Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

The present research emphasizes on the importance of educational spaces, their role in increasing the creativity and learning ability of students as the capitals of a country, also ... Read More

Analysis of Implementation Barriers of BIM in Iran's Industrial Buildings

Mehdi Zandiyeh; Iraj Mahmood Zadeh Kani; Pedram Hesari

Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2018, , Pages 49-62

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2018.62047

Abstract

در مراحل طراحی، تولید و ساخت ساختمان های صنعتی موارد بسیاری دخیل هستند از جمله موارد غالب در این زمینه، ... Read More در مراحل طراحی، تولید و ساخت ساختمان های صنعتی موارد بسیاری دخیل هستند از جمله موارد غالب در این زمینه، محاسبات تأسیسات و سازه می باشد، معماری به عنوان پیوند دهنده ی این موارد در راستای تأمین نیازهای اکولوژیک، انسانی، اقتصادی، امنیتی و ... الزاماتی را پیشنهاد می دهد، استفاده از یک روش کاربردی و هدفمند که نقاط قوت خود را در سطح ساخت و طراحی این گونه ساختمان ها به منظور تأمین نیازهای فوق در جهان به اثبات رسانیده است، لازم می آید BIM، روشی کاربردی بر پایه ی اطلاعات ساختمان یکی از این روش ها می باشد که در ایران دارای شبهاتی در عدم اجرای آن در روند طراحی ساختمان های صنعتی است. پژوهش حاضر با هدف تأکید و بازشناخت موانع اجرای بیم، در جهت تأکید در برطرف نمودن آن ها از جوانب مختلف به صورت اولویت بندی، کاربردی بوده و با فرض این که با افزایش دامنه اطلاعات و همچنین پیچیدگی های آن، در طراحی ساختمان های صنعتی، ضرورت بر مدیریت یکپارچه از طریق بیم وجود دارد، به توصیف موانع اجرای این سیستم مدیریتی در پروژه های صنعتی کشور اعم از نیروگاهی و غیره پرداخته و با مخاطب قرار دادن مدیران ارشد، مشاوران و همچنین پیمانکاران، مواردی را با مشاوره متخصصان به صورت لیست ارائه نموده است و در مرحله ی دوم با استفاده از پرسشنامه و نظرسنجی از کارشناسان اعم از مدیران شرکت های مشاور، پیمانکاران و اساتید ؛ چهار معیار اصلی اقتصادی، پشتیبانی، فنی و مدیریتی با زیر معیارهایشان را با روش سلسله مراتبی (AHP) و تحلیل نرم افزاری Expert Choice مورد بررسی قرار داده، در نهایت پشتیبانی با وزن نهایی 0/464 در رتبه ی اول تعیین شد و زیر معیار تأخیر در فرهنگ پذیرش جامعه متخصصین که ناشی از عدم بروزرسانی سریع توسط دانشگاه و پشتیبانی دولت در ورود روش های موفق در دنیا در صنعت ساختمان است را با وزن نهایی 0/265 در اولویت کلی می شمارد و عدم تخصص که از زیرمعیارهای فنی است را با وزن نهایی 0/132 در اولویت دوم بیان می نماید، بدین ترتیب اولویت توجه به رفع این نواقص و موانع را با روش فوق دارای اولویت می سازد.

An Investigation into the Effects of Physical Properties of Residential Buildings on the Amount of Energy Consumption (A Case Study Of Khoramaabad City)

Ayat Naseri; Arash Mehregan

Volume 8, Issue 2 , January 2018, , Pages 59-73

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2018.62065

Abstract

Identification of Flexible Types (Variables) in Designing Iranian Apartment Housing

Mitra Ghafourian

Volume 9, Issue 1 , September 2018, , Pages 63-73

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2018.68580

Abstract

From among the vast domain of household needs in Iran, those which change throughout time and demand family adaptation are the most evident ones. To enhance the qualitative properties ... Read More

Utilizing Iranian - Islamic Approach in the Analysis and Improvement Process of the Quality of Urban Facades

