Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Sense of Presence in the Future; The Manifestation of Futuristic Architecture in Science - Fiction Cinema

Mohammad Navid Fattahi; Nina Ghaslani; Salahedin Molanaei

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 247-263

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.248688.1518

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In contemporary society, the media has become a significant influence and can serve as an ideal platform to showcase various forms of art, ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In contemporary society, the media has become a significant influence and can serve as an ideal platform to showcase various forms of art, including architecture. People can experience architecture not only through physical visits to buildings but also through virtual means. Little research has been done on the interaction between cinema and architecture in the past. More recent research shows that the manifestation of architectural styles in cinema has been studied to a limited extent. Few people have studied how to use architecture in cinema and also to create a place for the ideas of architectural designers to appear. The majority of research in this area has been disseminated through articles in art and film magazines, which have been more beneficial to filmmakers. However, this article aims to produce practical results that can be utilized by architects, including designers. When analyzing the use of architectural elements in futuristic films, the focus is on examining the items utilized by filmmakers and stage designers. After identifying the architectural items used, the issue of their compatibility with futuristic styles is evaluated. To accomplish this, an analogy was made with the field of archaeology, which coincided with the emergence of futuristic films and placed significant emphasis on humans and their critical choices. The present study examines the relationship between architecture and cinema from a reference perspective in the type of architectural presence in cinema. The type of films reviewed in this article is futuristic, considering the research intentions and focusing on examining architectural items, after an overview of different cinematic styles, according to the context of the event in futuristic films. This cinematic style is chosen because the interior location is typically a futuristic residence..Methods: The research method utilized in this study is a relative kind of correlation method. In this approach, the relationship between variables is investigated based on the research objective. A homogeneous collection of 24 science fiction films, chosen from among the top-rated films in the history of cinema, were analyzed from the perspective of reputable websites that focused on futuristic films. The films were categorized and reviewed as part of the study. In this study, the researchers analyzed the content of film sequences using architectural styles identified through library and Internet research. Important sequences and frames were selected for analysis, and a questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was distributed to architecture students, graduates, and professors to collect their opinions. The results were then analyzed and reviewed.Findings: After analyzing the collected data, the researchers identified five main architectural factors that create a sense of presence in the future. These factors include the use of specific materials and colors, the presence of massive singular buildings and spatial structures, the scale of the buildings, mixed-use buildings with symbolic meaning, and a return to traditional architectural styles. The results of the research indicate that 88% of the 24 films analyzed contain sequences depicting futuristic architecture, indicating a significant presence of such elements in science fiction movies. The analysis of the research results reveals that architecture has a significant presence in futuristic films compared to other factors. However, this presence is not always very prominent. The use of materials and the creation of large buildings are the two most commonly used architectural factors in these films. The use of cold, lifeless, and often metal materials is also a prevalent feature of futuristic architecture in these films.Conclusion: The research results confirm the hypothesis that futuristic architecture has a significant presence in science fiction films, with a combined total of over 88% between films that feature purely futuristic architecture and those that incorporate a combination of styles. The analysis of the most successful films reviewed revealed that the most effective factors were the use of huge monoliths, unusual metal materials, scale, and spatial structures. These factors were found to be present in at least one of the scenes analyzed in 92% of cases, indicating their significant impact on the overall futuristic atmosphere. The film industry is an important platform for architects to express their ideas and showcase non-executed designs. Science-fiction films are created by filmmakers to give audiences a glimpse of the future, including architectural styles. Therefore, it would be beneficial for architects to advise and collaborate with filmmakers in creating futuristic films. Additionally, the definition of architecture needs to be reevaluated, as it is not solely about constructing physical structures for human habitation but also about designing virtual spaces for avatars to inhabit in the digital realm.

Gated Communities: Genesis, Proliferation, Types and Consequences

Mohammad Jalili; Alireza Einifar; Ramin Madani; Bruce Judd

Volume 11, Issue 1 , August 2020, , Pages 249-267

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2020.228678.1401

Abstract

Extended abstract The emergence and spread of planned residential developments with hard and controllable boundaries called gated communities and the social consequences of living in ... Read More Extended abstract The emergence and spread of planned residential developments with hard and controllable boundaries called gated communities and the social consequences of living in such communities have attracted the attention of researchers for decades. The increasing growth of these communities signifies a new form of residence and has led to many studies on how and why these communities emerged. Despite the emergence of gated communities in Iran in the 1960s, there is a dearth of research on such communities in Iran. Reviewing theories and empirical studies conducted in this area, this paper is an attempt to examine the existing definitions of gated communities, their types, causes of their expansion, and their positive and negative consequences. The origins of gated communities can be traced back to the previous century and the strong fortifications of ancient cities which were built to protect against invaders, enemies or even wild animals. Systems of class segregation and differentiation such as citadels and fortified cities, common in ancient Iran, were designed to protect against enemies and strangers and prevent them from entering the community. During the early Islamic period, the walls and gates of the inner city were destroyed. In this period, encouraging the expansion of the outer city, that is, part of the city whose people did not belong to upper social classes, toward middle city was the most important policy adopted by the Islamic state. The disappearance of the walls and gates of the inner city and a new relationship between the new government and people who were oppressed before then led to the formation of new strata in opposition to the old strata. The inner walls and gates were destroyed in an effort to bring justice and eliminate class segregation. However, as a sign of city’s defensive power, the outer walls remained intact to protect from attack and enhance security. It seems that new gated communities first appeared during the early 1960s with the enforcement of the third (1963-1967) and fourth (1968-1972) Reconstruction Plans of the country. During this period, as housing proved to be a major issue, housing provision by the private sector burgeoned. The target profile was an emerging social class formed owing to the economic and political changes of the early 1960s. With the formation of the new social class and the entry of the private sector into housing market, gated residential communities became a marketing opportunity and a means of attracting particular markets for private housing developers. The developers of large-scale projects started their research considering this reality and the needs of the new social class. Although the first gated community of the country appeared in Tehran, today, gated communities have increased their market share not only in big cities but also in smaller cities of the nation. Gated communities have four main features: (1) impermeable boundary and controlled access to the community, (2) shared private ownership of common spaces and private access to them, (3) the presence of private facilities and amenities for communal use of residents, and (4) the presence of a common code of conduct to regulate behaviors and activities. According to existing typologies, gated communities in Iran can be grouped into lifestyle, prestige, and security zone communities. Lifestyle communities focus on leisure activities and shared amenities and facilities offered within the community attracting those looking for an identity and a shared lifestyle. Examples of lifestyle communities in Iran are Daryakenar and Lavasan. Prestige communities attract people caring about the image of their socio-economic situation symbolizing wealth and social status. Such communities are exemplified by developments such as Park in Isfahan and Saeedieh in Hamedan. Security zone communities in Iran include communities that were not originally gated but were later gated by residents. In such communities, public streets are often closed to non-residents. Ekbatan is such a community in Tehran. The advocates of gated housing claim that gated communities meet individuals’ needs for security, identity, and sense of community; provide services and infrastructure in the areas that were not previously well-equipped; secure property values; prevent outsiders from entering the community; provide a safer environment for pedestrians due to their lower traffic flow; and often feature high quality spaces and attractive amenities. Those against gated communities emphasize the social costs of gated communities. They believe that gated developments are a threat to social integration and their expansion has led to many physical and social problems in urban areas. Social differentiation leads to the fragmentation and segmentation of the society. Despite these negative views on gated communities, it is unignorable that there is an increase in demand to live in such developments. Neither the demand in the housing market nor the negative consequences of gated communities can be denied. Hence, it is necessary to find a way to achieve a balance between their consequences and mediate their negative effects since gated communities have the potential to become even more prevalent in the landscape of cities in coming decades.

Explaining the Concept of Spatial Hierarchy in the Settlement Model of Qajar Period (Case-Study: Tehran Aristocratic Houses)

Jahan Danesh; Khosro Movahed; Maliheh Taghipour

Volume 12, Issue 2 , December 2021, , Pages 251-263

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.283760.1696

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The principle of hierarchy is one of the main concepts in architecture. Living space is a place in which studying the principle of hierarchy ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The principle of hierarchy is one of the main concepts in architecture. Living space is a place in which studying the principle of hierarchy is necessary. The Iranian residential tradition has long been built upon various experiences of nature, culture, and religion in the framework of seemingly diverse bodies and sometimes with many contradictions and similar principles. Therefore, scrutinizing the past architecture is incomplete without searching the popular style of architecture and recognizing its socio-cultural components. In order to understand the effect of architecture, it seems necessary to review its context, daily interactions, and the material and spiritual needs that have crystallized in the form of that particular architecture. The architecture principle has been expressed in different ways in residential buildings in various styles of Iranian architecture. Due to this principle, the arrangement of the connected spaces and the added spaces to the building's spatial structure in different periods has undergone various changes and transformations in its appearance. Yet, it has sustained its roots and originality. Today, contemporary designers and employers have created buildings disregarding the rich Iranian culture. This research, seeking to find the components of spatial hierarchy and its qualitative and quantitative components in the language of the Qajar building model in Tehran, examines the existing historical and cultural evidence. The study scrutinizes the traditional houses built in Qajar period in Tehran and compares the case studies for final analysis. This study aims to explain the concept of spatial hierarchy and compare the morphological view of the residential buildings in the settlement model of Qajar period.Methods: The research adopts a combined research method, referring to the cultural heritage and studies of available resources. As a result, a list of houses has been prepared, and some have been selected by the critical and non-targeted methods for further scrutiny. The samples studied in this study are traditional houses of Qajar period in Tehran (pre-Nasserite period: before the reign of Nasser al-Din Shah / Nasserite period: Nasser al-Din Shah's reign / post-Nasserite period: Muzaffar al-Din Shah reign before Pahlavi ). The final results are achieved based on the comparison and presentation of the final analysis of the studied samples. This study has been conducted with reference to a bibliographic method, field observation, and mapping methods. It has finally come to the final conclusion by physically and structurally analyzing the spaces and understanding residential proportions and geometry.Findings: The data obtained from the explanatory diagrams and UCL Depthmap software were used with the space syntax method to extract the results. The data were reviewed and analyzed after collection. The spatial connections in the late Qajar period show almost no vestibule for accessing the connected spaces. Adding a separate entrance was more considered in design and construction. Finally, in the pre-Nasserite period, the highest level of spatial integration and depth is observed.Conclusion: The results indicate that the three indicators of depth, connection, and interconnectedness in the three periods before Nasserite / Nasserite and after Nasserite have been associated with a decrease in introversion, generality, and integration over time.

