Baluchistan is a large region in southeastern Iran, and it is a part of the vast province of Sistan and Baluchestan, In Balochistan, different types of mobile HOUSING; like balls, Kashs and rooms, are observable. These different types of spaces have been formed in response to the needs of the local people according to the different conditions and facilities of the ecosystem, and they have used various indigenous materials over time shaped by the experience of local people. These spaces, while having weaknesses and shortcomings, have many capabilities. One of the capabilities seen in HOUSINGs in this area is the flexibility in the choice of materials and construction technology to respond to various biological needs, including: adaptation to environmental and climatic conditions, continuous life cycle, the possibility of multiple generations living in these houses, the possibility of change, growth and use of space over time, etc. Such features are less common in today's type and package HOUSING, and it seems that designers pay less attention to such items like multi-functional spaces, the existence of flexible and programmable spaces according to the needs of residents and spaces with various qualities; This article seeks to answer the questions of whether VERNACULAR rural HOUSING in Balochistan is flexible and what are the criteria for flexible VERNACULAR HOUSING. For this research, a qualitative method based on field and library studies has been used. This study shows that flexibility in HOUSING in this region is the result of a strong relationship between human and nature.

Abstract Transparency has become an increasingly prominent principle in contemporary architecture, recognized as a key strategy for enhancing spatial quality. In the design and construction of modern buildings particularly within the HOUSING sector overemphasis on quantitative metrics and physical requirements has often diminished the richness of spatial experiences. When thoughtfully incorporated into architectural design, transparency can serve as a powerful means of enriching residential environments. This concept encompasses multiple dimensions and components and has been creatively manifested in the VERNACULAR architecture of Gilan. Understanding and applying these traditional interpretations of transparency can offer valuable insights for improving the spatial quality of contemporary residential architecture. The present study aims to identify indicators of transparency in architecture and to examine their application in the traditional houses of Talesh as a case study. Employing a qualitative approach, the first stage provides a descriptive and analytical formulation of the concept, characteristics, and indicators of transparency, supported by library-based research. In the second stage, the components and indicators identified earlier are examined in ten VERNACULAR houses in Talesh, highlighting the physical and spatial manifestations of transparency in these buildings. Results indicate that transparency operates at various levels within the VERNACULAR architecture of Talesh. Physical–structural transparency is expressed through façade elements such as openings, iwan (porches), gholamgardesh (semi-open corridors), telar (terraces), and niches. Visual–perceptual transparency emerges through windows, sightlines, and spatial continuity. Behavioral–functional transparency is shaped by connected spaces, staircases, and semi-open elements like porches and terraces. Finally, semantic–conceptual transparency, though less prevalent, appears in features such as lattice surfaces and the application of color. Keywords: Transparency, Levels of Manifestation of Transparency, Characteristics and Indicators of Transparency, VERNACULAR Architecture, VERNACULAR HOUSING of Talesh. Introduction Transparency is a multifaceted concept that has been studied across diverse scientific disciplines, with its significance steadily increasing over time. In architecture, transparency is understood as both a spatial and visual quality, extending beyond the physical or tangible aspects of a structure to encompass a rich array of dimensions and meanings. Linguistically, the term denotes clarity, purity, brightness, and visibility. In architectural contexts, it refers to characteristics such as translucency, see-through quality, glassiness, and the capacity to transmit light, permitting visual access beyond a surface. Literally, transparency conveys the physical properties of a material, while in practice it relates to the spatial organization and articulation of architectural form. Throughout different historical periods, transparency in architecture has manifested in varying elements and levels, shaped by the prevailing cultural, environmental, and technological conditions of each era. As transparency has emerged as an important design consideration, it is evident that diverse interpretations and applications of this concept are present in the VERNACULAR architecture of different regions. Gilan Province, located in northern Iran, is geographically divided into two principal zones: mountainous (elevated) regions and lowland plains. Each zone has developed its own distinctive VERNACULAR architectural style. Talesh County, situated within Gilan Province, encompasses the Talesh Mountains, foothills, and plains. This research aims to investigate how various levels and indicators of transparency are expressed in the traditional HOUSING of this region, focusing