AliReza Sadeghi; Elahehsadat Mousavi Sarvineh Baghi; zahra Khodaee

Volume 9, Issue 2 , March 2019, , Pages 69-84

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2019.87934

Abstract

Beauty stems from the nature of human existence and social life and therefore it is necessary for the welfare and progress of individuals and social life. Landscape aesthetic values ... Read More Beauty stems from the nature of human existence and social life and therefore it is necessary for the welfare and progress of individuals and social life. Landscape aesthetic values of urban street spaces are different from the other values of the physical elements. Buildings and urban facades are considered as Environmental factors that affect the improvement of aesthetics and visual qualities in urban areas. In recent years, due to accelerated construction, this subject has been neglected. This has led to the creation of a uniform appearance in cities with no diversity and vitality in cities and consequently has increased the stress and turmoil of city residents. With the emergence of urban design, attention to the quality of people's lives has expanded, and the need for urban design process as a powerful tool for improving the quality of life has been taken into consideration. Urban design is an important aspect in this problem and the introduction of the standards and principles of aesthetics, has led to the creation of environmental quality in urban spaces. With this said, the main purpose of this paper is to find a urban design process which leads to Iranian- Islamic facades. The main question in this paper is, "what are the most important elements in the design process of urban facades?". In order to answer these questions, it is assumed that these urban facades have emerged as a result of neglection and disregard towards urban design criteria. Therefore it is required to revise this process in order to recover fundamental issues that affect the facade design of public spaces. This paper uses library studies and descriptive-anaytical method. In this paper, the design process of urban facades in public spaces of the citu of Tehran (Kargar Street, Emam Street, Imam Khomeini Square, and Rah-Ahan Square) have been analyzed. Using this, a set of structures and principles are reached which can be utilized in the improvement of visual and aesthetic quality of urban facades in Iranian cities. Understanding, studying and analyzing the features of the place, preparing and providing urban design techniques, preparing policies and analyzing them are the main steps of this urban design process.

Evaluating the effect of master urban plans on the region sustainability using the ecological footprint method; Case study: Boroujerd city

Sepideh Paymanfar

Volume 14, Issue 1 , August 2023, , Pages 73-86

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.269346.1620

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The increase in population and the development of urbanization have had destructive environmental effects. With the emergence and intensification ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The increase in population and the development of urbanization have had destructive environmental effects. With the emergence and intensification of these problems, the sustainable development approach was placed on government’s and planners’ agenda. The history of space development programs prepared in Iran shows that sustainability considerations have been ignored in most programs. These programs are often used for research after implementation. However, the evaluation of the future situations resulting from the implementation of developmental interventions in the region is considered a practical step in modifying and revising the development plans in order to achieve sustainablity. The master plan of Boroujerd, located in Lorestan province, was prepared by the Emco consulting engineers and was approved by the Supreme Council of Urban Planning and Architecture in the spring of 2016. To assess the impact of the Boroujerd comprehensive plan on its sustainability, a comparison will be made between the ecological conditions in 2015 and 2031. With this aim, the ecological footprint and biological capacity of Boroujerd have been calculated separately for each year, and finally, after deducting the ecological footprint from the biological capacity, the sustainability of the region will be determined in terms of ecological surplus or deficit.Methods: The Ecological Footprint Index is one of the most important tools for measuring the sustainability status of specific areas or lifestyles, which was proposed by Rees and Wackernagel in the 1990s. This index offers clear insights into regions exerting higher pressure on natural resources. It calculates the ecological footprint based on four consumption categories: food, housing, services, and transportation. Additionally, it categorizes the types of land required to fulfill this consumption and absorb pollution, including forest land, built-up land, fishing land, cropland, grazing land, and carbon. In this study, a combination of a field survey and a questionnaire (the questionnaire was adapted to align with the Iranian-Islamic lifestyle to the greatest extent possible) was employed to determine the ecological footprint in 2020 (the year when the research was conducted). Subsequently, predictions for the ecological footprint in 2015 and 2031 were made. On the other hand, biocapacity pertains to the capacity of water and soil to provide ecological services. Similar to the ecological footprint, biological capacity involves the classification of land types into six groups. Ultimately, Boroujerd’s biological capacity was computed based on the area of each of these six land types, utilizing the following formula:BC= A× YF × EQFBC= Biological Capacity; A= Area; YF= Yield Factor; EQF= Equivalence FactorFindings: The results reveal that Boroujerd’s biological capacity, both in 2015 and 2031, surpasses the national average due to its abundant natural resources. However, its ecological footprint and deficit are alarmingly higher. The ecological deficit in Boroujerd is predicted to increase further in 2031, due to inappropriate consumption patterns, population growth, and changes in land use outlined in the proposed master plan. In both 2015 and 2031, the highest percentage of the ecological footprint is associated with Carbon, Cropland, Forest land, Built-up land, Fishing land, and Grazing land, respectively. Notably, the reduction in the biological capacity of cropland and the increase in the biological capacity of built-up land demand particular consideration. Due to the proposed plan’s alteration of cropland use, their biological capacity has dwindled to less than half. As a result, the city will face a greater ecological deficit in this type of land compared to other types. Although in the proposed plan, an attempt has been made to compensate for this ecological deficit by creating a green protection axis in the city limit, due to the increase in population and the conversion of cropland into built-up land, there has been no success in compensating the ecological deficit.Conclusion: The ecological deficit of Boroujerd in 2015 was about -44.3 hectares per person, and if the mentioned plan is implemented, sustainability is expected to slightly decline by 2031, and the ecological deficit will reach -67.3 hectares per person. In the end, two categories of solutions in order to compensate for the ecological deficit and achieve a sustainable situation in Boroujerd will be addressed. The first group is solutions to reduce the ecological footprint aiming to lower demand levels and promote sustainability through education and culture for the optimal consumption of each of the indicators used in the calculation of the footprint. The second set of solutions, commonly adopted in developed societies and seek to increase biological capacity through innovative solutions. In this regard, solutions are proposed to reduce carbon emissions and increase the capacity of environmental resources.

