Volume & Issue: Articles in Press
Number of Articles: 16

Investigating the Impact of Lighting Techniques on Urban Landscape Quality; A Case Study of Historical Buildings in Tabriz

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.453395.2148

Seyyed Kamal Hashemi, Mehrvash Kazemi Shishavan, Elham Hatami Golzari, Roghaiyeh Mehmani

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: The first condition for perceiving vision and space is light. Therefore, in the art of architecture, light is one of the essential components presented alongside other elements such as structure, order, materials, and color. Moreover, light is a fundamental element of architecture and environmental design, and urban lighting has significant potential to enhance the efficiency and well-being of people. In addition, it can contribute to the redesign of urban spaces, environmental architecture, and the urban landscape while providing beauty and security at night. Considering the importance of lighting in urban spaces and buildings, the purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of lighting techniques used for historical buildings in Tabriz on the quality of the urban landscape. Historical monuments are of great importance in cities because of their unique character and cultural identity. Therefore, appropriate lighting methods and techniques, as a complement to historical spaces and monuments, can be influential factors in strengthening identity and the sense of place. Furthermore, improving the quality of urban spaces through lighting increases the presence of citizens and, consequently, enhances the vitality and dynamism of the space. Accordingly, the present study, while examining lighting techniques applied to historical monuments in Tabriz, seeks to answer the following question: What effect do lighting techniques for historical monuments in Tabriz have on the quality of the urban landscape?

Methods: The research method adopted in the present study is a mixed-method (qualitative–quantitative) approach with an analytical–interpretive orientation. In the first stage, a qualitative content analysis was conducted to examine the lighting of historical monuments in Tabriz and compare it with successful international examples through documentary studies and field observations. Content analysis is a qualitative research method that focuses on identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns of meaning within qualitative data. In this method, the concept of content or theme serves as the central analytical element. Moreover, content represents the most meaningful unit of analysis and refers to the specific meaning derived from a phenomenon, word, sentence, or paragraph. The historical monuments examined in Tabriz include the Blue Mosque, Saheb-al-Amr Mosque, Arg-e Alishah, and Saat Square. These sites were selected because they represent different categories of historical buildings (religious, governmental, and service-related), have comparable successful international counterparts, and already possess completed lighting designs. To evaluate the effectiveness of historical monument lighting patterns on urban landscape quality—including enhancing beauty and visual appeal, organizing the visual environment, strengthening urban identity and image, and improving readability and landmark recognition—a quantitative approach employing the logarithmic regression coefficient was used. Data were collected from managers, officials, and architectural experts because of their professional knowledge in lighting and urban landscape design. Since the size of the statistical population was unknown, the Cohen method was applied at a 95% confidence level to determine the sample size. Accordingly, 90 participants were selected using the snowball sampling technique.

Findings: The findings indicate that the lighting of historical buildings in Tabriz, implemented in recent years using various techniques such as uplighting, surface lighting, and direct lighting, has enhanced environmental quality and the visual perception of these buildings. Furthermore, the lighting has contributed to increasing beauty and visual appeal, improving legibility and landmark recognition, organizing the visual environment, and creating a positive urban identity and image. Therefore, the use of diverse and integrated lighting techniques not only highlights the architectural details and distinctive features of historical buildings but also improves the overall quality of the urban landscape.

Conclusion: Urban landscape lighting is a comprehensive system that integrates the illumination of streets, buildings, urban furniture, traffic signals, and digital display screens. In addition to supporting urban activities and functions during nighttime, it plays a significant role in enhancing security, comfort, and the visual attractiveness of urban environments. Among the key responsibilities of urban designers and architects is the effective lighting of historical monuments, which represent the cultural identity, heritage, and symbolic landmarks of a city. The results of this study indicate that the lighting of historical monuments in Tabriz is in a relatively favorable condition. It has contributed not only to improving nightlife, security, and visual quality but also to enhancing beauty and visual appeal, increasing readability and landmark recognition, organizing the visual environment, and strengthening a positive urban identity and image. However, the findings also reveal that some buildings are illuminated using uniform lighting principles regardless of their architectural characteristics, and that users’ preferences have not been sufficiently considered in the lighting design process.
Accordingly, the following recommendations are proposed to achieve more effective lighting patterns for the historical buildings of Tabriz:
- Evaluation: Assess the existing lighting conditions by analyzing visual characteristics such as brightness, contrast, and shadow.
- Research: Review the historical background of each site and establish a timeline of architectural changes, social contexts, and previous lighting interventions.
- Classification: Classify monuments according to their architectural and functional characteristics and apply appropriate combinations of lighting techniques (e.g., uplighting, downlighting, surface lighting, and spotlighting).
- Technical considerations: Select suitable lighting sources with emphasis on aesthetic quality, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Examining the Smartness Status of Tehran City from the Perspective of the Right to the City

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.443821.2134

Kiarash Kazemi, Maryam Mohammadi

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: The Today, the city in its various dimensions is rapidly moving towards digitalization. All over the world, various dimensions of the city such as economic, social, political and technological dimensions have been digitalized or are in the process of being digitalized. In recent years, special attention has been paid to the concept of smart city, in this regard, through different approaches to this concept, approaches such as the right to a smart city have been considered. Therefore, the aim of the present article is to examine this approach in the city of Tehran.

Methods: Based on the objective of this research, after reviewing the literature in the selected field, the dimensions and components of the right to the smart city, considering the current conditions of Tehran from the perspective of researchers (in the two areas of the right to the city and the smart city), have been derived using the constructivist paradigm and qualitative content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and the information obtained was coded, categorized, and then the main and sub-concepts representing the conceptual framework of the right to the smart city in Tehran were formulated based on semantic similarities. Researchers’ identification method was purposive in the first step, and four individuals (two researchers in the right to the city and two in the smart city) were initially selected, followed by snowball sampling to identify others, resulting in theoretical saturation through interviews with 24 researchers. Subsequently, the Tehran Smart City Plan (2021), the comprehensive plan document (2007), and the Fourth Plan for the Development and Progress of Tehran City (2022) were examined through qualitative content analysis to identify the extent of their emphasis on the dimensions of the right to the smart city.

Findings: The fBased on the implementation of the texts, 210 open codes, 58 concepts, 40 subcategories and 11 main categories were extracted, which are as follows:
- Right to smart technology- This category is related to two subcategories: inability to provide hardware technologies and inability to connect to the network.
- Right to smart data- This category is related to three subcategories: access to data, data transparency and data correction and reproduction.
- Right to smart security- This category is related to four subcategories including: information security, transparency in the use and accountability of data monitoring institutions, privacy protection and information control in the direction of the dominant ideology.
- Right to smart infrastructure- This category is related to the subcategories of smart distribution, consumption and monitoring of fuel, electricity, water, smart waste collection and the creation of smart infrastructure.
- Right to Smart Services- Includes the subcategories of Internet services, smart administration, and transparency in Internet services.
- Right to Smart Governance- This category is related to the three subcategories of transparent access to government data, accountability, and administrative services for efficient governance.
- Right to Smart Economy- This right is related to the four subcategories of virtual economic development, decent work and economic inclusion, support for innovation, and smart banking.
- Right to Smart Mobility- This category is related to the seven subcategories of smart urban transport system integration, cost reduction, application development, non-participation, sustainable transport, increased safety, and smart distribution of goods.
- Right to Smart Environment- This category is related to the three subcategories of access to environmental data, environmental resilience, and sustainable development.
- Right to Smart People- This category includes four subcategories of access to digital and smart literacy, education and learning, public space, and development of well-being with a smart city.
- Right to Smart Life- This category is related to three subcategories of home, smart healthcare, and increased security with smart control.
A review of documents showed that in the Tehran Comprehensive Plan (2007), only five dimensions of the right to a smart city were considered, including the right to mobility, environment, people, infrastructure, and the right to a smart economy. In the Fourth Plan for the Transformation and Progress of Tehran Based on the Realization of Urban Justice (2012), the most attention is paid to the right to smart data, and the right to mobility, people, and smart life are not addressed. The local model of Smart Tehran (2012) has paid the most attention to the right to smart infrastructure, but has not paid attention to the right to smart security.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, it seems that the goal of planning a smart city in Tehran should be to realize the right to a smart city and move towards the public interest. The right to a smart city in various dimensions can be realized in Tehran if the components of each dimension are formulated, implemented, and manifested in accordance with the conditions and characteristics of Tehran. Some of the suggestions that can be effective in realizing the right to a smart city in Tehran are as follows:
1. Creating a type of governance that, considering the conditions of Tehran and the demands of citizens, has the necessary legitimacy to advance smart city programs;
2. Clarify the use of surveillance cameras, organizations, and individuals who have direct access to their data;
3. Developing a comprehensive program to teach new technologies to the elderly and less privileged groups so that they can access the smart city;
4. Creating a transparent online platform to hold various surveys in different neighborhoods of Tehran under the supervision of citizen representatives;
5. Formation of local groups selected by citizens as supervisors of Tehran Smart City programs;
6. Allocation of special budget for providing new technologies for less privileged people by Tehran Municipality;
7. Allocation of special budget to provide free access to the network for less privileged people.

