Generalization rate of Christopher Alexander's living Structure theory Case Study: Charbagh and Isfahan Gardens

Based on the idea of order nature, Alexander1 regards all the phenomena of universe in living structures and nonliving structures and takes the patterns of living structures in terms of total whole and strong centers. This theory is formed as 15 interrelated characters of strong centers2. Regarding the opinions of Persian garden researchers, Persian garden is a cultural phenomenon interwoven with different natural elements and artifacts based on geometrical sets. The attention to the recognition of total whole and explanation of strong centers can bring about a new look at Persian garden. The question of the research is extent of generality of Alexander`s theory in Chaharbagh and selected gardens in Isfahan studied in analytic method with quality approach. The results of the research show that the features of living structures such as level of scale, strong centers, boundaries, alternating repetition, and etc. are adaptable with selected gardens of Isfahan relatively but their roles are not the same while Level of scale, strong centers, positive space, alternating repetition, echoes, boundaries and good shape play greater role in creating life. Chaharbagh is of greater life as a public space and the role of strong centers, contrast, inseparability and heterogeneity is seen to be greater.