Visual and Structural Features of Sash Windows in Masouleh Historical City

Sash windows are windows where the glazed panels are opened by sliding vertically with colored glasses that can pass sunlight with different colors in proportion to the hours and intensity of radiation. Masouleh historical city is one of the areas with the most remarkable sash windows in its architecture. In this research, it is tried to categorize various types of sash windows in Masouleh historical city. It is also tried to analyze and evaluate the visual, structural, functional and light features of sash window. The present research has used field method and descriptive-analytic studies to achieve these goals. The results of the research indicate that sash windows in Masouleh can be categorized in 6 different types of diverse sash windows, such as non-porous market sash windows, double glazed one-Daraki sash windows, two-Daraki sash windows, three-Daraki sash windows, four-Daraki sash windows, and five-Daraki sash windows. Also, by reviewing and analyzing the visual and structural features of Masouleh's sash window, the main reasons for the appearance of different types of sash windows are as follows: creating more human dimensions in the dimensions of the openings, creating a suitable covering (Hijab) for users in the interior, creating visual visibility proportional to user-friendly conditions (Animating), increasing physical protection from older users and children, reducing energy consumption, as well as weight reduction in buildings in order to reduce vulnerability to earthquakes.