Examining Investigating the Effect of the Central Courtyard Structure on the Natural Ventilation of Traditional Houses in Yazd; Case Study: Lariha and Golshan Houses

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.441169.2126

Omid Rahaei, Milad Omidi, Amir Hossein Shirdel

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: The central courtyard is one of the important architectural elements of traditional houses in hot and dry regions of Iran, which plays a major role in organizing space, improving climatic conditions, and providing comfort to residents. The physical dimensions of this courtyard, especially its depth and height, are effective in temperature balance and natural ventilation, and have a great impact on the surrounding air flow, especially in hot summers. Traditional Iranian architecture has provided suitable solutions to deal with heat by using this element appropriately. However, scientific investigation of the appropriate dimensional ratios of the central courtyard is still one of the research needs of Iranian architecture, especially in the contemporary period when attention to indigenous patterns and new technologies has increased. The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of the dimensions of the central courtyard, especially its depth and height, on natural ventilation in traditional houses in hot and dry regions of Iran, and by simulating the houses of Lariha and Golshan in Yazd, it seeks to determine the optimal dimensions to improve the quality of ventilation and thermal comfort, and to apply these findings in modern architecture.

Methods: This research is of a quantitative and qualitative type, and experimental, test, and case study strategies have been used to conduct it. The data collection method includes library studies, observations, field observations, measurements, and simulations. Since the aim of the research is to investigate the improvement and performance of natural ventilation of the central courtyard in traditional Iranian houses, the dimensions of the central courtyard were considered as the independent variable and the air circulation pattern inside the courtyard as the dependent variable. The statistical population of this research includes houses with a central courtyard in Yazd and two houses in Lariha and Golshan, Yazd, as study samples, which were also selected in a non-randomly targeted manner. Initially, field measurements of the dependent variable (airflow speed and direction) were taken as primary data and simulation validation was carried out over a 30-day period, 3 times a day (9 am - 12 noon and 3 pm) in August, using a 200kimo/v device. Then, the measured data and the 3D model of the case samples were simulated using Design Builder software with the aim of analyzing the air circulation pattern in the central courtyard. Finally, the variable size of the height of the central courtyard was measured through intervention in the simulations.

Findings: The initial findings of this study indicate that the ventilation performance and air flow velocity in the central courtyard are very complex and are affected by many factors, but in order to simplify the study, only the effect of the courtyard height was investigated. In this regard, the air flow velocity at different heights of the central courtyard, including an increase and decrease in height by 2 meters, was simulated and compared. The results indicate that in both the Golshan and Lariha houses, increasing the height of the courtyard by 2 meters compared to the initial state causes a relative increase in the air flow velocity. For example, in the Golshan house, an increase in height of 2 meters increases the wind speed by about 9 to 20 percent, and in the Lariha house by about 11 percent. Similarly, a decrease in height by the same amount causes a significant decrease in the wind speed inside the courtyard. However, in the continuation of the study and with a further increase in height (up to 4 and 6 meters), the trend of changes was reversed; that is, an excessive increase in height caused a sharp decrease in the air flow velocity in the central courtyard, and in some cases, the speed reached close to zero. In contrast, a significant decrease in height (4 to 6 meters) also caused a significant increase in the average wind speed, approaching the speed of the outdoor air. Overall, these studies indicate a direct relationship between a moderate increase in courtyard height and air flow speed, but an excessive increase in height causes a significant decrease in ventilation and efficiency of the central courtyard. This finding indicates that the ratio of the height of the central courtyard should be selected carefully and based on ventilation optimization in order to maintain optimal conditions of thermal comfort and natural ventilation efficiency in traditional spaces.

Conclusion: In traditional houses in the desert regions of Iran, the central courtyard plays a key role in improving ventilation and air conditioning. This study, using computer simulation using Design Builder software, investigated the effect of changing the height of the central courtyard on the speed and pattern of airflow in Golshan and Lari houses. The results of the study show that increasing the height of the courtyard to 2 meters increases the speed of airflow in the courtyard space, and decreasing the height by the same amount reduces the wind speed. However, with a further increase in height, i.e. to 4 or 6 meters, the speed of airflow decreases and the previous relationship is reversed; in other words, too high a height causes a loss of ventilation. The results also indicate that an excessive decrease in the height of the courtyard also causes the height of the surrounding spaces to reach an impractical or unsuitable level for habitation, and side effects such as reduced shade and increased temperature in the courtyard are created. Based on these findings, the appropriate height for the central courtyard in order to achieve optimal ventilation in the Golshan house is 9 meters and in the Lari house is 11 meters.

Identifying and Explaining the Causal Powers and Generative Mechanisms of Land Development Rights Allocation in Tehran

