Evaluation of Pattern Language in Housing Architecture Comparison of Traditional and Contemporary Houses in Zanjan

Spread of imported residential patterns and ignoring indigenous patterns has destroyed the quality of today’s houses and has made it necessary to readout the pattern languages of Iranian homes to match it with the residents’ needs. Studying the theories of pattern language in housing suggests the following questions: (1) what are the component of patterns of events in traditional homes and modern houses? (2) What are the component of spatial patterns in traditional homes and modern houses? (3) How is the relationship between patterns of events and spatial patterns in traditional homes and modern houses? (4) What changes the passage of time has imposed on residence patterns? (5) What has changed, with changing in residence patterns, in relationship between patterns of events and spatial patterns in houses? The purpose of the research design is discovering the behavioral-spatial stress in habitation and removing them through revision of spatial organization and compatible patterns with lifestyle, culture and needs of the residents. The hypothesis of study is that each type of home is formed by specific behavior-physical patterns. The more dynamic and interconnected will be the spatial patterns and pattern of events, the more will be possible for residents to release their endogenous forces. The research has been developed in two sections. The research firstly defines the pattern language and semantic elements by content analyze approach. Patterns are concepts which go through former experiences, make continuity with the past and create a quality of the built environment and thereby give identity to the built environment. In fact the patterns are the results of experiences and collective wisdom of the community. Secondly it investigates the patterns of Zanjan’s homes in terms of spatial dimensions and dimensions of events. It also studies, using case study method, the interaction rate of these dimensions of traditional and contemporary samples of houses. Field studies are done by taking photographs and preparing the drawings of old and new houses in residential areas in Zanjan, in order to answer the research questions. The obtained data, according to the theoretical model of the study, has been converted into patterns and is presented accordingly. Comparison of traditional houses and common houses today is done in three large, medium and small scales. The results indicate that form-oriented and functional design has led to neglect of social-conceptual organization of houses. It also shows that the role of pattern language of events (nature, feelings, behavior and emotion) as it could be seen in traditional houses, has been weakened in contemporary homes and space-behavior patterns of residence have been reduced to simplified space-activity patterns. According to the results, it is possible to strengthen the relationship between people and nature, effectively activate the senses of sight, smell, and touch at home, strengthen the dignity, diversity and flexibility of spaces and the possibility of cooperative interaction among family members and neighbors. It is also possible to strengthen the sense of attachment, self-esteem and memories of residents through recreation of spatial organization, various spaces and paying attention to detail of homes. Thus the language of behavioral-spatial patterns of house can be rehabilitated and the housing needs of people will be met and their residential motives will grow and evolve over time.