Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture and Urbanism (NRC) The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar 1735-9635 22 147 2025 08 23 Identifying Tectonic Components in the Architecture of Rural Houses in the Eastern Region of Gīlān Identifying Tectonic Components in the Architecture of Rural Houses in the Eastern Region of Gīlān 19 34 224513 10.22034/bagh.2025.503387.5755 FA Javad Mortazavi Department of Architecture, Qa.c., Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran. 0000-0003-2300-9182 Maryam Armaghan Department of Architecture, Qa.c., Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran. 0000-0002-0032-3008 Jamaleddin Soheili Department of Architecture, Qa.c., Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran. 0000-0002-2645-8912 Journal Article 2025 02 02 Problem statement: Tectonics in architecture contributes to maintaining a stable balance between natural capacities (e.g. topography, soil, hazards) and cultural-climatic requirements (e.g.vernacular materials, structural structures, and artistic expression). However, the accelerated development of urbanization and climate change in the eastern region of Gīlān have upset this long-term balance and caused two fundamental challenges: 1) Substitution of ecosystem-incompatible construction materials; 2) annihilation of architectural identity rooted in culture and climate. These challenges not only threaten structural sustainability but also accelerate the disconnection from traditional knowledge of human-nature symbiosis. Therefore, identifying the tectonic components that affect climatic adaptability and cultural authenticity is an essential step to reestablish this balance and protect the architectural heritage of the region.<br />Research objective: This research attempts to identify the tectonic components influencing the architecture of rural houses in eastern Gīlān and to examine how their interactions preserve the identity of local architecture. This study seeks to answer these questions: What are the tectonic components affecting the rural architecture of the eastern Gīlān region? What are the spatial relationships of the buildings to each other? And what materials are used in the rural space of this region?<br />Research method: The research is descriptive-analytical employing field data and literature review to analyze the buildings.<br />Conclusion: The research results show that physical and semantic components play a synergistic role in the architectural tectonics of houses in the eastern region of Gīlān. In terms of physical components, the extensive use of local materials such as wood, kahgel (a mixture of mud and straw), and stone has created structures that withstand moisture and climate change, which ensures both environmental sustainability and economic benefits. Architectural forms, including sloping roofs, insulated walls, and open spaces of verandas, have been designed to optimize environmental conditions facilitating natural ventilation, creating spatial harmony, and maintaining continuity with nature. Increasing efficiency in terms of semantic components, architectural forms, and details act as cultural and social symbols and strengthen local identity.  Problem statement: Tectonics in architecture contributes to maintaining a stable balance between natural capacities (e.g. topography, soil, hazards) and cultural-climatic requirements (e.g.vernacular materials, structural structures, and artistic expression). However, the accelerated development of urbanization and climate change in the eastern region of Gīlān have upset this long-term balance and caused two fundamental challenges: 1) Substitution of ecosystem-incompatible construction materials; 2) annihilation of architectural identity rooted in culture and climate. These challenges not only threaten structural sustainability but also accelerate the disconnection from traditional knowledge of human-nature symbiosis. Therefore, identifying the tectonic components that affect climatic adaptability and cultural authenticity is an essential step to reestablish this balance and protect the architectural heritage of the region.<br />Research objective: This research attempts to identify the tectonic components influencing the architecture of rural houses in eastern Gīlān and to examine how their interactions preserve the identity of local architecture. This study seeks to answer these questions: What are the tectonic components affecting the rural architecture of the eastern Gīlān region? What are the spatial relationships of the buildings to each other? And what materials are used in the rural space of this region?<br />Research method: The research is descriptive-analytical employing field data and literature review to analyze the buildings.<br />Conclusion: The research results show that physical and semantic components play a synergistic role in the architectural tectonics of houses in the eastern region of Gīlān. In terms of physical components, the extensive use of local materials such as wood, kahgel (a mixture of mud and straw), and stone has created structures that withstand moisture and climate change, which ensures both environmental sustainability and economic benefits. Architectural forms, including sloping roofs, insulated walls, and open spaces of verandas, have been designed to optimize environmental conditions facilitating natural ventilation, creating spatial harmony, and maintaining continuity with nature. Increasing efficiency in terms of semantic components, architectural forms, and details act as cultural and social symbols and strengthen local identity.  https://www.bagh-sj.com/article_224513_5a251c63e3d0c8a08eea2497b932b14d.pdf