semiology1-s2.0-S1687404814000571-main

Son semiology appThe case study o

Mojtaba Parsaee a,*, M

a Univeb d Uni

R sed 5 J

KEYWORDS

Semiology; theory and method of semiology in linguistics. Hence, at rst the research investigates the concepts

method of semiology, they are redened in an architectural system based on an adaptive method.

Finally, the research offers a conceptual model which is called the semiology approach by consid-

and concepts. In this way and based on this approach, the residential architecture of the traditional

xts. The research

lyses.National R

Introduction

Space and place are among the most discussed conce

architecture. Particularly, these concepts were noticedin the modern architecture than it was in the past by arcand attempts have been made to present a new imageMoreover, the perception of fundamental concepts and basic

characteristics of these two elements would have been useful

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +98 917 115 6195.

E-mail addresses: [email protected] (M. Parsaee), uni.parva@

yahoo.com (M. Parva), [email protected] (B. Karimi).

Peer review under responsibility of Housing and Building National

Research Center.

Production and hosting by Elsevier

HBRC Journal (2014) xxx, xxxxxx

Housing and Building Na

HBRC J

http://ees.elseviof an architectural system. Besides, this approach has the capability to be used in

tainable development and also be a basis for deconstruction of architectural te

methods of this study are qualitative based on comparative and descriptive ana 2014 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Housing and BuildingPlease cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysis based on semiology approach in residential architecture, HBRC Journahttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001

1687-4048 2014 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Housing and Building National Research Center.esearch

Center.

pts in

morehitectsof it.city of Bushehr Iran was analyzed as a case of study and its concepts were extracted. The results of

this research demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in structure detection and identication

processes of sus-ering the architectural system as a system of signs. The approach can be used to decode the content

of meanings and forms and analyses of the architectural mechanism in order to obtain its meaningsArchitecture;

Bushehr

of space and place and explains their characteristics in architecture. Then, it reviews the semiology

theory and explores its concepts and ideas. After obtaining the principles of theory and also theSpace;

Place;

Abstract Space and place are among the fundamental concepts in architecture about which many

discussions have been held and the complexity and importance of these concepts were focused on.

This research has introduced an approach to better cognition of the architectural concepts based onShiraz Branch Islamic AzadBushehr Branch Islamic Aza

eceived 4 March 2014; reviconcepts analysis basedroach in residential architecturef traditional city of Bushehr, Iran

ohammad Parva a, Bagher Karimi b

rsity (Department of Art and Architecture), Shiraz, Iranversity (Department of Art and Architecture), Bushehr, Iran

uly 2014; accepted 23 July 2014pace and placetional Research Center

ournal

er.com/hbrcjl (2014),

Table 1 Space and place characteristics.

Space Place

Space can and should be perceived through the capabilities(potentially) of movement or lack of such capabilities and

how that movement took action, ow or stoppage [12]

Mere space has two features: Spatium and Extensio [3] Space is created by a specic set of natural and articial thingswhose architecture is involved in its creation [5]

Everything which has no space is not architecture. Every build-ing creates two spaces at the same time: interior space and exte-

rior space. Interior space is the essence and basis of architecture

[6]

Architectural space can be perceived objectively and feeldirectly and it can identify by its dening elements [4]

The relation between inside and outside, which is the rst aspectof objective space, shows that spaces have various levels of

Spaces obtain their pure existence from the place and not frommere space. Spaces, which we come across among them, have

been formed by the place. The purity of these places is hidden in

things like buildings [3]

If space gives the possibility of movement, place creates pause[8]

The Unity of gestalt, form and space are the characteristics ofplaces and where the living occurs [26]

The place does not need to be occupied or determined by a par-ticular object. Even the environmental conicts are enough to

determine a place [4]

The place can be considered as a result of the interaction ofthree components: human behavior, concepts and physical

characteristics [1]

2 M. Parsaee et al.in architectural processes and creating the architectural prod-ucts. In fact, if the purpose of architecture is creating a space

or a place for dwelling and living (as Heidegger and Nor-berg-Schulzhad said), then the questions are: what do spaceand place mean exactly? How could these concepts be created

in architecture? Nowadays, identity and sense of belonging areamong the fundamental issues in architecture and urban

extension and surrounding [10]

Giedion agreed that the architecture can be perceived by twomain aspects: organizing of space and built form [9]

Space can be identied by its limitation elements and its charac-ter followed by the condition and the order established among

these elements. These elements include: oor, ceiling, wall,

material and surface, openings [4]

In the phenomenology approach, space has distinctly denableelements which include: dialectic of inside and outside, central-

ity, surrounding, territory and range [1]design, especially in cities and regions with a historical back-

ground, it has become very important. These are such topicswhich have been related directly to space and place concepts,thus, highlighting the necessity of discussion about these con-cepts. There are a lot of different methods for recognizing and

analyzing these concepts in architecture. So, this article hasattempted to present an approach based on semiologyknowledge. Then, the capability of the semiology approach

in analyzing the concepts of space and place in architecturehas been investigated and its abilities and characteristics havebeen achieved.

