Payame Noor University Journal of Urban Ecology Researches 2538-3930 Articles in Press 2025 10 06 Investigating the evolution of semi-open space types in the historical houses of Qazvin (Study case: Safavid, Qajar City,, Qajar-Pahlavi and Pahlavi periods) Investigating the evolution of semi-open space types in the historical houses of Qazvin (Study case: Safavid, Qajar City,, Qajar-Pahlavi and Pahlavi periods) 12283 10.30473/grup.2025.72535.2886 FA Niki Nikkhahan Islamic Azad University Ahvaz branch Hamed Hayati Assistant Professor of Architecture, Qom University, Qom, Iran Journal Article 2024 10 19 Semi-open spaces are defined by a degree of material permeability. They possess unique characteristics and serve as areas to fulfill certain human needs. Compared to the other two types of spaces (open and closed), these spaces exhibit greater formal and functional diversity. In traditional Iranian architecture, this element has played varied and sometimes distinct roles in historical houses across different periods. The findings indicate that, on average, semi-open spaces constitute about 27% of the total building area in historical houses from the Qajar to Pahlavi periods in Qazvin. Despite this relatively small proportion, these spaces encompass three distinct types with varied roles: "Ivan" (Porch): A connecting space between other areas. "Ivancheh" (Small Porch): A transitional space between the interior and exterior of the building. "Talar" (Hall): A versatile space accommodating a wide range of collective functions and behaviors, often highlighted by features like "Shahneshin" (a prominent seating area).Under the umbrella of semi-open spaces, these three types effectively delineate spatial hierarchies, allocate functions appropriately, and ensure each space is suited to its intended use. Semi-open spaces are defined by a degree of material permeability. They possess unique characteristics and serve as areas to fulfill certain human needs. Compared to the other two types of spaces (open and closed), these spaces exhibit greater formal and functional diversity. In traditional Iranian architecture, this element has played varied and sometimes distinct roles in historical houses across different periods. The findings indicate that, on average, semi-open spaces constitute about 27% of the total building area in historical houses from the Qajar to Pahlavi periods in Qazvin. Despite this relatively small proportion, these spaces encompass three distinct types with varied roles: "Ivan" (Porch): A connecting space between other areas. "Ivancheh" (Small Porch): A transitional space between the interior and exterior of the building. "Talar" (Hall): A versatile space accommodating a wide range of collective functions and behaviors, often highlighted by features like "Shahneshin" (a prominent seating area).Under the umbrella of semi-open spaces, these three types effectively delineate spatial hierarchies, allocate functions appropriately, and ensure each space is suited to its intended use. https://grup.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12283_e833880c7271f2a2aee833a8ae0c8e13.pdf