Polo & Naqsh-e Jahan: Redefining the Culture and Identity of Iranian- Islamic Architecture

Molood Khosravi

Volume 11, Issue 2 , December 2020, , Pages 253-273

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2020.147682.1086

Abstract

Extended Abstract Objective and Background: Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan has always been recognized as a remarkable urban square of Iranian Islamic architecture in the Safavid era ... Read More Extended Abstract Objective and Background: Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan has always been recognized as a remarkable urban square of Iranian Islamic architecture in the Safavid era due to its unique buildings, proportions, and qualities that astonish the visitors. However, many believe that the dimensions and the proportions of this urban square are strongly influenced by the proportions of the polo field. Therefore, this article tries to comprehensively understand Naqsh-e Jahan Square as an architectural work and aims to scrutinize the goals and factors affecting its construction, users, and activities in space (content aspects) and its identifying elements in the Safavid era. Methods: The present study uses a combination of research methods. In this research, both descriptive and analytical methods have been used. In this regard, the drawings and writings of Safavid and post-Safavid explorers (1907-1617) and the historical texts have been studied as the main sources of research. The main research components were identified regarding the qualitative nature of the research in analyzing th research problem and the use of interpretive-historical strategies. The research questions try to answer the following: How has the accurate knowledge of the hidden aspects of the polo gamee influenced the identifying factor of Naqgh-e Jahan Square in reviving its original values? And secondly, how have the field elements (water creek, the rows of trees, pavements, stone polo posts) organized the historical qualities and the original values of its urban space as a unique heritage? Findings: According to the historical documents, “leveling Naqsh-e Jahan Square for using it as a polo field and horseback riding field” was the first step in constructing Naqsh-e Jahan Square. After its completion in 1602, a row of shading plane trees along a stream of running water were built that surrounded the square. The central area of the square was left bare, where various activities such as polo game, wooden javelin throw, athletics, military parades, celebrations and competitions, sales, peddling, and dozens of other activities took place. Twelve main entrances and several small entrances were built for these purposes. The porch of the Ali Qapu Palace overlooked the square, and from above, the Shah and the courtiers and foreign ambassadors could watch the polo plays and other popular games of the time. In the middle of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the polo field was confined on the east and west by a row of trees adjacent to the water stream, and on the north and south by two stone pillars (the posts of polo field). The foreign explorers have described the field elements and expressed the prosperity and activities in the field, especially the polo game and the music plays in their narrations more or less. Deep scrutiny in the historical travelogues and descriptions of Della Valle, Figueroa, Olearius, and Chardin between 1617 and 1664 indicates the glorious game of polo and the field were at the primes of their life during their first 60 years. Since none of them have described the polo play, it can be deduced that this game was quite frequent and that the public mastered the game and knew its rules. The game of polo in Shah Square was at the peak of its glory and prosperity up until the end of Shah Abbas’s reign, concurrent to the highest level of the cavalry power. After this period, until the conquest of Isfahan, polo was prioritized, and the military forces were strengthened, based on the interest of the successors. After the conquest of Isfahan in 1722, no explorer, including Morier, Flandin, Dieulafoy, Holltzer, and D’Allemagne, have mentioned the game of polo between 1809 and 1907, until Brugsch described the field as deserted and abandoned in 1886. D’Allemagne considers the demise of polo in 1887 when the game of polo was not practiced in Shah Square anymore. Finally, between the autumn of 1935 and the spring of 1937, Schmidt recorded the initial changes in the polo field (gardens and ponds) that led to the formation of its new identity. Conclusion: The explorers’ descriptions of the square from the beginning of its construction to the beginning of the nineteenth century and the study of the square elements indicate the simultaneous design and implementation process in all the square elements, including the water creek, trees, pavements, polo posts. All these components can be regarded as the elements of a uniform architectural scenario. The implementation of the surrounding water streams and trees to organize the polo field created a barrier against dust by horse ridings and provided a pleasant environmental comfort (water streams and trees) and climatic comfort (natural airflow and shading) for the spectators. Also, the wide view of the surrounding stores and the allowed presence of people in the square, the stores and their roofs around the square, and the creation of multiple entrances and exits to control the movements show that the designers of Shah Square thought comprehensively about these elements and were completely aware of the activities, including polo plays. They have designed and built the square based on the frequent urban activities. This activity is an integral part of the polo field identity and performance. Therefore, the revival of the field’s original values requires the revival of polo with narrations and the music on a scale commensurate with its original design.

Identification and assessment of the effect of environmental, personal and social components on thermal comfort in office buildings

Bahareh Bannazadeh; Shahin Heidari; Habib Hadinafard

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 259-279

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.222582.1371

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Thermal comfort is one of the comfort aspects in current architectural design and can be changed by various components. Researchers emphasize ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Thermal comfort is one of the comfort aspects in current architectural design and can be changed by various components. Researchers emphasize that early thermal comfort studies relying on climate and environmental aspects can only justify a part of the results. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the effect of other components. Effective components could be found in physical, physiological, psychological, social, environmental, and economic aspects. So, thermal comfort can be influenced by inner and outer factors. Regarding the research literature and the variety of effective components in thermal comfort, there is a lack of research on this subject. In addition, researchers believe many relations between these components should be considered in thermal comfort studies. Therefore, as a part of a larger study, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of personal, environmental, and social components on thermal comfort. This study aims to clarify the individual and social components affecting the perception of thermal comfort to provide solutions to improve the design of office spaces. So, there are two questions: First, what are the personal and social factors affecting the perception of thermal comfort? And second, which scale is better for predicting thermal comfort based on these components?Methods: In this regard, a field study (including questionnaire, observation, and on-site measurement for recording climatic data using thermal sensors) was conducted in winter in a main administrative office building of Shiraz University. Questionnaires were designed to gather some of the personal components (such as age, gender, height, weight, and adaptive behaviors); social components (including education and degree level, the field of study, and position); and thermal scales (thermal sensation, thermal comfort, thermal satisfaction, thermal preference, thermal acceptability, and overall thermal comfort). Blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature as the personal components were measured using a related standard device. Clothing and activity types were recorded and then changed into a quantitative scale. The data loggers also record the indoor air temperature and relative humidity. The field study was conducted in January 2019 for four consecutive days from 8 am to 12 pm. In total, there were 110 measurement subjects. Finally, 108 were identified as useful in the analysis by eliminating incomplete questionnaires. The main administrative building is located on the northern side of Shiraz, Iran (52.52°N, 29.63°E). The 138920 m2 building is oriented in the northwest and southeast in two blocks (with seven and ten stores). The two building blocks have some differences in constructional details and interior design. There was no compulsion to participate, and oral and short-form written consent was considered with no restrictions on participants to have freedom of their usual work day.Findings: The collected data were imported into SPSS software. A total of 22 statistical analyses were performed, including descriptive and inferential statistics (linear and multiple linear regression, Univariate ANOVA). This study selected the correlation coefficients based on the variables scale. So, Spearman, Pearson, and Eta correlation have been used to show the strength of the relations. In this study, 108 subjects participated, including 41 women and 66 men (one person did not mention gender). The age group varies from 24 to 60 years. Most of the age group is in the 31-45 range. These individuals weigh between 50 and 120 kg and have a height of 1.55 to 1.86 meters. The average body temperature was 36°C, the mean blood pressure was 126 with a minimum of 87 and a maximum of 183, and the heart rate was also in the range of 49 to 98. The average indoor air temperature during the four days of study was 23.67°C, and the average relative humidity was 24.86%. The indoor globe temperature was very close to the air temperature (23.50°C). The average outdoor temperature was 15.2°C, and the average relative humidity was 34.9%. The thermal response was considered with nine different thermal scales on the 3,5, and 7-point Likert scale. The average of each response was as follows: Thermal sensation vote (TSV)= -0.4; Thermal comfort=6; Thermal pleasure= 4.78; Temperature preferences= 0.3’ Humidity preferences= -0.18; Velocity preferences= -0.35; Radiation preferences=-0.32; Thermal acceptance= 0.85; & overall thermal comfort= 4.94.Conclusion: The results show that the impact of social components is negligible. However, participants in double and multiple office rooms had better thermal comfort status than in single office rooms. So, if these criteria are considered during the design process, it can help to improve the indoor environmental quality. Regarding the personal components, body mass index and clothing value are the two most influential factors. It is very important to make different thermal adaptation strategies for the occupants to have a right to choose any of them. Therefore, appropriate strategies should be considered for the components needed to provide comfortable conditions in both human resource management and architectural design. In this study, the thermal preference is an appropriate scale for predicting occupants’ thermal needs based on environmental and personal components. The thermal comfort range was calculated based on Griffith’s methods and was 21-26°C. It is very important to know that people feel neutral based on the thermal sensation vote in most office buildings. Still, they usually need temperature, humidity, air velocity, and radiation changes. So in architecture or mechanical engineering, we should not merely rely on thermal sensation vote to decide on heating or cooling setpoints. So, if the setpoint of the studied office building changes from 25°C to 23.6°C, we can anticipate at least a 10 percent reduction in energy consumption. People can adapt to different situations, making them flexible and resilient. But designers should be aware that this adaptation process needs more effort and, of course, more mental, psychological, and physical energy that can reduce occupant’s productivity.

Reading the Motion Types in Residential Buildings Based on the Contemporary Notion of Privacy (Case Study: Three Selected Houses of Iranian Contemporary Architecture)

Fatemeh Baradaran Heravi; Mahdi Hamze Nejad

Volume 12, Issue 2 , December 2021, , Pages 265-280

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.210738.1319

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In the contemporary era, cultural values influenced by individuals' behavior, attitudes, and beliefs can offer the definition of desired ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In the contemporary era, cultural values influenced by individuals' behavior, attitudes, and beliefs can offer the definition of desired privacy in the human-environment relationship. The most important element of privacy can be interpreted based on the manner and form of the communication. In this interaction, human beings define different preferences and definitions of privacy in relation to others and other spaces. According to these interactions included in Islamic and social interactions, the experiences in the house environment lead to semantic (mental) and physical (objective) movement. In relations that are shaped out of semantic (mental) movement within the house, communication with nature, guests, neighbors, God, spouses, and family is remarkable. The interactions in the house environment can be controlled with motion, visual, auditory, and olfactory senses and help to study the movement in the physical (objective) dimension. The importance of each factor and communication tool in each housing component allows designers and architects to identify the notion of desirable communication privacy in the contemporary era to design the spatial arrangement appropriate to residents' privacy. The aim is to obtain the desired physical arrangement for creating privacy in accordance with the current Islamic culture in contemporary housing and answer the following questions:What is the relationship between the effective components of human-environment interactions in each functional housing component and the housing spatial arrangement?By recognizing the different effects of communication components representing the individuals' privacy in each housing component, what environmental solution can be provided for the effective design of the desired spatial layout of the privacy?According to the basic pattern of privacy layout obtained from the Islamic architecture experts' opinions, how has privacy been arranged in contemporary houses?Methods: To identify the characteristics of human-environment relations, (1) the content of interactions (types of communication that humans have in housing components), (2) the motion, visual, auditory, and olfactory controlling types, and (3) the degree of optimal communication for each component with other functional components of the house has been completed in two parts. A Field research method with a researcher-made questionnaire was completed. The statistical sample size based on Cochran's formula was 78 Islamic architects, and data were analyzed using SPSS software. The significance of the difference between the humans and house components was determined by Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. The mean relationship and size of human movement in housing components were compared to identify optimal privacy indicators for spatial arrangement.Findings: According to statistical data, the living room with low effect can be considered an intermediary element in communication (movement) and creating privacy in the house. Recognizing the best spatial arrangement accepted by people in different biological situations in Islamic culture helps architects determine the value of privacy in the spatial arrangement of contemporary Iranian housing. Therefore, three contemporary Iranian houses with two types of movements that lead to the structural and psychological layout were selected to investigate the effectiveness of the privacy layout obtained from the opinions of Islamic architecture experts. In these spaces, (1) the visual privacy with the visual graph in Depth map software and the (2) space communication (movement) privacy with the explanatory graph in A-Graph software were fully scrutinized. In the basic model of spatial arrangement based on Islamic architecture experts' opinions, the inner core (private space), the outer core (public space), and the living space, as the interface, shape the house. Other space functions are located in relation to the interface space by determining the distance (depth) and the type of proximity (interconnection) with various physical elements (floor, wall, curtain) in the contemporary model.Conclusion: Designing the space layout based on Islamic documents necessitates observing four types of visual, motor, auditory and olfactory privacy in indoor and outdoor spaces. In creating the layout of space, the living room and bedrooms were among the influential spaces. In recognizing the communication desirability in housing components, the yard, the living room, and kitchen (extroverted space) were identified as spaces with a high level of communication. The washing closets and master bedroom (introverted space) had the lowest preference for human-environment communication. Three levels of privacy were identified in modern and Islamic houses. The optimal physical planning of the privacy layout based on the communication desirability in every housing component can offer a better arrangement of housing spaces. In the basic model of space layout based on Islamic architects' opinion, the two inner core (private space) and outer core (public space) and the living room as the interface between these spaces shape the housing layout. In the contemporary model, the living room is the main core, and other spaces are identified by the distance (depth) and the type of proximity (joint) to other physical elements (floor, wall, curtain ...). The privacy layout of privacy from high to low was presented based on the current communication and controlling levels in the contemporary house and ultimately led to the proper location of spaces in today's housing.

