Symbiosis of Inside and Outside in Architecture of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Statement of Problem: Architecture can be defined as the art and practice of providing a balance between inside and outside spaces. It is thus possible to explore the traditional architecture as a treasure of knowledge and experience of the predecessors from a new perspective. It is assumed that the symbiosis of the inside and outside has changed in the Isfahan-i architecture as a heritage of the Safavid period, a major period of Iranian architecture. The present paper mainly aimed at the spatial and physical analysis of special buildings of the Naqsh-e-Jahan Square in terms of status, factors, the inside-outside symbiosis, and the role of each in the development of urban identity and the architecture of this historic complex.
This is a descriptive-analytical study through library and field research with the aim of developing the architectural thinking and design. The results of the study indicate that the relative preference for urban spaces and landscape over the particular characteristic of each building. Nevertheless, there is a balance between inside and outside with the relative importance of inside in each building. The increasing importance of urbanism, urban development, and focus on urban complexes instead of single buildings as the product of an architect’s creativity during the Safavid period are all examples of the special attention to the "outside", which can be attributed to the display of government power and competition in the Islamic world. The integration of the bazaar with public buildings in a new form and the combination of columned porches and monuments in large dimensions and multi stories are both among the innovations of Isfahan-i style, resulting from a change in the attitude towards the inside-outside relationship in architecture. In addition, the significant role of entrance in terms of both meaning and function in this period can be considered as an emphasis on the display of boundaries and hierarchy in architecture. The most important element of the interactive region and transition area where the inside and outside are intertwined.