Typology of Open and Semi-Open Spaces in Vernacular Housing in Western Kurdistan: Evaluating the Efficiency of these Spaces with an Emphasis on Environmental Quality Factors

The traditional spaces of the vernacular houses have been neglected in architectural and urban designs due to globalization policies and modernizing urban models, so it is necessary to review and classify their efficiency again in the reconstruction and the design of new villages to strengthen the vernacular identity of villages and to consider it in their physical development. The main objective of this research is to identify and introduce the most efficient open and semi-open spaces used in rural villages in the western region of Kurdistan province based on environmental quality indicators to inspire designers in designing vernacular rural housing in these areas. An archival method was applied for collecting data in the theoretical part of the research, and by using a descriptive-analytical method the data was analyzed. To categorize the cases purposefully, among 290 western villages in Kurdistan province, 20% of 100 regionally homogeneous villages (20 villages) with historical and valuable texture were selected for the investigation. The data is analyzed with analytic hierarchy process (AHP), verbal judgment and consensus of 16 experts who were purposefully selected. The results of the study show that open-air spaces were divided into five groups of open-loop openings along the length of the building, low length along the length of the building and a large depth, two open-ended faces, two open faces with an elongation along the structure (low depth) and three open points. Two open-ended faces were popular among most of the villagers due to favorable climatic conditions and appropriate environment suitable for social interactions, visual visibility and landscape beauty. The Barban semi-open space was also more efficient than other types of open-air balconies as it improves security, visual visibility, spatial development, climatic comfort, and provides space for social interactions.