A Comprehensive Concept of Architecture in the Study of Industrial Complexes Based on Systems Theory Approach

Javad Goudini; Mohsen Vafamehr

Volume 10, Issue 1 , May 2019, , Pages 79-93

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2019.97131

Abstract

The present article mentioned that our architecture knowledge of industrial complexes (in comparison to the other kind of buildings and complexes) is limited. Apart from the ... Read More

The acceptable illumination level for office occupants in Tehran

Maryam Fakhari; Rima Fayaz; Maryam Mehravar

Volume 12, Issue 1 , June 2021, , Pages 79-92

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2020.195247.1263

Abstract

Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: The accurate prediction of the visual comfort zone in an indoor environment is difficult as it depends on so many parameters such as individual ... Read More Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: The accurate prediction of the visual comfort zone in an indoor environment is difficult as it depends on so many parameters such as individual and environmental variables. It is important in large compact urban areas in which the density and shadow from neighboring buildings can limit the accessible daylighting in indoor spaces. Lighting is one of the most important environmental parameters in office spaces. The employees spend most of their hours in office spaces during the day, and most of their activities are based on receiving visual information from the surroundings. Besides, being satisfied with lighting conditions is one of the main elements that significantly affects the environment’s overall comfort level. Currently, in Iran, the visual comfort zone and the preferred illumination level are not defined for office spaces, and experts refer to the findings achieved in other countries. To assess the lighting in architectural spaces and define the conditions for conformity in many standards, the authors have used some metrics as the physical measures. Generally, there are static and dynamic metrics to evaluate various aspects of daylight. Static metrics, such as illuminance-based daylighting metrics and Daylight Factor (DF), are typically evaluated based on illuminance and have been used in building regulations for a long time. In most standards and codes, the minimum recommended illumination level for working planes in a regular office is 500 lx. Due to climatic and cultural differences, the findings of other countries may not be appropriate for Iran. On the other hand, many studies have been conducted to find an acceptable lighting level in offices; however, the results show the acceptable range for illuminance in different countries is not the same. So, this paper tries to investigate the satisfaction range with the illumination level in office spaces which architects and researchers could use. Therefore, a field measurement was conducted to evaluate the illumination levels, and to examine the effect of lighting conditions on employee level of satisfaction and perception of lighting level with actual illuminance levels in office spaces in Tehran, using both questionnaire and physical illuminance measurements. Methods: The focus is on six office buildings in the metropolis of Tehran, Iran. The buildings were selected to consider different spaces in old and new buildings, one-story and high-rise buildings, open plan, and cubicle offices with varying orientations. The selected rooms were one, two- or multi-user offices, located on different floors, with various window orientations and an optional atrium/outside window. Fluorescent interior artificial lighting was used in all spaces with a color temperature between 4000K and 5000K. The survey involved 509 questionnaires (280 were filled out in summer and 229 in winter). Findings: Most of the participants have spent at least three months in their offices and have been adapted to the environment. All participants were Iranians (to avoid the impact of occupants’ culture on lighting perception). Most of them reported that they spend more than 8 hours or between 6 to 8 hours in their offices during the day. Field measurement includes illuminance, temperature, and relative humidity. The questionnaires were filled out in 146 and 109 rooms in summer and winter, respectively. At the same time, while users completed the questionnaire, the physical parameters were measured. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was applied for quantitative variables. By using a monotonic function, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient is a non-parametric measure that assesses statistical dependence between two variables to describe their relationship. Conclusion: The results revealed that occupants were more satisfied with higher levels of illuminance. The measured illuminance is categorized into certain levels to investigate the acceptable range for the lighting level. For this purpose, the measured lighting level was classified into 14 ranges. The values of less than 300 lx are in the first category, higher than 900 lx are in the last category, and the values between these mentioned ranges are classified into 50 lx intervals. The highest satisfaction from the environmental lighting level is provided in the illuminance range between 600 to 649 lx. The illumination level above this range results in more satisfaction compared to illumination levels less than 550 lx. Thus, there is an optimal range of satisfaction with lighting level, and the preferred lighting comfort range for the investigated office spaces is between 600 to 649 lx. While the illumination level higher than 550 lx is acceptable for most of the occupants.

