Karafan Journal

Karafan Journal

Evaluation of Functional Efficiency in the Type of Madrasah and Mosque of Madrasahs Using the Spatial Layout Method (Case Study: 16 Madrasahs and Mosques from the Timurid, Shaybani, Ashtarjani, and Safavid Periods)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
behzad vasiq 1
akram esfandiari 2
1 Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Jundi-Shapur University of Technology, Dezful, Iran
2 1Member of faculty, Department of architecture and urban planning, technical and vocational university (TVU), Tehran, iran
10.48301/kssa.2026.527170.3236
Abstract
This research first examines the physical characteristics of mosques-schools of the Timurid, Shaybani, Ashtarjani and Safavid periods from different perspectives to determine the relationship between prayer and educational spaces. It measures the physical differences of 16 selected examples of schools and mosques-schools in terms of spatial layout indicators and examines how functional efficiency is with the spatial structural changes of mosques-schools and schools. Next, a typology of 16 selected case studies was carried out, then the functional compatibility of space in the form of four indicators; The quality of the neighborhood of activities, functional differentiation, spatial supervision, hierarchy of various functional areas of influence of spaces, have been measured and the impact of each of the aforementioned indicators on the functional efficiency of the schools in question has been analyzed. The mosques of the Safavid period schools have the most complexity and mysterious space in terms of various indicators such as the highest radial line of sight, the angle of drift of isovist, the lowest radial line of sight and the exclusivity of isovist. In these buildings, it seems that there are spaces with greater distances and wider views. The mosques of the Sheibani and Ashtarjani periods schools have the highest visual connection and visual coherence, which indicates the high coherence of their spaces. The schools of the Timurid period have the lowest amount of visual connection and the lowest visual distance, which indicates a more limited and less complex space.
Keywords
Schools of the Timurid
Sheybani
Ashtarjani and Safavid periods
spatial arrangement
functional efficiency
school mosque
Subjects
Karafan Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 February 2026

  • Receive Date 30 May 2025
  • Revise Date 13 October 2025
  • Accept Date 01 February 2026