A Survey on Construction Technology in Traditional Baths of Iran: Esfahlan Bath of Osku - Tabriz

Abstract

Architectural typology of different areas shows that many factors such as natural, cultural, social, and economical factors have been introduced on behalf of the residents as effective factors in the formation of traditional architecture. Although, environmental conditions had the most effect on the form and structure of traditional buildings, but for constructing Iranian baths, trying to keep the warmth and moisture generated inside the bath is the most important and effective factor on the form and structure of Iranian traditional baths. It was experienced that putting the building floor a few meters above the ground surface, constructing thick walls, and also inside architecture of this traditional building all show efforts to maintain the warmth and moisture inside the building. Classic spaces of Iranian bath and architectural pattern of it were constant in all these conditions, but on the other hand, different limitations such as area, land position, and usage of different architectural and decorative elements has caused dissimilarity of any two baths. Within the present paper, in order to investigate the construction of these buildings (i.e. Esfahlan baths of Osku), historical baths registered by the Cultural Heritage Organization of Tabriz were studied as statistical population by the use of knowledge of experience or use of a new technology. Also the study benefited from analytical survey method with a toolbar containing figures, tables, and maps. The results obtained from the research shows that traditional architecture of baths, considering the sample study, has unique properties which alongside with paying attention to proper designing and using local-coordinated materials could also response to environmental issues without having a primary basic technology but on the base of the residents' experiences and observations of the area. It would be possible to carry out more research in contemporary projects considering the findings of the present study.