Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Original Research Paper

Assessing the Effect of Green Roofs on Urban Microclimate, Case study: the Low-Rise Context in Hot-Dry Climate of Shiraz

Sina Karamirad; Roza Vakilinezhad

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 5-19

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.237674.1453

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In recent years, various solutions have been proposed to reduce urban heat islands. The most common of these strategies is the use of cool ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In recent years, various solutions have been proposed to reduce urban heat islands. The most common of these strategies is the use of cool surfaces (on roofs and sidewalks and vegetation surfaces) and increasing green space. However, the shape of urban blocks, the duration of direct sunlight, and the average radiant temperature play an important role in the thermal comfort of the outer space of cities. The microclimatic temperature conditions of the city affect the thermal behavior of buildings as well as the thermal comfort of pedestrians. Since the simplest way to change the microclimate and reduce the urban heat island is to use cool surfaces and increase green space, in recent decades, the use of green roofs in different climatic regions has expanded. The application of green roofs is one of the common strategies to reduce the thermal load of buildings. On the other hand, it is recommended to use cool surfaces and greenery to change the microclimate and mitigate urban heat islands. This research aims to investigate the effect of green roofs on the urban microclimate in the hot and dry climate.Methods: This study aims to determine the effect of green roofs on local microclimate and urban heat island in the low-rise contexts in the hot and dry climate of Shiraz. The research method used in this research is a computer simulation method, carried out using Envi-met software. Envi-met is a 3D simulation and measurement software for microclimatic conditions of urban climate and is used to analyze the open spaces of urban environments. This software has been selected due to its numerous capabilities and different validated results. The case study is a part of a low-rise urban context in Shiraz, and the research was carried out using Envi-met software for thermal simulation of the outside environment on one of the hottest days of the year. Thermal effects of three roof types on the surrounding environment have been evaluated: a common roof with reflecting isolation layer, a green roof with grass, and a green roof with trees. The simulation was done for the first day of July as one of the hottest days of the year. Data output is taken at the height of 0.5 m above the roof surface (6.5 m above the ground).Findings: The results show that the application of green roofs with trees or grass would slightly improve thermal comfort in the neighborhood. The maximum reduction in air temperature is between 0.27 to 0.74 degrees in the receptors, and 5.05 degrees in mean radiant temperature. In the case of relative humidity, the maximum changes are an increase of 0.36% or a decrease of 0.48%, while the maximum fluctuation of wind speed is an increase by 0.68 m/s. The analysis of the correlation coefficients between the variables and the thermal comfort index of PMV shows a significant correlation. In verifying the results, they are represented as descriptive statistics, including the changes in the variables of air temperature, radiant temperature, wind speed, humidity and thermal comfort. In addition, the relationship between radiant temperature, air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and the thermal comfort has been investigated using statistical analysis and the coefficient of correlation between them has been calculated in three modes: green roof with grass and green roof with tree at 9 am and 5 pm. The correlation coefficients in most cases are more than 0.7 and indicate a strong correlation. In this way, the obtained correlation coefficients show a strong significant direct relationship.Conclusion: Providing A green roof with trees is more efficient than a green roof with grass providing better thermal comfort conditions in urban microclimates. The green roof area is more important than the green roof itself. The application of green roofs in small areas (urban blocks and neighboring) has little effect on the thermal comfort of the microclimate. It would effectively reduce air temperature and cooling effect only if it is used in a vast area. The correlation between the variables and the thermal comfort created in different conditions shows a strong correlation. Based on the results, the extent and the size of the green roof have a more important effect on the region’s microclimate. These results are consistent with previous studies (Battista et al., 2016: 1058) and (Peng et al., 2013: 598) and (Alcazar et al., 2016: 304) and indicate that considering green roofs in small extents such as an urban block or a neighborhood unit has little effect on the microclimatic conditions of the region. In order to benefit from the cooling effects of green roofs and reduce the heat on an urban microclimate scale, it is necessary to use green roofs in a wider area. In summary, the following can be extracted from the results of the present study:- Using a green roof can slightly reduce the outdoor temperature and improve thermal comfort conditions on a neighborhood scale.- A green roof with trees is more effective than a green roof with grass, and from this point of view, it is more preferred.- If the use of green roofs is considered as a solution to reduce air temperature and improve thermal comfort conditions, it should be considered in large urban areas (several urban blocks or several neighborhood units).

Original Research Paper

Creating Pocket Parks for Regenerating People’s Social Interactions, Case study: Khorramdareh City

Mohammad Taghi Heydari; Anita Majidi Heravi; Maryam Rahmani

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 21-39

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.264783.1605

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Urban space is an essential element of a healthy urban life and an arena for shaping human beings since this public life requires tolerance ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Urban space is an essential element of a healthy urban life and an arena for shaping human beings since this public life requires tolerance between human beings. Today, the pocket park approach has been introduced as a platform for creating potential capacities for public space development. The fragmentation of the urban fabric, the destruction of public spaces, and the outbreak of the Coronavirus as a rogue crisis have increased the depth and breadth of production of such a space. Until yesterday, neighborhoods, public baths, mosques, etc., were the basis for friendly and neighborly relations between individuals and families. Today, the development of parks, especially local orchards, can pave the way for the beginning, consolidation, and continuation of friendly and neighborhood relations between local people due to the reduction and elimination of the people’s social role. This is because local parks are places where different groups and social strata get to familiarize themselves and interact with each other. Therefore, the need to use pocket parks as important social stimulus projects of the city, promoting authority and social development, establishing capacity, and developing social capital is considered essential. Khorramdareh city’s capacities and potential in creating local green space in general and pocket parks, in particular, can increase the city’s social presence by benefiting from citizens’ participation; because such parks are considered a lost space in the hierarchy of Khorramdareh urban parks. They can play an effective role in creating relaxation, interactions, and leisure spaces for citizens. The reproduction of pocket parks as a driving force for social presence in Khorramdareh was one of the main objectives of this study. The creation of pocket parks as a driving force for social presence in Khorramdareh was one of the main objectives of this study, and creating a city with a social, democratic, and citizen-oriented quality is one of the consequential goals of this research. This research is aimed at revitalizing the neighborhoods of Khorramdareh in the form of pocket parks and to provide solutions to use its capacity to develop relationships and interactions in the form of neighborhood units. According to the topic, the mental gap of the research investigates the conditions in which pocket parks revitalize the socialization of Khorramdareh neighborhoods. With this approach, the purpose of the present article is to introduce the pocket park development approach as the most effective method in promoting the production of social presence in the neighborhoods of the Iranian city.Methods: The present study is applied in terms of research type, and the research nature is based on a combination of qualitative strategies and correlation method. The current research is hybrid in terms of type, application, and nature. The present study is also considered cross-sectional in terms of time span (September 2017). In order to collect the data required for the research, documentary sources were studied, and some field observations were conducted. Consequently, a factor analysis test, one-sample T-test, and path analysis test in the form of DPSIR model have been run to analyze the data.Findings: The presence of plants, trees, and generally natural elements in public spaces encourages people to be present in these spaces. Research has shown that there is a direct relationship between the use of public spaces and the duration of people’s presence in these spaces with the number and location of trees. Therefore, the existence of green space, by increasing the use of public spaces and the presence of people, will increase the solidarity and social motivation for the neighborhoods in Khorramdareh city. According to the results, the more such high-quality areas are created in neighborhoods, the more opportunities are provided for group social interactions such as meeting, chatting, playing games, sports, etc. As a result of the above activities, these aforementioned spaces acquire the characteristics of vitality and civil life while offering the characteristics of a place. Conclusion: The results of the studies showed that the promotion index of social and neighborhood relations has the highest coefficient, with an impact rate of 4.83. In addition, the classification of indicators affecting the creation of social presence in the form of DPSIR model showed that the “pressure” index with a total effect factor of 0.713 has the greatest impact and causal relationship for creating social coexistence by creating parks in the city of Khorramdareh. Given that the pressure component consists of indicators (quality of social trust between residents; quality of feeling social security; quality of responding to the personality of individuals; a variety of activities tailored to the different needs of different groups of people during the day), these components should be emphasized in the creation of social presence in the city of Khorramdareh. Furthermore, examining what people want from pocket parks and leisure areas and the qualities they like should be on the agenda of employers, investors, and executive working groups. Therefore, the need to review and explore pocket parks, which can be a place for social interaction and increase the presence of people, is significant.

