Document Type : Original Research Paper

Author

• Hosna Varmaghani

Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.

Abstract

Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Enclosure serves as a fundamental principle in shaping spatial identities, defining the unique character of a place. In Iranian architecture, mass is not just a physical element but also a concept that molds and encapsulates space, embodying the notion of enclosure. The term “rhizome” is a biological term, as a metaphor, contains concepts such as labyrinth, multiplicity, connection, difference and intermediate position. In this way, the elements that create confinement, as well as the elements of multiple space and rhizomic labyrinth, are identified in the literature review, and then, in order to obtain the different qualities of the classification of the enclosed space in a quasi-rhizomatic structure, the aspects of the relationship between these two categories have been deduced. The purpose of this article is to investigate the methods of achieving a variety of enclosed areas in the spatial organization of Kashan historical houses and to reinterpret the degrees of their enclosure. Key questions include how elements of rhizomatic epistemology can inform the reinterpretation of enclosure levels within Kashan’s historical houses and which physical and spatial approaches have contributed to classifying their enclosure structures.”?
Methods: “The research employed a descriptive, analytical, and logical reasoning approach. Data collection involved both library research and fieldwork, with Depthmap and Agraph software utilized for data analysis. First, the definitions of spatial enclosure in the field of architecture and rhizome theory in the field of philosophy were studied. In this way, the factors of creating enclosure and characteristics of thinking and rhizomic space were extracted. Then, multiple rhizomic spatial indices were categorized in four sections and similar and overlapping indices were placed in one category. These four categories were analyzed through space analysis software (Depthmap-Agraph) in architectural configuration. As the largest historical house of Kashan with many introverted areas, Ameriha House was chosen as a case study and in the way of reinterpreting the enclosure according to the labyrinth structure of this house, compatible components in rhizomatic epistemological foundations have been used , aligning with its unique architectural style.
Findings: In order to analyze and interpret the enclosure based on the aforementioned theory and considering the spatial nature of the rhizomial logic and also the existence of categories such as connection, connection, difference and continuity, the indicators of the space syntax theory were used to analyze the study sample of the historical houses of Kashan. In this order, it is argued that the indicators of space difference, space traffic and isovist, connection and number of space and interlinking in the theory of space syntax in connection with the indicators mentioned in the rhizome theory can be used in the reinterpretation of the degrees of enclosure of the labyrinth structure of the historical houses of Kashan. To be more precise, the sub-categories of space dissimilarity/heterogeneity/difference with the help of space difference index, the sub-categories of spatial diversity/unsimilar continuity with the help of spatial traffic index and isovist, the sub-category of abundance of areas/connections with the help of two syntactic indicators of connection and the number of spaces and the sub-category of the set of coherent links and Multicore can be analyzed and measured with the help of integration index. The simulation of the movement in the spatial arrangement of Ameri House shows that the character of fluidity, continuous changes and new orientations has been expressed by creating frequent thresholds and establishing intermediate and in-between areas. The crucial principle of rhizomatic space lies in its establishment amidst and between elements. The physical manifestation of these characteristics becomes evident through the simulation of movement and vision within the layout of the Ameri House. Also, dissimilarity in the level, shape, number of connections, type of spaces and flexibility of configuration leads to the logic of difference in rhizome theory. The physical/spatial approaches mentioned in the rhizomatic and integrated relationship with each other enrich the levels of enclosure in the spatial structure of the Ameri House in Kashan.
Conclusion: The results of the research show that multiple physical/spatial approaches in accordance with the body of the rhizome space include de-territorialization and re-territorialization, fluidity, flexibility, difference and heterogeneity, multiplicity of spaces and paths and being in the middle and in-between have been effective in creating enclosure as well as diversity and multiple degrees of enclosure. The rhizome approach of multitude and multiplicity of spaces and paths in the three domains of border, threshold and territory has led to the difference and diversity of the extent and manner of spatial enclosure. In such a way that the inside/outside boundaries (entrances), the spaces between the yards (thresholds) and the area, the shape and various openings of the 9 yards (realms) have provided very different states of visual and physical access limits. Spatialization and arenaization of the house in Kashan has formed a set of coherent and multi-core links through reterritorialization and decentralization of arenas. In the sense that many courtyards with different numbers of connections to the peripheral areas of the territories have led to decentralization and formation of multiple cores, and the expansion of these areas in many directions has led to fold logic, divergent and horizontal thinking.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

- Due to the space-oriented nature of Rhiza logic, categories such as heterogeneity, spatial diversity, multiplicity of connections and set of multinuclear links for analysis of enclosure based on Rhizomatic theory Is considered.
- The set of integrated connections and the lack of centrality is the result of the internal open realms and connected highly enclosed masses.
- The physical/spatial approaches in the rhizomatic relationship with each other enrich the levels of enclosure in the structure of the Ameri house in Kashan.

Keywords

• Enclosure
• Historic House
• Kashan
• Rhizomatic
• Gilles Deleuze

Main Subjects

• Architecture