Fig. 1 The components that creat

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001Space and place concepts in architecture

Although we use the word space very commonly in our daily

life, the concept of space is quite complicated and makes it dif-cult to dene [1]. However, attempts to offer a denition forspace are assigned to Plato and Aristotle [2]. Heidegger [3] did

Paolo Portoghesi did sometimes dene it as the system ofplaces [9]

The place is a combination of memory, sensory experiences andnarratives [7]

The place can be realized as the synthesis of space organizationand built form and its meaning is indicated by architectural lan-

guage or tradition [9]

The most important role among the factors which give charac-ter to a place is opposition to the environment. It means topol-

ogies, form, and material and color opposition [4]not consider space as something which stands in front of thehumans, rather than in his view, space is neither an externalnor an inner experience. Space is not something predeterminedand xed; In fact, it is the personal location which denes the

space [4]. Moreover, the perception of space is only possiblein the presence of the perceptible objects therefore space is therelation among objects [5]. Space, based on its English lexical

concepts, can be classied into three types of geographicalspace, living space and (interior or central) architectural space[4]. Bruno Zevi [6] considered space as the basis of architecture

which architecture obtains its characteristics based on it. Table 1presents the characteristics of space and place in architecture.

e the sense of place [11, p. 194].

based on semiology approach in residential architecture, HBRC Journal (2014),

wo

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Space and place concepts analysis in architecture 3Table 2 Semiology scholars point of view and theoretical frame

Philosopher Semiology perspective Theoretical fr

Charles Sanders

Peirce (18391914)

Semiology is a science thatstudies the objective and

The signsomethinWhile space is an open and abstract area, place is not con-sidered as a subjective and abstract concept [7], it rather is alocation or a part of space which obtains its particular identitythrough the factors inside it [4] and has a meaning and value.

subjective phenomena as it

appears in the face, mind

or consciousness [15]

Logic in its broad meaning[12]

The knowledge of all cul-tural phenomena studies

[16]

Ultimate and extensiveknowledge [16]

Trihedral na The sign is a

by coordinat

the object an

The inner-re

Every sign ho Sign

o Sign in re

o Sign as it

Three constisemiology tr

Ferdinand de

Saussure

(18571913)

A science studying signs incontext of social life and it

is the part of social psychol-

ogy and subset of general

psychology [12]

Linguistics is part of seis-mology and the language is

a system of signs expressing

the beliefs [16]

Semiology has limitations(unlike Peirce) and its uses

are only in the contractual

communication system [16]

The sign is lithe signied

The relation The signier

is meant by

Fiske by conthe Implicati

the external

The signs hain each time

The signierthere is no n

Charles W. Morris

(19011979)

The science which is placedamong the other science

and on the other hand is a

tool used by the other sci-

ence [15]

A tool to unite all science[15]

Three different aspects ofsemiology [15]:

o Syntax aspect

o Semantics aspect

o Pragmatic aspect

In each comve aspects:

Imperative/5

by the comb

The sign is aof the other

The text and The sign is a

(that is) base

Roland Barthes

(19151980)

Recognizing the semiologysystem through rules, princi-

ples and methods of linguis-

tics [15]

The semantic Implicationsystem cannot be recognized

without linguistics [15]

The Implicatsignied [30]

o Stage one

o Stage two

o Stage thr

implicit I

The explicit The explicit

sign and also

reality (gener

The implicitUmberto Eco (1932) The sign is a thing that is

based on social beliefs and

a group of humans have

accepted to use it as a sign

of something [15]

Anything which is replacedby another thing [32]

The generalo One is th

o The other

point is t

This denitiofurniture and

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001rk.

work

s something instead of

se for someone [15]Place is the base of a direct connection with the world and thehuman life spot and it means beyond the position and origin[7]. Therefore, it is full of meaning, physical reality and humanexperiences and is considered as the center of sensible value

ture of singes [17]

n act or effect which is made

ion between representation,

d its interpretation.

lation among them is called relations logic [15]

as three parts (see Fig. 2) [17]:

lation to its object

interpreted the object representation

tuents of a sign can be presented as a

iangle [27] (Fig. 3 [28])

ke two sides of coin in which one side is

(concept) and the other side is the signier (image) [29] (Fig. 4 [28])

between signier and signied is called Implication [30]

and signied are two sign components which

the sign and are not independent of it [31]

sidering the signied as a subjective thing believed that

on means the connection between the signied and

reality (referent) (Fig. 5) [30]

ve an optional nature which is meant by their usage

situation in the existing linguistic system [29]

and signied combination is basically optional and

atural and unavoidable relation between signier and signied [31]

munication action, signs have one of these

1. Identier/2. Determiner/3. Exponent/4.

. Forming or logical. Every predicate is made

ination of these elements [15]

sign just because it is recognized as the sign

thing by an interpreter

its effective forces are creating meaning together [15]

ccepted by the interpreter due to the contract

d on social beliefs and is pre-accepted [15]

ion stages which are dened in relation to the signier and

:

: explicit (Implication) meaning

: implicit (Implication) meaning

ee: myth (combination of explicit Implication and

mplication)

Implication is referring to objective concepts of a sign (the what) [32]

Implication represents the signier and signied relation in

the relation between the sign and its referent or external

al meaning or obvious meaning) [30]

is almost social, optional, unconscious and culture-specic [30]

role of semiology is establishing the two theories [15]:

e theory of codes that considers the semantic Implication

one is the theory of sign production that the main

he connection

n of semiology also includes our objective culture like buildings,

product [32]


[8]. Heidegger [3] discussed that the places make it possible fora space to exist hence be built, like a constructed place estab-

lishes and links the spaces. The mission of architecture is toactivate the potential content of environment by converting

somewhere to a place, thus the nal goal of architecture is cre-ating and also protecting a place [9]. Table 1 indicates the char-acteristics of a place from the point of view of some scholars.