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.426774.2102

Mohammad Reza Goleij, Mohammad Hossein Sharifzadegan

Abstract Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: The increase in population and the growing demand for residential and activity space has made the use and building rights the most valuable resource, and has greatly increased the competition between land owners, developers, capital owners and government and public agencies to acquire this resource (in fact, land property rights) in the city. On the one hand, Intensified use and development of urban land in the past few decades has created significant externalities and social costs, including air pollution, shortage of and pressure on public infrastructure and services, and traffic congestion, and then resulted in public rights violation, reduced quality of life, and intensified spatial inequality in the city. On the other hand, the spatial planning system including Tehran Municipality has been established to resolve the conflict of interests between private rights and public interests through preparing development plans and defining, distributing and allocating the land use and density in the city optimally, but this goal has not been achieved.
Therefore, one of the most important challenges faced by Tehran’s spatial planning system today is the inequality in allocation of land development rights. Determining and assigning rights by land property rights regime, as a part of the institutional environment for the production of space process, ultimately determines this process and its result, and paying attention to it is crucial for spatial planners. According to the problem statement, the main question of the article is what causal powers and generative mechanisms affect the determination and allocation of land property rights and duties in Tehran? How is spatial planning linked with land property rights?
Therefore, The main subject of this article is the relationship and interaction between spatial planning and land property rights institutions and its aim is to identify the causal powers and generative mechanisms of determining and allocating the right to develop and use of land (the hidden and real layer of space production) in Tehran and to present a conceptual framework explaining how to determine and allocate them, in order to explain why and how this mode of space production in the city.
Methods: After systematic reviewing the literature on rights and property rights in spatial planning, urban political economy, new institutional economics, new institutionalism and institutional theory, and through the multiple qualitative methodology based on Critical Realism, a data analysis framework was developed that used critical grounded theory as a coding strategy and retroduction to identify and analyze the causal powers and generative mechanisms of determining and allocating land property rights and duties in Tehran.The data was collected by conducting 23 semi-structured interviews with key expert actors and reviewing the documents of 29 laws approved by the National and Islamic Council parliament, the Revolutionary Council and the Council of Ministers (1905-2022), 29 regulations of the Supreme Council of Urban Planning and Architecture of Iran (1965-2022). 50 samples of Tehran’s Article 5 Commission regulations from 2011 to 2021, 10 key resolutions of Tehran City Council (1999-2022) and 18 decisions of the Administrative Court of Justice (1984-2022).
Findings: After completing the pre-coding steps, including data collection and transcribing the interviews, data coding was done in three coding stages: initial/open coding, axial coding, and finally (critical) retroductive coding. In the first round of c1oding, 723 primary codes were extracted from the text of the interviews and 335 primary codes were extracted from documents. In the second round of coding, by combining the extracted codes from two sources and through an iterative process and constant comparison, the codes were sub-categorized, categorized, and finally subcategories and categories were extracted. And then, in the third round of retroductive coding, the relationship between categories and subcategories was examined, and by returning from the abstract level of categories and subcategories to the concrete level of data, generative mechanisms and causal powers were identified. In fact, land property rights and duties in Tehran (even the basic land rights) are not defined, given. The structural causal powers of resources/power, discourse, coalitions of agents and regulatory causal powers of institutions and rules in interaction are the main forces through the three governance structures of the market, hierarchy and network and the three coordination mechanisms of contract and agreement; regulatory/coercive and normative; and trust and cooperation (coalition/mutual dependence), by the rules of the spatial planning system, exercise power in determining and allocating the rights and duties of land in Tehran.
Conclusion: The results of the research show that the determination and allocation of land property rights and duties in Tehran is a strategic exchange transaction between the spatial planning system and citizens, which is the result of the interaction of contextual, structural, discursive, institutional and agential causal powers and related generative mechanisms. These interactions within the planning system, in its institutional environment and the context of Tehran, has formed the “ Tehran’s land property rights regime” and its output is the production of space. In fact, the causal powers of political economy, discourses, institutions, and individual or coalition actions of actors are applied through relevant generative mechanisms, and cause the determination and allocation of land rights and duties by mediating the rules and regulations of the spatial planning system.Based on the research findings and adopting the property rights approach to spatial planning, a new definition of spatial planning is presented as follows: “Spatial planning is knowledge of strategic collective action of determining, distributing and allocating the land and space property rights and duties optimally with the aim of guiding and allocating other resources of production in certain territories. Spatial planning to achieve the goal of a sustainable city and spatial order deals with the institutional design, development and change of land property rights institution”.

Movement Affects Environmental Appraisal; Towards an Episodic Approach to Environmental Design

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.435523.2121

Saleheh Bokharaei

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Awareness stems from assessing the environment. Studies show that physical characteristics of space and individual differences affect environmental appraisal. However, movement through the environment and the effects of spatial sequences on evaluation are less considered. The level of brightness of a space after passing from a dark space or passing from a bright space has two different evaluations. Although studies in cognition and environmental sciences such as Gibson’s ecological approach to perception, Neisser’s perceptual cycle, Helson’s adaptation level theory, Paducci’s range-frequency theory, Berlyn’s studies on environmental preference, and research on context effects confirm the role of movement as a priming effect in two main forms: assimilation effect and contrast effect. Experimental studies to investigate the two effects of movement on environmental perception have been limited.
Methods: In this research, 10 animations were prepared using two simulated consecutive spaces. The second space was constant in terms of physical attributes. The characteristics of the first space, such as size, light, height, and visual permeability - the effects of which have been significantly evaluated in previous studies - were manipulated. To test the contrast effect, the intensity of variables was changed highly. Light and size were simulated at an average level to test the assimilation effect. The simulated animations -moving from the first space to the destination (at a normal walking speed of 5 km/h)- were shown to 92 participants, including 54 females and 38 males. Participants were asked to evaluate the size of the second space after passing from the first space on a scale ranging from very small (1) to very large (10). The simulated spaces were displayed on a 15.6-inch laptop screen in an environment with uniform lighting and no glare or darkness. We ran paired t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance (rm-ANOVA) to analyze the data at a significance level of 0.05.
Findings: The results of the paired t-test and pairwise comparisons for “size of space”, at a significance level of 0.05, t = 7.34, df = 91, p <.001 and F(1, 91) = 53.97 with a large effect size (η2p =.37) showed that the main space appeared larger when the preceding space was small compared to when the preceding space was large. For another condition on “size”, t = 8.1, df = 91, p <.001 and F(1, 91) = 65.60 with a large effect size (η2p =.42), results showed that the main space appeared larger when preceding from an elongated space compared to a large space. As for “light”, t = -3.25, df = 91, p =.002 and F(1, 91) = 10.58 with a moderate effect size (η2p =.10) results showed that the main space appeared larger when the preceding space was dim compared to when the preceding space was bright. As for “height”, t = -1.95, df = 91, p =.055 and F(1, 91) = 3.79 with a small effect size (η2p =.04) results showed that the main space appeared larger when it preceded from a high space compared to a short space. The results for “visual permeability”, t = 2.96, df = 91, p =.004 and F(1, 91) = 8.78 with a moderate effect size (η2p =.11) showed that the main space appeared larger when it preceded from a small space compared to entering the main space from a small space without rotation. In another condition, t = 1.55, df = 91, p = 0.12 and F(1, 91) = 2.42, results showed that rotation had no effect on the size of the second space from an elongated space.
Conclusion: The results of this research showed that movement through the environment discriminates judgment in a specific direction. The extent and direction of deviation depend on the previous stimuli that the individual has received. In other words, in a spatial sequence, the characteristics received from previous spaces affect the evaluation of a specific attribute of the next space, so that discrepancies in type and intensity of the features of that sequence determine the degree of deviation in the individual’s judgment. This research aimed to investigate two significant effects of movement. It found out that the contrast effect prevailed over the assimilation effect. Based on this, one could say that with movement in space, a chain of spaces is experienced. Considering the purposeful movement of the individual in the environment, the environment can be clustered spatially and in specific time episodes. These clusters consist of first, middle, and climax spaces. Architects and designers can intensify or modify the main space features by manipulating the characteristics of previous and subsequent spaces under the contrast effect. Such an approach to diagramming the environment in the design process represents a new chapter in “meaning-oriented” design depending on specific temporal and spatial episodes and can be called “episodic architecture.

Examination of the Contexts and Factors Influencing the Transformation of Houses from the Qajar Era to the Early Pahlavi Period; Case Study: Historical Houses of the City of Tabriz

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.451968.2145

Mohammad Hassan Khademzade, Leila Safari Asl

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: The transition between the Qajar and early Pahlavi periods in Iran involved significant changes in political, economic, cultural, and social aspects. These changes affected every part of life in the country, including the city of Tabriz. One of the areas deeply influenced by these shifts was architecture, especially the design and layout of residential houses. Houses in Tabriz did not just serve as buildings for shelter; they became spaces that reflected the changing lifestyles and social norms of the people. Despite the importance of this transformation, few studies have closely examined how these social and political changes appeared in the physical form of houses. This research aims to explore how different social factors influenced the evolution of housing architecture in Tabriz during this transitional period. Due to Tabriz’s strategic location near Russia and the Ottoman Empire, and its political significance with the presence of the Crown Prince, the city was especially exposed to modern ideas and cultural interactions. By studying these influences, this research tries to explain how political and social developments affected the structure, space, and function of residential buildings in Tabriz. The primary research question is: How did the form, spatial organization, and function of houses in Tabriz change between the late Qajar and early Pahlavi periods, and what were the main causes behind these architectural transformations?

