Transition period, spatial hierarchy, house entrance, Qajar architecture, Pahlavi architecture, privacy

The period spanning middle of Qajar era to the first decade of Pahlavi is a part of Iran contemporary architecture which is influenced by inevitable alterations caused by modernity. Modern forms and figures have gradually changed spatial hierarchy of houses and their structure and consequently have led to a combinational style. A brief survey of spaces and chief elements of traditional houses of Sanandaj demonstrates these changes quite well. This paper tries to shed light on the prevalent style of spatial hierarchy of house entrances in transitional time period from tradition to modernity in Sanandaj. This research has been conducted using a theoretical approach and by a historical-interpretational method. In theoretical part, a qualitative approach is adopted and considering the literature history, effective factors on spatial quality evaluations are analyzed. The practical part of the research is carried out in two phases and by taking case studies under account. In this viewpoint, the theoretical part is firstly a brief appraisal of the architecture of the historical eras of Qajar and Pahlavi, evolution criteria and social revolutions of those periods as well. Moreover, assessment of houses based on historical periods has been done utilizing field studies, local survey, photography, house plan depicting and existing documents and plots. Secondly, based on acquired field and librarian information, all qualified houses for this research are compared and analyzed to attain a comprehensive understanding of their entrance spatial hierarchy. Findings of the research indicate that there has been a hierarchy in entrance of houses with traditional architecture pertinent to the needs of residents which is neglected to some extent by the designers in Pahlavi period. In conclusion it is admitted that by intermediate spaces, alongside the provision of confidentiality, it would be possible to achieve a proper definition of private and semi-private spaces in houses. Furthermore, disruption in functions and entities of other spaces could be avoided, which in turn leads to introducing a pattern for obtaining confidentiality; an inseparable principle of entity in Iranian architecture and culture.