Salmasi House in Tabriz: A Cultural Analysis On the Base of Amos Rapoport's Viewpoints

This research attempts to study the Salmasi House –a house built in the Qajar period and its relation to the cultural context by assuming the house as a cultural expression. To this end، the theoretical framework of this research is based on Amos Rapoport’s environement behavior theories to develop a methodology for study of Persian Architecture. His three phase analytical method of dismantling، analysis and synthesizing is employed: first the notions of culture and environment are dismantled; then their relationships are analyzed; and finally، a synthesis of these elements leads to a generalized theory for a better understanding of the linkages between the house and its context. Three methods were used for data collection: preliminary studies on temporal and locational context of the house، interviews with older inhabitants of the house، and a formal study of the house. The findings of the research demonstrate how the physical form of the house adapts to the needs and cultural characteristics of its inhabitants. At last according to experience of doing this research، some restrictions and cautions recommended to be considered in study of precedent houses.