In fact, place can be considered as the synthesis of space orga-nization and the built form, and Paolo Portoghesi dened it asthe system of places [9].

Identity and sense of place

Identity and sense of place or as Norberg-Schulz [10] said the

spirit of a place, are two of the topics which are highlyregarded in space issues. That means people need a sense ofidentity and belonging to a specic place or territory [11]. In

fact, identifying a place is a social phenomenon and its identityis a particular combination of social relations [8]. Place is like a

Table 3 Semiology categorization and points.

Philosopher Categorization and basic principals The points

Charles Sanders

Peirce

(1) Icon: based on the similarity among sign and object

[16] (the signs that are dependent to similar phe-

nomena, in relation to feeling) [15] for example,

the similarity between a picture and its owner

(2) Index: based on such internal or existence aspects,

such as meaning unity between object and sign

[16], for example smoke is the index of re

It has two types of indexical signs:i. It has a direct and physical relation to the object

(technically)

ii. It has no direct and physical relation to the

object but it still relates to object interpretation

(metaphorically)

(3) Symbols and public signs: the contract which

reveals the relation between the interpretant and

the object and the sign basis [16] (conventional-

based) [15] for example, put out the hat from head

as a sign of respect

The icon is based on the formal similarity between sig-nier and signied or sign basis and its interpretant [15]

The icon in the arts means the similarity between formand concepta (meaning)

Iconic signs are two types [15]:o Picture/Image (repeat the relation between object

components and elements

o Metaphor (creating a kind of parallel between objects

components and icon components)

The index depends on the cause and effect relationbetween the signier and signied [15]

The symbol is a sign in true meaning [15] The symbolic signs give notice about object apart from

any kind of formal similarity or the cause and effect

relation or deductive relation with the object [15]

The icon and index is the current relation of the signi-er and signied but the symbol is the out of time rela-

tion [15]

Charles W. Morris Categorizing the signs based on their specic func-tion [15]:

(1) Scientic

(2) Esthetics

(3) Technological

The artwork is a particular esthetics sign; it means anicon with its particular values [15]

The iconic signs are signs which are in any way sim-ilar to their objects [15]

David Crystal (1941) The signs can be categorized like this [33]:(1) Auditory verbal

(2) Visual

(3) Tactility

Categorizing the signs based on the human sensory sys-tem [33]

:

Fig. 2 Sign, object and interpreted relation [17, p. 23].

4 M. Parsaee et al.(4) Olfaction

(5) Gustatory

Functional Categorizing the signs in these types [16]

Semiologist (1) Natural indexes

(2) Icon

(3) Symbol

(4) Sign

Ferdinand de

Saussure

He regarded the symbolic aspect of signs by The true sign is a sign which is the relation The true sign is the main topic of semiology

and as secondary [31]

The symbol represents the natural relation ba The form in Pierce point of view means the internal relations betwee

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001 There is a relation of time and place between the signierand signied in natural signs and no contracts have

determined their relation [16]

There are no essential relations of time and place or anycontracts between the signier and signied in the icon

[16]

considering the contractual aspect of signs [16]

between its signier and signied is optional and contractual [31]

and the two other signs (icon and index) are considered particularly

etween the signier and signied [15]

n components of a structure [15].based on semiology approach in residential architecture, HBRC Journal (2014),

atic

and

Space and place concepts analysis in architecture 5Table 4 The Synchronic and Diachronic aspects/ The Syntagm

Meaning

Synchronic Studying the language system in specic situationsregardless of time [31]

A relation or contrast between two shapes thatthey put together at the same time [31]

Diachronic Studying the language revolution during time [31]container which contains events, through which, and also dur-ing the time, the important and essential common experiences

are created among people [11]. The structure of a place is not axed and eternal condition and usually places have been chan-ged [10]. The identity of a place is always dened and redened

due to the ongoing evolution throughout the history [8]. There-fore, every place should have the capacity to receive different

Replacing one shape with another shape [31]

Syntagmatic A unit adds with other units [16] Based on combination and increasing orders[16] The relation between the elements that can be puttogether in a sequence [31]

The different ways that connect the elements ina text [30]

Paradigmatic A unit replaced with another unit [16] Based on selection and succession [16] The contrasts between the elements which can bereplaced with each other [31]

Fig. 3 (A) The sign triangle based on Pierce theory [27, p. 83].

(B) The sign triangle offered by Pierce [28, pp. 2930].

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001and Paradigmatic relations.

Characteristics

The language is a shape not content and the value ofeach element is recognized by its place in the language

system [16]

In the synchronic study method, the complete languagesituation is studying in a specic time (usually in pres-

ent time) [15]

In the diachronic study method, a specic element oflanguage is studying in the successive layers of time [15]

Neither signier nor signied contains a fundamentalcore hence time cannot be affected [31]

The syntagmatic relations have been related to othersigniers, which are present in the text, in an inter-tex-

tual way [30]content however in specied levels [10]. Fig. 1 illustrates thecomponents that create the sense of place.

