Volume 15, Issue 55 (5-2026)
Haft Hesar J Environ Stud 2026, 15(55): 93-106 |
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Karbol F, Behzadpour M, Kalantari M, Panahi S. The Impact of Symmetry، Centrality، and Climate on Spatial Organization and User Experience in Persian Gardens (Case Studies: Shazdeh Mahan in Kerman، Eram in Shiraz، and Fin in Kashan). Haft Hesar J Environ Stud 2026; 15 (55) :93-106
URL: http://hafthesar.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-2364-en.html
URL: http://hafthesar.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-2364-en.html
Abstract: (9 Views)
Persian gardens، as one of the most prominent manifestations of traditional landscape design، have historically evolved by adhering to principles of symmetry، centrality، and climatic adaptability. These gardens not only reflect the cultural and religious worldview of Iranians but have also been adapted to Iran's diverse climatic conditions، ranging from the hot and arid climate of the central plateau to the temperate and humid regions of the north. The present study aims to investigate the influence of symmetry، centrality، and climate on the spatial organization of Persian gardens and their impact on users' spatial and psychological experiences. Additionally، the continuity of these principles in contemporary design and their potential application in public and private spaces have been explored.
This research employs a descriptive-analytical and mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach. In the qualitative phase، historical studies، specialized literature reviews، and semi-structured interviews with 10 experts in landscape architecture and climatology were conducted. In the quantitative phase، data collected from a standardized questionnaire administered to 400 visitors of Persian gardens (Shazdeh Mahan Garden in Kerman، Eram Garden in Shiraz، and Fin Garden in Kashan) were analyzed using ANOVA، independent t-tests، and Pearson correlation coefficient. Qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis، with an inter-rater agreement of 87%، confirming the validity of the results. The findings revealed that users' spatial perception and satisfaction levels are significantly correlated with climatic elements، symmetry، and centrality in Persian gardens (r = 0.73، p < 0.001). Furthermore، the results indicated that while the design elements of the gardens have varied across different climates in Iran، they remain governed by consistent geometric and cultural principles. Historical analysis also demonstrated that Persian gardens during the Safavid and Qajar periods exhibited the highest harmony between spatial design and climatic conditions. In the qualitative analysis of interviews، 80% of the experts emphasized that the principles of Persian gardens can be applied in contemporary design. The study's findings suggest that integrating traditional Persian garden principles with climatic considerations can play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of green spaces and fostering human-environment interaction. Therefore، it is recommended that the design of such spaces incorporate water resource management strategies، climate-appropriate vegetation selection، and the creation of movement paths aligned with wind patterns and solar radiation. This research highlights that the principles of centrality and symmetry in Persian gardens transcend mere aesthetic elements، serving as effective tools for improving users' psychological experiences and spatial coherence. Finally، it is suggested that future studies focus on a more detailed examination of the influence of climate on Persian garden design across different historical periods and explore innovative strategies for integrating these principles into contemporary architecture.
This research employs a descriptive-analytical and mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach. In the qualitative phase، historical studies، specialized literature reviews، and semi-structured interviews with 10 experts in landscape architecture and climatology were conducted. In the quantitative phase، data collected from a standardized questionnaire administered to 400 visitors of Persian gardens (Shazdeh Mahan Garden in Kerman، Eram Garden in Shiraz، and Fin Garden in Kashan) were analyzed using ANOVA، independent t-tests، and Pearson correlation coefficient. Qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis، with an inter-rater agreement of 87%، confirming the validity of the results. The findings revealed that users' spatial perception and satisfaction levels are significantly correlated with climatic elements، symmetry، and centrality in Persian gardens (r = 0.73، p < 0.001). Furthermore، the results indicated that while the design elements of the gardens have varied across different climates in Iran، they remain governed by consistent geometric and cultural principles. Historical analysis also demonstrated that Persian gardens during the Safavid and Qajar periods exhibited the highest harmony between spatial design and climatic conditions. In the qualitative analysis of interviews، 80% of the experts emphasized that the principles of Persian gardens can be applied in contemporary design. The study's findings suggest that integrating traditional Persian garden principles with climatic considerations can play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of green spaces and fostering human-environment interaction. Therefore، it is recommended that the design of such spaces incorporate water resource management strategies، climate-appropriate vegetation selection، and the creation of movement paths aligned with wind patterns and solar radiation. This research highlights that the principles of centrality and symmetry in Persian gardens transcend mere aesthetic elements، serving as effective tools for improving users' psychological experiences and spatial coherence. Finally، it is suggested that future studies focus on a more detailed examination of the influence of climate on Persian garden design across different historical periods and explore innovative strategies for integrating these principles into contemporary architecture.
Keywords: Persian Garden, Symmetry, Centrality, Climate, Spatial Experience, Tranquility, Satisfaction.
Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2025/04/5 | Revised: 2026/06/4 | Accepted: 2025/05/24 | Published: 2026/06/4 | ePublished: 2026/06/4
Received: 2025/04/5 | Revised: 2026/06/4 | Accepted: 2025/05/24 | Published: 2026/06/4 | ePublished: 2026/06/4
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