Sensory perception patterns affecting the sense of place attachment in the design of special needs schools

Zahra Ajali; Zohreh Torabi; Hooman Sobouti

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 81-93

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.334001.1897

Abstract

Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: This research is based on an applied objective. Applied research uses theories presented in fundamental research to solve real-world problems. ... Read More Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: This research is based on an applied objective. Applied research uses theories presented in fundamental research to solve real-world problems. The current research was carried out with the aim of identifying the indicators of sensory perception on the sense of place attachment and also the effect of each of the indicators, prioritizing the indicators affecting the sense of belonging of the students and compared to the set goal. One of the most important questions that the current research seeks to answer can be stated as: How can formative elements affected by sensory perception patterns in the special needs schools be formulated as design standards as a comprehensive model? In response to the research question and considering the practical objectives, the study proposes models based on the necessary guidelines and standards for the construction and design of special needs schools intended for the construction and reconstruction of future schools that have undergone changes for this purpose.Methods: This research utilizes a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods for theoretical studies, presenting qualitative criteria and indicators. The methodology involves gathering using a bibliographic research method and reviewing existing documents through direct observations, document analysis, and interviews with experts. The quantitative data was collected in a survey platform, which was used to answer the research question with the approach of preparing a questionnaire. The collected data was adjusted according to the Likert scale, and KMO and Bartlett statistics were used to check the validity of the questionnaire. The findings were analyzed by the structural equation modeling (SEM) method identifying the relationships between the variables and their impact in the studied schools by SPSS and Amos software. The sampling method in this research is a two-stage cluster type, and then a random sample is used to select schools.Findings: The research findings indicate that when scrutinizing factors associated with sensory perception components, it becomes apparent that visual senses, with a factor load of 0.943, are of greater significance for students compared to other sensory components. Also, within the factors contributing to place attachment, the social interaction component, with a factor load of 0.994, plays a significant role in fostering a sense of place attachment and overall satisfaction. Regarding the reliability of the research questionnaire, a pre-test was conducted by distributing 50 questionnaires among the statistical population. The obtained Cronbach’s alpha index for the variables and their dimensions is reported. Data was analyzed by SPSS Ver.16 software and Cronbach’s alpha index for the whole is equal to 0.913, which shows an appropriate reliability of the research questionnaire. In examining the relationships between the variables, the results of the hypotheses showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between the research variables. Based on the results and information obtained from the findings and the environmental impression of the studied schools, the qualitative results of the most important things that can be emphasized as components of sensory perception and place attachment for the design of these schools have been stated. Conclusion: Most learning takes place through formal education in schools. To facilitate this process, students require a foundation of rich emotional experiences and a sense of connection with both their physical and social environments. Neglecting to involve all sensory aspects within a space can diminish the concentration of these students in establishing effective environmental communication. So, it is necessary to design the appropriate environment by considering the effective factors, such as the existence of the necessary stimuli and motivations, and adapting to the students’ cognitive and perceptive abilities. In the current research, the influence of sensory perception indicators on the sense of place attachment in schools that have been changed into special needs schools and used by special needs students with special conditions has been investigated. Based on the results acquired and the identification of essential sensory perception factors crucial for these students in understanding and connecting with the environment, as well as fostering a sense of place attachment, which plays a significant role in their attendance and desire to return to school; principles and suitable patterns for designing a special needs school have been outlined. As a result, design standards were presented in order to recreate the indicators of sensory perception and to strengthen the relationships and social interactions of students, which is considered as an important factor for their sense of belonging to the school, to guide the designers.