Original Research Paper

Syntactic Analysis of Spatial Transparency in Contemporary Iranian Architecture

Hosna Varmaghani

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 41-57

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.290149.1721

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The positive position of space, or in other words, space-axial against a volumetric viewpoint, is one of the key aspects of Iranian architecture. ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The positive position of space, or in other words, space-axial against a volumetric viewpoint, is one of the key aspects of Iranian architecture. In this regard, transparency is considered one of the principles and fundamentals and among the special and fundamental qualities in the spatial structure of Iranian architecture. Based on this, some contemporary Iranian architects have tried to make it visible and realizable and have continued it based on these principles and the inspirations from the eternal works of this land. Relying on the importance of addressing this indicator, the aim of this research is to measure the application of the transparency concept and how it manifests itself in the physical elements and spatial structures of contemporary Iranian architecture. Accordingly, in the current research, the way of realizing transparency in the contemporary architecture of Iran and the extent and quality of its emergence and development have been questioned and discussed. In order to examine this issue in detail, two cultural centers in the contemporary period that have paid attention to the formal and semantic aspects of Iran’s past architecture have been selected to be analyzed and measured in terms of transparency. The current research started with the hypothesis that the examination of the way transparency is represented in the two buildings of Dezful and Isfahan cultural centers reveals the differences and similarities that can be effective in enriching the contemporary architecture of Iran. Therefore, research questions about the quality of transparency in these two buildings are proposed and lead to measures to make the space transparent in contemporary Iranian architecture: Which physical elements and spatial structures have been used by each of the two cultural center buildings of Dezful and Isfahan and how to create transparency? What are the differences and similarities between the transparency appearance in these two buildings?Methods: The current research has used two quantitative and qualitative strategies. So, the descriptive-analytical and analogical, and logical reasoning methods, as well as bibliographic and document studies, have been used to collect and analyze data. In order to investigate the transparency issue in contemporary Iranian architecture, the main factors that create transparency in architecture were extracted from the existing theories. Then, these components were categorized into four subsections containing the main indicators of spatial transparency. The reason for choosing Dezful Cinema Cultural Center and Isfahan International Cultural Center among existing contemporary cultural centers is the architect’s exceptional attention to the use of Iranian architectural elements and techniques. In order to perform a quantitative analysis using Agraph software, Justified Plan Graphs were first drawn from the floor plans. Since the amount of visible area at any point of the space is an important indicator in evaluating the transparency level, UCL Depthmap software was used to measure this component. In the final stage, each of the four indicators of the transparency concept was measured and concluded with a quantitative analysis of syntactic indicators.Findings: Four syntactic factors of visual cone, spatial integration, connection, and depth were selected to evaluate the degree of transparency. Spatial connectivity and depth, as well as the number of spaces, were analyzed in Agraph software, and two factors of visual accessibility (Isovist) and spatial integration were analyzed and interpreted in Depthmap software. In Dezful Cultural Center, the location of the main volume of the building in the depth of the ground and the externally blocked walls have minimized the continuity and sequence of the internal and external areas of the building. While in Isfahan Cultural Center, the division of the plan into two inward and outward parts has maximized the visual transparency and continuity and sequence of inside and outside in half of the building. In the Dezful building, the depth indicator showed that despite the hierarchy and the distance of the spaces from the external area, the location of open and semi-open internal distributable spaces is in the points that created the continuity and sequence of the internal areas at great depths from the building’s entrance. In the Isfahan building, the low number of depth indicators for most spaces means more integration in the interior space. The comparison of the number of spaces in the two Dezful and Isfahan buildings, and its ratio to the maximum depth in the plan, shows that although there is a significant relationship between the number of spaces and the amount of integration, the presence of a large number of spaces in a slight depth can moderate the effect of high spatial multiplicity on integration reduction. The numerical and figural comparison of the local integration and the maximum and minimum values clearly shows the important role of the inter-space in spatial integration and transparency.Conclusion: In this research, the results were obtained after analyzing the criteria related to the transparency of the spatial structure, including spatial openness, integration and overlap, continuity and sequence, and spatial coherence using the tools of depth, number of spaces, connection, visual cone, and integration. Transparency, in general, is observed in both buildings with the use of relatively similar measures. However, there are differences in how this transparency is created and its amount, which is caused by the difference in how these elements and spatial structures are used. In general, the measures adopted in the physical elements and spatial structures of Isfahan Cultural Center have mainly led to visual transparency. In Dezful Cultural Center, physical and mental transparency has emerged more than visual transparency.