Semiology in architecture

Every building, as a part of an architectural culture, isappointed to visualize a mental image via its form [4]. Humans

live in space and change its components into some meaningfulsigns for themselves or add some other signs to it from theoutside; therefore, they have a continuous interactive relation

with space [12]. All objects and activities are like a text whichcontains a system of signs, which can be analyzed from a newoutlook [8]. Amos Rapoport stated place, time, meaning andrelation as four basic elements which form man-made

The paradigmatic relations have been related to othersigniers, which are absent in the text, in an outer-tex-

tual way [30]

The syntagmatic relations are created from elementswhich come successively in a linear way to produce a

message [16]

The paradigmatic relations are created from elementsthat can be replaced with elements of a message and

the message still remains [16]

In semiology, the syntagmatic relations are the mostimportant point in the set meaning determining factors

[16]

Fig. 4 Signifed and signier relation [28, pp. 1415].

Fig. 5 Sign, signied, signier and implication relation [30, p.

192].


Fig. 6 Left: the semiology triangle adopted from [13,27,33]. Right: the semiology triangle in architecture (designed by the authors).

6 M. Parsaee et al.environments[12]. Meaning is formed based on communica-

tional subscriptions [8] and the available divisions of meaningare either related to environment potential instrumental usesor emotional qualities received by an environment viewer or

user [13]. Architectural semiology has extensively utilized thelinguistic pattern in a way that it somehow has considered

Fig. 7 The analytical processes in the conc

Fig. 8 Tarmeh (Rashidi mansion), photo by authors. Left:

outside view/Right: inside view.

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001architecture as a language. The social-semiology approach is

an attempt to connect semiology to a particular contextthrough social processes [8]. Hence, in this research, house(as a residential architecture) is analyzed as a cultural phenom-

enon. The house form is not only the result of physical forcesor any other mere causal factors. It rather is the result of a setof socialcultural factors in large scale. So, it is the belief ofpeople about the utopian life which determines the form of a

house, and shape of spaces and their connections to a certainregion with equal facilities, limitations and capacities [14].

eptual model (designed by the authors).

Figure 9 Shenashir (Tabib mansion), photo by authors. Left:

outside view/Right: inside view.


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teri

Space and place concepts analysis in architecture 7Table 5 The analysis of architectural spatial organization.

Analyze Result

Spatial organization

The elements in the buildings Entrance, Corridor (or(see Fig. 9), Kitchen, R

Roof

Fig. 10 display of theseSpatial organization In most of the building

method. In some cases,

The spaces organizationthe privacy (extrovert d

Spaces sequence There is a semi-open sclosed-space

The space syntax is illuFunctional areas classication Services functions; such

ing in winter; were arra

The rst oor and the uPrivate and public zones The interior open-space

space (street) by a semi-

both the interior and exSemiology background

Semiology is a science which deals with the realization and anal-

ysis of signs and symbols in all forms and aspects. These aspectsinclude spoken or written language or non-linguistic forms suchas physiologic and biologic signs, semantic signs, value systems,

and all forms of motions, moods, conscious or unconscious [12].The recent semiology science is a young and new science whichis introduced in the early 19th century due to philosophersfocusing on it especially on linguists studies [15]. Semiology

method is also utilized for recognition of signicant perceptionof the communication mechanism. In philosophical and logicalbeliefs of ancient Greece and India, semiology is used as a

means to study the phenomenon [16]. The modern semiologyis the result of an evolution of traditional semiology whichhad Greek roots, and this evolution occurred in medieval times.

Consequently, this evolution approached the singes having ametaphysical basis to a human basis [12]. The recent semiology

The buildings entrance is odor. Only in a few cases the

buildings

Circulation system The connections between sparound a central courtyard

On the rst oor and the uBehavioral pattern Living was taking place on

that in the cold months mo

rst oor was used (see Fig

On the rst oor, there is aFig. 10)

The sitting room (the BeneFig. 10)

The Cuddy room (the Pastoclosets (see Fig. 10)

The Tarmeh is a place whicas a temporary seasonal sitt

The roof is used for sittinga In traditional architecture of the Bushehr, the Shenashir is a semi-ope

like a veranda that is made of railings and canopies made of wooden mab In some cases, the bathroom is placed besides the main building as a

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001tibule), Courtyard, Staircase, Room, Tarmeh (see Fig. 8), Shenashira

room, Bathroom,b, Water-storage, Pit place (Spring house), Store,

ents in one of the mansions (Rashidi mansion)

he spaces are organized around the central courtyard by a central

combination of central and linear organization is seen

ased on the maximum use of wind-ow in the spaces while preserving

ning with privacy preservation)

(like the Tarmeh or the Shenashir) between each open-space and

ted in Fig. 11

estroom, bathroom, kitchen and water-storage with the places for liv-

d on the ground oor (see Fig. 10)

r oors were used to live in summer (see Fig. 10)

he building (the central courtyard) is connected to the exterior open-

n space (the Shenashir). Thus, it resulted in privacy and enjoyment of

oris inuenced by the works of some scholars such as CharlesSanders Peirce, Ferdinand de Saussure, Levi Strauss, Jacques

Lacan, Michel Foucault and Roland Barthes [16]. Among thesetheories, the ones of Charles Sanders Pierce and Ferdinand deSaussure play key roles. Peirce used the expression Semiotics,

and Saussure invented Semiology. Umberto Eco suggestedusing Semiotics as signs science in natural sciences and semiol-ogy in the human sciences [15].

Semiology theories

Table 2 briey describes the point of view of some scholars and

theoretical framework concerning semiology. Among them,Pierce and Saussures theories are the fundamental and basicones. Pierces views have been effective in cultural studies,anthropology and also in history and review of art [17].