Exploring the Impact of Regional Factors on the Sense of Place; A comparative study of the Historic Districts of Rasht and Yazd

Guilda Daghighi Masoule; Mojgan Khakpour

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 265-280

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.191454.1249

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In recent years, by the transition from premises of structuralism, subjects like the sense of place have been studied in the paradigm of ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In recent years, by the transition from premises of structuralism, subjects like the sense of place have been studied in the paradigm of post-structuralism. This has been done through the lens of post-structuralism to better understand the unique characteristics that contribute to this sense. However, it is valuable to understand the importance of comprehending the sense of place, including cognitive processes and analyzing the factors that contribute to this perception. This article challenges the notion that regional features are solely determined by weather and conducts an analytical study in two distinct regions in Iran to examine the impact of regional factors on the sense of place. The sense of place, in general concept, means the different quality of perception of the space through living and being in the space, which can convert a space into a place. The place, with all of its unique features, belongs to a special territory that creates its own region and habitat, which is distinct from other places.Methods: The objective of this study is to examine how regional factors impact the sense of place. The research focuses on two categories: the natural-geographical environment and the human-made environment. The goal is to identify which regional factors have the greatest influence on the sense of place. This study is a qualitative phenomenological survey that employs an existential (third-person) approach and a comparative analysis method. The study involves field research conducted in the historic districts of Rasht and Yazd cities. According to the research subject, initially, the literature was reviewed, and previous studies were examined. Subsequently, with the aid of field research and an existential approach, the significant factors influencing the sense of place were illustrated in a descriptive manner. Fundamental descriptions of research are extracted in a documentary method and then obtained results are compared with the outcomes of field studies that involve direct observations and interviews with individual or group participants. In fact, the discrepancy in comprehension of humans from a place is the most significant concept of this article, and we can perceive the reasons by recognizing effective factors on comprehension. This research, in a theoretical method, depicts that personal characteristics and environments are pivotal factors in human comprehension. The aim of our study is to compare the impact of regional factors and the built environment on the sense of place. For this purpose, we have chosen two different regions in Iran: Rasht and Yazd. These cities have a rich historical background and are known for their cultural heritage. These cities were selected since they are good examples of places where the sense of place has been preserved over time and is deeply rooted in the collective memory of the local community, according to experts. For compiling the conceptual model of the research, the researchers reviewed the descriptions, concepts, and opinions of experts and researchers and universal experiments on the subject of the sense of place to select the criteria and sub-criterions for this article. According to the opinions of the majority of experts, the sense of place can be identified in three dimensions: somatic place, functional system, and connotation. Considering the holistic concept of the region, which encompasses the habitat and the entirety of a geographical area, including its culture and social values, it is evident that the region influences everything from social norms to cultural practices and habits.Findings: According to studies of this research, the formation of the sense of place can be identified in three dimensions: somatic, functional, and connotation. Effective somatic characteristics that contribute to the sense of place are derived from spatial constraints and encompass a range of factors, from building and architectural elements to furniture. The second category that can affect the sense of place is the functional system, which is influenced by the residential and urban living requirements as well as social and cultural needs, resulting in different activities and various urban usages. The sense of place can be influenced by these various functions. The third group, referred to as connotation, encompasses both tangible and intangible meanings that interact with the physical surroundings and biological characteristics, as well as normative meanings that are influenced by individual and social values. After that, the research focuses on identifying the most influential factors of the region on the sense of place, which in turn affect the related sub-criteria. These factors include spatial constraints such as horizontal and vertical elements, connectors, openings, and fixed furniture. Furthermore, the region can influence the organization of residential, commercial, collective, cultural, and religious activities, as well as intuitive meanings, and can also affect the tangible features of the place, such as the adaptability of elements to atmospheric conditions, decorative elements, visual background, dominant materials, somatic characteristics of the place, and the scent of natural native elements. The symbolic normative meanings influenced by the region include semiology, tales and fables, inclination towards urban gatherings, the presence and activity of individuals on a daily or occasional basis, accessibility to all age and gender groups, social control, security, and the existence of social and public activities. Conclusion: According to a comparative assessment of these factors in the historic district of Rasht and Yazd, it can be stated that the factors of the region that recreate the sense of place have diverse appearances in somatic characteristics, functional systems, and connotations in each of the studied areas. By taking into account the paradigm of this research and examining the elements and sub-components, we can confirm the breadth of the region’s impact on the emergence and understanding of the sense of place in the two factors mentioned earlier, i.e., natural-geographical and human-formed factors.

Energy optimization of the Ab-Anbar domes; Case study: Domes of Qazvin city

Tohid Shiri; Mohammad Didehban; Mohsen Taban

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 281-296

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.235674.1437

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Traditionally, the public has used Ab-Anbars (water reservoirs) in hot and dry areas and also in cold regions of Iran. One of the main elements ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Traditionally, the public has used Ab-Anbars (water reservoirs) in hot and dry areas and also in cold regions of Iran. One of the main elements of Ab-Anbar is the reservoir coverage (reservoir lining), which is made of various brick vaults such as barrel and colombo vaults with different rises and forms. Due to the dry weather in most parts of Iran and insufficient rainfall in more than six months of the year in most places, which has resulted in the seasonality of rivers and the lack of access to water, various arrangements have been established for freshwater supply in dry seasons. The construction of the Ab-Anbar (water reservoir and cistern) is one of the innovative ways to supply drinking water. In this regard, the Ab-Anbar, as its name implies, is used to store water in rainy seasons to be used for the rest of the year. The main structure of the Ab-Anbar consists of an underground storage tank and a dome to cover it. In some areas in Iran, a wind catcher is added to this structure to keep the water cool in summer. The construction material used for Ab-Anbars was a special mortar called Sarooj, which was made of sand, clay, lime, goat hair, egg whites, and ash in specific proportions, depending on the location and climate of the place. Some Ab-Anbars had rectangular storage tanks, and some tanks had a cylindrical shape. This study aims to determine the amount of solar radiation received on the surfaces and heat flow inside the Ab-Anbar domes of Qazvin, which leads to recognizing the most optimal form of reservoir coverage for Ab-Anbars among the studied samples. Methods: The data, including dry and humid temperature, air, radiation, and current radiation situation of Qazvin city weather station, were prepared over a ten-year period (1996-2006). The library documents also provided the map of the Ab-Anbar domes. In order to conduct the research, four samples of Ab-Anbars with different dome structures in Qazvin city were selected. After that, the domes were modeled in Revit 2016, and the amount of solar radiation received by the domes on the hottest day of the year, at 14, 16, and 18 o’clock, were determined using honeybee & ladybug plugins with Energy plus Engine. COMSOL software, and the CFD airflow analysis, were performed for validation in high-rise and low-rise domes. Findings: The results of the analyses showed that low-rise domes with large surface contact receive more heat than high-rise domes with a small surface contact, and the area of the domes is effective in receiving the sun radiation. Sardar Kouchak (Little Commander) dome, a low-rise dome, is approximately exposed to its total surfaces and solar heat by 84.3% at 14 o’clock. In comparison, the high-rise dome next to the Grand Mosque is exposed by 52.5% at 14 o’clock. The low-rise dome is exposed by 74.7%, while the high-rise dome is exposed by 53.5% at 16 o’clock. Finally, the low-rise dome is exposed by 62.4%, and the high-rise dome is exposed by 43.2% at 18 o’clock. Therefore, low-rise domes in the cold climate are more efficient in receiving solar radiation than high-rise ones.Conclusion: The airflow inside the domes was graphically performed for validation using CFD analysis on a hot day. The results are consistent with the outputs from honeybee & ladybug plugins. Low-rise domes can retain more heat than high-rise domes, and the vortex of hot air created in low-rise domes is less than in high-rise domes, which leads to more heat gain inside the dome. Therefore, the most suitable dome for Ab-Anbar in the cold climate of Qazvin are low-rise domes.

Soundscape Model in Shiraz Qajar Gardens

Amin Habibi; Sara Rahmani; Mahsa Saeedizadeh; Negar Mokari

Volume 12, Issue 2 , December 2021, , Pages 281-292

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2020.222202.1367

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Visual landscape and soundscape have a close relationship with each other and a significant impact on the experience of space users. Ignoring ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Visual landscape and soundscape have a close relationship with each other and a significant impact on the experience of space users. Ignoring mutual design between soundscape and visual scape in most urban spaces has created places that do not have commensurate beauty and sound desirability with space performance, despite their pleasant visual and physical quality. Additionally, sound pollution in modern cities is increasing day by day, which can greatly affect the mental health of citizens. Given the importance of the subject and concentrating existing qualities in Persian garden, this study tries to find the sound model of Persian gardens (case study: Shiraz Qajar Gardens). It also focuses on finding effective environmental components on soundscape in such gardens to probably obtain appropriate sound models for designing urban parks in similar studies. Therefore, these questions arise: what are the common and effective qualitative and quantitative components of creating the soundscape in Shiraz Qajar Gardens? And how does the people’s perception of the soundscape in Persian garden (Shiraz Qajar Gardens) help us to obtain a soundscape model?Methods: In order to provide sound models of Shiraz Qajar Gardens, a qualitative-quantitative method has been used. Data is analyzed by the factor analysis method. In order to obtain a sound map of specified gardens, TES 1353s audiometer with a range of 30-130 decibels has been considered to achieve Leq in the garden at stations in the distance of 10 meters. The existing decibel rates were measured and analyzed on the map. After sound recording by the audiometer in the range of 30 seconds, the Leq of determined stations by GIS software was drawn on the map.Findings: The results, obtained from sound maps in Shiraz gardens, are as follows:In case of increasing sound intensity and given the garden walls, their different heights, and the type of vegetation around the wall, sound intensity is different in the gardens.Sound intensity undesirably increased in adjacent walls of the street, while the increase in sound intensity was pleasant for humans around the pool.In a farther distance away from the streets around the garden and due to neutralization of a part of the sound by vegetation as well as path motion nature without interruption, sound intensity decreases in main axes, and the sound Leq index is usually similar in all points.Since the interpretation of obtained information through sound extraction is only possible by the adaptation of garden users, to validate the quantitative data and assess its quality, a questionnaire was provided in two mental and physical aspects, named in short psychosomatic. In order to investigate the relationship between mental and physical perception, a correlation test was used. Based on the obtained results, the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.536, and the significance level 0.000. Since the significance level is less than 0.05, a significant relationship between physical and mental perception is confirmed as a result. Based on qualitative-quantitative analyses, it can be said that the obtained results are similar given the common model in designing a Persian garden in determined stations. In stations adjacent to the garden wall near the main street, in which the contexture has changed from rigid to permeable (fencing), the sound is more intense and inconsistent with the sound model of most Persian gardens. The indexes of sound desirability in the questionnaire include attractiveness, harmony with the environment, similarity with music, revitalization, and satisfaction. Given the obtained results, the recorded sounds in the main axes, near the mansion, near the garden wall, sub-axes, and adjacent to the main pool are more desirable, and the entrance has been described neutrally. Regarding that sound intensity in sub-axes (lower) has been described as relaxing, like the one adjacent to mansion (higher intensity space), the silence is not considered as relaxing criterion, and the impact of space on Persian garden on mind is considered. In the main axis, near the mansion and main pool, visual and sound proportion is the highest range, indicating the conscious design of soundscape in Persian gardens. This proportion is less in sub-axes than the adjacent garden walls due to changing the type of walls and their clarification.Conclusion: A single pattern that all study gardens have followed has balanced sound intensity by creating space psychosomatic quality. The powerful physical components used in spatial geometry of the middle axis of gardens such as chrysogonum, pools, water axes, continuous tree planting, and creating central view corridor and floor materials create the quality indexes of the garden soundscape. In this study, the significant relationship between such physical components and users’ mental perception was confirmed. Therefore, despite the changing behavioral model and physical components of contemporary urbanization of Iran, such as the streets and the traffic noises, and other contemporary artificial sounds, the sound map of the main axis of Persian garden follows a single sound model, indicating that the ancient model can be still used as a vital solution in urban park design.

