Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Abstract The inherent connection between human life and the built environment necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing functionality of buildings beyond their initial design. This research aims to develop a conceptual model that captures the intricate requirements and complexities of the human-environment relationship. Employing a qualitative approach grounded in critical realism, the study utilizes the grounded theory. Through an examination of ten historic houses from the Pahlavi period in Tehran, the research draws upon interviews with 52 respondents, supplemented by data from reliable sources and field observations. MAXQDA20 software facilitated the coding process and data analysis. The outcomes reveal three main categories, namely "audience needs/expectations," "lived experience", and "built environment," along with their interconnections. The conceptual model proposes that achieving functionality entails a delicate balance between user needs/expectations and their representation within the built environment. Psychological, physiological, and special expectations are harmonized through proportional arrangements, ensuring the functionality of the space. The built environment serves as a platform, leveraging its physical and non-physical attributes to provide, restrict, strengthen, or weaken the conditions necessary for balance. This research contributes to the understanding of functionality in adaptive reuse, providing valuable insights for architectural practice and decision-making processes.

Abstract “Mazari” or “Hannasaei”, an ancient craft, has left behind material remains attributed to it in cities such as Yazd, Bam, and Zahedan along the Spice Route. They played a significant role in the culture and economy of cities like Yazd for centuries, contributing to the production of goods such as henna and other plant products, which were part of the diet, medicine, and hygiene of the people of Yazd. The remnants of the Mazari in Yazd date back to before the Qajar era and are located in the Mirchakhmaq neighborhood. During the Pahlavi era, due to health and legal issues, the Mazari were relocated to the Atabaki neighborhood, leading to significant changes in their foundation. The research problem emphasizes the need for deeper information on the physical and functional characteristics of the Mazari. Currently, many of them are undergoing repurposing and abandonment, and a few are facing inappropriate alterations. The research aims to understand the craft and architecture of Hannasaei in a city like Yazd. This paper attempts to explore questions about the evolutionary trajectory of the Mazari and the factors influencing it, using an interpretive method and a historical-interpretive approach.
The study concludes that the process of physical and functional transformation of the Mazari in Yazd can be examined across four periods: Qajar, First Pahlavi, Second Pahlavi, and the present day. Four significant factors: “environmental and health-related, economic, managerial and legal, and social and cultural” have greatly influenced this transformation. Cities like Yazd can benefit from international experiences in this field by establishing henna revitalization centers with stakeholder and participant collaboration, thereby enhancing the role of these complexes in both domestic and international economies and addressing existing challenges.

Abstract The theories and discourses of urban planning have faced various developments in the last few decades Because the essence of the theory is transformational and affected by different vectors and forces in time and place, it undergoes many ups and downs. One of the topics that has taken on a more prominent role in urban planning systems in recent decades is issues related to citizen participation. Despite the importance of a participatory system for citizens, the theories proposed in this field lack the necessary capability and efficiency. The discourse of citizen participation refers to both the acceleration and threat of citizen participation. The main goal of this research is to discover the obstacles of citizen participation in the process of plan, process and preview (3p) from the point of view of urban planning professionals. The present study is fundamental in terms of its objective and falls within the category of qualitative and interpretive research. In this study, the grounded theory method (classical approach) and content analysis were utilized. The method of collecting information is through open questionnaires (completed with 176 professionals in the field of urban planning). Maxqda software was used for qualitative data analysis and coding. A total of 474 open codes have been extracted, and these open codes have been converted into 57 concepts, 21 sub-categories and finally 8 main categories. Lack of provision of platform and facilities, dominance of power, lack of transparency and trust, structural weakness and non-participation of the process, use of inappropriate methods, weak knowledge support and insufficient experiences, lack of popular acceptance, conflict of interests of different strata as key components in non-participation Citizens are known from the point of view of urban planning professionals. Comparison and comparison of the components mentioned in previous studies that investigated the non-participation of citizens in general and the components specifically mentioned by professionals in the field of urban planning regarding the non-participation of citizens In the triple processes of plan, process and preview, it shows that many of the mentioned components and factors are common.