Original Research Paper

Aspects Affecting the Beauty and Ugliness of the City from the Residents’ Point of view, Case study: District 2 of Tehran

Faranak Atarod; Mohsen Habibi; Hossein Zabihi

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 59-72

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.239481.1463

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: This research aims to answer this question: From the residents’ point of view, what is the beauty and desirability of the form and ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: This research aims to answer this question: From the residents’ point of view, what is the beauty and desirability of the form and appearance of urban masses and buildings and their composition? What standards and values are considered for the designers and builders of today’s buildings, which are embodied in the current masses and building forms? Accordingly, this research explores relevant theoretical texts and objective and subjective issues of residents living in District 2 of Tehran. The origin of beauty and aesthetic perception is often defined between the two concepts of objectivism and subjectivism. However, newer philosophical analyzes that adopt an interactive perspective believe that the sense of beauty originates from the patterns that connect people and things. In fact, a reasonable (and usual) solution to the objective-subjective controversy in the evaluation of aesthetic quality acknowledges that aesthetic quality is the joint product of observable characteristics that interact with psychological processes in the human observer. With the flourishing of aesthetic perceptual research and the publication of their results, the differences between the previous evaluations of beauty and these studies became clear. They prompted researchers to look into these differences more.Methods: In the literature review, descriptive and bibliographic methods have been used to progress the research. For the contextual studies, a type of qualitative research method called Grounded Theory Method, which is based on interpretation analysis, has been chosen. Finally, the comparative method (comparison and evaluation between the results of theoretical and contextual studies) has been used to analyze and present the results of the article. The grounded Theory Method applies interpretation in order to discover concepts and relationships between primary data and to organize them in the form of a theoretical explanatory plan. In the present research, the mentioned method has been used to reach the type of view and mental frameworks of the citizens of District 2 of Tehran in relation to urban building and mass aesthetics. Findings: Based on the findings of the research, in the context of irresponsible urban management, ambiguity in the demands of the residents between the new and the past, and the change of conditions and demands over time has created some issues. These issues are classified as conditional categories: “Speculative urban management”, “Wandering between urban fabric protection or change”, and “Instability of residents’ demands and conditions”. In addition, the residents of District 2 of Tehran, in relation to the visual aesthetics of their living environment, believe in “visual irregularities and deterioration” (related to shape combinations) and “lack of open space and increased density” (related to the combination of masses and spaces) which are classified as interactive categories. The interviews affirm that the interactions and processes experienced by the residents have led to consequential categories such as “forgetting the presence of the living environment” and “disconnecting with the living environment”. Accordingly, sub-categories such as distortion of memories and nostalgia can distort the future image and peace of mind, invigorate a sense of indifference towards the living environment, and lead to the thought of migration. They were the guides for the formation of the two main consequences mentioned in this research. Also, an important point emerging from the comparative evaluation between theoretical and contextual studies is the concepts that have been focused on in these two categories of studies are quite common. The concepts mentioned in both categories almost cover each other. But what happened in District 2 of Tehran is actually the opposite of what was desirable. In other words, while the principles and criteria derived from theoretical studies were considered to achieve a pleasant and beautiful physical-visual combination, the results obtained from contextual studies reveal an absence and lack of attention to aesthetic criteria in the formation of mass and building volumes in District 2 of Tehran. Conclusion: According to the conducted investigations and the obtained results, it is possible to determine a physical-visual aesthetic theory with two aspects: content and procedural. The content aspect of this theory is related to the principles and criteria that shape building volumes and masses, which are the same physical-visual components or forces and are compatible with interactive categories obtained from contextual studies. Its procedural aspect is discussed in relation to the conditions and context of the formation of building volumes and masses, which are non-physical components and forces and are consistent with the conditional categories obtained from contextual studies. The absence and lack of attention to physical aesthetic criteria in the formation of building masses and volumes in District 2 of Tehran can be caused by the fact that the designers or constructors not only look at the building differently from the aesthetics experts, but also they have taken an almost opposite path to the theoretical criteria. Based on this, residents and users of the environment have an ugly and undesirable visual perception. The difference in the views of these two groups can be a confirmation of the existence and influence of external forces affecting the formation of building masses. In this context, the land price and its related components are the main factors affecting the appearance of buildings. In addition, the type of choice, approach, and taste of designers, contractors, or builders can be another non-physical component affecting the formation of aesthetic judgments resulting from the analysis and comparison of physical-visual components. The mentioned components, in the lack or shortage of appropriate legal controls and lack of specialized education related to contextual architecture and urban planning, can play a very effective role in the urban visual composition and cause a large gap between the desired and existing situation regarding physical-visual aesthetics in the building masses.

Original Research Paper

Investigating the Evolution of Computation Role in Simulating the Formation Process of Natural Phenomena for Generating Architectural Forms

Yashar Gharachamani Asl; Mohamad Baharvand; Sahar Toofan

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 73-88

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.242338.1476

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Thinking about nature and paying attention to how biological phenomena grow and take shape has a long history and is more valuable than superficial ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Thinking about nature and paying attention to how biological phenomena grow and take shape has a long history and is more valuable than superficial and formal imitation. But more scientific and technical ability is needed to implement it in practice. This may be due to the superficial selection of complex and unambiguous topics due to weaknesses in scientific fields or lack of technical facilities for implementation. Given the technical and scientific developments in recent decades, the possibility of such an inherent approach is not far from the mind. The emergence of new theories and computing methods derived from biological systems over the past few decades has made it possible to deepen the principles and rules of the form production process. The main question is: how can biological growth and formation patterns be used to methodize the process of producing architectural forms? The main purpose of this article is to investigate the modeling and growth processes in biological phenomena to be used in the methodization of the form production process in architecture. One of the patterns in the growth process of biological phenomena is the differential growth pattern.Methods: The research method in the present research is descriptive-analytical, and data collection includes library studies and documents. First, the theoretical and practical backgrounds of computing inspired by biological principles and their evolutionary evolution were examined. Then, using a simulation research method with a logical reasoning strategy, different growth patterns were formed. Finally, during the process, the production of the architectural form was tested and examined. In a simulation experiment, a model of the growth pattern was presented in the production of computer forms. In the analytical part of the present study, considering the importance of the role of algorithmic thinking in modeling the growth process and the formation of biological phenomena for the computational production of an architectural form, a logical reasoning strategy was established to provide a logical thinking system for realizing a relationship between biological realities in the growth process. It has been used to form a general conceptual framework in order to describe the subject and formulate growth guidelines using the abstract values of producing architectural form. Findings: This research started with the classification and analysis of theories in the field of computing inspired by biological processes, according to the time hierarchy of their occurrence, then continued with the introduction of new computing methods inspired by biological principles. Finally, this research was completed using such theories and methods in the production of the digital form. The result is evidence of the historical and evolutionary course of such an approach from theory to practice. For more clarity, theories, methods, and manufacturing processes are presented below with an evolution timeline, which is a new step in this field of research. Achieving the ability to simulate computational theories demonstrates the possibility of modeling growth processes and the formation of biological phenomena in the process of producing an architectural form along a path called computing. In this process, the growth algorithm is programmed within the software environment and then equated. So that all the parameters affecting the formation and growth of the organism are identified and entered into the algorithm, and then the virtual growth process takes place. The result of such an algorithm is the application of the construction method of these organisms to architectural projects and the use of the characteristics of that organism to increase the efficiency of space. In this process, architecture can inherit the qualities that the process of natural products has given to the organism and imitate them in their appearance and form, as well as in their function and behavior.. Conclusion: The form of the process is first generated in the virtual environment by entering various environmental parameters as well as various growth patterns. Then, if it responds to the mentioned environmental conditions and parameters, it will be placed in the path of digital manufacturing and built physically. As a result, the presence of such forms in the not-too-distant future in urban environments and architecture is still being determined. Therefore, the direction of research is more in the field of opinion. Nevertheless, attempts have been made in the field of architecture to create a new design logic based on the path of growth patterns. Naturally, this research is the beginning of further research in areas such as biology and algorithms. Subsequent researchers can examine and test other natural patterns, with a wider range of variables, in the algorithmic process, and step into the development of the research literature. The main result is that algorithmic simulation of growth patterns and the formation of biological phenomena through the computer channel can effectively create new methods for the architectural form production process.

