Comparison between Courtyard Houses in China and Iran

摘要

Courtyard house is one of the common dwelling spaces in the world from ancient to present times. Iran and China have long experiences to build different types of courtyard houses. Provide security for residents and accordance with climate had been the main goals of building them. "Siheyuan" in China and "Hayat Markazi" in Iran have many precious characters that still profitable in modern life. Library documents and field study of many buildings in some old cities in Iran and China were gathered and by analyzing the resemblances and differences of them. It is found that security and hierarchy for family and adapting to climate are the main characters of traditional houses in both countries. These significant factors with other prominent characters can help architects and urban planners to create attractive, environmental and sustainable spaces.