The Architectural Image Of Crowds In Traditional Religious Spaces: A Visual-Digital Analysis Of The Space Between The Two Holy Shrines In Karbala During The Arbabeen Pilgrimage

Abstract

This study examines the visual-architectural dimension of crowd management in densely populated traditional religious spaces, through an analysis of the evolving spatial landscape of the area between the two holy shrines in Karbala during the Arba'een pilgrimage. The research's significance stems from the growing trend towards employing digital modeling and visual representation as analytical tools that not only measure movement but also contribute to reshaping spatial perception and organizing the relationship between the body, space, and religious symbolism. The study adopted an analytical-representational approach combining architectural image analysis, digital crowd simulation, and strategic evaluation to explore how spatial interventions impact the overall visual landscape of the space. Three-dimensional digital models were constructed to simulate the dynamics of human movement, and three design-organization scenarios were tested: widening passageways and redistributing stopping points; introducing shading elements and urban furniture as visual-behavioral stimuli; and organizing one-way movement to reset the spatial rhythm of flow. The results showed that the visual representation of crowds not only reflects levels of density and movement but also reveals a transformation in the image of the space from a compressed environment to a more visually readable and perceptually comprehensible landscape. The organization of directions contributed to reducing the visual clutter of the crowds, while shading elements and urban furnishings enhanced the clarity of visual landmarks and the duration of pauses at symbolic points, thus reinforcing the spiritual dimension of the space. The study also demonstrated that integrating multiple scenarios allows for the production of a balanced architectural image that combines fluidity, security, and the preservation of heritage identity. The originality of this research lies in presenting a visual-analytical framework that links digital modeling, crowd studies, and architectural image analysis as a unified system for understanding and re-representing traditional religious spaces. The results demonstrate the generalizability of this framework to similar sites, thus strengthening the role of the architectural image as an effective cognitive tool in studies of architecture, the city, and collective rituals.