specifically on VERNACULAR buildings in the plains area of Talesh County. Ten traditional houses were selected as case studies. The study addresses the following key research questions: • What is transparency? • What are the different levels of transparency? • What are the characteristics of Talesh’s VERNACULAR architecture? • How are the various levels of transparency manifested in the traditional HOUSING of Talesh? Understanding transparency in architecture can deepen conceptual comprehension and reveal its functional potential. Examining the indicators and expressions of transparency in VERNACULAR buildings not only identifies fundamental architectural principles but also provides guidance for integrating these principles into contemporary architectural design strategies. Discussion In architectural discourse, transparency refers to a spatial quality arising from the relationship between a space’s interior and exterior surfaces. It mitigates the solidity of these boundaries, fostering a sense of openness. Transparency may be classified into three principal dimensions—visual clarity, perceptual transparency, and conceptual or semantic transparency—each manifesting at different levels. For analytical purposes, these levels can be grouped into four main categories: 1. Physical–Structural Transparency — Evident in spatial geometry, material reduction, the use of transparent surfaces, and the visibility of structural elements and form. 2. Visual–Perceptual Transparency — Designed to establish a clear visual connection between interior and exterior. In Iranian architecture, this is exemplified through elements such as Fakhr-o-Madayyen, orsi windows, shabak (lattices), and rozan (small openings). 3. Behavioral–Functional Transparency — One of the most significant levels, perceived through users’ movement and interaction within the space, and strongly associated with spatial continuity. 4. Semantic–Conceptual Transparency — Derives from cultural and spiritual values, manifested in Iranian architecture through symbolic light, mystical concepts, and Islamic motifs such as eslimi patterns. VERNACULAR architecture is a direct reflection of the cultural identity, customs, and lifestyle of its region. The traditional houses of Talesh—located in the western part of Gilan Province exemplify this approach. Characteristic features include elongated rectangular plans, sloped roofs, minimal ornamentation, functional layouts, the absence of basements, high porosity in main façades, integration with natural surroundings, aligned dual-sided openings, and the use of locally sourced materials. In this study, transparency levels in ten VERNACULAR houses of Talesh were analyzed according to four criteria: physical–structural (structural perception), visual–perceptual (visual understanding), behavioral–functional (spatial experience), and semantic–conceptual (mental interpretations). Each criterion was subdivided into three indicators, and the presence of these elements was systematically evaluated. Findings highlight the pivotal role of gholamgardesh, iwan (porches), and telar (terraces) in enhancing transparency within Talesh architecture. These elements not only permit greater daylight penetration into interior spaces but also contribute to physical, visual, and spatial perceptions of transparency. Openings, including doors, windows, and niches further increase transparency by revealing additional spatial layers and reducing material mass. Staircases add spatial fluidity and strengthen perceptual continuity. The incorporation of railings and lattice surfaces supports both physical and symbolic transparency, resonating with Islamic artistic traditions. Moreover, the use of color in architectural components enriches symbolic and mystical interpretations, deepening the conceptual understanding of transparency. Conclusion An in-depth understanding of transparency and its associated indicators can serve as an effective strategy for enhancing spatial quality in contemporary building design. These principles and their distinctive features have long been embedded in VERNACULAR architecture. By examining how transparency manifests in traditional residential buildings, architects can derive strategies applicable to modern design practices. In the VERNACULAR HOUSING of Talesh, transparency occupies a central position. The architectural tradition of this region employs various elements to achieve spatial transparency, with telar (terrace), iwan (porch), gholamgardesh (semi-open corridor), and aligned openings playing the most prominent roles. Beyond their practical and functional applications, these components exert the greatest influence at the behavioral–functional level of transparency. Furthermore, open and semi-open spaces at the physical–structural level, coupled with reduced spatial boundaries at the visual–perceptual level, strengthen the experience of openness. Flat openings contribute to both structural and perceptual transparency. Additional features in Talesh VERNACULAR HOUSING, such as niches, rozan (small windows), staircases, color schemes, and perforated surfaces, also enhance transparency in meaningful ways. By suitably adapting and modernizing these principles whether through the integration of contemporary materials and construction techniques or through alterations in form and spatial organization it becomes possible to more effectively meet human needs and substantially improve the quality of modern HOUSING.

