A Comparative Study of Persian Gardens Values based on the Indicators of Prospect-Refuge Theory

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Researcher in Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU), Qazvin, Iran.

2 Professor, of Architecture, Faculty of Arts, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author).

3 Associate Professor, of Architecture, Faculty of Arts, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/aaud.2020.242274.2280

Abstract

Explanation of the Persian garden’s objective-subjective values derived from the indigenous and Iranian identity has been always considered by landscape and green space architects, and many Persian garden designers and researchers have regarded them as identity indicators to design spaces. Therefore, analysis of the Iranian garden using the indicators of prospect-refuge theory (a theory in the field of green space design), can reveal these values as much as possible. In the present study, the indicators are derived from the prospect-refuge theory, considered one of the main theories in landscape design. The research’s main question is to what extent can the indicators of prospect-refuge theory explain the quantitative/qualitative values of the Persian garden? It is a descriptive-analytical study in which comparative analysis and logical reasoning have been used. The qualitative data has been collected by reviewing relevant texts and documents and library studies. The analyses have been done at two descriptive and inferential levels using the comparative analysis logic. The indicators relevant to the Persian garden include vastness and spaciousness, orientation, comfort and tranquility, eternality, endlessness, the concentration of attention, attractiveness and harmony, and centrality and organization of space, and indicators related to prospect-refuge including complexity, view and landscape, security and refuge, and the mystery of space. The results indicate that the qualitative nature and values of the Persian garden cannot be explained by the indicators of prospect-refuge theory, and only its general attributes shared with green spaces can be evaluated using this approach. The Persian garden has unique qualities and characteristics that cannot be measured and evaluated by quantitative and calculative approaches.

Keywords

References

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Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development
Volume 15, Issue 40 - Serial Number 40
December 2022
Pages 177-190

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 August 2020
  • Revise Date: 13 September 2020
  • Accept Date: 20 September 2020

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