Abstract Outdoor thermal comfort in residential neighborhoods plays a key role in enhancing the well-being of residents and pedestrians. This factor is heavily influenced by urban design features, particularly the form and shape of building blocks, which affect parameters like solar radiation, wind patterns, and air circulation, ultimately altering thermal comfort indices. This study investigates the impact of building block forms and edge shapes on outdoor thermal comfort in an urban neighborhood in Sabzevar. Three distinct block forms were generated through variations in the building’s volume, such as protrusions and recessions. Using the ENVI-met software Version 4.4.5, the climatic parameters and thermal comfort indices were evaluated. This software is one of the most widely used tools for simulating climatic conditions and thermal comfort in open spaces, which is a powerful tool for simulating microclimates and evaluating thermal comfort in open spaces. This software allows urban researchers and designers to examine the various effects of urban design, vegetation and environmental features on climatic conditions and thermal comfort. Comparing UTCI and PET indices, the results revealed that Block 2, with a central protruding volume and the separation of the courtyard into northern and southern sections, showed the highest thermal comfort levels. In the summer solstice, the UTCI and PET values were 38.90°C and 46.65°C, respectively, while in the winter solstice, they were -19.10°C and -4.02°C. Block 2 provided the closest thermal comfort to the acceptable range compared to the other forms. These findings offer valuable insights for architects and urban planners, who can optimize the design of residential blocks in similar climates to enhance outdoor thermal comfort.

Abstract The cultivation of creative thinking and problem-solving abilities has always been the cornerstone of architectural education. While considerable research highlights the positive impact of digital technologies on the creativity of architecture students, some argue that these technologies act as an unrealistic substitute for hands-on learning and impede the development of creativity. This study investigates the effects of augmented reality-based design on creative thinking and problem-solving skills, comparing the cognitive load of students throughout the learning process. This applied research falls within the realm of evaluation studies. For data collection, a mixed-descriptive method was employed. In the quantitative section, the Williams and Huang questionnaire was utilized to assess differences in foundations between the experimental and control groups, while the qualitative section incorporated semi-structured interviews and field observations. Based on the findings, the use of augmented reality technology enhanced the creative thinking of students in the technical design course. In its sub-factors, there was no significant difference in risk-taking between the experimental and control groups. However, in three components—curiosity, imagination, and flexibility—the experimental group outperformed the control group significantly. The same outcome was noted for problem-solving as well. Additionally, the cognitive load of students, particularly their mental effort during the learning process, was reduced. The results of the interviews and observations of activities complemented the empirical findings, revealing that the students' weakness in manual drawings and sketches has fueled their enthusiasm for this technology. While reliance on this technology offers many advantages for fostering creativity, it is not without challenges; excessive dependence can lead to a lack of practical experience and a decline in skills. It is essential for educators to strike a balance between using digital tools as supplementary aids and enhancing fundamental design skills through traditional methods.

Abstract As a cultural and educational institution with the aim of promoting the cognitive development and creativity of children and teenagers, the intellectual development center plays a fundamental role in the learning process by designing and building suitable spaces for cultural and artistic activities. The main goal of the research was to identify the influencing components of the physical environment on learning processes and how mental imagery affects it as a mediating factor. This research is of applied and descriptive-survey type. The statistical population included 203 boys and girls from the center of intellectual education in Sarvostan city, of which 127 were randomly selected according to Morgan's table. To collect data, researcher-made questionnaires were used in the three categories of physical environment, learning and mental imagery. The reliability of the tools was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.928, 0.833 and 0.835 respectively. Data analysis was done using PLS software. The results showed that the physical environment has a direct and significant effect on learning and mental imagery. Especially, the influence of the physical environment on learning is equal to 59% and on mental imagery is 86%. Also, the mediating role of mental imagery in the relationship between physical environment and learning was reported to be effective and significant with a path coefficient of 0.250. These findings emphasize the importance of designing educational spaces by considering physical characteristics that can help strengthen the cognitive and learning processes of children and adolescents. In general, the current research emphasizes the essential role of physical environments in facilitating learning processes and emphasizing mental processes such as mental imagery as a mediating factor.

