Analyzing the Role of Intermediate Spaces in the Spatial Legibility of Traditional Iranian Houses with an Emphasis on Vitality Using Space Syntax Method Case Study: Borujerdi House, Kashan

Abstract

With the decline of these spaces in contemporary housing, structural legibility and related environmental qualities have diminished. This paper aims to quantitatively explain the role of intermediate spaces in shaping spatial legibility and their impact on the potential for vibrancy in traditional Iranian architecture. The main research question is how the elimination of intermediate spaces weakens legibility and vibrancy by affecting spatial configuration. To address this question, the Space Syntax method and Depthmap software were employed to analyze the Borujerdi House in Kashan under two conditions: with and without intermediate spaces. Findings revealed a significant decline in key indicators following the removal of these spaces: the mean Integration dropped from 7.19 to 2.42, while the Mean Depth increased from 0.237 to 0.435. More importantly, the correlation coefficient between Connectivity and Integration (R²), representing spatial legibility, decreased from 0.906 (highly legible) to 0.582 (moderately legible). The results confirm that intermediate spaces, by significantly enhancing structural legibility, contribute to spatial intelligibility and strengthen key components of vibrancy through improved accessibility and visual control. These findings highlight the need to revitalize the organizational logic of such spaces in contemporary architecture.