Reflection of Native Culture and Western Architecture in the form and Structure of Historical Houses (Case Study: Qajar Houses of Kermanshah)

Abstract
The study of houses has captivated researchers, primarily due to their functional significance, with many regarding them as the most crucial structures constructed for human habitation. Houses serve as a reflection of societal identity, values, and cultural beliefs, while also fulfilling the security and practical needs of families. Consequently, an exploration of the evolution of residential architecture can enhance our comprehension of historical culture and architectural practices. However, there exists a notable deficiency in research concerning the traditional houses of Kermanshah, resulting in an inadequate examination of their semantic values, functional attributes, and cultural origins. Understanding these elements could facilitate the redefinition of contemporary architecture that honors the esteemed architectural heritage of the past. This research aims to investigate the influences of local culture, modernization, and Western architectural styles on the design and structure of Qajar houses in Kermanshah. The present study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with a descriptive framework. The statistical population encompasses an examination of ten Qajar houses located in Kermanshah, alongside a targeted selection of 18 experts in architecture and cultural heritage. From this group, a theoretical saturation was achieved with 11 individuals. Data collection was facilitated through interviews and the application of Delphi questionnaires, while the analysis was conducted using thematic analysis and the fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The resulting thematic network model comprises 14 fundamental themes, organized into three overarching categories. The findings of the study indicate that the interplay of native culture, modernization, and Western architectural influences significantly shaped the design of Qajar houses in Kermanshah. This influence is manifested through various elements, such as the incorporation of traditional Iranian principles, the adoption of French or European styles, the design of extroverted and staircase-oriented residences, as well as the implementation of English and French landscaping characterized by expansive lawns. Additionally, features such as French columns and capitals, clay tiles, Haftrang, decorative brickwork, and prominent facades that mimic Western aesthetics have played a crucial role in this architectural evolution.
Keywords: Native Culture, Lifestyle, Western Architecture, Houses of Kermanshah, Qajar Period.
 
Introduction
From the very distant past, “house” has been more than a shelter for humans, and spiritual aspects can be found in all stages of building a “house” until settling in it and using it completely. One of the important cultural phenomena is building a house, so that the structure, shape and spatial body of the house has a great impact on the cultural environment of that region. Culture and lifestyle have always been in a close relationship with architectural space, to the extent that architecture acts as a tool to measure the people of a society. According to Rapaport, several factors shape the house, among which religious beliefs, family structure, way of living and social relations between people can be mentioned. But unfortunately, in the current era, quality issues and especially cultural and environmental values are not considered in most residential projects.
At present, Kermanshah is home to numerous significant residences from the Qajar era that remain largely unexplored. Engaging with these structures may provide insights into the reimagining of an innovative and forward-thinking architectural style that honors the esteemed architectural heritage of the past. Consequently, investigating the foundational elements and prevailing trends of indigenous residential architecture, as well as their implications for future developments, is deemed essential for the advancement of contemporary Iranian architecture.
Research Questions: To fulfill the objectives of this study, the following inquiries will be addressed: 1. What were the key architectural characteristics shared by the residences in Kermanshah during the Qajar era? 2. How did modernization and the influence of Western architectural styles during the Qajar period impact the design of historical houses in Kermanshah? 3. In what ways have local cultural practices and lifestyles influenced the architectural features of Qajar-era houses in Kermanshah? 
 
Discussion
In this study, the qualitative data were examined using thematic analysis, specifically employing the theme network method to illustrate the interrelationships and dependencies among the identified themes. The information was gathered through interviews conducted following a comprehensive review of the relevant literature in the research area. The researchers recorded the interview data, subsequently extracting pertinent codes and categories, which were then organized into distinct categories in the subsequent phase of analysis.
This section addresses the concluding elements of cultural influences, specifically the impact of modernization and Western architectural styles on the design and structure of Qajar residences in Kermanshah. Initially, 76 items were identified. Subsequently, to assess the significance of each organizing theme within the primary themes, a survey of experts was conducted to determine the most critical categories. This process culminated in the extraction of 14 final factors categorized into three groups. A questionnaire was then developed, presenting the 14 validated components related to cultural dimensions, modernization, and Western architecture that influenced the architectural formation of houses in Kermanshah during the Qajar era. Experts were invited to evaluate the importance of these dimensions and criteria on a scale ranging from “very little: 1” to “very much: 5”.
Following the conversion of the experts’ linguistic responses into fuzzy numbers, the average responses for each skill were subsequently indexed. The next phase involved the de-fuzzification of the numbers corresponding to the average of each component. The experts established a threshold of 3, and notably, none of the components were eliminated, as all components met the required criteria according to the experts’ evaluations. Ultimately, the theme network comprises 14 organizing themes, which are structured into three primary overarching themes.
The first category: the common architectural features of the Qajar houses of Kermanshah
The second category: the effect of modernization and the introduction of western architecture 
The third category: the effect of cultural characteristics and lifestyle 
 
Conclusion
The research results reveal that the cultural characteristics and lifestyle of the Kermanshah inhabitants have profoundly influenced the architectural forms and structures of Qajar houses. This examination identifies the employment of indigenous architectural styles, the trend of foreignization, and the introduction of Western tools. Even amidst the considerable impact of Western culture and architecture during this era, the expression of native culture and Iranian architectural identity remains evident in residential designs. The houses of the common people continue to adhere to traditional architectural methods and principles, with Western influences primarily manifesting in the grand residences of the nobility and in palatial architecture.
The reflection of Western architectural principles and modernization is clearly observable in the form and structure of Qajar houses located in Kermanshah. This phenomenon encompasses a range of features, such as houses designed in the French or European style, extroverted layouts, and prominent staircases. Furthermore, the influence of English and French landscaping is evident through the inclusion of expansive lawn areas, as well as the adoption of European-style marble columns and capitals. The architectural elements also include French-style columns and capitals, clay and multicolored tiles, intricate brickwork, and striking facades that echo Western aesthetics. This stylistic evolution is marked using Islamic and geometric decorative motifs, while the traditional zigzag patterns have become less prevalent.