Original Research Paper

Analytical Study of Urban River Regeneration as a Sustainable Public Place and Explanation of its Conceptual Model; Case studies: Balgholi Chai (Ardabil), Zayandehrood (Isfahan), Karun (Ahvaz), Zarjoub (Rasht)‎

Seyed Mojtaba Safdarnejad; Seyed Abdolhadi Daneshpour; Mostafa Behzadfar

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 89-110

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.248179.1512

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Urban rivers are public spaces whose relationship with humans has been the focus of renewed attention in the 2000s and are considered a suitable ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Urban rivers are public spaces whose relationship with humans has been the focus of renewed attention in the 2000s and are considered a suitable opportunity for local communities. The experiences of the cities such as Dezful, Isfahan, Shushtar, etc., show that rivers have played an effective role in locating and expanding cities, providing water and energy, ventilation and climate comfort, creating social spaces and spending leisure time, and have been a part of the residents’ lives. However, their current situation indicates oblivion and ignorance of the links between people, cities, and rivers. So, rivers have faced many challenges, such as instability, pollution, habitat destruction, and malfunctions with the rapid development of urbanization. In urban design, this situation has weakened the spatial quality and turned rivers into wetlands with various problems. Therefore, any effort to preserve and restore these water sources is very important. In this regard, urban design can play an important role by re-establishing the links between the city and the river. For this purpose, the current research seeks an integrated approach of “river regeneration as a sustainable public place”; A natural-urban area that brings the river from the peripheral regions to the urban context to be effective in the quality of urban life. The latter approach of “sustainable waterfront urban regeneration” seeks to revive them as “sustainable places” in balance with the category of ecological protection. The current research is trying to explain how to revive the river as a sustainable public place while investigating people’s assessment of the measures taken on rivers and their macro quality as public places.Methods: The philosophical foundation of the research is pragmatism. Therefore, the research approach is combinational, and the research method is based on the case study of the rivers in Isfahan, Ahvaz, Ardabil, and Rasht. The concepts and methods of sustainable revitalization have been analyzed through literature review and similar experiences and have been completed through field surveys based on content analysis and contextual theory.Findings: “Sustainable revitalization of the river as a sustainable public place” is a comprehensive and integrated approach and a strategic and synergistic program in the framework of sustainable development (with a priority on the environmental dimension) in line with connecting the river with the city’s life system and returning it to the context of citizens’ lives. So, this framework is introduced along with revitalizing the river and paying attention to its challenges, with minimal physical interventions and changing the instrumental view of humans, through the processes of bed creation, place-making, exploitation, place ownership, and place cultivation, as a “sustainable public place” focusing on the urban rivers to emerge, play a role in the social life of citizens and compete with other economic sectors. Using the latest aspect of sustainable urban regeneration, i.e., creating a “sustainable place” that relies on the dimension of social sustainability as a certainty of development, this approach has made the public space of urban rivers centered on the river a criterion of action and the relationship between the city and its residents. It establishes a close relationship with nature. In fact, the attraction and access of the city people to the river by relying on the social aspect of nature, such as spending leisure time, their common interest, the protection of the river in the minds of the citizens, etc., leads to a balance between economic interests and environmental goals and provides public access to the river. Conclusion: The geospatial information of the case studies shows that from people’s point of view, the quality of public places based on Karun and Zarjoub is at a medium to a low level, Balgholi Chai of Ardabil is at a medium level, and Zayandehrood of Isfahan is at a medium to a high level. Nevertheless, corrective measures have improved the condition of the rivers and their public places to some extent. The sustainable revitalization of urban rivers seeks to revive them in the form of a “sustainable public place”. The macro mechanisms of this approach include the balancing of the river dimensions, an active and comprehensive consideration, the facilitation of various functions, a holistic approach to the river, the priority of the river sanitation condition as an open biological system full of diversity, simultaneous focus on “input, process, output, qualities, effects”, river integration, grounding the human presence to experience the place, redefining the place of the river in macro-environmental, social, economic systems, balancing the process with the life cycle of the public place and relying on its formations, paying attention to the expectations of the citizens in the process and facilitating the communication of the city, the citizens, and the river.

Original Research Paper

Analyzing and Assessing the Elements of Urban Development Strategy in Small Cities; A Case Study of Galougah, Mazandaran

Ali Hosseini; Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi; Zahra Kabiri; Ramin Zarbi Kenari

