Comparison of Physical Structure of Iran Traditional Neighborhoods Based on Living Center Theory of Christopher Alexander (Case Study: Haji and Kolapa Neighborhoods in Hamedan)

In the way Christopher Alexander1 provides understanding and knowing order of nature, the pattern of living structures according to the concepts of totality and strong centers are paid attention to in 15 integrated features. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the physical totality of these two neighborhoods based on Alexander`s living center theory and its adaptability with architectural physics .This paper tries to answer following questions- What is the theory of living centers proposed by Alexander? Based on living center theory, how is the geometrical structure of traditional neighborhoods in Hamedan? How is the comparative study of structure of both neighborhoods based on Alexander`s theory? The results of study suggest that certain space as an essential feature of the theory of Alexander is not applicable with geometry structure of elements of the traditional neighborhoods of Hamadan. Comparison of geometry structure of the neighborhood and the characters of Alexander's theory pattern suggests that the most important role in the neighborhood for creating more life arises from strong centers, levels of Scale, boundaries, non-separateness, roughness, the void and contrast .The findings survey can use urban planners, urban designers and architectures to design new neighborhoods.