Identification and Prioritization of Quality Indicators for Building Facade Design; Using a Fuzzy Approach

Ahad Nazari; Mohammad Reza Torabi

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 281-295

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.235394.1436

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Since 2013, with the formation of facade committees in Iran municipalities, and the start of reviewing designed facades in the process of ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Since 2013, with the formation of facade committees in Iran municipalities, and the start of reviewing designed facades in the process of issuing permits, the quality of building facades have been taken into consideration. However, facade qualitative aspects and its indicators (which have always been a point of disagreement among experts) are the most important challenges of this committee. Talking about qualitative issues and criticizing and analyzing the quality of a phenomenon has complexity and ambiguity, and the quality of the facade is no exception to this rule. Especially regarding the quality of facade design, aesthetic and sensory issues make evaluation and criticism more difficult. This has made the facade evaluation meetings difficult in the municipal committees. It appears that conducting research to determine the quality indicators and dimensions of facade design, as well as identifying issues of criticism and evaluation of building facades, would be necessary in order to clarify the topics discussed in facade committees. This article’s objective is to address the aforementioned challenge by identifying quality indicators associated with building facade design and prioritizing them through the lens of professionals in architecture and urban planning. In order to clarify the goal and the research questions, the current research is focused on mid-rise residential buildings in the city of Tehran.Methods: This research approach is to deal with the issue of quality in building façade design comprehensively and without prejudice. In this regard, firstly, in order to identify quality indicators in architectural design, reliable scientific sources have been studied, and as a result of this study, 22 quality indicators related to facade design have been identified by interviewing and consulting with experts and specialists. The indicators related to building façade design are divided into three main aspects: functionality, persistence, and impact. They are further classified into seven subgroups. In the next step, in order to prioritize the indicators, a questionnaire with a Likert scale and fuzzy numbers was given to the design supervisors in architectural and urban planning consulting offices in Tehran. The population for this study consists of 182 members. A total of 132 questionnaires were distributed for data collection, and 126 completed questionnaires were received. Findings: According to the survey responses, safety, privacy, lighting, and durability were identified as the most important quality indicators for building facades from the perspective of experts and specialists. On the other hand, flexibility and adaptability, continuity and integration, and enclosure were found to be the least important factors. “The “Safety indicator” refers to the measures taken to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. This includes features such as protection of the edge of platforms, restricting access for unauthorized persons, and ensuring that the walls, doors, and windows are strong enough to prevent unauthorized entry. The “Privacy indicator” pertains to the importance of maintaining the privacy of spaces and allowing for social monitoring through the use of appropriate openings, while the “Lighting indicator” focuses on having enough openings and depth of light penetration to make use of natural light, providing enough light to display facade and volume of the building at night and lighting up the urban space adjacent to the façade. According to the findings, the experts gave the most importance to the subgroups related to comfort, building engineering systems, and environment in building façade design. These subgroups were identified as containing the most significant indicators by the experts. Also, from the expert point of view, the durability aspect, then the functionality aspect, and then the impact aspect are considered the most important building façade design quality indicators. In addition, experts consider durability and pollution, and waste production as the most important indicators of the persistence aspect; safety and lighting as the most important indicators of the functionality aspect; and privacy and identity as the most important indicators of the impact aspect.Conclusion: In a general view, according to the surveyed population of this study, performance and durability are considered more significant than urban aesthetics and impact-related matters. Impact aspect indicators play a very important role in the formation of urban image and identity, and it is necessary for designers and specialists to pay more attention to these factors. Also, according to the results, it can be concluded that the designers’ focus is often on the project as an isolated building, and it is necessary to pay more attention to the relationship between the building and its neighbors, alleys, and streets, and finally the neighborhood and the city.

The effectiveness of gamification education on architectural students’ academic burnout and its role in the learning process of design

Mozhgan Raoufrahimi; Shadi Azizi; Mehrdad Javidinejad; Amir Sadeghi

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 297-309

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2020.239546.1464

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Architecture education has always been associated with two different and complementary processes: creative thinking and linear/technical ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Architecture education has always been associated with two different and complementary processes: creative thinking and linear/technical thinking. Today, the process of training an architect in an academic environment is usually based on design studios, which is complemented by formal training in theoretical and technical topics. This system is based on the idea that it will enable students to develop creative and appropriate solutions. However, this teaching method might cause hidden problems that, in some cases, can hinder students’ learning progress and cause their full potential skills not to be identified and exploited. Ateliers (workshops) in architecture schools are the main teaching tools in which students are exposed to solving many design problems. Since burnout causes the learning process to decline, its reduction is of interest to many academic settings. Burnout is one of the educational system problems at all educational levels, which leads to a waste of power and expenses and can have a devastating effect on personal and academic life. In addition, new and various educational methods, including gamification, have been reviewed, improved, and used over the years. For various purposes, educational non-entertainment games (serious games) are designed to achieve academic goals and values and to develop skills.Methods: Games are fun ways to learn and provide a safe and secure environment in a simulated environment for learners to make decisions and even make mistakes without fear of real-world consequences. The player can confront a variety of challenges in the games that conform to the latest proven principles of learning effectiveness. Learning through educational games is unconscious, indirect, and effective. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of architecture design education at the undergraduate level in reducing students’ academic burnout and thus improving the learning process of design. This method aims to maximize students’ capacity to acquire information and skills. Their creative and technical competencies have been integrated to improve the effectiveness of architectural education and increase future architects’ work quality. This study was conducted experimentally using a pretest-posttest design with control and intervention groups. The statistical population of this study was the students of Parand Branch Azad University, who were randomly selected to participate in this research. They are equally divided into two intervention and control groups. MBI-GS (S) standard burnout questionnaire was used to collect data, and SPSS.22 software was used for statistical data analysis. The games were designed under the chapter to achieve the research objectives and performed in the intervention group’s studio.Findings: Student feedback was recorded at each level of the games and at the end of the semester, with very interesting results in student design quality, increased motivation, and interest. Hence, the design learning promotion was achieved. Statistical results show that there is a big difference between the three conceptual sections of academic burnout, including exhaustion (feeling tired because of study requirements), cynicism (having a pessimistic and apathetic attitude towards homework), and professional efficacy (feeling incompetent as a student). There were intervention and control groups among the students after completing the training sessions and holding a post-test. Therefore, the study of academic burnout and effective strategies in reducing exhaustion to achieve educational goals and improve the design learning process was the criterion of this study, in contrast to other previous studies that examined the result of gamification in the product of architecture and design, or studied the purely psychological effects of burnout. The design learning process was examined, considering the concepts of gamification education and academic burnout. Finally, the gamification method in architectural design education was tested in line with reducing students’ academic burnout.Conclusion: Based on the study findings, it can be concluded that gamification education in architectural design effectively reduces academic burnout, increases interest and motivation, and increases student participation in practical activities of the studio. Therefore, it is recommended to use this new educational method to reduce academic burnout and improve architectural design learning.

Principles of Ecological Architecture for Designing Residential Building Facades in Hot and Humid Climates to Lower Indoor Air Temperature Based on Ecological Architecture

Zahra Mahdinejad Godarzi; Jamaluddin Mehdinejad Darzi; Fatemeh Mozaffari Qadikolaei

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 297-316

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.249604.1524

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Increasing fossil fuel consumption, on the one hand, along with their non-renewable nature, escalating costs, and the destructive environmental ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Increasing fossil fuel consumption, on the one hand, along with their non-renewable nature, escalating costs, and the destructive environmental and economic effects of energy consumption, on the other hand, increase the need to use passive systems in buildings. One of the effective solutions to reduce energy consumption and consumption of fossil fuels in the building and also to reduce its adverse environmental effects (increasing greenhouse gas emissions) is the use of passive energy. The facade of residential buildings, as the main mediator between indoor and outdoor space, is an important element in controlling sunlight to the interior and reducing energy consumption. Two important strategies to improve the thermal performance of the building facade include shading devices that reduce annual energy consumption and provide better protection against glare. The second solution aims to investigate the effect of heat transfer or heat resistance of materials used in the building facade by controlling the effects of solar radiation and designing the facade under climate conditions, and reducing the heat transfer by choosing the right materials that can reduce the amount of domestic energy demand. The shape of the building, the orientation of the building, its external and internal walls and materials, the thermal insulation of the facade, the dimensions of the window, the ratio of the window to the wall, and the external shading device can be introduced as effective parameters in reducing energy consumption. Improving the performance of building facades is possible through facade materials, shading devices, and window-to-wall ratio structure. It is important to carry out practical investigations into the thermal efficiency of building facades in order to decrease the amount of energy used for cooling and heating buildings, which represents a significant portion of the world’s energy consumption. As a result, an architectural strategy that focuses on morphology (specifically, architectural morphology) should be examined.Methods: In the hot and humid climate of Bushehr, the most significant climatic condition is excessive heat. Therefore, it is crucial to research climate-based solutions that can manage the transmission of undesirable heat and lessen the cooling requirements. This study focuses on exploring the thermal efficiency and the transfer of heat caused by solar radiation through building facades in the hot and humid climate of Bushehr. Additionally, it examines the impact of facade design strategies inspired by Bushehr’s native architecture on decreasing the indoor temperature of the building. The research variables that were examined include wooden shading devices (horizontal, vertical, lattice), porches, deep windows, facade materials, and window-to-wall ratio. Each variable has an effect on various types of energy consumption, such as electricity, heat, heating energy, and cooling, which were analyzed in the study. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between independent and dependent variables and analyze their impact on each other. The study involved simulating each building for all twelve months of the year. This simulation included assessing the amount of solar radiation absorbed by building surfaces, its transfer to the interior, and the resulting cooling load demand. The findings are presented through separate diagrams. In the first step, the behavioral pattern of the building facade with respect to the north-south openness was examined to control and reduce the amount of sunlight received and also to reduce the indoor air temperature subsequently, the study extracted general patterns from indigenous facade components that were related to the structure and function of shading devices, facade materials, and their openings. To understand the historical context of shading devices in Bushehr, the various types of shades present in the buildings of this region were classified, and the different shading solutions used in Bushehr were identified. In line with the purpose of the research, it is necessary to test different types of shading devices as research variables. Then check the type of materials and the dimensions of the openings used in the facades.Findings: To address the research questions, separate simulations were conducted to evaluate the thermal performance of shading devices, window-to-wall ratio, and facade materials in an apartment building. The optimal variable to reduce the cooling load was selected and applied to the building, and its thermal behavior to improve the thermal performance of future buildings in hot and humid climates was studied as the optimal building. The simulation was performed using Design Builder software with Energy Plus simulator engine and Climate Consultant software version 55 and Ashrae thermal comfort model. The findings indicate that the most efficient facade configuration comprises of vertical blinds, lattice windows, and a white cement facade, which resulted in a cooling load reduction of up to 38% and a total load reduction of up to 33% for the building.Conclusion: The simulation results reveal that the optimal building configuration outperformed both the basic research model and local models on selected days throughout the year, in terms of load testing. This highlights the importance of implementing local solutions in the architecture of hot and humid climates.