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 111-129

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.280499.1682

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: A city’s long-term future vision is created through the process of creating an urban development strategy, upon which executive plans ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: A city’s long-term future vision is created through the process of creating an urban development strategy, upon which executive plans are created. The main objective of urban development strategy is to increase economic competitiveness, but it also addresses issues related to the environment, finances, infrastructure, urban design, and poverty alleviation. The aim of this research is to analyze and evaluate various aspects of the development strategy in Galougah city in order to gain a better understanding of the situation there. The study outlines the comprehensive urban plan that was implemented in 2010, as well as a detailed tourism plan for the Galougah Sea that was developed in 2003. However, the city’s master plan has failed to effectively guide urban development and meet the needs of the current population. The planning process does not involve the urban beneficiaries, and they lack knowledge about how decision-makers make decisions regarding urban challenges. Urban challenges, such as services, environmental problems like the urban sewage system, specific problems of inefficient urban fabrics, and physical problems like the transportation network, sidewalks, and road network lighting, have not been properly identified due to a lack of awareness and effective two-way communication between various city managers. To support this research, the implementation of an urban development strategy plan in Galougah city can be beneficial. This is due to the fact that the issues with urban management not only affect the city but also impact other urban stakeholders, such as the economy, sustainable urban employment, and seasonal migrations. By considering these issues, along with the structural limitations of traditional plans and the distinct conditions of Galougah city, an urban development strategy plan could provide a more comprehensive approach to addressing the city’s challenges.Methods: This research is both descriptive and analytical in nature and aims to be practical. The data was collected through surveys and documentary methods. The researcher developed a questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale as the research tool. The statistical population of this study includes experts in urban issues and residents of Galougah city. In order to gather information, documentary, library, and survey methods were employed. Before being distributed to the statistical population, the prepared questionnaire underwent content validity by being tested with individuals who had opinions on this issue, which helped to ensure its dependability. Cochran’s methodology was followed and employed by a simple random sampling technique to distribute 355 questionnaires to heads-of-household, ensuring that they were representative of the city. A random selection technique was used for each questionnaire. A snowball sampling approach was used to identify a group of specialists, and ultimately, 22 experts were included in the study. To analyze the data, descriptive analysis techniques such as frequency percentage, mean, standard deviation, and variance were employed. Inferential tests in SPSS, including the one-sample t-test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), LSD post hoc test, and Pearson correlation, were also used.Findings: The results of this study demonstrate that Galougah is dealing with issues, all of which have resulted in a decline in the city’s quality of urban life. The mandatory components of the urban development strategy can be strengthened in order to improve the city’s livability. According to the statistical tests conducted, the research findings showed that the relevant indicators for the residents and experts of Galougah City are below average. The dimension of urban livability was found to be weaker than other dimensions among the average indicators for residents, while the dimension of urban competitiveness ranked second. The following scenario involves urban governance and banking. Urban specialists assess these dimensions in the same context. The statistically significant difference observed between the two study groups’ viewpoints is due to the lower average of the analyzed dimensions by the experts, despite their alignment with the residents’ perspectives. This is because experts are more involved in practical and unbiased city issues, such as competition and government, which may have influenced their evaluations.Conclusion: According to the test results, Galougah City is not in an acceptable state for city development strategies, and there is a greater need than ever to prepare and implement the city development plan. Due to the poor and intolerable situation in Galougah city, improving and applying livability approaches appears important. The study of sustainable development goals in cities is based on governance, and proper observance and use of indicators can increase public confidence in institutions of urban management. The assessment and analysis conducted in this research can serve as the framework for assessing various concerns for the mentioned program. In general, the results of this research demonstrate the importance of developing an urban development strategy plan. The research results have the potential to improve our understanding of various challenges faced by citizens and urban management. These findings can be used by managers, planners, and policymakers to develop a city development strategy plan that addresses the city’s current situation and helps to solve its problems in a logical manner.

Original Research Paper

Understanding the Qazibala Farmstead Based on the Six Criteria of Farmsteads Owned by Lords

Hosein Raie

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 131-144

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.271946.1634

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In recent years, extensive studies have identified historic residential farmsteads in the central plateau of Iran. The cultural geography ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In recent years, extensive studies have identified historic residential farmsteads in the central plateau of Iran. The cultural geography of cities such as Qom is an example of Iranian architecture. Farmsteads like Sezavar, Alborz, Kahak, and Cheshmeh Ali, as well as Qazibala farmstead, were formed at some point in history, particularly during the Qajar era, and their remnants can still be seen in and around Qom. The study focuses on communities’ lack of knowledge on recognizing historic farmsteads. Regardless of their identity, many lord-owned farmsteads are being improperly reconstructed or registered on the National Monuments List under different names and titles. The Qazibala farmstead in Qom has also faced these problems. This study focuses on two primary questions; 1. Which criteria for identifying the lordly farmsteads of Iran corresponds to the Qazibala Collection? 2. How does identifying the Qazibala as a lordly farmstead help protect it? The research aimed to introduce the Qazibala farmstead as a lord-owned farmstead in Iran. To this end, the interpretive approach and historical interpretive strategy are easily used with document research and field studies. The findings revealed that six criteria for identifying lord-owned farmsteads in Iran had been identified. So, the Qazibala farmstead is recognized as Lord-owned Farmstead following criteria such as the establishment of physical elements, historical documentation, historical continuity, lordly ownership, fixed population, and stable status. Therefore, identifying this complex as a Lord-owned farmstead can affect its introduction, preservation, and revitalization and prevent improper physical and functional interference from stakeholders.Methods: The research aims to introduce the Qazibala farmstead as a lord-owned farmstead in Iran. To this end, the interpretive approach and historical interpretive strategy were used with bibliographic research and field studies. To give the researcher complete access to the current condition of the farmstead, the farm’s territory and its components, including the mansion, reservoir, tower and barrow, garden, and Qanats, were initially mapped, photographed, and documented. Following that, historical and legal documents, like Naser al-Din Shah’s travelogue, genealogy, deeds, and pictures of the Harvard University Document Center were studied, and interviews with Mohammad Vafaei and Afshin Bakhtiar were conducted to complete the research. The overlapping of the preceding information produced findings that were interpreted and analyzed to meet the six criteria of lord-owned farmsteads in Iran’s central climate.Findings: During the Qajar period, the Qazibala farm was managed using the feudal lord system. This system was maintained in the same order and under the ownership of lords such as Haj Hossein Khan Khalaj, Haj Isaq Khan, and Sardar Motazed until the constitutional period and the first period of the National Assembly. Many farmsteads, particularly the Qazibala farmstead, lost their original form and function during the second Pahlavi period, as the Iranian Land Reform began, and their owners dispersed and migrated. Lotf Ali Khan, the previous owner, entrusted the farmstead to Nazanin Vafai after the Islamic Revolution. The earthquake of 1980 also destroyed a portion of the farms’ tower, barrow, and fence. The social and political changes allowed farm workers and serfs to cross the farm’s fence into the fields, forming the Qazibala village. According to the research findings, the Qazibala farm meets all six criteria. The Qazibala farmstead meets the first criterion, which is the establishment of physical elements. Within this field were features like agricultural land, Qanats, mosques, manors, towers, and barrows, which are still standing or currently experiencing a revival. This farmstead meets the second criterion because it is credible according to two historical travelogues by two venerable and seasoned authors, along with numerous antiquated images and records that support the farm’s credentials. Based on the third criterion, along with the existence of architectural patterns in the physical components, and the mentioned documents, this farmstead dates back to the historical eras of the Qajar and Mohammad Shah. According to the studies conducted in the fourth criterion, the owners of the farm from the Qajar period until it was converted into a village were Mohammad Hossein Khan, Haj Eshaq Khan, Motazed Nezam, Zinat al-Moluk, and Lotf Ali Khan; thus, this farmstead has been privately owned by their lords. Moreover, the fifth criterion reveals that, according to the mentioned documents, this farmstead had a fixed and floating population from the start. Their number increased from 266 to 85 people between 1346 and 1390. These changes and demographic sequence have demonstrated the farm’s viability over time. The Qazibala farmstead is also valid in the sixth criterion. Pictures 10–13 depict the farmstead’s evolution from the beginning to the present, demonstrating its stability despite changes in shape and substance.Conclusion: Previous research demonstrates that the Qazibala complex satisfies the six requirements for identifying lord-owned farmsteads and is recognized as one. This farm was overlooked during the course of social, economic, and political changes and developments. Still, in the form of a “cohesive whole” and with the presence of all possessions and associated elements, it can now be referred to as “Qazibala Lord-owned Farmstead” and be registered, according to documents and archives in the list of national monuments of Iran. Registration based on accurate information can help introduce and preserve this site. By registering this complex as a lord-owned farmstead, all its associated elements will be physically and functionally linked. None of these components can be subjected to inappropriate physical intervention on their own, but their role in the farmstead, along with other related elements such as reservoirs, mills, Qanats, and waterways, should be understood before taking appropriate action. Moreover, by stating that this site is a residential farmstead owned by a lord, it can be classified as an “Important Agricultural Heritage” and registered in the GIAHS system. The GIAHS secretariat in Iran can prepare the global registration file with five criteria based on executive instructions. With this action, many related data in the architectural, agricultural, economic, social, political, cultural, legal, and judicial fields hidden in the Qazibala farmstead and other farms will be introduced and then placed on the path of dynamic preservation based on time and place requirements.

