Phenomenological Explanation of Water Behavior in the Formation of Birjand Horticultural System Using Qualitative Models

Throughout history, architects have always invited water into buildings. The element of water has entered into the construction of the building so that it cannot be separated from architecture in practice, and without it, the spaces will look lifeless and dry. This lofty meaning needs to be honored, manifested, and reflected in our culture and architecture today to remove the dust of antiquity and to belong to the past from its face; But achieving it requires reflection and research. In addition, due to the lack of water in Iran and especially in Birjand, it is necessary to pay special and artistic attention to this vital element and introduce its value to everyone more than before. The purpose of this study is to explain the behavior of water in the formation of the Birjand horticultural system using a qualitative method and with a phenomenological approach and answer these questions: Has water been important in the view of architects in the Birjand horticultural system? Can water, in terms of process, functional and environmental dimensions, make the audience rise and enjoy the horticultural system? For this purpose, the required data by purposeful sampling and in-depth interviews with five experts and skilled people in the field of research (architecture and cultural heritage) who have more than 15 years of experience in the Birjand horticultural system was collected. To determine the reliability of the questionnaires, a pre-test was performed. The Cronbach's alpha value for the water behavior questionnaire was 0.82, and the horticulture system questionnaire was 0.86, which indicates the reliability of the questionnaires. Then data analysis was performed using Maxqda software. The results of data analysis showed (P <0.05) that not only water is important in the view of architects in the Birjand horticultural system but water in terms of process, functional and environmental dimensions can lead to the audience's psychological enjoyment of the horticultural system. According to the obtained results, it is suggested that the traditional system of water supply and circulation in historical gardens be preserved, water functions in the garden be restored, including the agricultural landscape, and now that the agricultural landscape is not as important as it used to be, try to find water for its original functions in the gardens.