Assessment of the Relationship between the Iwan in Traditional Buildings of Mazandaran and Place Attachment from the Perspective of Housewives: A Case Study of Rural Houses in Qaem Shahr

Rahimi, Rouhollah; Yousefi, Seyedeh Zahra; Nadalian, Hessam

doi:10.22034/aaud.2026.505286.2950

Assessment of the Relationship between the Iwan in Traditional Buildings of Mazandaran and Place Attachment from the Perspective of Housewives: A Case Study of Rural Houses in Qaem Shahr

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Rouhollah Rahimi ¹

Seyedeh Zahra Yousefi ²

Hessam Nadalian ³

¹ Associate Professor of Architecture, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran (Corresponding Author).

² M.A. Graduate, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

³ M.A. Graduate, Faculty of Computer Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/aaud.2026.505286.2950

Abstract

The iwan, as one of the prominent elements of vernacular architecture in the traditional buildings of Mazandaran, plays an important role in spatial organisation and the everyday interactions of residents. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the iwan and place attachment from the perspective of housewives in traditional rural houses in Qaem Shahr. In terms of its objective, this research is applied, and its methodology follows a mixed-methods approach (qualitative–quantitative). Data were collected through library research, field observations, and a researcher-developed questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of 75 housewives residing in traditional rural houses in Qaem Shahr, who were selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive methods and structural equation modelling (SEM) in SmartPLS. The findings indicate that the iwan, as a vital element in traditional houses of Mazandaran, not only contributes to climatic adaptation but also functions as an intermediary space between the interior and exterior of the house, providing an appropriate setting for women’s daily activities and social interactions. This spatial element contributes to strengthening their sense of attachment to the house and the surrounding environment. The findings further emphasise that respect for nature, communication among family members, and interaction with the external environment through the iwan play significant roles in improving quality of life and spatial identity. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that the iwan has a direct and significant relationship with strengthening place attachment from the perspective of housewives. The findings highlight the need to consider indigenous architectural patterns and to reinterpret the role of the iwan in contemporary spatial design. Furthermore, the iwan can be utilised as a valuable model for improving quality of life, reinforcing spatial identity, and achieving sustainable architecture in residential contexts.

Keywords

Iwan

Moderate and Humid Climate

Traditional Buildings

Place Attachment

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