In lack of modern equipment and as a result of limited income in villages, conceiving energy efficient resolutions for rural HOUSING is a top priority. In recent years, the only rural buildings that can receive state loans are those with urban design and construction methods. The resulting HOUSING style and construction methods are the cause of energy deficiency and construction cost increase on one hand and in the loss of VERNACULAR identity and rural landscape on the other.This article presents the results of research completed in the HOUSING Foundation of Islamic Revolution under the title of “Energy saving strategies in rural HOUSING of Semnan Province”. Careful analysis of climatic strategies used in VERNACULAR rural houses in Semnan province was done to uncover the conventional passive energy saving principals in rural setting. The results were accumulated through the information of 18 Semnan meteorology stations to recognize the climatic zones of this province. Field study data was gathered from 24 villages that were studied by The HOUSING Foundation.40 villages were selected by the research group to clarify the climatic zones. The results of this research show three main climatic/architectural zones due to topographic diversity between Alborz Mountain and desert plain with special architectural characteristics of each zone. Design strategies, materials and construction methods used in rural HOUSING of each climatic zone provide human thermal comfort in addition to the controlling of the harmful climatic conditions. These strategies cause energy saving and sustainability of natural resources and the ecology of the villages. While introducing these strategies, this article will also present the passive principals of climatic rural HOUSING in these three zones.

Louvers have been an integral element of houses in the port-city of Laft. This element, howere, has gradually lost its function in most houses in the city. Rooms that contain louver have practically turned into useless spaces. In most houses, louvers have not been repaired and hence have been deteriorated or demolished. Furthermore, in houses within the new residential development of Laft louvers have no place. As a result, these valuable heritages of Iranian traditional architecture are being disappeared from the skyline of the city. This article studies the presence of this element in the life of Laft inhabitants. In particular, it investigates the typology of Laft louvers in houses. Conducting a literature review and a field study, the article examines the form of louvers and their locations in houses and analyzes the relationship between the louver room and other spaces in Laft port houses. Finally, it presents a number of findings about the different elements and the spatial quality of louver rooms as well as the common observed changes in this space that are resulted from lifestyle changes in recent years. These findings can provide some insights for architects into the steps they can take in the direction of retaining the function of this architectural element and enahncing the quality of this space. Explaining the current situation of louvers and analyzing data, this research concludes that louvers are located on the northside of dwellings so they can best catch the sea breeze and enhance the thermal comfort of the house. Even in cases where the louver is located in front of the louver of adjacent dwellings, because of the site slope and also the expertise of local architects no problem in catching the sea breeze is observed. The plan of louvers in Laft port is square, rectangular or octagonal, with the predominant form being a square with three square meters area. Octagonal louvers are less prevalent in the city. This article argues that examining the typology of louvers in houses can provide a basis for a better maintenance and renovation of this architectural element in Laft port.

Today, by vanishing of VERNACULARism from Iranian houses, buildings can be seen that are far from the traditional and VERNACULAR values of HOUSING and thus, the VERNACULAR values in HOUSING have been ignord. On the other hand, HOUSING and residential areas, as an important subject of architecture related to humans, must meet the various needs of human beings. Therefore, the present qualitative research, recognizing the sensitivity of the HOUSING issue and the quality degradation of contemporary HOUSING, considers the necessity of paying attention in this field based on the conceptual values considered in indigenous architecture. And the Grounded theory has been done with the aim of presenting VERNACULAR indicators in HOUSING using the Glaser approach. This applied research is a descriptive-analytical method using documentary and library studies. For this purpose, the critical points of the definitions of “ experts familiar with the VERNACULAR field” are purposefully selected and the data are analyzed simultaneously using MAXQDA10 software as a set of open, selective and theoretical codings and Enduring indicators in the VERNACULAR HOUSING architecture of Iran were introduced. The results and findings show in a comparative way there is a significant relationship between the adapted concepts of VERNACULAR and traditional architecture and some traditional conceptual indicators, or in other words: a positive correlation. Accordingly, by matching traditional ideas with VERNACULAR concepts and matching the two with traditional indicators, enduring VERNACULAR indicators were achieved. Also, according to their definitions and functions, VERNACULAR architectural concepts were classified into four main dimensions: contextual, Causal conceptual, Causal behavioral, and symbolic.

