A Narrative Analysis of Women s Use of Space in Tehran Modern Housing: 1960-1980

Abstract

Purpose Iran’s modernization process began from late nineteenth and early twentieth century with political and economic reforms that were followed by socio-spatial reforms. The state’s policy of modernization intensified in the 1960s to the late 1970s following the White Revolution and economic boom. Tehran was considered as the capital of modernization and a ground pattern for socio-spatial transformation in the country. The images of modern living spaces and modern society with a focus on women as agents of change and discontinuity were imported from the west. Modern socio-spatial ideas in confrontation with traditional and local ways of life transformed and adapted the status quo. The purpose of this study is to analyze the women’s use of modern domestic spaces constructed between the years 1960-1980 in Tehran, considering political, economic and socio-cultural dynamics. Design/Methodology/Approach The factors that affected use of space and adjustments were categorized in accordance to user profile, dwelling unit and settlement. The data was collected through in-depth interviews with twenty women and analyzed through narrative content analysis. Findings The results showed that several links existed between socio-cultural norms, women’s everyday life and use of space. Some of these connections represented demographic and economic sources, whereas others had physical, environmental and socio-political sources. Research Limitations/Implications Number of case studies were limited and making contact with the interviewees proved to be difficult due to security reasons of the settlements. Furthermore, in some instances it was challenging to have access to archives of buildings due to factors such as dissolution of companies in charge of planning in period of Iran Revolution (1978-9). The significance of this study was to explore broader aspect of architectural design, housing development and evolution in Iran and leads to new perspectives in other fields such as socio-cultural studies. Practical Implications The investigation of practical aspect of modern housing through analyzing narratives of women dwellers provide useful analytical data for architects to consider factors such as household structure, privacy, everyday life and socio-cultural values in designing the domestic spaces. Social Implications A comprehensive study of the users in Tehran, based on the experience of women living there, unfolded a new level of findings. It showed that determinative factors on gender, domesticity and the use of space are deeply rooted within the context-specific social or cultural norms. Originality/Value The previous studies focused on political, social and economic aspects, whereas this study concentrated on gathering first-hand information from the occupants to provide data on the women’s use of space in modern houses.