Original Research Paper

Developing a Conceptual Framework for Knowledge-Based Urban Development by Integrating and Analyzing Theories

Masoome Jafari; Manuchehr Tabibian; Hossein Bahraini

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 145-160

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.248491.1516

Abstract

Extanded AbstractBackground and Objectives: Knowledge has been a vital resource for progress since human existence on Earth began. However, the rapid delivery and completion of explicit ... Read More Extanded AbstractBackground and Objectives: Knowledge has been a vital resource for progress since human existence on Earth began. However, the rapid delivery and completion of explicit and targeted knowledge management as a strategic resource are new these days. In fact, due to a lack of understanding of the concept of knowledge assets and its resources, and regarding the lack of knowledge of content management development in cities, the nature of knowledge development and its pattern in the cities of developing countries needs to be clarified. There is also no written plan to move towards knowledge-based urban development. In this research, the influential components of knowledge-based urban development in Iran have been provided by analyzing and integrating the opinions of relevant thinkers.Methods: This research has a qualitative nature in terms of descriptive-analytical targeting, and it is conducted by content analysis and comparative research methods. The analytical approach of this article is non-interventional, and it is only used for highlighting and systematically expressing the optimal patterns and points that have been extracted from a collection of texts. Therefore, the bibliographic method has been followed to collect information. First, the opinions of thinkers were collected in three time periods of 1990-2000, 2000-2010, and 2010-2016 regarding knowledge-based urban development. Thereafter, the models and successful experiences in this type of development were collected and finally analyzed through categorical content analysis. The data were coded, and the Likert scale was used for the survey, which was theoretically saturated with 20 experts using the snowball sampling method after the screening. In the end, the indicators were prioritized by these people. Findings: After analyzing thinkers’ views in three different decades, examining the experiences of cities and countries in perspective and practice, and analyzing urban development patterns, the quality of criteria was analyzed. According to this method, using the Likert spectrum, six components, and twenty-five indicators were obtained based on the consensus of 20 urban experts, including professors, managers, and experts in this field. The obtained data were used to analyze potential cities in Iran in the realization of knowledge-based urban development. Finally, experts were asked to rate the components of knowledge-based urban development concerning Iran. First, the knowledge or institutional management component was prioritized at the top, and then the economic component, technology and communications, urban environment, knowledge indicators, and finally, the priority knowledge location were put into scrutiny. The main causes of the mentioned challenges were the inefficiency of management, the lack of integration, and the inexistence of integrated knowledge management in Iran, leading to the lack of realization of knowledge-based urban development.Conclusion: Urban development is a knowledge-based development in the 21st cities century resulting from extensive social, economic, environmental, managerial, and physical changes. According to extensive studies and projects in developed and developing countries, urban development has performed very well, and it can replace the current urban development plans in the world, given the existing context. One of the challenges is the need for integrated urban management to realize knowledge-based urban development. Another challenge is the need for more effective communication between universities, units, and educational institutions with growth places or knowledge-based industries to exploit the infrastructure and facilities and prevent the leaving of knowledge-making employees from the knowledge context. Another important challenge relates to a passive society that does not participate, especially in urban affairs, and creates social divisions. Another challenge is the need for more knowledgeable staff with political and social roots. As mentioned in this study, elite knowledge employees want adequate and appropriate infrastructure in this environment; however, when the vision of basic knowledge in Iran remains only theoretical, and the necessary infrastructure is not provided to attract these employees, brain drain occurs daily. Another challenge is the mono-product economy and the inflexibility of the market and government interference in private affairs, which can be seen in the social, managerial, and even ecological context. The impact of technocratic, inflexible, and coercive decisions on economic affairs is evident. Therefore, this development will not take place except in societies with good and transparent governance and a democratic society with cultural diversity and adequate and receptive infrastructure.

Original Research Paper

The Criteria for Selecting Architecture Teaching Assistants and Visiting Instructors; Case Study: Hakim Sabzevari University

