Characterizing imageability in Gajar houses of Tabriz

Aims: From Lufor’s perspective, space is constructed based on spatial operation, recreation and the space in which recreation takes place. This approach is a descriptive view of the relationship between space from a materialistic point of view and its dominant ideas with its dwellers. In this perspective, humans integrate distinct and indistinct data of space and create map-like mental images for collaboration and living purposes. Images show how humans construct an image of their surroundings, hence, highlighting the influential role of specific components in contributing to the formation of the images. The objective of this study is to characterize the imageability factors in living space of humans. Methodology: Quantitative survey as well as a graphic questionnaire (cognitive maps) are the methods of the current research. The obtained data will be analyzed based on their content. Houses of Gajar era located in Tabriz are studied herein. Findings: Findings reveal that the representational components of the mental images of dwellers based on eight categories indicate attributes of space equivalent to spatial variety, spatial connectors, spatial interaction, spatial territory, spatial joints, spatial divisions, and distribution of spatial performance have been instilled as internal and external perceptions, as well as the in-between spaces, nature and natural phenomena, hierarchical relationship of the house with the city, hierarchical process of entrance from the alley to the house and from an outdoor space to an indoor one, performance-based and connection-based hierarchical processes inside an indoor space as well as distinctive features of each location. Conclusions: components of imageability in space can be characterized by comparing operational space, recreative space, recreation space with its representational, mental and empirical counterparts. Representational components relate to the morphology of the space, while mental and empirical components relate to the ideas governing the space and deductions of human from these spaces