Explanatory analysis of factors affecting urban morphology in a spontaneous tissue; A case study of Ziadlou neighborhood, Gorgan

Emad Aghajan Beiglou; Mahmoud Mohammadi; Bahador Zamani

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 311-325

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2020.109228

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Finding a phenomenon’s origin and initial formation process has always been one of the basic questions raised in all science branches, ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Finding a phenomenon’s origin and initial formation process has always been one of the basic questions raised in all science branches, and urban morphology is a branch based on this motivation. Research on the origin of an unplanned urban area is not as easy as planned ones. Before the establishment of modern urbanism in Iran, most residential tissues had been formed during unplanned processes. Due to the lack of a comprehensive real estate registration system, there is no precise information about the division of urban lands and the construction of passages and buildings in residential alleys. In simpler terms, the origin of its formation is unknown. In the present study, a part of the intermediate urban form of Gorgan city is selected to identify the origin of a spontaneous residential tissue. It is attempted to discover all the events affecting its urban morphology from 1921 to 1974. Since this intermediate urban form is located between the historic tissue and the contemporary urban tissue, in terms of time, it is located between two different generations from the date of formation of the city (1921 to 1971). Consequently, it is cognate with the historic tissue patterns based on traditional society and its gradual development. Likewise, historically, it is more closely related to the research time, and it is easier to follow the developments and transformations in the samples than in the historical tissue. Thus, it facilitates receiving collective awareness of the formation process. Like any other urban tissue, the physical elements forming urban morphology in the intermediate urban form include roads, lots, and buildings. Nonetheless, the combination of these elements creates a comparatively discrete identity from the planned tissues. In the intermediate urban form, which is typically spontaneous, there are intertwined relationships between roads, lots, and buildings; as such, to separate these elements from each other is not as easy as a contemporary planned tissue. Accordingly, the present study aims to study the factors affecting the formation and deformation of each urban morphology element and their combination with each other to explain the entity and complexity of urban morphology in spontaneous tissues.Methods: The research method of this paper is based on a qualitative approach. It is a combination of grounded theory reading (Systematic) and a comparative diachronical morphology. Hence, the data were extracted both from structured interviews and with the help of morphological development analysis techniques to compensate for the lack of written data by deriving oral data from the knowledge of the early residents of the tissue.Findings: The city of Astarabad, now known as Gorgan, could be a good case for sampling in this study because Gorgan has never been the center of a caliphate or monarchy despite its long history of habitation. Thus, unlike a typical capital city, it did not face fast and unexpected transformations due to the establishment of military and administrative centers or large-scale migrations and maintained its natural growth rate over the years. Since the beginning of the present century, the city has been a regional-scale nucleus and has played an economic role in surrounding micro-settlements. The findings reveal that urban morphology factors act as a matrix pattern, and their effectiveness does not correspond to a linear process. The components of this matrix consist of three areas: actors, action/interaction, and conditions, each of which includes a set of influential categories and has its types and dimensions. Individuals, families, and the local community are considered the most effective actors. Regarding action/interaction, property rights to land division, the agreement between the rights holders and the legal system are recognized as the most effective factors. The most important underlying conditions are climate, land economy, and household, respectively.Conclusion: As a result, the urban form is shaped by conscious individual/family choices, social interactions, and the legal system; That is, the will and ownership choice in the formation and development of the urban fabric has played a more prominent role than laws and regulations. So that from the micro-level (individual) to the macro-level (legal system), the degree of effectiveness is gradually reduced and, in turn, prevents the formation of a top-down linear pattern. Moreover, the existing terrain, in an artificial or a natural form, plays a key role in urban morphology. Generalizing the results of this paper requires adopting a phenomenological approach to the analysis of each category obtained at the level of dimensions and characteristics, which requires another study. However, the generalizability of the results to other cities in Iran requires more comparative research, so there is a need to study more and more diverse examples from different cities along with this research.

Assessment of Eye-Hand Coordination in Children Taking Purdue Pegboard Test

Maryam Heidari; Seyed Hashem Mosaddad

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 317-329

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.349466.1944

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The impairment of cognitive development, motor skills, fine motor skills, and the lack of coordination between the child’s eyes and ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The impairment of cognitive development, motor skills, fine motor skills, and the lack of coordination between the child’s eyes and motor organs can negatively impact the learning process at later ages and result in low self-esteem in children. Thus, it is crucial to consider the level of coordination between the child’s eyes and hands when designing products intended for children. The objective of this study is to assess the capability of children in creating products that necessitate eye-hand coordination during their use.Methods: The research conducted was a semi-experimental intervention study. The study involved 20 children between the ages of 3 and 6 who attended a kindergarten in the Panj district of Tehran. The Purdue Pegboard test was used to evaluate the children’s manual dexterity and two-handed coordination. This test is commonly used to measure movement and cognitive skills in a variety of populations, including children, adults, the elderly, post-surgery patients, and those with special needs. The test evaluates both gross movements of arms, hands, and fingers as well as fine motor skills of the fingers. Additionally, the test can also be used to assess cognitive skills. To perform the test, the child was asked to place the pieces on the Purdue Pegboard with the right hand, left hand, and both hands, within a period of one minute, and five separate points were collected, which include the following is.1. Right-hand privilege.2. Left-hand score.3. two-handed privilege.4. The sum of the points of the hands, which is the sum of the points of the right hand + left hand + both hands.Findings: The findings show that most four-, five- and six-year-old children had higher scores on the right hand than the left hand, which could be due to the influence of the dominant hand on the test process, but three-year-old children scored more on the left hand. Also, the findings ‌show that girls scored higher than boys in right hand, left hand, both hands and assembly. Most three-year-old children spent more than three seconds in choosing and deciding to place pieces, while this time was significantly reduced in five- and six-year-old children. The findings showed that the Eye-hand coordination in children increases with age. Most six-year-old children picked up and placed the pieces with two or three fingers, which shows that the child is at an acceptable level in terms of fine finger skills. But three- and four-year-old children were faced with tremors and lack of hand control when removing the parts and placing them, and even some three-year-old children used their other hand to place the parts to prevent tremors and control their hands. Contrary to what was expected, there is no significant relationship between gender and problem-solving skills, but the findings showed that boys try to create a new structure more than girls in the test process.Conclusion: The research results show that the age variable has an effect on the speed of action and Eye-hand coordination as well as the fine dexterity of children’s fingers, and children at older ages have higher and better performance, which is consistent with the results of the study of Pehoski et al. (1997), Brito and Santos-Morales (2002) as well as Wilson et al. (1981). For this reason, necessary measures to improve movement skills should be taken into consideration from the age of three so that the child can improve his skills in the path of growth. Also, the results showed that girls have a higher operating speed in each hand and the assembly process than boys, which is in line with the results of Pehoski et al. and Brito and Santos-Morales. As Brito and Santos-Morales point out, the significant difference in the speed of action between boys and girls is due to the mental differences and neurological development of boys and girls, which affects the concentration and attention of children. The results of this research show that 6-year-old children have better performance in the assembly process, which is affected by cognitive skills, and it can be concluded that with increasing age, cognitive skills such as learning, memory, planning, etc. improve significantly in children. The difference in the scores of boys and girls in the assembly process also shows the influence of gender characteristics on cognitive processes in boys and girls. The observations of this research show that cognitive processes such as learning, memory, problem-solving skills, etc., have an impact on the Purdue Pegboard skill assessment test process, and in this regard, with the study of Bakhshipour et al. (2020), Koyler et al. (2020) and Findik et al. (2022) is aligned. In total, the results of this research showed that 33% of 6-year-old children, 50% of 5-year-old children, and 43.8% of 4-year-old children in the studied community have motor delays in their right and left hands and weakness in Eye-hand coordination. Also, 33% of 3-year-old children had movement delay in the right hand. This research can be used for researchers and designers in the field of children studies in the process of designing interactive environments as well as designing products such as personal accessories, toys, rehabilitation equipment and rehabilitation aids, services and systems. Designers should identify the cognitive, physical and movement characteristics of children in each age range and evaluate the child’s abilities to interact with the desired product because children’s abilities are very different and variable even in normal children of preschool age. Children in this age range try to improve their skills to gain independence and enter the next stages of life, and smart designers can help children in this way. The expectation is that through this approach, we will witness the development of effective and practical products for children.

The impact of virtual reality (VR) technology on the results of green roof adoption in residential buildings; Case study: Qaemshahr

Elham Shokrinia Omrani; Raheleh Rostami

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 327-338

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.229172.1408

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Today, the use of virtual reality in various fields is expanding rapidly. Although there is a lot of research on virtual reality technology ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Today, the use of virtual reality in various fields is expanding rapidly. Although there is a lot of research on virtual reality technology in design and architecture education, the research on virtual reality (VR) technology in the architectural analysis as a tool in research methods is scarce. Due to the rapid growth of urbanization, cities around the world are becoming concrete jungles. Worldwide, the total urban population has surpassed the rural population. Rapid population growth and urbanization, coupled with limited biological resources, have been the cause of numerous environmental problems. Some solutions have been suggested to address urban environmental issues. The contribution of roof surfaces to environmental problems cannot be overlooked in this discussion because they cover many cities. Green roofs have been offered as an effective strategy for tackling these problems. Green roofs are very popular in many countries due to their sustainable benefits. Green roofs can help reduce the negative impacts of urbanization. This overview discusses green roofs and their effect on the energy consumption of buildings and living environments (aesthetic, ecological, and climate aspects), health, and quality of life — optimal parameters of green roofs.Methods: In the present work, we pursued two aims. According to the literature review, the first aim of this research was to identify and describe the effective factors of adopting green roofs for residential buildings. The following factors were observed: economic, environmental, and social benefit, type of plant, type of irrigation, and extensive green roof type. The second aim was to study the impact of VR technology on green roof adoption. Virtual reality (VR) has become a valuable tool to study. We conducted a VR experiment with a total of 374 participants. The research findings based on SmartPLS support that selected factors positively influence the adoption of green roofs in residential buildings. In examining the impact of factors on the adoption of green roofs for residential buildings, the advantage of this methodology is that researchers can observe actual behavior.Findings: Regardless of the type, green roofs have many advantages in urban environments, including aesthetic, ecological, climate-related, and health benefits, as well as improved quality of life. Furthermore, given that about 40% of global energy consumption is related to building construction and maintenance, green roofs can play a part in reducing the energy consumed for heating and cooling buildings. Moreover, while green roofs may use more energy for maintenance, there is evidence that their overall energy consumption is less than that of white roofs. Green roofs insulate buildings against the wind and sunlight, and the combination of the added insulation and evaporative cooling could decrease the cooling requirements inside the building. They also reduce the surface temperature of roofs, which can help ameliorate the UHI effect in cities. In addition, green roofs can help with stormwater management by reducing and slowing runoff and may help to reduce the pollutants that enter the surface water. Green roofs can also reduce lead concentrations in runoff and increase air quality, provide wildlife habitats for animal species, create beautiful city views, serve as cultivation spaces for food production, and reduce noise pollution from traffic. Urban green spaces can also have important benefits for social, mental, and physical health. People living in environments with more green spaces have better physical health and higher self-esteem and experience less stress, anxiety, and depression; as a result, they have better social and mental health than those with very few green spaces. Green spaces also provide opportunities to interact with nature and other people and can serve as recreational spaces. Finally, they can improve city residents’ well-being by reducing air pollution and facilitating physical exercise.Conclusion: Finally, it was concluded that the mentioned factors played a significant role in adopting green roofs. Also, the results show that VR has many positive effects on the results of green roof adoption in residential buildings by creating a sense of presence in a virtual reality experience.

Development of a Framework for Suitable Housing Design in Deteriorated Urban Fabrics; A Case Study of Deteriorated Fabrics in District 6, Mashhad

Neda Rafati Sokhangoo; Vahid Ahmadi; Mohsen Tabassi; Seyed Moslem Seyedalhosseini

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 331-349

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.353480.1957

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In today’s deteriorated urban fabric, many urban areas with weak physical and operational structures are surrounded by new construction. ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In today’s deteriorated urban fabric, many urban areas with weak physical and operational structures are surrounded by new construction. These regions require more significant consideration for the residential building due to their unique economic, cultural, social, and physical qualities. In addition to comprehensiveness in developing criteria, it is crucial to consider the residents’ priorities and aspirations when deciding on the supply of housing in deteriorated areas. Moreover, the effectiveness of proposed plans relies on how well they align with people’s habits, lifestyles, family finances, and environmental and legal considerations. Acceptance and compatibility with these factors play a crucial role in the success of these plans. The research’s primary goals included identifying the most crucial elements of desirable housing, examining the characteristics of deteriorated urban fabric, identifying these elements from the residents’ viewpoint, and developing a framework for building in deteriorated urban fabric in District 6 of Mashhad city.Methods: This study used an analytical survey technique, complemented by documentary and field research, to identify the visible and invisible issues of deteriorated urban fabric in District 6, Mashhad. In this regard, the full physical, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and legal criteria of suitable housing were established and applied. Excel and SPSS statistical tools were utilized to facilitate and ensure the precision of the research analysis. In addition, this research employed GIS software for graphical and spatial analysis. The statistical population of this study consists of 34,497 units in the deteriorated urban fabric in District 6 of Mashhad Municipality. Based on Cochran’s methodology, there are 380 samples. Given the size of the statistical population and the regionalization of the area, cluster sampling was employed. Each neighborhood in the statistical population is treated as a cluster, and a sample is drawn from each cluster (neighborhood) depending on the proportion of its residential units. The Cronbach’s alpha method was utilized to determine the questionnaire’s reliability (Part 3 of the questionnaire: Neighborhood resident survey). Findings: The study’s findings include a characterization of Mashhad and criteria for appropriate housing in the deteriorated urban fabric. The requirements include general characteristics of the parts, characteristics of the residential environment, building architecture, as well as detailed legal and economic aspects. Finally, the relationship between these components has been examined. In addition to the physical dimension and general features of the residential plots as one of the primary criteria, the inhabitants have identified the appropriate size of the land lots as the essential factor in obtaining the desired housing in deteriorated fabrics. When it comes to designing fair housing, the most critical economic factor is ensuring that the rent is affordable. In terms of the social dimension, the most important factor in creating an optimal housing model is ensuring that the housing unit is suitable for the number of people living there. The compatibility of building designs with the social and cultural characteristics of the population is one of the most crucial concepts for producing a viable housing model in the city, particularly in deteriorated urban areas with particular and delicate social characteristics. The cleanliness of the surroundings, which is currently in a state of disorder, is the most crucial factor in building a suitable housing model in the environmental dimension. Finally, it could be argued from a legal standpoint that the misuse of promissory notes can undermine the residents’ feeling of ownership over their property.Conclusion: Based on the research data evaluation, the social aspect is considered the most important among the housing desirability factors, while the legal aspect is considered the least significant. Based on the inhabitants’ perspective, the issue of ownership is considered to be one of the most significant factors in the development of the housing model. The size of the units, the number of rooms in each unit, and the residential unit’s infrastructure are all directly correlated with household income in deteriorated urban fabric. In these fabrics, the level of residential occupancy deviates from typical patterns and development standards. Residential plots are often subdivided into smaller units in deteriorated urban areas. This is one of the characteristic features of such urban fabrics. To clarify, in deteriorated urban areas, it is common for residential buildings to violate construction codes by having more than one apartment per floor. As the number of floors in these buildings increases, there is also a trend to construct toilets within each residential unit. The greater the area of residential lots, the greater the proportion of units with parking spaces. The access method to residential units is a crucial aspect of the design of residential units in deteriorated urban areas. It is reasonable to design the reception and living rooms as a single space in residential units located in deteriorated urban areas because it helps to reduce housing costs and overcome limitations in the size and dimensions of living areas.