Methods: This study employs a qualitative research approach combining field observations and library-based documentary analysis. A total of 40 residential buildings dating from the Qajar and early Pahlavi periods, accessible for onsite visits and data collection, were selected as case studies. The research method is descriptive-interpretive, focusing on identifying spatial patterns, architectural elements, and functional changes within these homes. Data collection included visual surveys, photographic documentation, and archival research to gather information on the layout, structural modifications, and use of spaces within these houses. The analysis focused on understanding the progression of architectural transformations and linking them to historical social changes, thereby enabling a comprehensive understanding of the mutual interaction between society and residential architecture in Tabriz.

Findings: The findings reveal that architectural reforms and spatial modifications in Tabriz’s houses began gradually during the mid-Qajar period and intensified in the early Pahlavi era. Initially, these changes influenced the lifestyles of the residents, marking a shift from traditional living patterns. In the early Pahlavi period, significant spatial reorganization took place, where multi-functional spaces traditionally reflecting Iranian cultural and social customs were either removed or repurposed. For example, inner courtyards (Andaruni), transitional entrance spaces such as porches, corridors, and vestibules, as well as other characteristic features like pool rooms (Howzkhaneh), continuous verandas (Iwan), and alcoves (Kalleh’i), gradually disappeared or lost their original forms. Instead, these were replaced by simpler, mono-functional rooms designed primarily for living, sleeping, or resting. This transformation led to the removal of many traditional spaces and a simpler spatial form.

Conclusion: This research concludes that the spatial and architectural transformations observed in the houses of Tabriz during the late Qajar and early Pahlavi periods are direct reflections of the broader political, social, and cultural shifts of the era. The transformation from traditional, multi-functional houses to simpler, function-specific residential spaces mirrors the modernization process and changing lifestyles influenced by Iran’s interaction with neighboring powers and internal reforms. Tabriz’s unique geopolitical position accelerated these changes, making it a critical case study for understanding Iran’s architectural evolution during this period. Ultimately, this study demonstrates how architecture serves as a tangible record of social history, embodying the complex interplay between cultural identity, political change, and everyday life. These findings contribute valuable insights into the field of architectural history and urban studies in Iran, highlighting the importance of preserving and studying historical houses as living documents of societal transformation.

Explaining the Process of Using Monographic Method in Iranian Architectural Studies

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.448216.2142

Hojjatollah Abdiardekani, Seyyedeh Yasaman Dehbozorgi

Abstract Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: Monographs in the field of architecture have garnered increasing attention from researchers over the past few decades, finding expression in their scholarly articles. These types of studies contribute to the recognition, documentation, and recording of structures that, due to remaining obscure, are vulnerable to damage and potential destruction. Monographs play a vital role in preserving this architectural heritage by bringing attention to these overlooked structures, providing detailed analyses of their historical, cultural, and architectural significance. Despite the acknowledged significance of monographs in the field of architecture, there is currently a lack of a unified, comprehensive framework to guide the writing of such articles. Moreover, the lack of a clear set of guidelines can be particularly challenging for emerging researchers and students who seek to contribute to the body of knowledge on architectural monographs. A comprehensive guide would provide a roadmap for conducting rigorous and impactful research, ensuring that monographs meet the highest standards of scholarly inquiry. The primary objective of this research is therefore to provide a comprehensive guide with pre-determined steps for conducting such research. This guide aims to standardize the process of writing architectural monographs, ensuring consistency and rigor across different studies. By providing a clear framework for research, analysis, and documentation, this guide will empower researchers to produce high-quality monographs that contribute significantly to the preservation and understanding of architectural heritage.
Methods: To achieve the objective of creating a comprehensive guide for writing architectural monographs, the research methodology was designed to be both systematic and rigorous. The research was conducted in two main phases: a preliminary review of existing monographs and a qualitative content analysis of a selected sample of articles. The first phase involved reviewing early examples of monographs to explore the origins of this subject in Iran and around the world. This initial review served to provide a historical context for the study, tracing the evolution of monograph writing and identifying key milestones in the development of the field. By examining the early works, it was possible to gain insights into the motivations, approaches, and challenges faced by pioneers in architectural documentation. The second phase involved a qualitative content analysis of 50 articles related to the field of architectural monographs published over the past 75 years. The selection of articles was based on their relevance to the research topic, their representation of different architectural styles and periods, and their availability. The articles were carefully chosen to ensure a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to monograph writing. The qualitative content analysis method was chosen to extract meaningful concepts and themes from the selected articles. This method allows for a deep understanding of the content, going beyond simple quantitative measures to explore the underlying meanings and relationships within the text. Each article was systematically analyzed to identify key concepts, themes, and methodological approaches used by the authors.
Findings: The research findings reveal a clear structure in the creation of architectural monographs, which is categorized into three primary stages: Identification, Historiography, and Architecture. Identification: This initial stage involves the selection and direct observation of the building through field visits, as well as indirect observation through images and existing plans. The importance of this stage lies in the ability to personally experience the building and capture its essence through various visual media. Historiography: The second stage focuses on the historical background and geographical location of the area where the building is situated, the time of its construction, its evolution over time, the builder and patrons, and the reasons for its name. This stage relies on sources such as geographical atlases, inscriptions, historical texts, travelogues, poems, and other relevant documents. Architecture: The final stage involves the architectural description of the building, detailing spatial elements, its apparent form, structure and construction methods, materials, and decorations. This stage requires a deep understanding of architectural principles and the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Conclusion: This research has provided a comprehensive guide for writing architectural monographs, detailing the essential stages and methods required to produce high-quality, impactful research. By providing a clear and standardized framework, this guide aims to promote consistency and rigor in architectural monograph writing, ultimately contributing to the preservation and understanding of architectural heritage. The findings emphasize the importance of each stage in the monograph process, from identification to historiography and architecture, providing a roadmap for researchers to follow. In conclusion, this research contributes to the field of architectural studies by providing a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals, ultimately advancing the understanding and preservation of architectural heritage.

The Application of Tactical Urbanism in Designing Child-Friendly Urban Spaces; Revisiting an Experience in the Sang-e Siah Neighborhood of Shiraz

