The Semantics of Water in Architecture and Applying it in Designing Indoors of Contemporary Houses

Abstract

Water as one of the most fundamental natural elements throughout history greatly impacts formation and efflorescence of urban spaces and architecture. In the meanwhile, todays the way humans communicate with this redemptive element is changed. In this regard, the method of renewed communication and revival of the culture of water using in architecture requires review of designing methods. The present research attempts to indicate conceptual, functional and esthetic fundamentals of water and analysis of these three systems in the examples of Iran's architecture provides the ground for using ancients' experiences with an emphasis on revival of the three spiritual, material and mental dimensions of water. Then, the use of water in architecture and sight architecture is analyzed and patterns to apply this element to flux of positive energies of residents of these houses based on the Feng Shui philosophy fundamentals are represented and using qualitative and content analysis method, application of the water element in interior decoration and design of houses is studied and discussed. The results of this research show that since the space of today's houses shrank and the designer's hand is not open to use too much water in designing interior space of houses, we should turn to patterns that at least evoke and inspire the feeling of water flow in the living environment. The studies conducted indicate that in order to manifest the concept of water flow in interior design of houses, the only option is not using water fountain. Rather, applying wavy and curved shapes as well as using reflective instruments such as glass and mirror, using home aquarium and applying water colored shots such as wall papers also suggests the concept of water fluidity in a house.