The traditional approach to architectural conservation in the orient

Mohammad Mehdi Hooshyari; Behnam Pedram; Ali Zamanifard

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 339-354

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.236601.1444

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Before the prevalence of the modern architectural conservation approach, undoubtedly, every region had its principles and characteristics ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Before the prevalence of the modern architectural conservation approach, undoubtedly, every region had its principles and characteristics in this field. Architectural conservation thought was developed in the 17th and 18th centuries in the West. It was represented to the world in the 20th century by the Athens and Venice charters and the UNESCO Convention of World Heritage. Still, Some eastern countries found the charters opposed to some of their architectural conservation traditions to some extent. In fact, the conservation thoughts in the early charters, such as the Athens and Venice charters and even the UNESCO World Heritage Convention of 1972, were based on a western approach. However, the concern about the eastern approach developed afterward in the 1980s. Therefore, it was a cause to challenge conventional thinking in the conservation field and the formation of the Nara authenticity document, which emphasized cultural diversity and cultural context. Now the question is: what are the characteristics and contradictions of conservation traditions in the eastern countries? And what aspects of the eastern approach are included in the traditional conservation of Iran as an eastern country? Since the cultural context concerns have been emphasized greatly, the acknowledgment of eastern approach characteristics would help recognize the Iranian cultural context as a component of the whole. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to recognize the traditional approach characteristics in eastern countries to recognize the Iranian cultural context as a component of the whole. This recognition is significant in the decision-making and preparation of national principles based on the cultural context of an eastern country.Methods: This study is based on inductive reasoning and a qualitative approach. One part of the study is a review study, and the second part (concerning Iran) is carried out using the grounded theory method.Findings: The restorations studied here for recognition of the Iranian approach are those executed before the Venice charter in 1962 and before the arrival of ISMEO in Iran; since it is believed that the restorations before the 1960s are regarded as “traditional restorations”. Consequently, the “scientific restoration” process started with the arrival of ISMEO and the establishment of the Iranian National Organization of Heritage Conservation. Sampling is also theoretical in this research and based on data related to the research question. Finally, the study concludes that the East compared to the West, in terms of conservation, is mostly based on intangibles and spiritualties, while the western architectural conservation thought is based on materialistic ideas. Concepts and beliefs such as impermanence had a key role in attitudes towards tangible heritage. Among eastern countries, the Indian charter of INTACH is so considerable. Despite the emphasis on its traditional and cultural context, it has presented some differences with principles such as patina preservation and restoration and considers them incompatible with Indian traditions. As an eastern country, Iran had some aspects of the eastern approach in its conservation traditions, focusing on traditional completing and aesthetic value as unique characteristics. Some codes and concepts were taken from the study of Iranian restoration cases in five groups of physical reconstruction, ornamentation, replacement, and inscription restorations, whose findings have been presented in four main categories as follows: ornamentation and aesthetical value of the work, the authenticity of traditional art rather than the physical substance, the necessity of completing a historical building traditionally, and also the emphasis on traditional proficiency.Conclusion: Therefore, the four keywords of beauty, completeness, traditional art, and proficiency are the main emphasis of the traditional Iranian approach, based on the cases studied in this research. The two latter keywords, namely traditional art and proficiency, are regarded as the source of authenticity judgment. And also, it had some contradictions with some principles of the Venice charter 1964, so the readability of restoration and reconstruction, based on sufficient evidence, was not considerably emphasized. Also, some similarities with other eastern countries have been observed, mostly with some principles of the Indian INTACH charter rather than East Asia. Some characteristics of the Iranian approach also have been unique, such as ornamenting of a historic building or traditional completion of a historic building, emphasis on the rejection of such modern principles as the readability of restoration and the contemporary stamp.

Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review of Global Theoretical Context in the Field of Urban Health

Marziyeh Fallah Barzeghar; Ahmad khalili

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 351-372

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.395942.2039

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The definition of health has different meanings. In the simplest case, it is defined as the absence of any disease or illness. The evidence ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The definition of health has different meanings. In the simplest case, it is defined as the absence of any disease or illness. The evidence indicates the relationship between the components of the urban environment and health and related behaviors, which emphasizes the importance of urban planning and urban interventions in order to face health challenges. Nowadays, health promotion at the community level, considering a wide range of threatening factors in the field of urban health, the need to identify the effective components on human health is considered essential. Based on this, the link between the urban environment and urban planning is emphasized to achieve urban health and well-being. The purpose of this research is to analyze the scientometric analysis of urban health studies, to discover the main issues and developments, as well as to find the emerging performance trends of articles and magazines, to know the patterns of cooperation and research components, and to discover the intellectual structure of urban health in the world literature.Methods: Bibliometric Analysis is a precise method for examining and analyzing a large amount of scientific data. This technique is intended to understand the interrelationship between scientific citations and to summarize the situation according to the current research topic. Researchers use scientometric analysis to find trends in the emerging performance of articles and journals, to recognize collaboration patterns and research components, and to discover the intellectual structure of a specific field in existing literature. In order to check the relationship between articles from a database and to classify different keywords based on their simultaneous citation by following clustering techniques, VOS Viewer software is used. Web of Science Core Collection has been used for the process of searching and extracting data from the Web of Science scientific database. The main focus of this research was scientific data regarding the subject of research with the term “urban health” in the title and abstract. On August 13, 2022, an initial search of 3,102 document titles was extracted, and for a more accurate analysis, among the 3,102 documents obtained, 2,581 documents including articles were extracted as main data, and other professors included books and conference articles, etc. It was removed from the total of primary data.Findings: Co-occurrence results based on keywords show that the keyword “Urban Health” has the highest total link strength and the number of co-occurrences of two items. In other words, this keyword has been seen more times in an article and the probability of this keyword appearing with other keywords in an article is higher. “Mortality” and “prevalence” components are ranked second and third, respectively. The component of Covid-19, green space is one of the common components in the field of urban health, which has been the focus of researchers in recent years. Co-authorship analysis based on countries shows that Asian and African countries have the lowest amount of scientific participation and influence in the production of scientific documents in the field of urban health. Also, the results indicate that the authors of three countries, the United States, England, and Australia, respectively, have the highest level of cooperation with the authors of other countries in the production of scientific documents in the field of urban health. Finally, the co-citation analysis based on co-citations of the authors revealed that the World Health Organization has the highest number of citations.Conclusion: A comprehensive review of global studies in order to discover the emerging performance of researchers in the field of urban health has been one of the study gaps in this field, and this research has tried to answer this need to some extent. This study is considered as a comprehensive review study with co-occurrence analyzes of the occurrence of two items (in three aspects of visualization, data density, network overlap), citation, bibliographic pair and authorship. Paying more attention and examining the individual components of health including healthy diet, life expectancy, body mass index in the search of scientific documents due to the increasing importance of physical health is felt in future studies. Urban health is related to various issues. However, from searching for the keyword of urban health and extracting the keywords of thermal islands, life expectancy, green space and pedestrian circulation using VOS, it can be seen that there are keywords whose publication year is related to the years after 2018, in other words, in the years The latter are still of interest to researchers, and they can be used in the future to expand the research topic as potential subject areas related to urban health. Also, in the future study, the sources of different scientific databases such as Scopus, Dimensions, Lens and PubMed should be used. Future researchers can use each of the existing keywords as potential subject areas of urban health. Henceforth, research will focus on opportunities and challenges, urban health efficiency, and possible solutions to emerging issues.

Recognition of the indigenous of historical texture and identification of factors forming residential complexes (Case study: Ardabil city)

Shahrokh Abdollahi Mollai; Ali Javan Forouzande

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 355-374

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2020.226766.1389

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: As a residence place, housing indicates a relationship between man and the environment. On the one hand, modernists have created a meaningless ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: As a residence place, housing indicates a relationship between man and the environment. On the one hand, modernists have created a meaningless environment without a specific identity by ignoring the relationship between man and nature. The economic view that outweighs housing, poor-quality new buildings, neglected urban landscape, and the climatic, social, cultural, and environmental issues have intensified human beings’ physical, spiritual, and perceptual needs, on the other hand. Besides, the failure to address indigenous patterns in traditional Iranian cities has led to low-quality urban complexes that have sometimes been met with little public acceptance. Another important point is the lack of a design framework and guidelines for professionals and designers in the urban fabric, which has exacerbated the resulting confusion in the urban appearance. In light of the above, this study mainly aims to identify the effective indigenous patterns in forming residential spaces in the historical texture of Ardabil.Methods: In this research, surveying 23 houses with the help of measurements, photography, and reviewing archives of the Cultural Heritage Office, the researchers collected essential and basic information and identified the variables with a descriptive-analytical method. The collected results are qualitative and quantitative. The theoretical findings of this research were analyzed using the logical reasoning method. The frequency and percentage of each variable following the existing situation(s) are presented in tables and graphs showing spatial elements. In the second step, the Chi-square test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to examine the relationship between some variables. The data were entered into SPSS software, and the required results were extracted using the mentioned tests to evaluate several variables and their relationships in real conditions and describe the analysis of the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables.Findings: The study of the aforementioned cases in the old houses of Ardabil and the typology analysis based on their physical, structural, and decorative features reveal various manifestations of indigenous values and other beliefs governing the architecture of the time. Likewise, it can be acknowledged that the buildings left in the old texture of Ardabil belong mostly to the affluent or middle-class people of the city, and the houses of the low-income groups have been destroyed more quickly due to their insignificance. Consequently, despite other components, two factors of social status and economic status have influenced the construction of house spaces (especially their entrances). Based on the analysis, the valuable historical houses often date back to the Zandieh period and the late Reza Shahi era (first Pahlavi). Most of them belong to the Qajar period. In these houses, with the increase of the court area, the number of entrances to the house also increases. Also, the north equator-facing facade and the front facade, the porches -the Sash windows- are the most important and prominent parts. In addition, a summer hall and cross-shaped halls with (+) signs have been observed in old houses in this area. Characteristics such as using the basement, rectangular porches, halls, cross-shaped patterns, and using specific numbers are frequently observed.Conclusion: The results of studying the statistical population’s form and structure show that the combination of open and covered spaces is one of the spatial tendencies for activities and functions in the old context. Consequently, the use of different forms, rectangular proportions, and stable concepts are the main factors in creating a sense of belonging, security, and satisfaction, which can create a dynamic environment by creating interactions and vitality and meeting needs (for educational and cultural activities). So, indigenous culture requires indigenous models to meet social needs. Thus, reviving mental, nostalgic, and historical mindsets, creating traditional physical forms and familiar spaces with the possibility of monitoring events can create a sense of belonging in the elements of the residential complex.

