Journal of Razavi Culture

Analyzing Spatial Syntax in the Comprehensive Architecture of the Holiest Razavi Shrine and Its Impact on Pilgrims' Movement Behavior

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Navid Jalaeian Ghane 1
Ali Omranipour 2
Ali Abdollahi 3

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Art & Architecture, Ma.C., Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran (Corresponding Author):

2 Associate Professor, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, University of Kashan. Iran

3 Ph.D. Candidate, Faculty of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran. Tehran. Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22034/farzv.2024.445388.1981
Abstract
The Razavi Holy Shrine Complex has developed during different periods, which has caused its spatial complexity; many pilgrims do not have full cognition of the space and movement directions of the complex, therefore, it is important to take advantage of the capabilities of the environment and architectural space for movement and navigation. For this reason, this study aims to understand the spatial configuration of the complex in order to better manage the programs inside the complex. In this research, a Mixed-Method research has been used; at first, the subject of space syntax, its components, and factors affecting choice were discussed with documentary studies, the maps taken from the Holy Shrine and accessible Holy Shrine spaces for pilgrims were done, so the first time, a comprehensive map was prepared in an integrated manner and analyzed by UCL Depthmap, the components of “Integration”, “Connectivity”, “Spatial Depth”, “Choice”, and from among them, “Legibility”, “Selectivity” and “Accessibility” parameters created from the ratio of the components were investigated. Finally, the obtained data were interpreted with logical reasoning. The result shows that the “Legibility” index in the Tomb and surrounding spaces has the lowest value and the highest value refers to the Great Prophet Courtyard. Also, The spaces of Imam Khomeini's portico, the Jomhouri Courtyard, and the Hedayat Courtyard has the lowest value of “Accessibility”, and according to the index of “selectivity”, it is suggested that in the areas that are surrounded by the Holy Shrine, communal activities and temporary ceremonies will be held. Solo activities will be offered in the Tomb space and the surrounding spaces connected to it. Diversification of activities and definition of different areas of behavior can improve the pilgrim's movement system with the use of environment capability and spatial properties identified by space syntax through changes in the existing structure.

Keywords

Razavi Holy Shrine
Space Syntax
Spatial Configuration
Pilgrim Movement System
Natural Movement
Depthmap

Subjects

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