Spatial Visibility of Domestic Kitchens in Iran: Isovist Area Data from 19 Case Studies
Description
This dataset contains the results of the Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) conducted as part of the study “The Closed Open Kitchens: Spatial and Visual Analysis of Iranian Kitchens Over the Last Century.” Specifically, it includes the isovist area graphs for 19 residential case studies in Tehran, spanning five historical periods (Qajar, Pahlavi 1, Pahlavi 2, Contemporary 1, and Contemporary 2). Each isovist graph visualises the kitchen’s visual field by representing the area visible from each point within the kitchen space. The analysis was performed using DepthmapX, with a regular grid of 20 cm spacing. Internal windows and doors were considered transparent, while external ones were treated as opaque, reflecting typical use of curtains in Iranian domestic settings. These graphs illustrate the extent of visual connectivity between the kitchen and adjacent spaces, providing insights into spatial isolation, visibility, and the evolution of kitchen integration within domestic layouts. The dataset supports the study’s findings on the changing visual and social role of kitchens in Iranian homes and enables further exploration of spatial visibility and its implications for domestic life.
Files
Steps to reproduce
The isovist area graphs were generated using DepthmapX (version 0.70). For each case study, a CAD drawing of the floor plan was prepared, and only the privately owned spaces were modelled. A 20 cm regular grid was applied across the kitchen area. Internal windows and doors were set as transparent, while external boundaries were set as opaque. The isovist area for each grid point was calculated and visualised to assess the visual field within the kitchen. Reproducing the results requires access to the original floor plans and applying the same settings in DepthmapX.
Institutions
- Payame Noor University
- Shahid Beheshti University
- Nottingham Trent University