Semiotic analysis of space, place, and architectural elements is not as common as in literary arts, because unlike the semiotic system of literature, all of whose components are expressive and interpretable, architecture is more closely linked to structural and functional elements. For this reason, we witness a lack of research in the field of semiotic reading of place. In this study, the authors sought to read the spatial structure of the world's role field using Theo van Leeuwen's theories in social semiotics, because how elements are arranged, combined, and put together in a specific space creates different effects. In architecture, predetermined materials and planning are used to create a place and construct a specific space. However, all these needs include the priorities and thoughts of the creators and clients, which will determine the reading of observers and users. Research of this kind guides us in recognizing and using elements that are rooted in rereading the narrative and the process of formation and continuation of the historical movement of the spaces and places being observed.
Methodology
The following article is a qualitative research with a social semiotic approach, the data of which were collected in a documentary (by referring to previous texts) and field (by direct observation and interpretation of the visual structure by the authors). The case study of this research is the Naqsh-e Jahan field in Isfahan, which, in addition to its importance and historical and artistic background, has special semiotic values that require a specific theoretical framework such as social semiotics to understand them more fully.
Social semiotics originated from Halliday's semiotics and functional linguistics. Functional linguistics creates meaning or role in a practical context. Just as linguistics has changed from grammar to discourse, including the text and context of that text, social semiotics has changed from "sign" to "method of using semiotic resources" in order to create communicative events and interpret them in the context of a specific social situation and actions.
Social semiotics is a combination of different dimensions that uses many texts to create meaning, to analyze the process of creating meaning behind complex interactions. That is why it focuses on how semiotic resources are used by people and social institutions, etc.
Discussion and result
The symbolicization of a space through the performance of ceremonies and gatherings increases its value in the eyes of the people. The functions of these spaces are to facilitate the creation of civil order, a place for power with a questioning of the role of political tendencies, and a place for symbolic and social performance and performance. The spatial characterization of public places is as effective in the orientation and perception of people as it is in the environmental qualities.
Naqsh-e-Jahan Square was the largest square in the world in the 11th century AH, which is symmetrical to the 17th century AD. The most important parts of this square from the point of view of semiotic values are as follows:
Ali-Qapu Building: This building consists of a wide arch that is seen in the center of a solid foundation projecting towards the square.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque: This building has distinctive features compared to other mosques, including the lack of a minaret, spire, courtyard, and courtyard.
Qaysariyeh Gate: In the northern part of the square, there is a magnificent two-story-high arch on both sides of two buildings, with halls on the upper floor.
Coclusion
The following can be included among the semiotic values of the spatial structure of Naqsh-e Jahan Square: separation (through barriers and walls), reduction (to separate people from the royal sections), balance (with visual elements such as color, pattern, line, etc.), rhythm (with the help of repeating forms to create rhythm), prominence (by directing the viewer's gaze towards the indicative elements as an anchor and reference point in visual perception), scale and size (with expanse, volume, and elevation to refer to the power and territory of the Safavid government), details (with the help of aligned elements, tall columns, the overhang of the palace porch, etc.), placement (by utilizing the values of spatial and conceptual relationships to represent a city at the center of the world and a square at the center of the city), contradiction (between broken and smooth lines), and contrast (between cold and warm colors).