Semantic Reading of Qajar-Era Residential Architecture in Kermanshah and Its Application in Contemporary Housing Design

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to conduct a semantic reading of Qajar-era residential architecture in the city of Kermanshah and to utilize its findings for enriching contemporary housing design. Adopting a qualitative, interpretive, and phenomenological approach, seven representative Qajar houses were analyzed through in-depth case studies, selected based on criteria such as historical authenticity, structural preservation, and field accessibility. Data were collected through direct field observations to record spatial, lighting, acoustic, and material qualities; semi-structured interviews with 15 participants (residents, owners, local architects, and cultural heritage experts) to explore lived experiences; analysis of historical documents and verified archival maps; and visual interpretation of images and architectural drawings. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis within a four-level theoretical framework: (1) the physical-structural level (focused on spatial organization, geometry, and hierarchy); (2) the semiotic-cultural level (examining symbols, rituals, and behavioral codes); (3) the lived experience level (exploring everyday interactions, collective memory, and cultural continuity); and (4) the perceptual-aesthetic level (evaluating multisensory elements such as light, color, texture, and sound). This framework, developed through the integration of architectural anthropology concepts (Rapoport, 2009), sensory phenomenology (Pallasmaa, 2013), and Iranian architectural theories (Haeri & Soltanzadeh, 2009), provides a comprehensive interpretive perspective. Findings indicate that Qajar houses in Kermanshah transcend mere physical structures and embody a complex semantic system manifested through spatial codes, rituals, behaviors, and sensory-collective experiences of the inhabitants. At the physical level, introverted spatial patterns with central courtyards and indirect corridors ensure privacy and climatic adaptability. Semiologically, elements such as orsi (stained-glass windows) and ornamental details serve as cultural symbols that enhance the sense of belonging and security. Lived experiences transform spaces into repositories of collective memory, while sensory perception—through the interplay of light and sound—imparts a spiritual quality to the environment. Based on this analysis, a conceptual model for contemporary housing design is proposed, emphasizing the continuity of spatial order, cultural codes, sensory experience, and aesthetic quality, while reinterpreting traditional elements through modern materials and sustainable technologies. This research reinforces the semantic approach in Iranian architecture and provides a foundation for rethinking design grounded in local values. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that the semantic reinterpretation of traditional heritage can contribute to the creation of sustainable and identity-rich housing. It is recommended that future studies extend this framework to other regions.