The Comparative Evaluation of Sense of Place Components in Structural Elements of Shiraz Traditional and Contemporary Mosques The Case Study of Haji Ali Mosque, Moshir-ol-Molk Mosque, Al-Raja Mosque and Daneshgah Mosque

Statement of the problem: A place, is an identity indicator with a specific (objective-subjective) structure that adds sense to the surrounding environment. But the sense of place is not just a simple way of explaining how one perceives a place by an individual, but rather a meaningful and multi-dimensional concept, and relates to the symbolic and emotional identification of a person relative to the place. So the sense of place is based on the experience of the individual in interacting with the place that defines the relation of one's person to his environment, which is resulted from understanding his position in his place and his perceptive functions. So it goes beyond formal-physical structures and is affected by the images and mental associations of the individual over time. The sense of place is one of the most important factors in creating a demanded and positive relationship between man and the environment. The physical elements as one of the defining factors of this concept, are of particular importance because they are controllable by the designer.
Research question: This paper sought to answer the question that what are the structural components in promoting the sense of place in contemporary and traditional mosques in Shiraz and what are their effects?
Research purposes: The present article is based on the study of the role of physical components in creating a sense of place and improving its levels, with the aim of providing a favorable image of the contrast between contemporary and traditional thinking in the design of mosques. The achievement of this research can be used in presenting a new design solution or replacing traditional elements with new and effective signs in strengthening the sense of place of the mosque.
Research Methods: Effective criterias were formulated in theoretical framework based on the opinions of the experts. After introducing the physical elements that define the abstract concept of the mosque, they are exposed to value by the audience and the results of the studies are set for each of the traditional and contemporary examples in the tables and analyzed with the help of SPSS software. Factor analysis has been done to identify the main variables affecting the sense of place, and the correlation pattern between the observed variables. For confirmation of research hypothesis, correlation test, T-test and regression test have been used. The value of 0.918 for the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient showed that the results can be cited and valid.
The most important findings and conclusions of the research: The findings show that the physical components of the structure of the traditional and contemporary mosques provide different levels of sense of place, and the difference is only in their prioritization. The physical elements in traditional mosques are more closely associated with the identity of the sense of place, and in contemporary mosques, they attach to commitment and dependence on the place. It is necessary to note that despite the undeniable importance of symbolic and physical elements, like dome and minaret, the existence of these elements without activity, the higher levels of sense of place that lead to the preservation of the life of a place, will not be answered. On the other hand, eliminating the overall identity of these identity elements will not provide a sense of belonging and attachment. Investigation of regression path coefficients shows that except for minarets and dome, all physical components in the structure of Shiraz mosques have a direct impact on sense of place. The direct and indirect effects of these components are, in general, more prevalent in traditional mosques than in contemporary mosques. In this study, it was found that the physical structures are of particular importance in both samples. The resulting difference is due to the different functionality of each physical element in the structure of the mosque, commensurate with the needs of worshipers.