Plex construction is a method in residential design which has been suggested with the aim of a sustainable, secure and consistent with environmental conditions. Plex HOUSING has been selected as an optimal type of social HOUSING for study and analysis due to positive specifications like consistency with the environment, climate and region, reduction of the building energy consumption during cooling and heating, saving in the use of urban land per capita, and in qualitative respect, promotion of social sustainability in this type of HOUSING. In one hand, by attention to VERNACULAR architecture, we may find out that this type of architecture benefits from unique features relating to climate, cultural and social considerations that regarding these patterns in contemporary architecture, could return the HOUSING to the nature of the land in which it has been located. The aim of this study is to show the approaches of designing plex HOUSING relating to VERNACULAR HOUSING of warm and dry climate for reviewing and reviving the rich patterns of past architecture in the contemporary architecture. Research method in this study is descriptive-analytical and comparative and the required information has been collected through field studies (observation and interview) and reviewing some documents. The results obtained from investigating the studied indicators show that in plex HOUSING and VERNACULAR HOUSING, a great interaction is observed in respect of physical position. These two types of HOUSING are in a very close interaction in respect of spatial structure and in climate view, VERNACULAR HOUSING has better responded the environment, but totally all design criteria in two types of HOUSING are interacting with each other. Plex HOUSING may be effective and useful as a new form of contemporary HOUSING in creation of a linkage with the past architecture in responding the environment and creation of sustainable HOUSING and follows revival of rich patterns of VERNACULAR HOUSING architecture in contemporary architecture.

Although the VERNACULAR architecture is formed in harmony with the "lived experience" of the natives, looking at the studies of VERNACULAR architecture, we see that in the researches done, researchers have paid more attention to the role of factors such as social, cultural, religious, economic, physical, climatic, construction technology and materials; And so far, researches done in the field of VERNACULAR architecture were largely explained by the cultural and climatic approaches. In their studies, researchers often provide charts and graphs using conventional statistical methods, and then find an acceptance analysis by finding criteria for their validity; however, all of these approaches and methods seek to answer the "why" and fall into the "object" and "subject" gap and divisions. The answer to "how" seems to go back to the question of the "essence" of architecture; this article considers this view and this aspect of VERNACULAR architecture. This article claims that dwelling in VERNACULAR architecture is deeply and meaningfully realized since residents of the locals have a sense of identification with the surrounding environment. For this reason, since these neglected aspects of VERNACULAR architecture were considered in this study, it was decided to refer to phenomenology with an appropriate approach in the complete and comprehensive understanding of the subject; and relying on a phenomenological approach that is rooted in philosophy and refers to concepts such as "lived experience" and "perception" of man from "being", examine the issue in a way that lacks the disconnection of "object" and "subject" and "How" is possible in it. In fact, the true philosophical nature of phenomenology has given it complexities, the opening of which leads to new horizons; Horizons that, in contrast to the limitations of extreme standardism, present the concrete and individual "being-in-the-world" of man, a man who knows and constructs his living space beyond the determined physical and metaphysical dimensions. This article attempts to re-read the sources and interpret the content of phenomenology, relying on the views of Schultz-a contemporary architect and theorist-whose phenomenological theories are based on Heideggerchr('39')s ontological philosophy. As well, the analytical – descriptive methods have been used to answer this question "how the phenomenological approach is appropriate in reading VERNACULAR architecture? " The phenomenological method is selected as a research method because of its relationship to the subject since VERNACULAR architecture is shaped from first-hand interaction of man and his "life-world". And this is somehow phenomenology itself. In other words this relationship is very close so that even phenomenology can be explained using VERNACULAR architecture. It could be summarized like this: phenomenology is a qualitative method (beyond quantitative and statistical approaches), independent (lacking presumptive