Moreover, Saussure involved semiology in anthropologyissues [12].

ften linked directly to the street from the courtyard through a corri-

re is a vestibule. The semi-public space has rarely been seen in these

aces on the rst and ground oor are linearly through the corridors

or linked to each other through the central courtyard

pper oors, the connections are made linearly through the Shenashir

the ground oor and rst oor (and other oors) seasonally. It means

st of the ground oor was used and in the warm months most of the

. 12)

room named Majlesi which is used as the guests reception room (see

shin room) is on the rst oor and used for family members (see

o room) is a room near the sitting room which has lots of niches and

h is opened at least on one side and sometimes has no roof. It is used

ing place or as a corridor and place for connecting several spaces [34]

and sleeping in summer nights

n and interfacing space between interior and exterior spaces and it is

terial [34].

separate building which is connected to each other.


Table 6 The analysis of architectural physical structure.

Analyze Result

Physical structure

Climatic features The climate is hot and humid on the sidelines of the Persian Gulf where rainfall is sparse and showery. It issultry in summer. The favorable wind-ow is from the north and the northwest and the other wind-ows

are unfavorable

Building conguration The buildings form is cubic and it was constructed on two oors or more The courtyard is a square and the spaces are organized around it The ground oor is a combination of the courtyard and the close-space and the upper oors are a com-

bination of the courtyard and the closed-space and the semi-open space. In some buildings, the last oor is

built in L and U forms (changes in oor) (see Fig. 13)

The buildings are located in such a way that it opens on two sides or even four sides in order to betterventilate them

Most of the buildings have the Shenashir on the outside and spaces inside and it is like a second shellaround the building that prevents it from intense radiation and the extreme heat of the sun

Ventilation and lighting The ventilation based on maximum use of favorable wind-ow is very essential. Thus, this wind-owstreams into the spaces through several openings in the exterior facades and then by using the openings

which are created in front of them and facing the central courtyard, the ow of wind through the space

and the cross-ventilation make this possible (see Fig. 10)

By using this type of ventilation, the central courtyard sucks up the wind-ow from the pass (alley orstreet) into the (interior) spaces. So, a natural cooling system is created

The central courtyard also leads the wind-ow into the building through the semi-open spaces (like theTarmeh)

The openings have the role of brightening the spaces, too. Therefore, the interior spaces are very brightand vivid because of several openings

The openings are located deep in the wall and have the canopy or the Shenashir in order to prevent theintense radiation and extreme heat of the sun

On the ground oor, a few openings are seen, more in heights and they are smaller than the upper ooropenings (about half the size)

Above each opening usually there is a rectangular mesh which is made of wood and colored glasses withdifferent decorative lattices (see Fig. 14)

Ornaments and details In interior spaces there are some kind of ornaments with plaster in the corner of the ceilings and also thereare some decorative wooden designs on it

The niches and meshes with colored glasses are the other ornaments in the rooms The doors are made of wood in combination with glass and with an arch above (called Khorshidi) which is

designed differently and is pretty using a combination of wood and colored glasses (see Fig. 15)

The entrance door of buildings has the most ornaments which are made of wood and metal. The doorshave two different types of Knobsa one of them is for men and the other one is for women. The other

components of the entrance door are: the lock, the studs, wooden ornaments and an aperture above

the door for ventilation and lighting (see Fig. 16)

The wooden shutters are made with some angled blade that leads the wind-ow through it and also con-trols the outer views and interior spaces

There are replaces in some buildingsProportions and scale The height of oors and the entire building had been considered due to climatic issues and reduction of

heat and humidity (the pure height of oors is about 4 m or more)

The central courtyard is usually like a square in proportion (the length and the width are equal) and inmost of the cases, its height being more than its length and width. The courtyard is like a ventilator

for the spaces around itself and it creates a shadow and reduces heat with these proportions

The width of the interior spaces is less than their length (most of the spaces have the ratio of (width tolength) 12 up to 13) and the highest of them are more than its width (the ratio of about 34 up to

35, see Fig. 12)

Material and color Materials which are used in buildings are: local stone (called Gassar stone), lime mortar, wood and mat tocover the oor (wood with a circular cross section, which is called Chandal, have the role of carrier beams,

wooden lumbers that were used to connect these beams and to create the surface for oor covering), plas-

ter to cover the inner surfaces, wood for doors and windows and railings and canopies (see Fig. 17)

The buildings are covered with a grayish-white coating for the wooden elements such as Shenashir, can-opy, railings, doors and windows with colored glasses are distinguishing features of facades

Non-visual qualities The rainwater was gathered in a water-storage pit through the gutters and then it was used The interior spaces are bright and vivid due to good lighting and colored glasses The roof was used for sitting and sleeping in hot summer nights Bathrooms were placed inside the buildings and the public bathrooms were not needed any more

a It is some kind of handhold which is used to knock the door.

8 M. Parsaee et al.

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysis based on semiology approach in residential architecture, HBRC Journal (2014),http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001

Space and place concepts analysis in architecture 9Categorization and fundamental principles of Semiology

Based on the theoretical frameworks as is described in the pre-

vious table, scholars have offered different categorization andexpressions regarding semiology. These denitions and catego-rizations have some different points and also some points incommon that result from each scholars theoretical principle.

Fig. 10 Rashidi mansion plans (from Bushehr Province Administra

conditions of buildings and some of the changes which had occurred.

Fig. 11 The space syntax (designed by the authors). (A)

Accessibility pattern on the ground oor (winter occupancy). (B)

Accessibility pattern on the rst oor (summer occupancy).

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001Generally, these categorizations and principles are illustratedin Table 3.

