The Common Aspect of Spatial Arrangement in Traditional Houses of Moderate and Humid Climate: A Comparative Analysis of Spatial Organization in Extroverted and Introverted Houses

Abstract

The traditional architecture of Iran's temperate and humid regions, particularly in the northern areas, embodies an intelligent interplay between humans, nature, and culture. The diversity of spatial patterns in traditional houses of Iran's north—ranging from absolute introversion to purposeful extroversion—demonstrates the remarkable capacity of vernacular architecture to balance privacy and interaction with nature. This study focuses on introverted and extroverted patterns in the houses of this region, seeking to uncover the secrets of their sustainability and adaptability in responding to environmental and social needs. It analyzes these intelligent spatial arrangements, aiming to examine the differences in conceptual and functional approaches between introverted and extroverted designs in adapting to climatic and cultural conditions. While numerous studies have explored Iran's traditional architecture, few have specifically examined the contrast between introverted and extroverted patterns in the humid and temperate regions. This research investigates privacy-related spatial arrangements in conventional houses, analyzing physical patterns that integrate private spaces with open and communal areas. Key indicators such as depth, connectivity, integration, and isovist in buildings will be examined. The study reveals that the placement and dimensions of open spaces significantly influence spatial privacy. In addition, the geometry and position of courtyards relative to the building play an important role in visibility. Courtyards with irregular geometries located in the central, rear or side sections minimize the view from the entrance to different parts of the house. In addition, increasing the depth and connectivity of open spaces in traditional houses increases privacy. The findings show that introverted houses emphasize privacy and protection from humidity. In contrast, extroverted houses use natural ventilation and visual connections to nature and provide intelligent responses to the climate and culture of the region. The integration of these two patterns in contemporary architecture can provide innovative solutions for sustainable housing design. The novelty of this research lies in the systematic comparison of introverted and extroverted architecture in a humid temperate climate.