TYPOLOGY OF HISTORICAL HOUSES IN MUZAFFARID ERA: CASE STUDY OF ARDAKAN CITY, YAZD, IRAN

Abstract. MOZAFFARIDS established the Mozaffarid dynasty in Yazd, Iran. This era witnessed a development in architectural and decorative features of Yazd buildings. Ardakan, in particular, enjoyed a period of prosperity in the 14th century, which led to a flourishing growth of architectural production. The present article uses a descriptive-analytical and historical-comparative method to investigate the typology of 12 historical houses of Ardakan city in the Muzaffarid era. By using literature review and field studies, four of these houses have been studied in detail in terms of architectural and decorative features and construction methods. The results of the study show that Mozaffarid houses in Ardakan have certain and distinguishable patterns and follow a general rule. Main Iwan as an outstanding feature in Mozaffarid houses, as well as a central courtyard and a Soffeh in front of the Iwan, repeated in all houses and other parts, are formed in their surroundings. With the change in the location of the main Iwan in the northern or southern part of the central courtyard and the fact that whether or not there is a garden, significant differences in organization and the quality of spaces have been made. Mozaffarid houses in Ardakan can be described as two main types each of which can be divided into two subcategories based on the Iwan position. The knowledge of typological characteristics of these historical architecture needs to be gathered to preserve the built heritage and a comprehensive document is essential for the preservation and conservation of the houses.