaneh and Sedari for their contributions to fulfilling varied occupant requirements. The results indicate that historic design ideas can guide the building of healthy and inclusive contemporary housing, fostering dynamic communities. Insights derived from space syntactic analysis of traditional Iranian architecture can inform future design methods to improve well-being and inclusion in modern housing.