سارا دشت گرد

Le Corbusier's Domino system, introduced in the early 20th century, marked a turning point in modern architecture by proposing a modular framework based on slender columns and reinforced concrete slabs. This structural innovation facilitated standardization, industrialization, and rapid construction, influencing landmark projects such as Villa Savoye and the Pessac housing complex, as well as later mass housing developments. Despite these advantages, limited research has critically examined the relevance of the Domino system in light of contemporary architectural and environmental standards. This study aims to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the Domino system within its historical context while exploring its potential adaptability to present-day needs. The research employs a descriptive approach to explain the system's conceptual features, an analytical approach to assess selected case studies, and a comparative approach to measure its performance against current architectural criteria. Data sources include scholarly literature, visual and graphical documentation, and environmental records, enabling both historical and technical analysis. Findings reveal that the Domino system significantly contributed to the rationalization of building processes and provided a foundation for prefabrication and modular construction. However, its emphasis on structural regularity often resulted in spatial monotony and insufficient responsiveness to cultural, climatic, and ecological factors. The study highlights the importance of integrating adaptive strategies, sustainable materials, and advanced technologies. Contemporary tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), parametric design, and modular prefabrication can reinterpret the Domino framework, ensuring flexibility, contextual sensitivity, and ecological performance. By bridging historical innovation with modern requirements, the Domino system demonstrates enduring relevance when reimagined through contemporary architectural practices.

This paper conducts a comparative analysis of residential floor plans from three pivotal periods in Iranian history: the Zand (1751–1794 CE), Qajar (1789–1925 CE), and Pahlavi (1925–1979 CE) eras. By examining prominent residential buildings from each period, the study investigates the transformation of circulation features, namely courtyards, iwans, corridors, and vestibules (hashtis). Findings reveal a progressive reduction in courtyard centrality and hierarchical access systems during the Zand and Qajar eras, shifting toward linear, corridor-based, and Western-influenced layouts in the Pahlavi period. This change decreased reliance on introverted, multi-courtyard configurations for privacy and climate control, favoring open-plan structures with direct entrances and reduced spatial segregation. This evolution reflects changing approaches to spatial organization, privacy, and formal access in response to modernization and shifting cultural paradigms. The study contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between architecture and historical context in Iran, highlighting the significance of residential spaces as cultural artifacts. Through a focused architectural lens, this analysis provides insight into the broader historical shifts embedded in built environments.