Visual Language in Architectural Heritage: A Semiotic Analysis of the Fahadan Hotel in the Historic City of Yazd, Iran

Abstract

This study delves into the intersection of semiotics and architecture through an in-depth analysis of the Fahadan Hotel Museum, formerly known as the Tehrani-ha House. This significant property from the Qajar period is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Historic City of Yazd, Iran. Drawing upon semiotic theory, the research interprets the visual language of the building as a cultural text composed of signs, symbols, and meanings embedded within its architectural elements. The study examines both the exterior and interior features of the house through denotative, connotative, metaphorical, and metonymic lenses. The findings reveal that architectural forms in Iranian heritage, such as domes, wind-catchers, symmetry, light manipulation, and material choices, function as a semiotic system that reflects spiritual, social, and environmental values. This paper posits that Iranian architecture extends beyond mere aesthetic and functional dimensions, serving as a medium for cultural communication. The semiotic analysis of the Fahadan House underscores the effectiveness of semiotic tools in deciphering the symbolic grammar of architectural heritage and contributes to broader discussions on space, identity, and cultural continuity.