A Comparative Study of Architecture in Traditional Bazaar and Golestan Shopping Center in Kermanshah, Iran through the Lens of Synomorphy Theory

Problem statement: 

Establishing fitting relationships between users and physical spaces is among the contemporary challenges for architects in a way that the success rates associated with the functional plans of environments are typically assessed based on the structure-behavior connection. As stated by Barker (1968), the high harmony between the physical and social components, also called synomorphy, gives birth to more efficient spaces. Investigating associations between physical environments and behavioral patterns in public spaces has been thus of utmost importance as it helps reach a better understanding of the relationships between humans and their needs as expressed by a diverse set of behaviors in an environment. Against this background, this study reflected on two commercial centers as behavior settings to evaluate the effects of their distinctive physical structures on users’ behavior formation.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the synomorphy between physical structures and environmental behaviors in the Traditional Bazaar and Golestan Shopping Center, as a manifestation of contemporary commercial centers, in the city of Kermanshah, Iran. The study attempted to fulfill this goal by answering this question:How are the functions of commercial centers, traditional and contemporary, improved with emphasis on Barker’s Theory of Behavior Settings (TBS, 1968)?

Utilizing a qualitative approach and a descriptive-analytical, field-based, unsimulated research design, this applied study was fulfilled at certain intervals.

The study results revealed that the Traditional Bazaar had a much more appropriate function thanks to its stronger structure-behavior synomorphy, and was even quicker to respond to users’ behavioral patterns, granting the prospect of minimizing the diversity of such patterns and undermining the market plan, attributable to the threats and weaknesses. Reflecting on Golestan Shopping Center, the structure-behavior relationship was assessed to be uncomplimentary, so more constructive steps needed to be taken to boost its functions based on the suggestions raised here.