Vahid Sadram; Seyedeh Mahsa Mousavi Shilgani; Sara Asaadi Jafarabad

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 161-173

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.252278.1537

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In most architecture schools in the country, having teaching assistants alongside qualified professors is essential due to various reasons, ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: In most architecture schools in the country, having teaching assistants alongside qualified professors is essential due to various reasons, including the sudden increase of architecture students in the last decade and the lack of experienced professors, and the need to train architecture instructors for the bright educational future of this field. In addition, the universities that do not use such assistants for any reason will face the sudden aging and retirement of their professors in the future. For this reason, it is important to hire teaching assistants to solve the shortage of professors regarding the increase of architecture students and train teachers for their educational future. However, on the other hand, the professors of architecture or architecture schools do not apply any criteria for selecting assistants. The vagueness of the appropriate criteria for selecting teaching assistants and visiting instructors has sometimes led to the selection of people who do not have the necessary qualifications and interest in educating architecture students. On the other hand, people who are good at being teaching assistants have a lower chance of being selected for the position due to the high volume of applicants. This might also lead them to give up their application. Therefore, the article’s authors aim to find the criteria for better selection of teaching assistants and ask, “What are the appropriate criteria for selecting teaching assistants and visiting instructors with inadequate experience to help the main professors in teaching architectural design workshops?” The research results can be useful and generalizable for other architecture schools by changing the research parameters.Methods: The research uses the “contextual” research method, and it was conducted through interviews and questionnaires. Bibliographic studies have also contributed to conducting the research. Two groups were allocated for data collection. The first group was comprised of professors, and the second group was comprised of students. This research was carried out by interviewing the faculty members of Hakim Sabzevari University, Khayyam University of Mashhad, and Hakim Nizami University of Qochan (choosing multiple universities in Khorasan was necessary to increase the internal validity of the research. In addition, several universities were requested to cooperate. These two universities agreed to cooperate with the researchers) and a questionnaire was compiled for architecture students at these universities. In fact, this research was concerned with the selection criteria of assistants from the perspective of these two groups, that is, the main professors (and the assistants above) and the architecture students (and the assistants below). By examining and comparing the interview data and the questionnaire output, we achieved the criteria for selecting visiting instructors and teaching assistants and finally prioritized these criteria.Findings: The features deduced from the interview and questionnaire show that qualifications such as “proper communication with students”, “proper transfer of content”, “being available for students”, “updated information” , “study in the field of teaching” , “appropriate social behavior” , “learning from the professor” , “ mastery of the relevant subject” , “ coordination with the professor” , “ regular attendance” and “ motivation and interest in teaching” were addressed by both professors and students. On the other hand, “professional work” , “ helping the professor” , “class management skills” , “ appropriate age difference with the student” , and “ having been graduated” were only expressed by professors. Other qualifications such as “presentation of tasks” , “perseverance” , “satisfaction with the teaching method” , and “ encouraging students” were only mentioned in student statements. The shared opinions of the two groups in choosing the criteria and prioritizing them came from the same concern in both groups. The difference in opinions seems to be caused by two different perspectives of professors and students.Conclusion: The students’ concern and dissatisfaction with some teaching assistants in the architectural design workshop, as well as the lack of clear criteria for selecting these assistants or instructors, prompted the authors to find and prioritize the selection criteria in this research. The data of this research was collected in the form of “interviews” with architecture professors and faculty members of three architectural schools in Khorasan, and the completion of a “questionnaire” by the students of these schools. After coding and analyzing the data, the following criteria were extracted and prioritized based on the opinions of professors and students: “regular attendance”, “updated information”,” coordination with the teacher”, “mastery of the relevant subject”, “proper communication with students”, “knowledge of teaching”, “being available for students”, “professional work alongside teaching”, “appropriate social behavior”, “learning from the professor”, “proper transfer of content”, “motivation and interest in teaching”, “encouraging students, “helping the teacher”,” class management skills”, “presentation of tasks”, “satisfaction with the teaching method”, “perseverance in carrying out responsibility”, “being graduated”,” appropriate age difference with the student”.

Original Research Paper

Assessing the Feasibility of Using Office Building Envelope Optimization Solutions in Temperate Regions of Iran; A Case Study of Zero Energy Buildings in Similar Climates

Fatemeh Yarmohammad; Fatemeh Mehdizadeh Saradj

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 175-195

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.225316.1384

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Air pollution and excessive energy consumption are two crises that seriously threaten metropolises today and endanger the health of society ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Air pollution and excessive energy consumption are two crises that seriously threaten metropolises today and endanger the health of society and energy sources in the future. Nearly half of the world’s non-renewable energy resources have been consumed. An energy shortage is inevitable because more than 40% of energy consumption is in the construction sector. The average energy consumption of buildings in Iran is more than 2.5 times the world average, and big cities suffer from air pollution, which is often caused by fossil fuels. More than 98% of the energy in Iran is consumed as oil and gas products, which account for 26.4% of carbon dioxide emissions. The buildings are designed and built in such a way that they do not retain the cold and heat that is provided with exorbitant costs. The heat exchange occurs quickly due to the un-insulated outer envelope (walls, roof, and floor) and un-insulated cooling and heating facilities, which leads to an increase in energy consumption by heating and cooling systems. The energy consumption research in the recent decade comprises sustainable, zero-energy, and zero-carbon buildings. The annual energy consumption of these buildings is nearly zero, and they do not produce carbon pollutants. Considering the non-use of carbon dioxide-producing energies and renewable energy supply, zero-carbon buildings can effectively reduce air pollution in big cities. This research aims to identify and explain the design principles of European zero-energy office building envelopes to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Then it will evaluate the feasibility of using the solutions above in cities with similar climates in Iran.Methods: At first, the principles and solutions of reducing energy consumption, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and using renewable energies that directly or indirectly affect the design of the building envelope have been identified and specified. Then, to reduce energy consumption, carbon dioxide emission, and the use of renewable energy, 34 examples of office buildings in temperate European regions have been examined, and the most applied methods for designing their envelopes have been identified. Then, the most widely used solutions identified for the feasibility of implementation for office buildings in areas with similar climates in Iran have been weighted by the Shannon entropy method and ranked according to the combined weight of application, feasibility, or based on some parameters such as cost, ease of implementation during construction and after construction, the need for skilled labor and specialized equipment, execution time, the produced energy and payback period of the investment. Findings: The results of the research show that the most employed solutions are related to the use of photovoltaic panels, thermal insulation of the walls, the use of natural ventilation, attention to the dimensions and position of the windows, the use of daylight, the use of materials with suitable thermal capacity, the use of greenhouse and atrium, and the use of green wall and roof.Conclusion: The results of this article indicate the most effective principles and common solutions for the envelope design of zero-energy buildings in Iran with climates similar to the European climate. The combined use of these solutions in the design of envelopes can greatly reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in the short term. Due to the novel nature of the construction and operation of zero energy buildings in Iran and the lack of experience in obtaining the productivity and energy efficiency of these buildings using various solutions so far, using the experiences of advanced countries and the feasibility of implementing those solutions is indispensable to achieve an optimal and appropriate design and the highest energy efficiency of the buildings in Iran shortly. Therefore, the results of this research can effectively help designers in this field.