Exploring the Sensory Impact on Improving Users’ Navigation in Tehran Railway Station; Case Study: Valiasr Square Subway Station

Sanaz Haghshenas; Mahnaz Mahmoudi Zarandi; Nasim Khanloo

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 373-386

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.236861.1447

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Background and aim: Despite the existence of many advantages in Iran’s rail transportation, only a certain range of users has benefited ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Background and aim: Despite the existence of many advantages in Iran’s rail transportation, only a certain range of users has benefited from this massively useful system due to its performance-based approach and reliance on visual cues. As a result, users have experienced difficulties with navigation- orientation, among other issues. These difficulties stem from a lack of attention to other sensory experiences and the need to enhance the sensory richness of users through thoughtful design of architectural and informational components within rail stations. Thus, explaining the suitable solutions to improve navigation - orientation has a significant impact in decreasing user confusion and establish a sense of place within these spaces. The general perception of navigation and orientation strategies in public spaces involves a variety of signage, boards, and information systems that have been employed at the city level, sometimes effectively and sometimes ineffectively. However, in this research, the purpose of navigation- orientation is to make the environment detectable and give it a strong structure by “informational” and “architectural” elements and components, which are the most important components for influencing routing and orientation in station spaces. The purpose of this study is to present solutions to facilitate and improve the performance of users’ routing and orientation in Tehran railway stations. It seems that the process of routing and orientation of subway users is facilitated by informational and architectural components based on sensory enrichment.Methods: This study utilized a descriptive-analytical method to examine the navigation-orientation process in a selected case sample. After evaluating the sample and identifying areas for improvement, strategies were proposed to enhance routing and orientation within station spaces by emphasizing the sensory experiences of users. Valiasr Square subway station was examined based on some reasons, such as the complexity of the station, intersection and multi-functionality, the combination of underground and surface space and the diversity of the station’s users. The statistical population of the study was the users of Valiasr station, who are selected using a purposeful random method. Data for this study was collected through both bibliographic and field methods. The bibliographic method involved presenting the theoretical framework and identifying research components. The field method, on the other hand, utilized space syntax analysis and a researcher-designed questionnaire in two stages to gather the necessary information. The data collection instrument for this study was a closed-ended questionnaire consisting of 40 Likert-scale questions. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: the first part focused on personal characteristics of the respondents, while the second part comprised questions related to the research variables presented in an illustrated format. Finally, the validity of the questions was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis and its validity was verified using Cronbach’s alpha method. In the first stage, the sample station was analyzed using the space syntax method in the DepthmapX software. This is because of enriching the questionnaires by the users in the next stage of the research. In the second stage, the sample station was measured by completing the research process, developing an illustrated questionnaire, and creating special sensory conditions by the users. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods (path analysis) with SPSS- software. Findings: The collected data was analyzed by path analysis. The increase of path coefficients from 0.435 to 0.536 and 0.571 by the impact of sensory richness on the informational and architectural components of the sample station verified the solidarity of the research hypothesis and the results indicated that the coefficient of sensory richness on the informational components is 0.462 and 0.531on architectural components. Also, information components with a coefficient of 0.218 and architectural components with a coefficient of 0.256 are effective in facilitating the navigation process for users. Indeed, these components mitigate the complexity of the space. The results of the analysis by space syntax, in the DepthmapX software (the sample station (Vali Asr Square)), indicate the improvement of the navigation-orientation performance of users in the station, in case of widening from the street level to the rail. The use of VGA analysis shows which spaces are more visible and which are less. Spaces that are more enclosed and lack vertical expansion restrict users’ depth and angle of view, leading to decreased legibility of the space and difficulties with routing and orientation. Conversely, expanding the central spaces of the station increases users’ depth and angle of view, directly enhancing the ease of routing and orientation within the space.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that sensory-based design of informational and architectural components is an effective approach to improving the navigation and orientation process. The study’s findings suggest that creating sensory-rich station spaces that fully engage users’ sensory perceptions, incorporating meaningful elements, and improving navigation and orientation can reduce confusion, enhance users’ sense of confidence, and provide psychological security. Furthermore, it can increase productivity and create opportunities for individual and collective memories, a sense of belonging, and complementing functions such as festivals, memorials, exhibitions, and urban gatherings. By improving the quality of station spaces from a mere functional space to a safe, diverse, memorable, and dynamic place, rail transport systems can become more efficient and accommodate more users while providing suitable sensory places for citizens. Most of these improvements can be achieved with minimal changes and low costs to existing station spaces.

Typology of traditional iranian schools based on historical geography (Case study: historical geography of Khorasan and Isfahan)

Fatemeh Mirzaie Khalilabadi; Hojat Golchin

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 375-390

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.217531.1351

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Schools are among the most important buildings in Iranian art and architecture history. Studying and researching the design of the schools ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Schools are among the most important buildings in Iranian art and architecture history. Studying and researching the design of the schools of the Islamic period, as prominent examples, is an effective step toward recognizing their identity. So far, various studies have been conducted in the field of typology of these schools. Still, evaluating cases from two specific areas of historical geography in a comparative study is the distinctive point of this research. Historical geography, along with other factors such as construction methods and architectural achievements of different periods, is one of the important components of historic buildings that need to be considered to identify their architecture. Less attention has been paid to the history of Iranian architecture. The term historical geography used in this article does not refer to specific climatic geography but to a territorial area that has been an unwritten alliance over centuries of trade, cultural, economic, ethnic, linguistic, and common interests. It has created spontaneity in the policy and style of civilization. The approach of historical geography includes in itself the factor of history and the issues within it (such as historical events, dynasties of government, and social life), as well as geography as an important factor in determining the place of residence and influence in socio-political life. Therefore, the study of schools and their typologies from this perspective takes a deeper look at approaches that address these goals only from a specific aspect (for example, government dynasties or a specific location). This article aims to discuss the typology of schools located in two areas of the historical geography of Greater Khorasan and Isfahan. The question here is whether schools located in a specific geographical area follow a specific pattern in architectural design.Methods: The research method in the present study is descriptive-analytical and case study and is presented in the form of the content of qualitative research. At the same time, for better accuracy and validity of the results, some quantitative analyses in matching and categorizing the findings were used. In this regard, after explaining the concept of historical geography, description of the historical geography of Khorasan and Isfahan, and also the reason for their selection, schools in each of the two areas were identified. Then the samples were selected by purposive sampling method. The samples were first described and then analyzed by bibliographic study of the documents, resources, and field studies. Finally, the common features between the schools and the existing model between them, if any, are introduced. capability).Findings: Knowledge of historical geography is one of the most important scientific fields and current topics in the world. In this science, human spatial relations are introduced in the form of the past to better understand today’s geographical issues. Topics include the impact of geographical environments on historical events, the evolution of states and border changes, and the history of geographical and scientific discoveries. It helps us better understand the current situation by reconstructing geographical phenomena that do not exist. New world systems and structures can also be based on cultural and social domains by explaining and recognizing places from a comprehensive geographical-historical perspective. Given the rich potential of Iran’s historical geography, this knowledge can be used in architectural research in Iran. Therefore, this approach has been used to study schools. Among the various territorial areas of Iran, we can mention the historical geography of Greater Khorasan and Isfahan. The name Greater Khorasan in the early Middle Ages generally referred to all the Islamic states located from the eastern part of the Lut Desert to the mountains of India. According to today’s maps, the scope of research in the Greater Khorasan Basin includes the provinces of Khorasan Razavi, North and South Khorasan, as well as major parts of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The scope of research in the province of Isfahan includes the current provinces of Isfahan, Kashan, Qazvin, Qom, Arak, and parts of Tehran. After identifying areas, schools were each identified. Selected cases from the Greater Khorasan Basin include the schools of Gur Amir, Dodar, Balasar, Gowharshad, Ghiasieh Khargerd, Ulugh-beg Samarkand, Shirdor, Soltan Hossein Bayqara, Mir Arab, Ulugh-beg Ghojdiwan, Ulugh-beg Bukhara and the school in front of it. Schools in Isfahan also include Nouri, Jeddah Bozorg, Jeddah Kuchak, Nim-Avard, Kase garan, Araban, Marvi, Sardar, Agha Bozorg, Salehieh, Memarbashi and Soltani in Kashan. The research findings show that due to the many common features between the schools of the historical geography of Greater Khorasan, a clear pattern can be found: they all have yards in the form of hasht-o-nimhasht or squares. The number of porches is two or four. Most cases have two or four minerates in the outer corner of the facade. There are always halls on both sides of the entrance, which are often larger than the teaching zones in size and proportions. The entrance is usually slightly in front of the entrance. Stairs are located in the corners of the yard. Some examples may have a specific element that other schools do not. If present, this element is always located on the main axis and on the front. Regarding the schools in Isfahan, it should be said that due to the variety in number, location, and even the shape of architectural elements and components, a specific pattern is not seen.Conclusion: The knowledge of historical geography is a pure and deep context for studying the history of Irani-an architecture, especially the typology of historical buildings. From this perspective, only buildings with historical and geographical commonalities can be categorized in a group. The studies of this research show a specific pattern in architectural design among the schools of Greater Khorasan. In contrast, this is not the case among schools in Isfahan.

Analyzing the Impact of Qualitative Components Affecting Residential Open Space Based on Cultural Ecology; Case study: Residential Buildings in Tabriz

Sahel Ghasemi Baghdadi; Mozayan Dehbashi Sharif; Mohammadreza Pourzagar

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 387-402

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.239379.1459

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In traditional Iranian architecture, the courtyard serves an important purpose of providing a secure and private space for family activities. ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In traditional Iranian architecture, the courtyard serves an important purpose of providing a secure and private space for family activities. This is based on cultural and ritual practices that prioritize creating an enclosed and protected environment that is not visible to outsiders. Based on the definition of the relationship between open spaces and closed spaces, Iran’s traditional residential architecture is classified into two types: extrovert and introvert. In both extroverted and introverted types, the formation and quality of open spaces have been affected by natural conditions and social and cultural factors. During the second Pahlavi period from 1961 to 1971, the construction of modern houses and residential complexes became popular in Iran, which ultimately caused a complete transformation in the relationship between open and closed spaces in Iranian residential architecture, and as a result, the role and function of open spaces in residential buildings changed completely. Compared to traditional housing, the nature and function of open spaces in modern residential buildings has undergone significant changes. In traditional housing, open spaces were meant for communication with nature and provided a secure and private area for family activities. Therefore, this research deals with the qualitative investigation of open spaces and the identification of the relationship between culture and the environment in residential open spaces, and the analysis of residential buildings in Tabriz city.Methods: This study has an applied purpose and its methodology is based on a descriptive-analytical approach. The information required to extract the theoretical framework and identify the components affecting the open spaces of the residential building was collected using the bibliographic and document method. Moreover, in order to collect the required data in the field studies, two methods of questionnaire and observation were used. To evaluate the open spaces of residential buildings from the perspective of residents of Tabriz city, a questionnaire was designed based on a five-point Likert scale. Taking into account the statistics published by Iran Statistics Center, the number of households in Tabriz is 563,660, of which 518,187 live in Tabriz. Therefore, the statistical population of this research is equal to 518,187 people, assuming that every household owns a house. Taking into account the number of households living in the sample areas, which is equal to 1634 people, and the people who were able to answer the questionnaire, the sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula, and the questionnaire was distributed among 196 residents. The sample spaces of the research were selected purposefully and according to three different models of current urban housing in Tabriz city. These three patterns are: apartment (south-north), residential complex, and tower. AVE and CR methods were used to measure the reliability and validity of the research.Findings: The physical components of the study were evaluated and the top six indicators with an average score of more than 3 were identified as follows: 1) enjoyment (3.92), 2) signs (3.53), 3) intersections (3.49), 4) natural elements (3.46), 5) pollution (3.42), and 6) boundaries (3.02). Additionally, in the section related to perceptual components, the two indicators of mobility and unreal spaces had the highest average of 3.46 and 3.36, respectively. In terms of emotional components, the results analysis showed that only the precognition index had an average higher than 3, while the excitement index had an average of 2.99, which is close to the centrality index. Comparing the total average of the indicators across the three components, it can be concluded that the physical component with a total average of 2.98 is ranked first, followed by the emotional component with a total average of 2.25, and finally the perceptual component with a total average of 1.85 ranked last.Conclusion: The main users of this research, which aim to identify the factors that influence the quality of residential open spaces from a cultural ecology perspective, are architects and landscape designers. The research findings offer valuable insights for these professionals to enhance the open spaces of residential environments. Considering that a complete framework for evaluating and measuring the quality of open spaces in residential buildings has not yet been defined, one of the main achievements of this research is to empower experts and designers to better understand the environmental and cultural characteristics of open spaces in residential buildings; which will be effective in increasing the quality of open spaces in the house. This research showed that physical-functional components and emotional components play an effective role in increasing the quality of open spaces and there is a direct relationship between the aforementioned components. According to residents, the quality of residential open spaces is greatly affected by the physical-functional structure (physical indicators) and cultural identity is created by paying attention to emotional and social concepts (emotional indicators) in residential open spaces. Giving consideration to cultural symbols, signs, and historical memory of residents, as well as ensuring a sense of security, liveliness, and vibrancy, can enhance the cultural aspect of open spaces in residential areas.

