Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development

Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development

Evaluation of readability in group communication among scholars of Safavid and Timurid schools using spatial arrangement method (case examples: Ghiyashiyeh Khargerd School and Khan School of Shiraz)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
mahsa rahnamaei zekavat 1
hossein safari 2
1 Department of Architecture, Ra.C., Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.
2 Department of Architecture, Ra.C., Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran (Corresponding Author).
10.22034/aaud.2026.528923.2981
Abstract
Background and Objective:
In today’s world, group interactions and effective communication among students play a crucial role in the learning process. The arrangement and organization of educational spaces can significantly impact the quality of these interactions. This study aims to examine the effect of spatial layouts in historic Iranian schools, especially those from the Safavid and Timurid periods (Ghiyasiya Khargerd School and Khan School of Shiraz), on the readability of group communication and students’ social interactions. In particular, the research seeks to assess how different spaces in these schools—such as iwans, rooms, and courtyards—affect students’ collaboration and group interaction.

Methods:
This research uses space analysis methods, especially “spatial arrangement,” and software tools like Depthmap to analyze the various spaces of these schools. The study focuses on spatial layouts and the degree of visual connectivity and integration in different areas like iwans, courtyards, and rooms as key factors in evaluating the readability of group communication.

Findings:
The results show that open and public spaces, such as central courtyards and iwans in both schools, have the highest readability and integration, facilitating group and social interactions. Quadrangular layouts and spaces with easy access and effective visual connections increased student collaboration. Additionally, spaces like iwans, which provide opportunities for observation and general supervision, strengthened cohesion and cooperation among groups.

Conclusion:
This study highlights that the design of educational spaces in historic Iranian schools, such as those from the Timurid and Safavid periods, plays a vital role in facilitating group and social interactions among students. Features like quadrangular structures, large iwans, and central courtyards improve accessibility and visual connectivity, creating an environment suitable for group learning and collaboration. The findings suggest that spatial designs with high connectivity and easy access can enhance learning and social interactions, serving as useful models for contemporary schools.
Keywords
Safavid period
Timurid period
school
Spatial arrangement
legibility
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Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development
Volume 19, Issue 55
Autumn 2026
Pages 17-33

  • Receive Date 07 June 2025
  • Revise Date 01 July 2026
  • Accept Date 06 August 2026