method), descriptive (describing the subject just the way it becomes apparent) and interpretative (depending on described, sensible issue). After basic theoretical studies, the results of field studies on the VERNACULAR architecture of Manoojan were presented in the form of analysis and description with Schultz and Heideggerchr('39')s phenomenological criteria in order to achieve a deeper and better understanding of the VERNACULAR architecture of Manoojan in a phenomenological describing and interpreting. The results of the phenomenological recognition of the VERNACULAR architecture of Manoojan region with architectural features and extracted criterias, indicating a special relationship between poetic, natural environment and place phenomenon with the VERNACULAR architecture of Manojan. The results also showed that the sattlement, in spite of all the economic problems and severe poverty of its inhabitants, has the necessary components to achieve HOUSING and a sense of place in accordance with the authentication and user acceptance and therefore in relation to form and space. Finally it was tried to show that the VERNACULAR architecture of Manoojan is an architecture from the gateway of the existential space, which from the gateway of poetry, it is an unexpected and at the same time liberating space that is discovered and understood through imagination.

Rural development and strengthening rural HOUSING have been among the major concerns of politicians and planners in Iran, and in this regard various rural development programs have been designed and implemented so far. Rehabilitation and renovation program for rural HOUSING is the latest and one of the most important of such programs in Iran. This program aims at providing at least two hundred thousand sustainable and resistant HOUSING units in rural areas and hence has been one of the most influential contemporary rural development programs in the country. This program has accelerated the evolution of the form and physical characteristics of rural settlements. Aiming at upgrading the quality of rural HOUSING and settlements and enhancing the safety, health and welfare of their residents, this program initially targeted the marginalized groups and its progress was very slow. In recent years, the program has been expanded by including credits and hence its progress has improved quantitatively and qualitatively. Although the program has been a notable achievement in terms of poverty reduction and enhancing safety, it seems to pay little attention to the VERNACULAR HOUSING typologies and patterns in rural settlements. This article evaluates the impacts of this HOUSING program on VERNACULAR HOUSING patterns in Turkmen villages of Soltan Ali district in Gonbad. This analytical-descriptive study is an applied research. The study focuses on households living in the village of Soltan Ali. A sample of 300 households was selected randomly by using the Cochran formula. Data was collected by using questionnaire with the reliability of 0/8 = α , using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data analysis relied on descriptive statistics, test T-Test, Chi-Square and Comolograph-Smirnov. The findings show that although all residential units that were covered by the program and received a HOUSING loan were built by engineers and architects, 45. 3% of them was not built in accordance to the approved plans. By comparing the yard area index, it is observed that the yard area in houses which received a HOUSING loan is almost half of those who did not, which highlights a deviation from the VERNACULAR HOUSING typology of the area. The average area of the residential space of both groups is almost similar with 91. 5 and 105. 5 square meters in the first and second group, respectively. While in Turkmen VERNACULAR architecture, the built area of the house locates in the middle of the plot, in the newly built houses, these areas locate along streets and alleyways, on the edge of plots. Comparing the height index also shows that while in the VERNACULAR architecture double story houses are rare, they become more popular with mixed residential and commercial uses in newly built HOUSING. The dominant form and orientation in VERNACULAR houses is a rectangular shape facing south, while the newly built ones-inspired by urban architecture-are square or polygon and sometimes are not facing the sun. The most important negative consequence of the HOUSING program in Turkmen region relates to the limited attention paid to the secondary functions of houses, so that 62. 6 per cent of houses with loan and 30. 7 percent of those without loan had no space for secondary functions of the house. Another change compared to the VERNACULAR architecture is fencing all around parcels for privacy and safety reasons. Given the technical requirements of HOUSING construction in new houses like the use of double-glazed windows, these units show a 70. 60 per cent improvement in terms of energy consumption.