The synchronic and diachronic aspects/the syntagmatic and

paradigmatic relations

The synchronic and diachronic aspects and also the syntag-matic and paradigmatic relations are the concepts that Saus-

tion of Cultural Heritage archives). These plans show the presentsure analyzed in the eld of signs and language system.

Saussure believed the synchronic and diachronic aspects as aresult of an optional nature of signs. The syntagmatic and par-adigmatic relations include the relations between elements of asign system. Table 4 presents the characteristics of these

concepts.Therefore, it can be said that the syntagmatic and paradig-

matic relations provide us the possibility of creating different

combinations and different meanings in various situations.Moreover, these various formed structures and systems canbe analyzed based on the synchronic and diachronic aspects

[15], although, it is important to note that the syntagmaticand paradigmatic relations are placed on the synchronicaspects of a system. Hence, every sign system should be

detected in a specic period of time (the synchronic aspects),not as an historical continuity (the diachronic aspects). It isbecause recognizing the complementary and historical rela-tions is not an efcient parameter to describe a system [16].

The conceptual model of semiology approach in architecture

According to what has been said previously, by considering

architecture as a language that is created by a system of signs[8], the semiology triangle for this system can be illustrated asgiven below (Fig. 6).


Bo

10 M. Parsaee et al.Fig. 12 Behavirol pattern and proportions inIn this triangle, the architectural mechanism includes a spa-tial organization and a physical body. Moreover, the social

cultural background studies the social and cultural parametersof people who apply that architecture. As a matter of fact,based on the conceptual model of semiology approach, at rst

the architectural mechanism is analyzed from two points:rstly spatial organization, and secondly physical structure,in order to gather basic data regarding its mechanism. After

that, the socialcultural background of the users of this archi-tecture is investigated in order to understand their beliefs andideas in their lives. Since, every society with any governmentalsystem and ideology has its own particular beliefs and ideas,

architecture as a part of culture is appointed to objectify theseabstract ideas [4]. Fig. 7 describes these analyzing processes.Finally, by comparative and descriptive investigations among

the architectural mechanism analysis and socialcultural back-ground analysis, it can be gured out how the architecturalsystem can demonstrate the beliefs of the people in its architec-

tural structure as a meaning and image.These points should be taken into account in the presented

model:

1. According to the synchronic and diachronic aspects ofsemiology, the investigation of an architectural systemis carried out in a specic period of time. It is because

Fig. 13 Changes in form (Golshan mansion), photo by authors.

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001ushehr traditional mansion (Rashidi mansion).the meanings and images are different among individuals

and groups [13]. Thus, this is the result of culturalsocialchanges which have occurred through time.

2. As it was mentioned in Table 2 regarding sign it can also

be said that the relation between the architectural mech-anism and the meanings has an optional and contractualnature. Furthermore, there is no natural and inevitablerelation between them.

3. In order to analyze the spatial organization in thismodel, the Space Syntax method can be used; based onthe justied graph.1 This method is close to the syntag-

matic relations in semiology. So it is appropriate forstudying the socialcultural relations in space [18].

Fig. 14 Rectangular mesh which is made of wood and colored

glasses (Raee mansion), photo by authors.

1 This method is extracted from Steadman, Bill Hillier & Julian

Hanson work [18]


Space and place concepts analysis in architecture 114. According to this approach, it is possible to recognizethe elements and concepts of the architectural system.Afterward, the new and creative combinations and struc-

tures can be created from these elements and conceptsbased on utilizing the syntagmatic relations. Indeed, thisapproach is a way to structure-detection and deconstruc-tion the architecture as a text.

Fig. 15 One type of door and different type of ornaments on it

(Raee mansion), photo by authors.

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001Fig. 16 Entrance door (Taheri mansion), photo by authors.5. The research method utilized in this approach is a qual-itative type and it is also based on comparative anddescriptive analyses of eld observation, library data,

and valid documents.

Analysis of the architectural mechanism in case study

In conducting the research analyses, at rst, general terms andconditions of the target area (traditional area of Bushehr city)

were studied. These studies include the climatic-geographicalfeatures and the general structure of the area. Then, 9 residen-tial buildings have been selected from this area to be studied.

The selected buildings are: Raaee, Rashidi, Golshan, Kaman-di, Amiriye, Azin, Tabib, Irani, and Nozari mansions, to bestudied. After that, the architectural mechanism applied in

these buildings was analyzed and the results are illustrated inTables 5 and 6. (The analysis method is based on the methodof a research done by Ghaffari et al. [19].)

Analysis of case studies socialcultural background

In the next phase, socialcultural background of these build-ings was investigated and the data which was collected from

eld observations and library information were used. Based

Fig. 17 Structural detail and material (Azin mansion), photo by

authors.


e au

le.

ra,

rs a

12 M. Parsaee et al.Fig. 18 The socialcultural structure of Bushehr (designed by th

Table 7 The socialcultural characteristics of the Bushehr peop

The socialcultural characteristics of the Bushehr people

Based on religious content (especially Islam)

Religious and traditional ceremonies and rituals (like Norooz, Ashou

Most of the people are businessmen or sailors

Businessmen are the upper level of the society (rich people) and sailo

Hospitable and friendly people

The ethnic and family living

Dynamic and lively society

Flexible (capable to interact)/acculturation

Extrovert but with specied personal territory and privacyon these studies, the history of the Bushehr city is back to theElamites period [20] but the current city was prospered at the

time of King Nadir Shah [21]. Due to the special geographicaland strategic situation of this city near the Persian Gulf, it wasone of the important cities of Iran until the early 19th century

and it was heeded by different foreign countries like Britain,Netherlands, France, Portugal and Russia. Therefore, this cityprospered and developed more during the Qajar era and most

of the European countries had embassies or commercial andpolitical agencies there [22]. These political and economicinteractions between people of Bushehr and those of other cit-ies have signicantly impacted their culture and tradition.