Applying Thematic Analysis to Identify the Experienced Meaning during Routine Movement through Built Environments

Somayeh Rafiei; Majid Salehinia; Ghasem Motalebi

Volume 10, Issue 2 , February 2020, , Pages 85-98

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2019.91473

Abstract

Thematic analysis has been used as a qualitative method for data analysis in various fields, especially psychology, behavioral sciences, health, and sociology. However, this approach, ... Read More Thematic analysis has been used as a qualitative method for data analysis in various fields, especially psychology, behavioral sciences, health, and sociology. However, this approach, which emphasizes the content of the text, and views language as a direct and transparent path to meaning, has been less applied in the field of architecture and urban planning. Thematic analysis is a flexible theoretical approach, easy to learn, able to summarize data, and so on. Hence, it can be applied to a wide range of qualitative environmental studies, particularly to understand the users’ perception of the environment, which shapes their relationship with the environment, by classifying the meaning patterns within the data set. Using this approach allows provide an in-depth description of the data, and to highlight the similarities and differences between the data, thereby enabling the creation of rich and complex data. The present study introduces the thematic analysis as a flexible method, through a sample study undertook this method, and describes its six steps, including familiarizing with data, assigning preliminary code, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and finally, producing a report. It explains how the thematic analysis is used in built-environment studies. The study presented as a sample attempts to identify the meaning experienced by people in the architectural space. It strives to answer the following question, "What aspects of meaning are perceived when moving through a built environment?" The aim was to focus on the influence of physical properties on the users’ experiences of the environment to obtain useful findings for architects and environment designers. To identify the widest possible range of capabilities for movement and the possible experiences obtained with them, an interview was designed using “phenomenological ethnography” approach, in which students and staff of an academic campus were asked to respond to the questions of a deep, qualitative interview ‎when moving on their daily paths in the campus. Each participant was asked to move, along with the interviewer, on his/her daily main paths, express his/her thoughts and feelings about the path. Each interviewee were also asked to take photos of the phenomena affecting route selection, and explain why and how they affect. The thematic analysis of the interview content reveals eight meanings of efficiency, convenience, legibility, sense of belonging, agency, invitingness, attraction, and beauty, which can be summarized under 3 themes of physical comfort, involvement, and making sense (being apprehensible). These themes explain the main meanings experienced by people during movement between and within buildings. The findings show that some of the physical properties of the path clearly lead to the experience of certain meanings. Based on these findings, users experience efficiency in short, direct, and simple paths with minimum barriers. Paths with multiple accesses and amenities provide more convenience. Distinct paths with clear boundaries and adequate signs are easier to remember. All of these properties of a path provide an experience of physical comfort for those who move through the environment. The findings, on the other hand, suggest that navigable paths, containing reference points can be easily understood and remembered, and therefore, affored legibility. Other properties of the path that make it private, familiar and friendly, or make people feel more comfortable in it, allow for a sense of belonging. Together, these qualities of legibility, familiarity, friendliness, and the like enhance making sense of the environment for users. Finally, according to other part of findings, individuals can engage and involve in environments (identifying themselves as part of environments) where they, in addition to feeling more sense of invitation, experience agency that results from a greater sense of control over the environment through visual access and so forth. Crossing paths that have pleasing aesthetical qualities, and arouses individuals’ positive emotions, yield similar results and increase the involvement in the environment. These results can be used to design environments that are more favorable to users, and could help to create the desired architectural spaces for them by considering the attributes that provide physical comfort, the qualities through which individuals make sense of their settings, and those that more strongly attract and involve users with their built environments. Moreover, the process of thematic analysis, introduced in this article, can be applied for analyzing contents in similar qualitative research in the field.