Morphological Analysis of Yazd Historic Fabric via Voronoi Geometry

Khaleghi Babaei, Ali; Nasertorabi, Shaghayegh; Kalantari Khalilabad, Hossien

doi:10.48311/bsnt.2026.119289.82922

Morphological Analysis of Yazd Historic Fabric via Voronoi Geometry

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

Ali khaleghi babaei ¹

shaghayegh nasertorabi ²

Hossien kalantari khalilabad ³

¹ PHd student, Department of Architecture, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran

² phd student department of architecture, ka.c. islamic azad university, karaj, iran

³ Professor, Academic Staff at ACECR, and Faculty Member of the Department of Architecture, ka.c. islamic azad university karaj iran

10.48311/bsnt.2026.119289.82922

Abstract

Aims: Accelerated urbanization in recent decades, particularly within Iran’s historic centers, has precipitated profound physical transformations, introducing complexities into analyzing internal urban morphologies. As a paramount exemplar of traditional Iranian urbanism, Yazd’s historic fabric possesses a sophisticated internal logic and order concealed beneath its seemingly organic appearance. Accordingly, this research conducts a morphological analysis of the spatial configuration of Yazd’s historic core, employing the Voronoi geometry model as a mathematical framework to decode these patterns.

Methods: This study is categorized as applied research and adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology. The investigation integrates archival research with computational analysis of geospatial data and maps. The analysis involves generating Voronoi diagrams, where prominent architectural landmarks—specifically the Jameh Mosque, Vaqt-ol-Sa'at Square, Ab-Anbar, and12 Imam Mausoleum—were designated as primary generators for spatial partitioning and territorial modeling.

Findings: Spatial simulations based on Voronoi tessellations demonstrate that the distribution and territorial influence of these landmarks form a systematic pattern of centrality and neighborhood interaction. Variations in cell geometry and scale highlight diverse spatial capacities of these elements, revealing a well-defined physical hierarchy across various scales of the urban fabric.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that Voronoi cells effectively delineate distinct spatial domains and functional hierarchies, reaffirming central roles of the Jameh Mosque and Ab-Anbar. Furthermore, the correlation between Voronoi boundaries and historical street networks suggests a hidden structural order governed by proximity logic. Consequently, the Voronoi model serves as an advanced computational tool for scientific decoding of spatial structures, offering insights for strategic planning and conservation of historic environments.

Keywords

Urban morphology

Voronoi geometry

Iranian Islamic identity

historical texture of Yazd city

spatial organization

traditional architecture

timeless values of Iranian architecture

Subjects

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