Hence, they imported wood from India in order to constructtheir buildings. Moreover, modern movement started fromnorth and south of Iran [23] so Bushehr is one of the cities

from which the rst steps of modernism and modernityemerged. Thus, the architecture and culture of the city wereimpressed by this movement, so some new and different things

and behaviors appeared [24].People speak an accented Persian in Bushehr but there are

some English and French loan words in their spoken Persianwhich have been naturalized [20]. People of Bushehr are mostly

Muslim, but due to the presence of European nations in thepast, some Christians and the Jewish people also lived there[25]. In fact, culture and beliefs of people are mainly inuenced

by Islamic teachings and beliefs, however, they have been

Particular and unique cultural characteristics

An interconnected complex of ethnic and tribal micro-cultures and in th

Western cultures

High social relations (inner-systemic and outer-systemic)

Separation among men and women

Simple, satised and happy people

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001thors).

etc.)

re the middle and low levels of the societyadapted to communicate and interact perfectly with other reli-gious views. Thus, a kind of open and exible culture, based on

Islamic beliefs emerged in this city. In other words, theseblended their cultural identity with the foreign cultures theyfaced and they formed a native and particular culture through

this kind of interaction. Therefore, the Islamic beliefs in theirculture had some signicant differences from those of other cit-ies of Iran or even the neighboring cities. This was even

observed in their buildings architecture.On the other hand, the traditional city of Bushehr (central

core) is formed by four districts which are called: Behbahani,Shanbodi, Kooti and Dehdashti [20]. Each of these districts

has its own special mosque, square, school, bathhouse andwater-storage building. People of each district had a sense ofbelonging and afliation to their district and they would react

to the issues which were related to them, in such a way thatduring different rituals and ceremonies no one from one dis-trict would participate in the ceremonies of a mosque that

belonged to another district. Although every district had itsspecied territory known to the people who lived there, the citywas united in total and the districts could not be simply sepa-rated from each other. Moreover, although people in every dis-

trict had different ethnicities (Lor, Kazerooni, Arab, etc.) [25]they achieved a peaceful coexistence with each other. Gradu-ally, these subcultures lead to interact with each other and con-

sequently the united culture of the city was formed.

e entire scale is interconnected by Islamic beliefs and Arabic and


r tra

gs

Space and place concepts analysis in architecture 13Table 8 Signs analysis in residential architecture of the Busheh

Signier (sign

vehicle,

architectural

mechanism)

Signied (meanin

images)On the other hand, it shows the cultural formation of thepeople of Bushehr and it emphasizes on exibility and impress-

ible aspects of these peoples culture yet saves their own identity.It can be said that the culture of people of Bushehr is a kind ofinner-systemic (subcultures of four districts) and outer-systemic

Central courtyard Physical comfort

Tarmeh Physical comfort/So

relations

Entrance door

Knob (handhold)

Privacy

Arched shaped

door and window

Esthetics

Opening

proportions

Esthetics and physic

Shenashir Physical comfort

Floors protrusion

(console)

Pure and perfect geo

Meshes and

colored glasses

esthetics and natura

Railings and

canopy

Privacy/Physical com

Wood Technical and geogr

issues

Grayish-white

color in facades

Technical and clima

Several openings

in interior spaces

Physical comfort/Int

transparency and lig

Symmetry and

rhythm in the

facade

Esthetics and geome

principals

Exterior facades Climatic issues/Visua

connection

Less ornaments in

facades and

interior spaces

Simplicity and avoid

ornaments

Roof Optimization and Ph

comfort/Social relati

(climatic and social

sustainability

Water-storage

(gathering and

storing rain

water)

Optimization and ec

Bathroom (in the

house)

Physical comfort/Pri

Material Technical and econo

(sustainable develop

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001ditional city.

and Referent (external reality, socialcultural

background)(Islamic culture, Western culture and Arab culture) culturalinteraction (Fig. 18). People of Bushehr have good public rela-

tionships with each other and also with other ethnicities. One oftheir characteristics which is obviously seen and one of their dis-tinguishing characteristics is gathering and talking together.

A solution to deal with harsh climatic conditions

cial Adapting to climatic condition

Interaction and communication with each other

(like a sitting room place)

Attention to gender and Creation of privacy

between men and women

Creating beauty and considering technical issues

al comfort Creating favorable conditions for better ventilation

of interior spaces

Considering esthetic issues

Making shadows and favorable living conditions

metry Rectifying the erratic geometry of space/emphasize

on perfection and purity

l lighting Emphasize on beauty and lively color/vibrancy and

vitality of people and society/living simply

fort Provide favorable conditions for living

Respecting the privacy and condentiality of

private life and public life

aphical Importing wood from India and using it for

constructing a building due to the limitations of

local materials and land-based communications

with neighboring towns

tic issues The color produced from building materials

without any extra ornaments/reducing the heat

absorption by buildings

ernal

hting

Natural ventilation of interior spaces and creating

better living spaces

Open and exible culture (extroversion and capable

to interact)

try Considering the geometry rules and esthetic

principles

l The eects of using natural ventilation

Make vision and connect to the natural

environment and building surrounding the

environment

ing Living simply/acculturation/economical and

avoiding wasting of money and energy

ysical

ons

Use of good air in warm nights of summer/the

optimum use of roof space/family and

neighborhood soiree and gatherings

onomics Maximum use of natural condition/energy saving/

using the blessings of God (according to Islamic

beliefs)

vacy Use the bathroom inside the house for convenience,

comfort and cleanliness in life/importance of

privacy

mic issues

ment)