The coastal villages of Bushehr province have a long history due to their suitable geographical location in near the Persian Gulf and in some cases suitable agricultural lands, and therefore have a rich heritage of VERNACULAR architecture. While simple and unpretentious, this architecture contains principles and features including construction methods, climate responsive design, physical features and how to use local resources. This study aims to identify the VERNACULAR architecture in the coastal rural areas of Bushehr province and extract its patterns to develop guidelines for design, through reviewing the characteristics of the rural fabric and VERNACULAR architecture of these areas. To recognize the VERNACULAR architectural patterns in the coastal villages of Bushehr province, VERNACULAR HOUSING in the villages of Shif, Salem-Abad and North Oli was analyzed. The examined factors in rural fabric and buildings were classified into different themes such as density, the orientation of passages, physical architectural features, construction equipment and solutions for providing climatic comfort. Data was collected through the descriptive-analytical method, using various survey methods in the three mentioned villages. Physical-spatial features were analyzed in selected cases and architectural features were compared. The results of this study include the key features of VERNACULAR architecture in these areas that provide design guidance. Considering human proportions in residential areas and entrances, defining intermediate open space between building masses, paying attention to climatic orientation in masses and architectural details, the need to use multiple openings and lightening the structures are the main characteristics of VERNACULAR coastal villages.

HOUSING types depend on the relationship between human needs and the environment. They are variable and complex due to humans’ different lifestyles and environmental conditions. What distinguishes them is not the constituent parts; rather, it is the logic of the spatial arrangement of the components, which varies based on the time, place and way of residence and represents the cultural, economic and climatic characteristics of the residence method. Identifying and preserving the heritage of VERNACULAR architecture in general and of rural architecture in particular help us to preserve national historical assets and apply the long-established principles remaining from the past eras to new physical forms via discovering the mysteries, signs and symbols hidden in these assets. This can also help to preserve the identity and authenticity of VERNACULAR architecture in rural settlements. On the one hand, the study of rural architecture can improve spatial designing based on the characteristics of different regions. On the other hand, it can solve some of the problems related to the fabric of urban and rural settlements and lead to formation of favorable villages. VERNACULAR HOUSING types, especially in rural areas, are strongly influenced by their surrounding environment. Therefore, discussing the HOUSING typology of each region requires an understanding of the context, location and rural fabric of that region. Typology is one of the most basic scientific steps toward this goal. Proper identification and categorization of the different types of architecture can help better understand, preserve and protect various spaces and find modern and effective designing methods. Developed via field measurements, observations and library research, this article is the result of the study of local HOUSING samples from 20 selected villages in Sistan (located on a low flatland in the southeastern parts of Iran and north of Sistan and Baluchistan Province whose fabric is rich and valuable) using the descriptive-analytical research methodology. This study sought to classify and introduce the physical characteristics of VERNACULAR HOUSING in Sistan in terms of the formation of open and closed spaces. The results showed that Sistan, situated east of Iran with more than 900 villages and a 5, 000-year history of permanent settlement from the era of Shahr-e Sukhteh, has special climatic conditions, and its social and livelihood structure has led to formation of unique HOUSING architecture types. The common houses of Sistan’ s people used to be very simple and rudimentary in the past but the types of these residential abodes have grown more complex and varied throughout time. These types include basal, linear, L-shaped, U-shaped, central courtyard and kiosk. Analyses performed in this research indicated that segregation of the living space and the livestock space is one of the most influential factors for determining the type of rural abodes in Sistan Region. Based on this criterion, the HOUSING types with the highest frequency, i. e. linear, L-shaped and U-shaped, can be grouped into two subcategories: equipped with Dakanche and equipped with Mahtabi. In addition, this research indicated that the central courtyard and kiosk HOUSING types are exclusive to the local chiefs and khans and are known as Sardari houses. Given that recent constructions in the rural areas of Sistan are being modeled after urban HOUSING, promotion of these house types can help revitalize VERNACULAR rural HOUSING in Sistan.