Abstract The growing desire to use double-skin facades in buildings has increased the importance of relevant research, especially in energy consumption fields. In recent decades, different double-skin facades with various elements between the layers, including shaders, louvers, and plants, have been invented and used. The use of plants in these facades has been of interest because of the higher shading and lower temperature increase. On the other hand, using plants in buildings and their potential to increase thermal comfort is placed as an aesthetic element. This research aims to evaluate the effect of using plants in a southern double-skin facade of an office building in Shiraz on energy consumption. The selected plant is an aquatic fern called Azolla, used as an air purifier in buildings. The double-skin facade of an office building in Shiraz was selected as a sample. Determining the facade components' fixed parameters and variable values, the sample was modeled in the Rhino software and the Grasshopper plugin, and optimization was performed for 288 models (144 with plants and 144 without plants). The depth of the double-skin facade, the external and internal openings, and the glass type were considered as the independent variables, while the cooling and heating energy consumption were considered as the optimization objectives. The results of the research determined 30 alternatives with the lowest energy usage intensity showing that the optimal combination of parameters in two modes (without plants and with plants) are the same. The optimal combination of the parameters includes the depth of the two-skin facade of 0.5 meters, the external opening of 1.9 meters, the external opening of 4.9 meters, and double-glazed laminated glass. The comparison of the optimal results in these two modes shows a 2.35% reduction in the energy usage intensity and 1.70% in the cooling load, with a slight increase in the heating load.

Abstract مطالعه تجارب مسکن موقت پس از زلزله‌های مرگبار حدود چهل سال اخیر ایران حاکی از آن است که در بازسازی برخی از مناطق زلزله‌زده در عین ضرورت نیاز به تأمین مسکن موقت(شش ماه تا سه سال) برای بازگشت آسیب‌دیدگان به زندگی و از سرگرفتن فعالیت‌های عادی روزمره‌شان، سیاست مسئولین بر حذف مسکن موقت و انتقال سکونت از چادرها به سکونتگاه‌های دائمی، با تسریع بازسازی مساکن دائمی قرارگرفته‌است. جمع‌بندی داده‌ها و استحصال و تحلیل14 مقوله(313 کد) با استفاده از نرم‌افزارمکس‌کیودی‌ای با روش نظریه زمینه‌ای، در سه مرحله کدگذاری باز، محوری، و گزینشی، نحوه‌ی سکونت آسیب‌دیدگان تا زمان آماده‌شدن مسکن دائم را، در دو رویکرد اصلی و سه بخش کسب آمادگی قبل از وقوع زلزله(4 مقوله)، مواجهه با زلزله(5 مقوله) و پس از مواجهه با زلزله(5 مقوله) قابل جمع‌بندی می‌نماید. در رویکرد اول سکونت در چادر و کانکس به‌دلایل مختلف سبب بروز نارضایتی و مشکلات فراوانی برای خانوار آسیب‌دیده شده-است و رویکرد دوم، تجارب قابل تأمل و خودجوش ساخت مسکن موقت بومی را بدون برنامه‌ریزی قبلی مدیریت بحران و مبتنی بر استفاده از مصالح و دانش فنی بومی آسیب‌دیدگان، و مشارکت مؤثر ایشان با امدادگران و برخی افراد متخصص داوطلب رقم‌زده‌است. تحلیل یافته‌ها نشان می‌دهد که تأمین مسکن موقت مناسب و پاسخگو تنها با ارائه‌ی راهکارهای قابل انطباق با "شرایط اقلیمی و زیست‌محیطی" و جوابدهی به "نیازهای کاربران اعم از نیازهای معیشتی و فاکتورهای فرهنگی و اجتماعی" ایشان، ذیل ایجاد"تعادل بین هزینه‌های مسکن موقت و مسکن دائم" و با "برنامه‌ریزی قبلی و کسب آمادگی لازم"، برای غلبه بر"محدودیتهای اجتماعی، سیاسی، اقتصادی و مالی" امکانپذیر است. از این رو الگوی زمینه‌ای بر اساس انتخاب"مصالح، منابع و فناوری ساخت" به عنوان مقوله-ی گزینشی ارائه شده است و نتایج هر دو رویکرد را ارائه می‌نماید، که خود مبین ضرورت بکارگیری مسکن موقت پس از زلزله مبتنی بر فناوری مناسب مصالح بومی ایران است.

