A Comparative Study of the Configuration and Functions of Outdoor and Semi-Outdoor Space in Schools from the Traditional to the Contemporary Period Based on Evaluating the Role of the Governing Educational System

The present study, based on a case study, aims at addressing the functional and morphological evolutions in outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces in Yazd schools over time, through educational developments. The approach followed in this study is to connect the changes in the spatial structure of outdoor space in schools to the evolutions in the educational system. To this end, this paper develops five hypotheses and employs qualitative and computational research methods to evaluate the functions and spatial configuration of the outdoor spaces of six schools, constructed between the 18th and 20th CE centuries, in Yazd. A mathematical method drawn by “space syntax” is adopted to measure the spatial features of the outdoor spaces of schools, and a field study is used to identify the relationship between the functional process of these configurations and their governing educational principle. The results show that the configuration of the traditional schools, built between the late 18th and 19th centuries, in Yazd was formed based on the active educational role of outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces, followed by the governing educational policies. Moreover, the outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces are not only the main spaces where social activities are held in schools, but also are complementary elements to the indoor educational spaces. Meanwhile, in modern schools, constructed in the early 20th century, and contemporary schools, constructed in the late 20th century, the spatial configuration of schools has changed and the importance of outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces in these schools has significantly devaluated due partially to the evolution of the modern educational system compared to traditional schools. By identifying the features of three different school building typologies, as well as their outdoor space functions, this paper provides useful knowledge for future school designing and planning in Yazd.