چکیده:
Problem statement: The communities in the historical cities of Iran commonly benefited
from having neighborhoods and neighborly interactions which has faded away from the
modern urban life and has caused serious social hazards. This paper is concerned with how
the spatial arrangement of neighborhood complexes in historical cities, in contrast to modern
cities, provided a basis for establishing close relations among neighbors.
Research objectives: This article aims to define the neighborhood zones and analyze them
in order to categorize the neighborhood spatial patterns as well as to clarify their architectural
determinants and principles, and hence prevail this social behavior in the historic district of
Yazd.
Research method: To reach this objective, the Grounded Theory methodology is used.
After identification and field investigation of various neighborhood zones in Yazd historic
district, they were interpreted and analyzed through a theoretical sampling procedure. Most
of the analytical approach was adopted through taking frequent photographs, drawing spatial
diagrams and schematic plans, making graphic and written notes and then using sequential
coding.
Conclusion: The research results showed that with architectural solutions such as changing
materials used for floors and walls (baseboards), covering spaces by putting roofs over them,
creating split-level floors, opening up a possibility to sit temporarily, differing proportions,
ornamenting and changing light and shadow, the three basic neighborhood patterns including
entrance-, darband- and sabat-axis patterns have been formed in the semi-public spaces of
this historic district. Such patterns with applying two principles of “physical proximity”
and “spatial attributes” together with architectural determinants such as human-conformity,
climatic comfort, privacy, territory and functional comfort and security in passageways by
increasing public presence had a chief influence on establishing neighborly relations.