Abstract The most important problem today is how to protect and preserve the historic heritage. With the spread of adaptive reuse as a solution for sustainable protection, industrial architectural heritage has been prioritized as flexible spaces capable of accommodating new uses. In this article, the MultiCriteria Decision Making method with the AHP approach is introduced as a basis for choosing the high and best use of the Carpet factory of Kerman. Combining the AHP method with the MCDM approach can solve the complexity of problems that contain subjective and conflicting criteria by organising them into a hierarchy that identifies goals, criteria, sub-criterial, and alternatives and determines each item's value pairwise. This research aims to analyze theories, relevant international documents, and develop a theoretical framework by adopting a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach and analyzing data through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in ExpertChoice software. considering that the most important factor in achieving integrated conservation and development approaches in historical cities is attracting people's participation and adopting a bottom-up approach in the decision-making process.so because of The alternatives and criteria were organized using a semi-structured interview with the local community and quarter needs. To include experts, a semi-structured questionnaire based on a theoretical framework was compiled and its data was processed with software. The goal is to determine the best use among three proposed options for the Kerman Carpet Company factory, which is a part of Kerman's Pahlavi-era industrial heritage and was one of the major centers for carpet production and export in the southeast of the country. The findings of this research shows that the use of "creative industries" can improve the social, cultural, and economic levels of the neighborhood, enhance creativity in the city and region, and ensure the protection of both the tangible and intangible values of the complex.

Abstract Urban public spaces play a significant role in meeting human needs and enhancing social interactions. These spaces serve as primary settings for urban events and gatherings of diverse social groups. However, many public spaces suffer from shortcomings that hinder their attractiveness and functionality, resulting in low levels of user presence. To better understand these deficiencies and propose effective strategies to enhance vitality and increase public presence, it is essential to study changes in human activities over different time periods. This research focuses on the forecourt of the Karim Khan Citadel (Arg-e Karimkhani) in Shiraz as a case study. The study aims to investigate the impact of public events on changes in human activities within this urban space, through a comparative analysis of conditions during the Nowruz festival and the post-event period. Adopting a field-based, descriptive-analytical approach, the research seeks to answer how human activities are transformed during and after an event, and which spatial features influence these changes. To build the theoretical framework, a literature review was conducted using documentary methods, and five key variables were selected: activity patterns, activity nodes, types of activity, duration of presence, and movement paths. In the methodological phase, the hypothesis was tested through Jan Gehl’s behavioral mapping techniques such as tracking, tracing, note-taking, and direct observation in two timeframes—during and after the event. By analyzing the collected data with a focus on the selected variables, the study attempts to logically interpret the dynamics of human activity associated with the presence or absence of events. The findings reveal that cultural and social events significantly increase the vibrancy, diversity, and density of collective activities in the space, particularly encouraging the participation of women and children. However, once the events conclude, these indicators visibly decline. Moreover, spatial design, environmental conditions, and temporary design elements play a critical role in shaping the quality and duration of user presence. Based on the results, the study recommends the regular organization of public events along with improvements in the environmental quality of the forecourt space, to enhance its liveliness and social effectiveness as an urban public space.

Abstract Today, the use of artificial intelligence to design house plans has become increasingly popular. However, most of these artificial intelligence systems use machine learning and deep learning algorithms that are trained based on the pixel data set of residential plans and do not take into account structural features and construction limitations in their solutions. In this article, in order to improve these defects–the various functions of AI and the cost and time-consuming nature of traditional plan design systems–a rule-based artificial intelligence is introduced for designing residential plans based on a structural system named 'PeyDal'. This AI has been expanded in the analysis and production of plans according to the needs and preferences of the real user in the design and implementation of the plan.
This research is a combination of descriptive-analytical and experimental methods; at first, initial information was collected through the descriptive-analytical method, and then, using the experimental method, an algorithm based on the Peydal System was developed for the design and implementation of houses. Next, the research aims to identify the necessary data sets for classifying the spatial needs of users in different types of plans with different sizes, describe the structure of converting plans into constructive modules in the Peydal System, produce a plan-generating AI design pattern in the form of a reduction of acceptable and desirable results for the user and develop a plan-generating algorithm with the help of artificial intelligence.
The results of the study include the achievement of a digital design plan algorithm with high industrialization capability, the structurality of the algorithm's solutions due to matching with the Peydal Modular System, and the increase in response quality and speed by moving from continuous plan design to discrete design.