Maximum use of local materials/economic/energy

and investment optimization


This feature is even seen among Bushehri natives, so that oldmen and women often sit by their house door and speak with

one another. In the past, they would gather on the roof of theirhouses at summer nights in order to use the cool weather and

spend a soiree there. Table 7 explains the socialcultural charac-teristics of the Bushehr people.

The results of case study analysis

Now, based on analyses of architectural mechanism andsocialcultural background, the signs can be analyzed in archi-

tecture to evaluate the effectiveness level of the proposedmodel of semiology approach in architecture regarding thecase studies. Therefore, the sign in the residential architecture

of the traditional city of Bushehr can be described as follows(Table 8).

Regarding Table 8, the fundamental concepts which form

space and place in residential architecture of the traditionalBushehr city can be recognized. These concepts are the resultof climatic and socialcultural demands of the city that

emerged in the architecture in different forms and it was codedbased on the semiology elements of the architectural system. Infact, Table 8 shows the relation between an architectural mech-anism (signier), meaning (signied) and socialcultural back-

ground (referent). This is the result of using a semiologytriangle based on the semiology approach in architecture.The Fundamental concepts that are presented in the residential

architecture of this city can be stated as follows (Table 9).Now, the space and place concepts have been understood

better in the residential architecture of the traditional Bushehr

Table 9 The fundamental concepts in residential architecture

of the traditional Bushehr city.

The fundamental concepts in residential architecture of the

traditional Bushehr city

Physical comfort

Visual connection to the surrounding environment

Social relation and interaction

Simplicity and avoiding ornaments

Attention to privacy

Optimum use of space

Climatic and cultural sustainability

Eciency and maximum use of climate

Economics and optimization

Transparency and brightness of interior spaces

Attention to spaces color and lighting

Flexibility

Inner-systemic and outer-systemic interactions

Considering the esthetic principles

Pure geometry and proportions

Attention to technical issues

14 M. Parsaee et al.Fig. 19 The conceptual model of semiology approach in architectur

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001e (designed by the authors).based on semiology approach in residential architecture, HBRC Journal (2014),

[12] N. Fakouhi, Urban Anthropology, Ney Publications, Tehran,

usi

Space and place concepts analysis in architecture 15conceptual model of the semiology approach in architecture.This approach, by considering the architectural system as asystem of signs, attempts to encode them. Accordingly, by

encoding a code, the meaning content and the formal contentcan be perceived. Then, regarding this fact that the relationsbetween signier and signied (form and meaning) is optional

and contractual, the formal content can be changed by main-taining the meaning content (Fig. 20). In subsequent phasesof the current research, 9 residential buildings which belongcity by achieving these results and perceptions. This can beuseful in the residential architectural design of that city. It

should be noted that, as mentioned below, form and shapecan change in the architectural system and the relationbetween these two concepts and their architectural mechanismhas both an optional and contractual nature. Therefore, differ-

ent forms and shapes which include and show those concepts,could be created.

Conclusion

According to conducted studies and analyses, current researchintroduces an effective method for perceiving and recognizing

the architectural concepts, especially space and place concepts.This method, which is named the semiology approach, resultedfrom using the theory and method of semiology in linguistics.

Using this approach will be very efcient and successful, espe-cially in sustainable development processes and also designingofenvironments with a historical value. Based on this

approach, the concepts of space and place can be analyzedand discerned how they emerged in different architectural sys-tems. Moreover, it can be used as a method to reach the con-cept of identity and sense of place. Fig. 19 illustrates the

Fig. 20 Left: the process of sign creation. Right: the process of

(designed by the authors).to traditional context of the Bushehr city (Iran) have been ana-lyzed as the case studies based on this approach and its funda-mental concepts are achieved. The research resultsdemonstrate that this is an efcient and successful approach

to detect and identify an architectural system and also todeconstruct in architectural text. This issue has been very help-ful and useful in recent architectural theories and discussions

which seek the text deconstruction and also tend to a sustain-able development.

Conict of interest

None.

Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001Acknowledgment

This article has been extracted from the master degree thesis

that is done in Islamic Azad University of Iran (ShirazBranch).

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16 M. Parsaee et al.Please cite this article in press as: M. Parsaee et al., Space and place concepts analysishttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.07.001based on semiology approach in residential architecture, HBRC Journal (2014),

Space and place concepts analysis based on semiology approach in residential architectureIntroductionSpace and place concepts in architectureIdentity and sense of placeSemiology in architectureSemiology backgroundSemiology theoriesCategorization and fundamental principles of SemiologyThe synchronic and diachronic aspects/the syntagmatic and paradigmatic relationsThe conceptual model of semiology approach in architectureAnalysis of the architectural mechanism in case studyAnalysis of case studies socialcultural backgroundThe results of case study analysisConclusionConflict of interestAcknowledgmentReferences

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semiology1-s2.0-S1687404814000571-main