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.435252.2120

Maryam Roosta, Aida Kamali

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), children have the right to express their views about their living environment. They are also entitled to fundamental rights such as access to essential services, participation in decision-making, play, independent mobility and social interaction with friends, and access to safe, green, and accessible spaces within urban neighborhoods. In line with these principles, the concept of the child-friendly city and child-friendly urban spaces has become an important research topic in urban planning over the past three decades. Although extensive research has emphasized the importance and necessity of designing and implementing child-friendly urban spaces, their realization—particularly in developing countries such as Iran—remains limited.
One approach that has the potential to bridge the gap between research and practice in small-scale urban projects while maximizing public participation is tactical urbanism. Recognized as an emerging movement in urban planning, tactical urbanism promotes spontaneous, participatory, and community-led interventions in urban spaces. By emphasizing low-cost, short-term, and high-impact projects, this approach seeks to improve the quality of urban environments through the direct involvement of local communities.
This study aims to examine the application of tactical urbanism in the creation of child-friendly urban spaces and to develop a procedural and content-based framework for facilitating urban design with children through the tactical urbanism approach.
Methods: This applied study adopts a qualitative research strategy to examine the application of tactical urbanism in the creation of child-friendly urban spaces. Within this framework, an appropriate case study was selected, and data were collected from a focus group of 15 children living in the Sang-e Siah neighborhood, located in the historic fabric of Shiraz. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling in response to a public call issued by a local non-governmental organization (NGO) actively working in the neighborhood.
The focus group was facilitated by the researchers and conducted over three sessions comprising four stages, held at one-week intervals in the Moshir Mosque, located in the Sang-e Siah neighborhood of Shiraz. Following the tactical urbanism process, the initial stage focused on building empathy and trust among participants. Subsequently, data were collected through group discussions, children’s drawings, and written essays prepared by the participants.
The data obtained at each stage were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings were then categorized into five main themes: (1) characteristics of children’s preferred urban spaces; (2) children’s assessment of the current conditions of their neighborhood; (3) site selection by children for a child-friendly space within the neighborhood; (4) design development and scenario building for the selected site; and (5) the process of evaluating and selecting the preferred design alternative.
Findings: The findings of this study elucidate the tactical urbanism process for creating a child-friendly urban space. The results demonstrate that a thorough understanding of local characteristics and the specific context of project implementation plays a decisive role in informing decisions related to tactical urbanism interventions.
From a substantive perspective, the findings provide valuable insights into the characteristics of child-friendly urban spaces as perceived by children themselves. They indicate that safety and security, greenery, the availability of appropriate play and recreational facilities, and the cleanliness and hygiene of public spaces are the attributes that children consider most important.
From a procedural perspective, the study presents a five-stage tactical urbanism process consisting of empathy, problem definition, ideation, project implementation, and testing. Furthermore, it explains how these stages correspond to the design process of creating a child-friendly urban space at the neighborhood scale, providing a practical procedural framework for participatory urban design with children.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that tactical urbanism provides an appropriate framework, both conceptually and procedurally, for implementing child-friendly urban projects. Beyond supporting the realization of the essential qualities of child-friendly urban spaces, this approach enables children—the primary users of these spaces—to actively participate in decision-making and implementation processes.
Furthermore, given the low-cost, rapid, and flexible nature of tactical urbanism interventions, their application is particularly valuable in developing countries such as Iran, where limited financial resources and lengthy bureaucratic procedures often hinder urban quality improvement projects. By requiring relatively modest investment and minimal administrative complexity, tactical urbanism projects can enhance public satisfaction with urban spaces and strengthen residents’ sense of place attachment and neighborhood identity.
The findings of this research provide an initial conceptual and procedural framework that can serve as a practical guide for community-based organizations, urban planners, urban designers, and policymakers involved in urban management. This framework can facilitate the planning and implementation of child-centered tactical urbanism projects in Iranian cities.

Reading About the Contextual Factors Affecting Women’s Practice in Small Urban Spaces; Case Study: Khajoo Bridge of Isfahan

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.446842.2140

Mozhdeh Jamshidi, Mitra Habibi

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: In contemporary urban studies, everyday life serves as an indispensable foundation for critical reflection and plays a central role in the analysis of urban public space. From this perspective, public life is understood as the lived experiences of individuals and the tangible expression of their everyday practices, shaped in response to the operation of dominant social structures within a particular spatio-temporal and experiential context. This study investigates urban public space at the micro scale, aiming to identify the factors that influence women’s spatial practices. It examines how women actively engage with, negotiate, and shape urban space according to their intentions and motivations. These practices are interpreted through Certeau’s concept of the culture of consumption and Lefebvre’s theory of the social production of space.
Methods: Drawing on the critical paradigm in urban studies and grounded in the theoretical perspectives of key scholars, particularly Lefebvre, this study adopts an inductive and interpretive approach to examine everyday urban practices within micro-scale public spaces. The research employs a qualitative methodology, focusing on women’s everyday experiences as a significant and often underrepresented group of urban space users. The study investigates women’s lived experiences in a micro-scale public space-the Khajoo Bridge in Isfahan, Iran- using grounded theory to explore the complex interrelationship between time, space, and everyday life.
This research is cross-sectional in design. Grounded theory is employed to develop a theoretical framework that identifies and conceptualizes the relational factors shaping women’s spatial practices within the Khajoo Bridge environment. Data were collected from three complementary sources: (1) observational data, obtained through mobile (walk-along) observation, behavioral mapping, and participant observation conducted at different times and locations; (2) visual data, including photographs taken during fieldwork and relevant images obtained from news media and social media platforms; and (3) subjective data, collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews.
Behavioral observations were conducted systematically over two one-week periods during the spring and winter of 2019, supplemented by additional non-systematic observations carried out between 2017 and 2019. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and consisted of 11 women who had used the Khajoo Bridge regularly for at least two years. Data analysis followed the grounded theory procedure of open, axial, and selective coding, leading to the development of a theoretical-contextual model that explains the relationships among the identified categories.
The findings are based on the systematic analysis of field observations and interview data. Four complementary observational techniques were employed to analyze women’s practices: time–behavior analysis, place–behavior analysis, actor–behavior analysis (examining practices according to group membership), and tool–behavior analysis (examining the influence of technological devices and tools on behavior).
Findings: The study developed a grounded theoretical model of women’s spatial practices in urban public space. Analysis of the interview data generated approximately 700 propositions, which were coded into 56 concepts, 22 categories, and 12 core categories. The findings were integrated into a theoretical-contextual model comprising causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, the central phenomenon, and consequences. The central phenomenon consists of the factors shaping women’s spatial practices at the Khajoo Bridge. These are grouped into four dimensions: antecedent conditions (worldview and political perspectives), contextual conditions (biogeographical and spatio-physical characteristics), causal conditions (gender, cultural, global, and institutional influences), and intervening conditions (social relations, tourism, and crises). Practice, as the core category, represents women’s strategies for appropriating public space through conforming and dissenting practices. Women’s practices generate both positive and negative outcomes. Positive effects include enhanced sociability for women and improved spatial management for formal institutions. Negative outcomes include social alienation, spatial camouflage, and the weakening of institutional control over public space. Field observations and rhythmanalysis identified two forms of women’s practices. Planned practices include livelihood and leisure activities that follow relatively stable patterns but vary according to male presence, weather conditions, and public surveillance. Spontaneous practices, such as participation in music performances, group games, gambling, and social media content creation, are more flexible and diverse, reflecting women’s ongoing negotiation of opportunities and constraints in public space.
Conclusion: This study develops a grounded model of women’s spatial practices at the Khajoo Bridge, demonstrating that their everyday activities are shaped by dominant ideological and institutional structures. Spatial restrictions encourage women to adopt creative tactics, enabling them to appropriate public space despite limited opportunities. Their practices are influenced by gendered norms, biocultural conditions, global trends, institutional frameworks, local customs, and artistic culture, while social relations, tourism, and situational contexts act as intervening factors. Women’s responses range from conformity to resistance, expressed through negotiation, compromise, conflict, and subversion. Four modes of spatial practice were identified: empathetic, creative, autonomous, and legitimacy-seeking. These are enacted through temporal, spatial, agential, and instrumental tactics. The consequences are twofold: for women, practices enhance sociability and spatial experience but also lead to concealment and temporary occupation; for formal institutions, they improve social control while simultaneously weakening official legitimacy and encouraging the informal appropriation of public space.

