Factors Affecting the Expression of Aesthetic Sense of Rural Settlements in Sistan Region

Traditional architecture in Sistan area is affected by natural cycles in the construction of rural settlements. Physical environment of rural settlements is a source to understand the organization of houses and farm lands and street network within village that added to the beauty of rural settlements. Rural vernacular architecture in Sistan has formed according to climatic, cultural and livelihood factors, while respecting the nature. However, given that in recent years, patterns of rural settlements had been affected by socio-economic influences of urban areas. The imitation of urban styles and tastes in rural architecture has resulted in traditional beauties of villages being abandoned and changed. Therefore, it is necessary that we reflect on the hidden values in the beauties of rural settlements.
This study is descriptive and relies on field survey. The required information was collected through literature review and field study. The sample areas consisted of 15 villages from 5 counties, selected according to the opinion of experts on traditional architecture. Using Cochran formula, the sample size was calculated 310 people. The data was collected in terms of natural, physical, economic and society dimensions through questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using FAHP and GRA software.
Applying fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) approach show that among the above-mentioned four dimensions, physical factor was given first rank with the impact of 0.59 percent and society-cultural with the impact of 0.29 percent was given second rank. Also, economic and natural dimensions were given third and fourth ranks with the impact of 0.07 and 0.05 percent respectively.
This finding show that the physical factor was given the highest rank because of the architecture and fabric of the villages, in addition to their visual harmony in the vernacular architecture, its scale and spatial arrangements. Furthermore, the construction of rural settlements is often compatible with its context resulted from the utilization of local materials. The second factor that influences the aesthetics of rural settlements is socio-cultural factor. Rural houses play a significant role as safe haven for families, which raises the need for a special attention to the architecture of private rural housing.