From Central Courtyard to Spatial Framing: Transformations of Mass and Void in Tehran’s Residential Architecture

This study investigates the evolution of void space in Tehran’s residential architecture and analyzes its role in the spatial structure of buildings from the past to the present. The main issue of the research is the transformation of the function and position of void space in the development of residential architecture, particularly in relation to its impact on spatial quality, social interactions, and the principles of Iranian architectural design. The primary objective of the study is to trace the changes in these spaces and assess their alignment with the traditional principles of Iranian architecture. The research employs a qualitative methodology based on historical and comparative analysis, drawing on library studies, architectural document reviews, and selected examples of historical and contemporary buildings. The findings reveal that in the past, void space served as a central element in Iranian residential architecture, playing a key role not only in terms of climate and functionality but also as a platform for social interactions and the creation of spatial identity. Over time, with increasing urban density, these spaces have undergone significant changes and, in many modern buildings, have lost their prominence. In some instances, efforts to redefine void space in contemporary architecture are evident, where it is considered not only as a functional element but also as an aesthetic and conceptual factor in building design.