Soffeh

Soffeh

The White Finish of the Qajar House; Exploring the Chromatics of the Façade in Tabriz’s Historical Houses

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Shabnam Jafari 1
Massud Wahdattalab 2
1 Master of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran
10.48308/soffeh.2025.233802.1323
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Colours have always played a prominent role in symbolism and conveyance of aesthetic concepts in Iranian architecture. Despite numerous studies in this field, the primary focus of previous research has been on interiors and decorative elements such as stained-glass windows (Orosi), while systematic investigations of colour in exteriors—indicative of aesthetic taste, social identity, and the status of owners—have received less attention. During this period, and with the increasing focus on residential architecture, facades gained greater importance. This research was conducted with the aim of monitoring colour selection methods and analysing the extent and priorities of colours applied in the main facades of Tabriz’s Qajar-era houses. Tabriz was selected due to its status as the crown prince’s residence during the Qajar period, and its possession of a wealth of architectural heritage from this period. The main research question is: Which colour is most prevalent in the facades of Qajar houses in Tabriz?

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method, gathering information through library and field research. The sample population consisted of 74 main façades of Qajar houses in Tabriz. By applying criteria of integrity and authenticity, 20 façades were selected, with their colour data were captured using digital tools, including the Color Grab software, under controlled lighting conditions. The Munsell Colour System served as the basis for colour classification, and engineering and image processing software were used to draw the facades, assign colours, and perform quantitative calculations of coloured surfaces.

Results and Conclusion: The findings indicate that with an average of 57.40% of the total facade surfaces, the white colour has the largest share, followed by red (22.27%), grey (8.82%), yellow (7.43%), blue (2.45%), green (0.98%), and purple (0.65%). Data analysis also reveals that surfaces with natural colours (74.81%) significantly outnumber painted surfaces (25.19%). The results demonstrate the predominance of whiteness in the exteriors, which stands in meaningful contrast to the red-dominated interiors (particularly the Howz-khaneh). Factors such as the use of vernacular materials, climatic considerations, the influence of emerging architectural styles, and the aesthetic taste of the residents played effective roles in formulating and selecting the colour palette for the appearance of these buildings. Whiteness not only symbolised the well-being and affluence of the inhabitants but also provided a background for visual harmony and the highlighting of colourful decorative elements.
Keywords
Colour, Faç
ade, Qajar architecture, Historical houses of Tabriz, Colour preferences
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 24 April 2024
  • Revise Date 31 August 2024
  • Accept Date 04 January 2025