The Effect of Determining the Subject of Geometry on the Explanation of its Educational Content in Architecture Based on Islamic Sources

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.455795.2153

Abbas Dahbashipur, Saeid Alitajer

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: The existence of numerous examples of the connection between the knowledge of geometry and building design, with an emphasis on the application of geometry in architecture, especially in the Islamic era, introduces architecture as a knowledge-based skill that creates an extended connection between thought and action. The breadth of this connection has created numerous definitions of the concept of geometry and its diverse applications in architecture. Due to the importance of paying attention to the internal aspects of phenomena in the formation and advancement of sciences in the Islamic worldview, it is essential to understand the concept of geometry in architecture. With the aim of providing a single definition of the concept of the word geometry for the emergence and manifestation of its capabilities in architecture, the first research question, “What is the meaning of the word geometry and its application in architecture?”, is formed on the assumption that the numerous existing interpretations of the concept of the word geometry create diverse applications of geometry in architecture. Considering that the theoretical and practical topics of geometry were taught to architects in the past by Muslim philosophers and mathematicians, and today, architects are trained in architectural schools, with the aim of compiling the necessary syllabus for teaching the clarified subject of geometry to architects, the second research question, “How does the concept of the word geometry in architecture affect its educational content?”, is formed on the assumption that introducing the subject of geometry to architects based on its clarified concept in this research, reveals the need to compile educational syllabuses that cover various areas of the aforementioned concept.
Methods: This research is conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and with the help of qualitative content analysis. Data are collected through library studies and by deductive method. In order to enter the field of research, Often from Islamic sources, well-referenced scientific articles and authentic books have been selected that are related to the subject and whose authors are experts in the field under investigation. In order to answer the first question, with the help of logical reasoning, we will deal with the epistemological classification and content matching of existing definitions of the concept of the word geometry with existing interpretations of it in architecture. Then, the applications resulting from the aforementioned interpretations are introduced using inference argument. In order to answer the second question, with the help of logical reasoning and considering the clarified subject of geometry, we adapt the syllabus and objectives of basic and optional courses related to geometry education in architecture in terms of content with the theories of Muslim scholars from the fourth to the eleventh centuries AH. Then, using inference argument, the materials needed for teaching are discovered.
Findings: According to studies, the word “Geometry” is defined as equivalent to the word “Qadar” in the sense of (certain size) which is understood in the three realms of measurement, proportion, and exaltation to the higher worlds. Also, the numerous existing interpretations of the concept of geometry in architecture fall into the categories of: ordering, coordinating, and metaphorical, respectively and in accordance with the sub interpretations, applications are introduced under the title of “Geometric-Architectural Layout”. In short, the concept of the word “Geometry” in architecture is an art that has come down from the Supreme World in shapes and sizes in order to fulfill the goals of the building built and the manifestation of the divine names and it has three levels: drawing plane, spatial and analytical-content. In order to benefit from all the aforementioned levels and to achieve the “Secret of Qadar” of the building, an application called “Unifying Geometrical-Architectural Layout” is proposed. It should be noted that just as the aforementioned layouts are different in nature, the educational and research strategies of geometry in architecture are also different from each other. In the educational model proposed by Muslim philosophers, geometry is a tool for realizing Islamic life, in which the concept of “Kail” is used to promote and improve the relationship between man and the environment.
Conclusion: Using inference argument, we find out that knowing the concept of the word “Geometry” in an incomplete form due to its wide scope, has become the basis for the existence of many interpretations and, as a result, the numerous applications of the concept of geometry in architecture. In fact, each architect uses a part of the concept of geometry in architecture according to her needs and thus numerous geometric-architectural Layouts are formed and the first hypothesis of the research is confirmed. Next, while matching the content of the levels of the concept of the word “Geometry” in architecture with the content resulting from summarizing the components of the theories of Muslim philosophers and the selected goals and headings appropriate to these goals, using logical reasoning, we compile syllabuses for teaching the clarified subject of geometry in architecture, and we also classify them according to the content of educational and research approaches: exploratory-descriptive, analytical-interpretive and causal and thus the second hypothesis of the research is also confirmed.

Explaining the Design Thinking Mindset Model Based on Information Processing Styles and Critical Thinking with the Mediating Role of Architects’ Personality Traits

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.435864.2122

Farhad Karavan

Abstract Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: The study of cognition, cognitive processes, and how they are processed has always been of interest in architectural education. Design thinking is a cognitive style in design, the main element of which is the design thinking mindset. Mindset is a set of attitudes, opinions, beliefs, and behaviors that characterize a designer and may be related to the designer’s personality traits. Personality encompasses all stable aspects of an individual’s patterns of thinking, emotions, and behavior and is one of the most comprehensive concepts in psychology. Personality is a latent and complex construct associated with a combination of related traits and characteristics. One of these characteristics and abilities is critical thinking, which enables an individual to determine the validity, accuracy, and value of the information to which they are constantly exposed, adapt to different conditions, and think flexibly and critically. Since designers are faced with a large amount of information and stimuli and are required to evaluate and critically assess them in order to make appropriate choices and decisions and use them correctly, they need critical thinking skills. In addition, design thinking also depends on processing ability. The present study aimed to develop a model of the design thinking mindset based on the cognitive constructs of critical thinking and information-processing styles. In other words, it sought to explain the design thinking mindset based on information-processing styles and critical thinking. Since enhancing design ability is one of the important goals of architectural education, it is therefore necessary to identify the factors related to the design process, particularly those related to the designer. On the other hand, the designer’s personality traits were considered as a mediating variable in the relationship between information-processing styles and critical thinking and the design thinking mindset. The study seeks to answer the following main question: How can a model of the design thinking mindset in relation to information-processing styles and critical thinking, with the mediating role of personality traits, be developed while also demonstrating an adequate fit? Furthermore, how are critical thinking and information-processing styles related to the design thinking mindset? And what is the role of personality traits in the relationship between critical thinking and information-processing styles and the design thinking mindset? Methods: The present research employed a descriptive-correlational method within the framework of structural equation modeling, in which the relationships between two latent exogenous variables (critical thinking and information processing styles), one latent mediating variable (personality traits), and one latent criterion variable (design thinking mindset) were examined. The statistical population of this study included all architecture students at universities in Hamadan who were studying during the 2021–2022 academic year (1400–1401). A sample of 248 students was selected using convenience sampling. To collect the relevant data, questionnaires on design thinking mindset, information processing styles, critical thinking, and personality traits were used. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical measures, including frequency distribution tables, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistical methods, including the correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling, to test and examine the hypotheses. The analyses were conducted using SPSS 22 and LISREL 8.8. Findings: The fit index in the present model was 2.37, which was within the acceptable range. The Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI), Incremental Fit Index (IFI), and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) were all above 0.90. The Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) was 0.053 in the present research model, indicating a good fit of the model. Based on these findings, the developed conceptual model showed an adequate fit to the data; meaning that the design thinking mindset model can be developed based on critical thinking and information processing styles, with personality traits as a mediator. The results of the structural relationships in the model showed that the direct effects of the experiential style on the intellectual-emotional trait, the rational style on the sensory-intuitive trait, and critical thinking on the design thinking mindset were not significant (p > 0.05). The remaining direct effects in the model were significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In analyzing and reviewing the theoretical foundations and research findings, it can be stated that since the design thinking mindset is related to the attitudes and beliefs of the individual designer, it cannot be unaffected by the designer’s personality traits and cognitive abilities. Based on these results, the personality traits of extraversion/introversion (focus on the problem) and judging/perceiving (the individual’s orientation toward the problem) had both direct and indirect effects on the designer’s thinking mindset and showed the highest mean scores compared to the other personality types. Furthermore, information processing styles and critical thinking were closely related to the design thinking mindset. Therefore, by developing programs aimed at training and enhancing the cognitive abilities of architecture students, changes in their design thinking mindset can be expected.