Expansion of parametric analysis on William M. Pena’s programming matrix theory based on graph theory

Ali Ziaee; Hamed Moztarzadeh; Khosro Movahed

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 391-410

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.329872.1876

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: William M. Pena described his Matrix theory, or the network information table, in 1987 in his book entitled “problem seeking”. ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: William M. Pena described his Matrix theory, or the network information table, in 1987 in his book entitled “problem seeking”. This theory presented a mechanism for architectural programming. On the other hand, the parametric paradigm has massively addressed various aspects of architecture and criticism in the past four decades. Parametric paradigm developed from formal parametric to parametric BIM in the initial dozens and ultimately to parametric automation. Parametric automation encompasses an extensive and undeniable level in the process of architectural design and criticism. This research tries to expand the William M. Pena matrix based on the parametric paradigm and develop a parametric mechanism for complex data analysis on a very large scale to help designers and critics. In other words, this research is trying to expand Pena’s theory in the context of the parametric paradigm by defining variables and facilities today so that it can serve as a model to guide the design process and criticism to architects and designers.Methods: With the help of triple coding, Strauss’ and Corbin’s grounded theory has provided the research platform. In the following, graph theory has been used as a parametric analysis mechanism under the Gephi-version 0.9.2. The research steps are 1- Selection of the Pena Matrix and its expansion. 2- Completing content related to each cell of Matrix base and one-way communication of cells. 3- Referring the information to the team of experts for review 4- Achieving theoretical saturation measure. 5. Transfering information to Gephi software. 6-Preparation of required outputs using multiple software filters. 7- Analysis of outputs in line with the answer to the research question.Findings: The output facilities in the Gaffe program are the degree of nodes, the weight of the vectors, the index nodes, and the shortest path between the two specified nodes, which the filters can access in the Gaffe program. On the other hand, two basic data were obtained based on the collected questionnaires. First, the one-way communication of each matrix item and then the weight of each of these communications. In order to obtain the results, the information was transferred to the Gephi program. At first, the edge weight filter, which is one of the filters of the Gephi program, was implemented on the extractive data. (These filters are based on the mathematical theory of graphs for specific outputs and standard graph theory in the program). It is possible to display only the communications of matrix cells located in this range by specifying the desired range Using app filters. As a result, more accurate and quality categorization will be possible even in countless matrix cells altogether. This mechanism also applies to the direction of another filter called grade. The degree in the theory of graphs refers to the number of connections entered and exited to each node. In this stage, the graph can be investigated based on the number of vectors entered on the base matrix cells. Finally, by citing the order of our shortest distance between the two nodes, nodes and their communications can be achieved at this stage. The output will be obtained based on node analysis and communication between them. This is precisely one of the most widely used practices of graph theory. Repeating this command in the program makes it possible to get the shortest route between the first cell in the first row and the fifth cell in all rows.Conclusion: Based on codings, cells with a greater degree and weight in the defined range and the shortest distance between the two cells and related graphs are drawn. With repetition of this stage, the ability to analyze, including a comparison of frequency and analysis of alternatives, will be possible. The graph drawn in the Gephi software will determine which content exactly defined in the Matrix cells will play a role in connecting the cells of the first columns to the cells of the fifth columns and will determine the shortest communication path between them. In other words, the mechanism designed firstly, like an initial index, will play a role in the collective concept of information, and parametric analysis of unidirectional communication between Matrix cells will be able to analyze communication on a macro scale. These analyzes are available to designers graphically and parametrically. By changing each parameter or basic communication, the ability to analyze and compare changes to the word humanity will be provided. As a result, by reference to the research question, this parametric mechanism based on William M. Pena’s matrix theory with multiple accurately adjustable outputs in the Gephi program will be able to first create a parametric structure and simply observe and compare the changes in the output graphs by changing the basis information. As a guide, it will also determine the path of the required data and communication and open the path to design and criticism.

The Theoretical Relation of Patterns and Regulations in Architecture

Azadeh Mohajer Milani; Alireza Einifar

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 403-417

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.257504.1577

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In lands with a rich historical background, architecture contains principals that is created through the cultural interaction of architecture ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In lands with a rich historical background, architecture contains principals that is created through the cultural interaction of architecture and society. These principals known as “Patterns” were passed down through generations to another and ensure the quality of buildings without limiting creativity in design. After the industrial revolution and with the appearance of the modern movement, developments such as industrialization and standardization created fundamental changes in architecture and as a result, a clear line has drawn to divide the architecture of today and the past. This is when Patterns started to see a decline and replaced with another organizational method called “Regulation”. In this era, architects devoted to structural, physical, functional or technical aspects of building more than the so-called Patterns. However, the quality resulted from using regulations established in this time is far from the result of using patterns in past architecture and therefore, architecture faced a dramatic transformation. Since then, the terms “Pattern” and “Regulation” are among the two most used words in the literature of Architecture and Urban Design. Regulation has been proposed as interventions by the governing party to ensure the presence of minimum quality for the built environment that shape the city image. Patterns also have been considered as one of the main concerns of architects that ensure the connection and continuation of former architectural principals in today’s constructions. Putting these two terms alongside each other is of interest to this paper since both have a role in systematizing and organizing the built environment, but at the same time resulting in different outcomes. This raised several questions such as: • Do patterns have the capability of reviving and being expressed in the form of regulations in today’s architecture?• Do they have the same correlation with the built form? Therefore, this paper explains the correlation of patterns and regulations with the built environment through analyzing today’s architectural changes in comparison with the one used before. This effort ends up contributing to the knowledge landscape by defining a theoretical framework through a model. Methods: In terms of methodology, logical argumentation seems to be appropriate and effective in developing theories and filling the existing research gap, and therefore, was selected as the main research method for this paper. The main element in this method is the conceptual demarcation of the framework’s content, which in the case of this paper is words that describe pattern and regulation. To gather these necessary terms in making the model, Delphi technique used in a group of 350 architects and urban planners, who are active both in academia and practice. This technique helps to extract what is inferred as pattern or regulation both in the research environment and the operational knowledge in practice.Findings: According to the findings of this research, patterns showed a subjective and abstract nature due to being theoretical and therefore, they can be identified in the form of concepts in the design process. However, regulations are formulated and based on high-level decision-making in the governing parties in each context and developed to control the quality of the built environment and therefore, their application requires less skill or expertise. The results showed that today’s regulation has reduced chances of creativity in design and limits architects in providing the design question with wider answers because of their very nature. Investigation of this research showed regulation by themselves cannot guarantee the presence of former architecture’s principals in today’s one. The reason for this phenomenon is the restricting role of regulation in design. This study showed that this role not only limited creativity, but also shaped new templates. These templates are on the verge of becoming patterns of today’s architecture, but in nature, they are fundamentally different from the patterns used previously. The reason found is the origin of these newborns’ patterns, which is limitations, as opposed to cultural and structural innovations.Conclusion: Since it is necessary to obtain regulation to organize cities, we cannot eliminate their existence, rather we need to modify their role in the design process. In this regard, the modification of regulation is one of the basic needs of today’s built environment. Therefore, the main achievement of this research forwarded to policymakers and urban planners, who by modifying the nature of regulation, can transform them to an effective asset in the design process.

Optimization of Townscapes with Emphasize on Flood Resilience

Fatemeh Fotouhi Ahl; Azita Belali Oskoyi; Yaser Shahbazi

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 419-434

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.349273.1943

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Landscapes in general and townscapes in specific are susceptible to various natural and non-natural risks. Flooding is considered one of ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Landscapes in general and townscapes in specific are susceptible to various natural and non-natural risks. Flooding is considered one of the primary factors that contribute to the vulnerability and problems faced by landscapes and townscapes. Although these conditions are present worldwide, they are more severe in Iran compared to other countries. On the one hand, natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes threaten this region. On the other hand, the built environments of this country are threatened by the weakness of inadequate building construction trends. In many cases, the structural systems and materials used in buildings do not meet the risk management requirements of the development process. The negative impact of the threatening development process has relatively different consequences on place dimensions. The impacts of disasters are often linked to the sensitivity of the specific features of a place. Among these features, townscapes and landscapes are particularly vulnerable to various disasters, more so than other dimensions of a place such as function and management. The future of a place is shaped by the consequences that occur in different zones and areas of communities. The measurement of vulnerability and resilience should consider the normative qualities of the environment, especially in terms of geographical contexts. The aim of this research is to assess the resilience of townscapes in relation to their environmental qualities, such as efficiency, richness, attraction, and variety, through the use of a case study approach. The research aims to assess the flood vulnerability of the Pole-Dokhtar region and city, with a particular emphasis on the spring 2019 flood. The study will use a case study approach and evaluate the resilience of the townscapes in relation to environmental qualities, such as efficiency, richness, attraction, and variety. The region of Pole-Dokhtar in Lorestan province, Iran, will be the specific area of focus.Methods: The research method will involve the application of the development category to identify and address the major problems related to flood vulnerability. By this condition, the city engine analytical software has been used for analysis and finding trends of case study area data and information process. The research methodology involves three actions in field study techniques, which are the examination of current documents, site observation, and interviews with relevant stakeholders at the local and national levels. These studies incorporate data gathering stages. For data gathering trends, three sources have been used: 1- the information from the Pole-Dokhtar city’s master and detailed plans, as well as any written documents relating to any regional development plans and studies 2- Official data from 2019 flood variables. 3- Field survey, with emphasis on direct observation in the Pole-Dokhtar urban area. Observation trends encompass a journey to Lorestan province, Pole- Dokhtar County and Pole-Dokhtar city in spring 2020. In addition, the data has been analyzed through GIS and SPSS logic, techniques, and tools. Then, using the SWOT matrix helped researchers to compare the basic influential factors in terms of contextual strengths, weakness, threats, and opportunities.Findings: The research has produced three main findings. Firstly, it highlights the vulnerability of areas like Pole-Dokhtar not only to floods but also to other natural and man-made disasters. Secondly, the research reveals the importance of specific attention to the land slope, river basin, and soil foundation to maintain environmental quality in urban landscapes. Lastly, the study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive examination of various planning documents at different levels, including master, structure, and detail plans.Conclusion: In summary, the achievements of this study encompass various research outcomes regarding both townscape resilience and vulnerability of national, regional level and scale on various geographical contexts. In spite of this, long-term experiences in disasters like wars, earthquakes, droughts, floods and the same Iranian communities could not benefit from their valuable lessons. Learning from these valuable experiences should be the key lessons to solve and resolve ongoing problems and challenges which are essential for the comprehensive development of a country.

Volume 14 (2023)

Volume 13 (2022)

Volume 12 (2021)

Volume 11 (2020)

Volume 10 (2019)

Volume 9 (2018)

Volume 8 (2018)

Volume 7 (2017)

Volume 6 (2016)

Volume 5 (2015)

Volume 4 (2014)

Volume 3 (2013)

Volume 2 (2011)

Volume 1 (2010)

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