Identification of a Forgotten Building Type in the Architectural Heritage of Bushehr Port Based on Historical Images

The analysis of historical images reveals the existence of vanished structures that differ significantly from the commonly identified types of historic buildings in the port of Bushehr. This study aims to develop a novel methodology based on visual documentation to identify and analyze lost architectural types. A mixed-methods research approach was employed across three scales: micro, meso, and macro. Historical images served as the primary data source, initially analyzed qualitatively. Subsequently, quantitative analysis at the micro scale was conducted using K-cluster analysis. The results of the quantitative and image analyses were compared at the meso scale, while Kernel density function analysis and hot-spots analysis were applied at the macro scale. The findings identify these structures as a distinct architectural type, predominantly found in several villages on the Bushehr Peninsula and sporadically within the historical district of the port of Bushehr. At the micro scale, these buildings are characterized by stone-built structures, predominantly sloped roofs, and entrances located on the longitudinal side. At the meso scale, the floor plans exhibit two primary length-to-width ratios of 0.427 and 0.912, often oriented east-west, with arrangements appearing as single units, pairs, or clusters of three or more. At the macro scale, enclosed plots were organized into grid-like patterns perpendicular to the sea axis, forming clusters.