The Role of Evacuation Elevators in Enhancing the Safety of High-Rise Buildings; A Study Based on International Standards

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.479343.2192

Zari Abbasi Roshan, Fariborz Karimi, Seyed Rahman Eghbali

Abstract Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: In recent decades, the increasing construction of high-rise buildings and the growing population density within these buildings have highlighted the need to develop safe and efficient strategies for the emergency evacuation of occupants, particularly in critical situations such as fires. Since 1974, the concept of evacuation elevators has been introduced, and extensive research, particularly in the United States and European countries, has led to the development of approaches recommending the use of elevators as a complementary or even alternative option to conventional stairways. This shift in perspective has resulted in a transition from traditional guidance, which emphasized avoiding the use of elevators during emergencies, toward educating occupants on the safe use of these systems. Despite these global advancements, comprehensive standards and requirements for the design and operation of evacuation elevators have not yet been developed in Iran, and the Iranian National Building Regulations primarily focus on requirements related to emergency stairways and fire service elevators. Furthermore, the lack of clear implementation guidelines and localized standards has hindered the systematic integration of this technology into building projects in the country. Two major challenges, including prolonged evacuation times via stairways and considerable physical and psychological strain on vulnerable groups, further highlight the need for evacuation elevators. Although these systems may appear similar to fire service elevators, their functions and primary objectives are fundamentally different. This study aims to review international standards, analyze the current situation in Iran, and propose solutions for the safe and efficient design and use of evacuation elevators in high-rise buildings. The research focuses exclusively on this category of elevators. Methods: This research was conducted with the objective of improving the performance of evacuation elevators in high-rise buildings in Iran, following a comprehensive approach consisting of three main stages. In the first stage, data collection and analysis were conducted. Extensive data were collected from credible sources, including scientific articles, national and international standards, research reports, and case studies. For this purpose, databases and sources such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Elevator World were selected as the primary sources of data. Following data collection, a detailed analysis was conducted to identify key concepts, factors affecting the safe performance of elevators, and gaps in previous research. In the second stage, a comparative analysis of standards was conducted. In this stage, the requirements and guidelines of the Iranian National Building Regulations were compared with international standards and guidelines, including ISO, BS, ASME, and CEN, to identify their similarities, differences, strengths, and weaknesses. In addition, the reasons for these differences and their effects on the applicability and efficiency of the systems were analyzed. In the third stage, based on the findings of the previous two stages and a review of the theoretical foundations and international experiences, the current status of evacuation elevator utilization in Iran was assessed. A set of practical recommendations was then developed to increase safety, enhance reliability, and improve the speed of emergency evacuation operations. Findings: The use of evacuation elevators is contingent upon full compliance with design and safety requirements and the provision of the necessary infrastructure. These requirements include equipping buildings with fire detection and suppression systems, providing fire-resistant refuge areas, and developing comprehensive emergency evacuation plans. The selection of equipment should be adapted to the needs of different occupant groups, particularly vulnerable individuals, and the design of these systems should be carried out in close coordination among engineers, architects, and safety authorities. According to international standards, several primary modes of operation have been defined. In automatic mode, the elevator operates under the control of the building management system and does not require an operator. Manual operation requires the presence of an operator and is mainly used in specialized facilities such as nursing homes. Remote-assisted operation is also available, in which elevator operation is controlled and monitored from a control center. These modes require supporting infrastructure, including two-way communication systems, status displays, and independent emergency power supplies, to ensure the safe operation of the elevator during emergencies. An assessment of the current situation in Iran indicates that the national building regulations lack comprehensive and localized standards and guidelines in this area. This regulatory gap and the absence of clearly defined requirements have resulted in many high-rise buildings lacking the necessary infrastructure, leaving emergency evacuation largely dependent on stairways. While in leading countries evacuation elevators are considered an integral part of crisis management plans, there is an urgent need in Iran to revise regulations, develop specialized guidelines, and mandate compliance with international standards. The use of this technology can improve occupant safety, facilitate the evacuation of individuals with limited mobility, and reduce the physical and psychological stress caused by emergency situations. Conclusion: The critical role of time in the emergency evacuation of buildings and the existing evidence regarding occupant behavior highlight the importance of elevators as an essential component of crisis management planning. This approach has led to revisions in regulations and the development of new international standards that permit the safe use of elevators during emergencies. Contrary to common perceptions, evacuation elevators, when properly designed and equipped, can significantly increase evacuation speed and enhance the safety of vulnerable individuals. In high-rise buildings, elevators serve as an effective means of transporting individuals who are unable to use stairways. The reliable operation of these systems requires independent emergency power supplies, safe refuge areas, and clearly defined operational procedures. In addition, training building occupants and staff on the proper use of this equipment is essential. Although measures such as installing fire service elevators and providing protected spaces have improved safety to some extent, significant challenges remain in meeting the needs of elderly individuals and those with mobility limitations. The widespread use of this technology in Iran requires the development of localized standards and further specialized research. This study recommends developing comprehensive regulations for the design, installation, and operation of evacuation elevators, implementing training programs for building managers and emergency personnel, and conducting periodic inspections to ensure the safe operation of these systems. Implementing these measures can significantly enhance the safety of high-rise buildings and reduce risks during emergencies.

An Analysis of the Physical and Social Factors Influencing Home Attachment

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.448131.2141

Mohammad Haghshenas, Salahedin Molanaei, Shadieh Sayari

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Given the growing importance of the concept of place attachment in the field of environmental psychology and the widespread impacts of globalization on individuals’ relationships with their living environments, this study investigates the factors influencing attachment to home in the city of Sanandaj. Based on existing theories, place attachment is defined as a multidimensional concept encompassing spatial dimensions (architectural and urban design characteristics), human dimensions (social and relational characteristics), and functional dimensions (services and facilities), and it plays a significant role in enhancing individuals’ quality of life. The main objective of this study is to identify and explain the relationship between the individual characteristics of Sanandaj residents and their level of attachment to home, using standardized measurement instruments and rigorous data analysis conducted with SPSS software. The findings of this study can contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the formation and strengthening of attachment to home and provide practical strategies and effective policy recommendations for improving the quality of life of urban residents and creating more sustainable and desirable residential environments.
Methods: This study employed an analytical-survey research design using a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Statistical tests were selected according to the type and measurement level of the variables. Accordingly, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine relationships between quantitative variables, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to assess relationships between quantitative and ordinal variables, and the Mann–Whitney U test to compare distributions between two independent groups. All variables used in this study, except for the city of residence, were coded as ordinal variables based on a Likert scale. City of residence was treated as a nominal variable. The study population consisted of all residents of the city of Sanandaj. Using convenience sampling, a total of 216 participants were selected. Data were collected using both paper-based and online questionnaires. The paper questionnaires were distributed at three different locations, while the online questionnaires were disseminated through the social media platforms Telegram and WhatsApp. The main eligibility criteria for participation were being at least 15 years old and providing voluntary consent to participate in the study.
Findings: This study, based on the analysis of 182 valid questionnaires (52.7% male and 47.3% female), revealed that attachment to home increased with participants’ age. However, Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between attachment to home and both the number of years of residence in the home (ρ=−0.270, p<0.001) and the number of household members (ρ=−0.183, p<0.05). These findings indicate that longer periods of residence and a greater number of household members were associated with lower levels of attachment to home. In contrast, Pearson’s correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between attachment to home and home environment description (r = 0.536, p<0.001). The coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.287, indicating that 28.7% of the variance in attachment to home could be explained by the home environment description measure. Furthermore, the Mann–Whitney U test revealed that married participants exhibited both higher levels of attachment to home (p<0.01) and more positive evaluations of their home environment (p< 0.05). These results particularly highlight the importance of marital status in strengthening attachment to home. The findings may contribute to the development of interventions and policies aimed at improving quality of life and enhancing place attachment in urban communities.
Conclusion: This study aimed to identify the variables influencing attachment to home and employed two standardized instruments: the Home Attachment Scale and the Home Environment Description measure. The findings indicated that the Persian versions of both instruments demonstrated satisfactory validity; however, it is recommended that negatively worded items be avoided in instruments designed to measure place attachment. Significant correlations were found between the items of the Home Environment Description measure and the Home Attachment Scale, suggesting that the former may also serve as a useful measure of attachment to home. Furthermore, age was positively associated with attachment to home, and married participants reported higher levels of home attachment, suggesting that family cohesion and emotional bonds may extend to the home environment itself. In contrast, attachment to home was negatively associated with both the length of residence and the number of household members. These relationships may be attributable to factors such as the deterioration of the home’s physical environment over time, culturally influenced preferences for modernization and renewal, and reduced access to personal space as the number of household members increases.

