Vernacular architecture of old Saffein villageL the last chance for saving the architectural values of historical Kish Island - Iran

Abstract

Vernacular architecture of Iran is a result of a long term process of social and cultural development which has expanded all over the country. The hot and humid region of Iran situates in a long and thin coastline of the north side of the Persian Gulf. Kish Island, with more than 1,000 years of history, is located in this region with the same social and climatic factors. Vernacular houses of Old Saffein village are the best examples of the harmony among human, construction and the natural environment on Kish Island. This article seeks to emphasize the architectural concepts and ideas, as well as materials and technology which are applied in the vernacular architecture of Old Saffein, the last remaining vernacular architecture of Kish Island. To find its unique features, the study overviews background of the island by archival and observation methods. In addition a study on appearance of the vernacular houses by physical observation is used. This results in an analysis of vernacular knowledge of houses in Old Saffein village, to establish specific features which can be applied for guiding the process of developing contemporary housing appropriate for Kish Island community.