Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Astonishing architectural spaces have been created worldwide. As a morphogenic generator, Telepresence is changing the system of contemporary architecture system. The organizational composition of this action links the object to the subject. In this case, elements are perceived as in-between space (space between human and system). This study aims to recall the human-nature relationship as a determinant connection to fertilize this generation of architecture systems. This study also tends to evaluate the quality and various aspects of this relationship. This study aims to examine the quantity and quality of sense of presence in the digital nature at two HMD and sense of virtual place levels. The new mechanisms can be entered into these interactions to enable the modern human to experience another real framework within new architecture loops.
Methods: The extant research was conducted based on two methods. In the first part, some criteria were determined to measure the sense of presence in virtual nature (virtual reality tool assessment). This part of the study was carried out based on bibliographic research by reviewing the associated studies collected from documentary resources. In the next step, some indicators were recommended to propose a model for this sense in architecture. In the second part, the parameters determined for the sense of presence and proposed indicators were evaluated and ranked by participants. The statistical population and sample of the study comprised Adrenaline Station in Tehran, Iran. A questionnaire was used as the research means in this study. To measure the sense of presence and immersion tendencies of participants, PQ and ITQ were employed. The researcher-made questionnaire of preferences of agents of virtual nature’s sense of place was used to evaluate the design indicators. Finally, data analysis was done through SPSS software to achieve a solution.
Findings: According to the obtained findings, criteria of sense of presence in the virtual environment included control factors, sensory factors, distraction factors, realism factors, sound, and haptic. Subsequently, creative indicators of architecture consisted of virtual spatial factors, virtual activities, and virtual semantic links. According to evaluations, data analyses, and PQ tests, the sense of presence in nature via virtual reality tools is normal. In this collaboration, haptic sense has been ranked as the most significant factor, followed by the other factors. Moreover, the test of sense of virtual place of nature indicated that digital behaviors of this kind of architecture system obtained a reasonable score. According to participants’ opinions, virtual spatial factors had the highest effect on this structure. Comparative results and findings of the ITQ test indicated that the sense of presence-sense of place in the virtual environment and the immersive tendency of individuals were at a normal level in both methods. Hence, these two subjects are interconnected. Another report indicated the higher intensity of this correlation through the sense of virtual place compared to presence through HMD tools. In terms of demographic findings of participants in this study, there was a similar gender distribution. On the other hand, the tendency of participants in the age range of 25-30 was higher than that of others.
Conclusion: The present study confronted new experiences. This study was conducted to evaluate the mental stress of the studied topic on another side of the coin (knowledge of sense of presence in virtual nature). Accordingly, a set of virtual components were introduced as factors creating digital nature’s sense of place to form a structure consistent with the demands of modern humans. Although humans see the real nature as a constant agent that is an alternative to the same and similar experience far from their expectations, interactive levels in the contemporary world consider the digital nature as the operator of another aspect of presence to retrieve it besides that event. The obtained results confirmed the designed hypotheses. Accordingly, the participants achieved a normal evaluation of a sense of presence in virtual nature throughout HMD and a sense of virtual place. According to different evidence, results and observations obtained from the HMD system introduced the average quality of instruments collection and normality of immersion traits of participants as two factors that influence each other. Furthermore, the same feedback was found in the test line of sense of virtual place and individuals’ tendencies. These achievements indicated that both of the introduced methods could be effective in human-nature interaction. Nevertheless, some explanations can be provided based on the obtained findings. Firstly, change in new communicational strategies can serve as solutions in the future since there might be changes in nature and relevant issues. Secondly, the sense of a digital place of nature can serve as an alternative to the architectural body. Since the variables mentioned above affect each other, they will create a strong social relationship between humans and nature. Thirdly, the questionable point is what other experiences can be incorporated in this context regarding the changing natures towards industrialization and digitalization of relationships in the architectural loops.

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background 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.