Manifestations of Postmodernism and Pop Art in Urban Art

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.467531.2170

Mina Jamali, Foad Habibi, Maryam Jamali, Seyed Sadegh Zamani

Abstract Extende Abstract
Background and Objectives: Pop art, as one of the major artistic movements associated with postmodernism, emerged in the mid-twentieth century with a particular focus on consumer culture, mass production, and mass media. By incorporating familiar symbols and imagery from everyday life, this artistic movement narrowed the gap between elite and popular art and contributed to the democratization of the artistic experience. Today, manifestations of pop art in urban spaces have become influential tools for redefining public spaces. Given that urban spaces constitute a primary setting for collective experience and social interaction, examining the relationship between pop art and urban art can reveal new dimensions of spatial identity, sense of belonging, and the role of media in the contemporary city. This study aims to analyze the influence of pop art as a reflection of postmodernism and consumer culture in urban spaces. Drawing on contemporary theoretical perspectives, particularly the ideas of Jean Baudrillard, the study examines selected examples of urban artworks that incorporate elements of pop art. The analysis focuses on the ways in which these works represent reality, employ simulation, and reflect the role of media in the production of meaning within urban environments.
Methods: This study employs a descriptive-analytical research method. Data were collected through library research, a review of theoretical literature, and qualitative analysis of the artworks. The study population comprises urban artworks associated with the Pop Art movement. Given the broad scope of this field, purposive sampling was employed to select and analyze four prominent works by leading artists of the movement. The selection criteria included the prominence of the artworks in urban spaces, their relationship with consumer culture, and the extent to which they represent key characteristics of postmodernism. The artworks were analyzed through the lens of postmodern critical theories, particularly Jean Baudrillard’s concept of simulation and his notion of the dissolution of the boundary between the authentic and the artificial.
Findings: The findings indicate that Pop Art, as a media-driven artistic movement, has played an active role in urban spaces by shaping new visual experiences, stimulating social interaction, and redefining the boundaries between art and everyday life. The analysis of works by Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, and Claes Oldenburg provides notable examples of this relationship. Jasper Johns’ Flag, through its simplified, two-dimensional representation of a national symbol, reflects Baudrillard’s concept of simulation in the context of urban art. The work not only offers a critique of symbols associated with nationalism but also challenges the boundary between meaning and image when encountered in public space. Claes Oldenburg, through his large-scale urban sculptures of everyday objects such as hamburgers and clothespins, presents both media-based and physical representations of consumerism in urban space. His Bottle of Notes similarly combines complex visual elements with enigmatic messages, inviting viewers to interact with the artwork. These works not only contribute to the aesthetic quality of urban spaces but also function as catalysts for social dialogue. Andy Warhol, through the repetition of iconic faces and consumer products such as soup cans and Coca-Cola bottles, dissolves the boundary between art and advertising. His works, particularly as reflected in street art, not only represent popular culture but also challenge consumerism through the logic and techniques of mass production. Warhol’s use of screen printing and repetition highlights concepts such as authenticity, reproduction, and meaninglessness in postmodern society. Across all the case studies examined, Pop Art in urban space demonstrates a function that extends beyond mere decoration, operating as a means of cultural critique, social representation, and the stimulation of public participation. By magnifying ordinary objects to monumental scales or repeating familiar consumer symbols, these artworks elevate the experience of urban space from the physical level to media-based and semantic dimensions.
Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that Pop Art, in connection with urban art, has provided a suitable platform for the development of interactive, participatory, and meaningful spaces in contemporary cities. By dissolving the boundary between high art and popular art, this artistic movement has contributed to the democratization of art and strengthened citizens’ sense of belonging to public spaces. Pop Artworks in urban spaces serve not merely a decorative function but also act as tools for fostering dialogue, cultural critique, and the formation of urban identity. From an architectural and urban planning perspective, the application of Pop Art concepts and approaches can offer effective solutions for designing spaces characterized by identity crises, environmental coldness, and a lack of social interaction. Urban spaces that accommodate Pop Artworks not only become aesthetically richer but also provide a platform for public participation, meaning-making, and the formation of collective memory. In the context of contemporary Iranian cities, given the increasing prevalence of spaces lacking a distinct identity and the growing departure from vernacular architecture, the conscious incorporation of Pop Art elements into the design of public spaces can contribute to improving citizens’ lived experiences, strengthening urban identity, and enhancing social participation. This study therefore suggests that future urban design, particularly in newly developed or regenerated urban areas, should consider the potential of Pop Art and seek its effective integration with local culture.

Analyzing the Effect of Ritual Occasions on the Synomorphic Pattern in a Community Built environment (A Case Study of Jolfa: An Armenian Neighborhood of Isfahan)

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 July 2026

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.442818.2130

Asal Bagheriyan, Negar Zare, Razieh Harouni, Ramtin Mortaheb

Abstract Synomorphy in architecture seeks the maximum synomorphy between the body, function and behavioral paradigm in line with the needs and perceptions of the residents and focuses on creating a positive experience for them. The function of the environment and the residents’ behavior, in an interactional relationship, is a common core between humans and the environment. Accordingly, the evaluation of synomorphy in behavioral settings helps us understand the efficiency of the environment. This study evaluates the effect of religious occasions (Christmas) on the formation of synomorphy in Jolfa, Isfahan. This is an applied study of a descriptive-analytical type performed using a qualitative-quantitative approach. Data were collected using document review, ethnography and field observations, especially through random observations within a targeted period of time - at three points in time before, at the beginning, and at the end of Christmas in three time periods: (9 to 12 in the morning), (14 to 17 in the afternoon) and (19 to 22 at night) and then they were analyzed. The field observations in Jolfa neighborhood of Isfahan shows that there are differences in the behavioral and social paradigm between the periods under research (ritual occasion period and normal days) and this factor affects the efficiency of the current uses in the area under investigation. The results of this study show that ritual occasions can significantly strengthen and stabilize the synomorphy paradigm. These occasions also lead to the emergence of certain patterns of behavior, activities, and changes in the environment, which may affect the behavior and different elements of the environment. In this regard, the synomorphy of the studied area can be increased through solutions such as modifying the urban furniture layout and increasing the quality and behavioral capabilities of urban walls.

History in deconstruction architecture: Analysis of the history discourse in Jacques Derrida's Thoughts and deconstruction architecture

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 14 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2025.396238.2113

Seyed Soroush Sadri, Manouchehr Foroutan, Seyedmahmood Moeini, Hossein Ardalani

Abstract The discourse of the history of modern architecture based on Hegel's historicism formulates a stylistic narrative of the past of architecture. This narrative was revised and reconsidered in the period of post-modernism by the discourse of reconstruction architecture that was raised with the works and ideas of American architects in the eighties. The main goal of this research is to understand the discourse of history in contemporary architecture. The question of the research is what is the view of the ideas of deconstruction on the discourse of architectural history? And what is the way of dealing with history in the works of deconstruction architecture?
The research method of this article is qualitative content analysis, which usesLaclau and Mouffe’s discourse analysis method. Based on this method of discourse analysis, in the works of deconstruction architecture by Peter Eisenman and Daniel Libeskind, the semantic system of the Hegelian architectural history discourse of the modern era is deconstructed or deconstructed based on finding components such as as Central signifiers Floating signifiers n and the concept of articulation as a text. Then, based on the results, the discourse of history in constructionist architecture has been explained and its characteristics compared to the discourse of history in the modern period and its narration have been examined.
The investigations showed that the main framework of the history of deconstructive architecture was formed based on a discourse of history in the period of postmodernism with the title of critical history. This discourse reproduces the history of architecture based on a non-linear, discrete and non-causal, anti-structural, and centrism narrative, and finally, it was categorized into four levels of critical encounter with the concept of history: general history, history of the site of the work (Palimpsest), macro-narrative of the history of architecture and Historical signs.