The present study aims to analyze the socio-spatial roles of Hosseiniyeh as an in-between space in the hierarchical structure of the Iranian cities. The notion of in-betweenness refers to the architectural qualities that contribute to the reciprocal states of separation and connection between conflicting realms. In-between spaces are the key elements to support the integration of urban areas. The attention was devoted to the importance of the in-between space when it was cleared through the zoning principles of modernist urbanism. Large open areas among free-standing buildings have produced massive gaps that damage the unity of urban spaces. In spite of the criticisms, the modernist approach is still prevalent. Therefore, there is a need to reconsider the ideas like the in-between space. “Hosseiniyeh”, a small neighborhood square in traditional Iranian cities, is selected as the case study. With a strict geometrical form, it presents a transitional space between the public realm of the Bazaar and the semi-public realm of a neighborhood in the organic urban fabric of Iranian cities. Constructed during the Shiite Safavid government (1501 to 1736), the main function of Hosseiniyeh is to serve as a venue for the only indigenous theater engendered by the world of Islam, the Ta'ziyeh. Based on the theoretical framework of the in-between space, the architectural qualities of Hosseiniyeh are evaluated. The findings illustrate that the small square could meet the criteria to be an in-between space. Hosseiniyeh became an “intermediate space” between the two socially and functionally different areas. It acted as a multi-functional place that implies the end of the public realm and the beginning of a residential area. With its specific socio-political character, the square reinforced the Shiite identity and contributed to the unity of urban spaces.

This paper investigates the visual representation of the modern domestic space in printed media, particularly, women's interest publications during the Pahlavi period in Iran. The aim of the study is to understand how the notion of 'being modern' regarding the domestic space was explained and visualized in printed media. In other words, the main concern of this study is to explore the concepts that were mostly taken into account in the formation of the modern domestic space in Iranian publications. Therefore, publications targeted at women in the Pahlavi period were scrutinized as the study medium to display both ideas and representations around the domestic space. In these publications, visual tools including photographs, sketches, and advertisements along with texts were rigorously analyzed. The findings of the research highlighted that the ideas in terms of the modern domestic space were very similar to the notions on the modern woman. In order to bring a modern identity to the woman and the domestic space, the abandonment of traditional principles and codes were considered as the initial and necessary step. Consequently, modern concepts including women's education, health, unveiling, and beautiful appearance were introduced in parallel with the concepts of functional, hygienic, visible, and pleasant domestic space in mass media.