Non-Visual Elements of Perception in Bazars

Abstract

Visual dominance has been recently propagated through a considerable number of technological innovations and development of a cornucopia of images. Although human experiences and world perception are regulated through a combination of the five senses, yet it seems that generation of contemporary architecture is solely affected by the visual sense, vision. Consequently, nowadays we encounter locations which do not leave any shared memories among people .It seems that the physique and structure of bazar can directly affect human’s non-visual perception and the bazar has been formed to affect non-visual perception of space. As the manifestation of the Iranian traditional architecture, the bazar has been designed to engage all the senses. The present study investigates the non-visual components such as the visible and non-visible space-constituent architectural elements in Iranian bazars. The study was conducted with regard to the ecological theory of perception and based on comparative studies of documents, field study and library investigations. According to the results obtained, architectural pattern of bazars in Tabriz, Isfahan and Arak not only emphasize auditory territory but also they call for the presence of physical and tactile senses. These constructions were not formed based on an abstract visual idea; rather, they reflect a pattern of implementing senses in architecture which leads to establishing non-visual connection to the architectural space, aesthetic comprehension, strengthening mental image of environment as well understanding the surrounding environment.