Original Research Paper

Analysis of the Impact of Volume Changes on Acoustic Behavior in Mosques; Case Study: the Historic Mosques of Tabriz

Abbas Ghaffari; Farzaneh Gholizadeh

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 197-210

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.230007.1410

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Hearing in humans is a sense which has no role in selecting entries and responds unconsciously to various sounds. The environment in which ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Hearing in humans is a sense which has no role in selecting entries and responds unconsciously to various sounds. The environment in which humans live is overfilled with such sounds and vis saturated with different types of sounds from a variety of sources. Depending on the location of the human, the maximum amount of sound exposure that the ear can tolerate is determined. Architecture limits and frames sound. This causes the sound to behave differently indoors than outdoors. The type of difference is sometimes desirable and sometimes undesirable, and this is due to different architectures. There are many effective components in the formation of architecture and the physical structure of a place. However, early studies in Acoustics for architecture, exemplified by Sabine's formula, placed emphasis on the size, materials, and surface area of space as the most important factors in shaping its acoustics. As mosques are of a particular function in terms of acoustics, they require multiple behaviors in this field. An acoustically ideal mosque should not only provide quiet spaces for individual concentration, but also distribute sound effectively for collective use. According to Sabin's formula, this can be achieved through careful consideration of the volume, materials, and surface area of the space.Methods: The purpose of this study was to investigate how changes in volume affect the acoustic behavior of mosques. To achieve this, the study aimed to maintain consistent parameters affecting sound measurements to analyze the impact of volume variations on the acoustic behavior of mosques. Findings suggest that traditional mosques with smaller volumes generally have more homogeneous sound behavior and exhibit higher sound pressure levels throughout the space. In contrast, larger mosques may have areas with high sound pressure levels but inconsistent sound behavior. The study was conducted in two phases - a theoretical phase and a field study - focusing on analyzing the acoustic behavior of mosques using advanced tools to obtain accurate results. The main objective of the research was to differentiate between acoustics in different volumetric types and identify effective techniques. In order to measure the Reverberation time, the 2260 device of B&K Denmark has been used, and several points have been measured in mosques depending on the size of the plan surface. The SINUS Acoustic Camera was utilized for imaging purposes and was operated in two positions. During the first stage, the samples' overall noise level was recorded. In the second position, the sound source was utilized. In all instances, the position of the source in the Mihrab was taken into account. This was done to simulate the preacher's typical placement in the Mihrab. The selected frequency range is up to 10 kHz. Findings: The findings indicate that all samples had a consistent sound distribution of 94 decibels. However, the largest volume exhibited the lowest sound pressure level, while the smaller volumes had higher sound pressure levels in proportion to their size. This shows that the effect of loud noises in space is much less felt with increasing volume. This acoustic event intensifies with increasing frequency and the effect of volume is less at low frequencies. On the other hand, increasing the volume increases the reverberation time, and this change, in contrast to the SPL, is greater at lower frequencies. In other words, the volume at lower frequencies is an effective factor in changes in the reverberation time and does not play a significant role in the reverberation time of space at high frequencies.Conclusion: The results show that increasing the volume in the same structure of the samples reduces the sound pressure level in the building and, at the same time, increases the reverberation time. This is directly dependent on the frequency, and at lower frequencies, increasing the volume has less effect on the sound pressure level. In the reverberation time factor, the frequency behavior is inverse and the volume will be less effective at higher frequencies, which proves the acoustic balance in the samples. The three factors of volume, reverberation time, and sound pressure level vary in relation to the frequency range. The relationship between volume, reverberation time, and sound pressure level also varies depending on the frequency spectrum. This finding will be effective in designing mosques with a similar structure because the reverberation time and the desired sound pressure level can be predicted depending on the desired volume. On the other hand, since a standard amount is defined for reverberation time in mosques and other settings, the volume of the space can be designed, and the sound pressure level can be adjusted to achieve the desired Reverberation time.

Original Research Paper

Evaluation and Introducing Effective Models of Regionalism for Integrated Governing of Iran's Metropolitan Regions

Iradj Asadie; Esfandiar Zebardast

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 211-229

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.254622.1553

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The recognition of metropolitan regions as well as the question of appropriate and effective institutions and structures for the governance ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The recognition of metropolitan regions as well as the question of appropriate and effective institutions and structures for the governance of them has been a serious intellectual concern for nearly a century. These pioneering metropolitan scholars argued that the management of contemporary metropolitan areas based on the ideas, methods, structures, and institutions of traditional urban management were no longer effective. A great deal of governmental reorganizations should take place in these areas to address the managerial inefficiencies of these new space realms. The argument for governmental reorganizations and establishing large-scale metropolitan governments was based on the belief that the process of physical growth and development of twentieth century cities has transcended the boundaries of traditional political divisions in such a way that the city and the political boundaries of the historic municipality no longer correspond even to the territory of the built-up urban area. In other words, the city and the built-up urban areas with its horizontal expansion covers a much wider range of traditional political divisions of the municipality and even larger political territories such as county and districts, and this means that there is no correspondence between the built-up territory of the city and its political and governmental organization. This non-compliance poses the greatest managerial challenge for this type of large urban regions, known as political or governmental fragmentation. On the other hand, metropolitan regionalism generally refers to a set of strategies aimed at overcoming the challenge of political and governmental fragmentation. As the metropolitan scholars emphasize, all kinds of strategies and models of metropolitan regionalism are in fact a response to the growth of urban areas beyond the usual administrative-political boundaries, during which the metropolitan areas or regions transcends political boundaries of tens or hundreds of cities, counties and districts. Hence, the discussion of governance organization in metropolitan areas in the form of various models and strategies of regionalism has been a topic that has been raised at the same time with the beginning of the first dispersal of cities and sprawl beyond conventional legal-political boundaries in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. All strategies of metropolitan regionalism seek to create a variety of structures or processes to create coordination, cooperation and collaboration between the various territorial and institutional actors in the region in order to mitigate the adverse economic, social, political and environmental effects of political fragmentation. In the last two decades, from when the issue of metropolitan regionalism in Iran was discussed with the approval of the bill "Planning and management of the Majmooe-a-shahri of Tehran (Tehran metropolitan regions) and other major cities" in 1995, governments and academics have developed various models and strategies to overcome the challenge of political fragmentation in metropolitan areas, although almost none have been implemented. Reviews show that in a significant part of the proposed models for reorganizing the government of these areas, the specific spatial and political context of metropolitan areas in Iran have been less considered and therefore, in terms of theoretical and practical criteria for action in any governmental reorganization, the proposals presented suffer from methodological errors. For example, for the integrated management of the country's metropolitan areas, a two-tier (federal) metropolitan government model has been proposed, which has been used in the world to overcome political fragmentation in the built-up urban or metropolitan area, not huge functional urban regions that are very different from the former in terms of geographical definition and functional requirements. This methodological error is mostly due to the lack of sufficient consideration for the nature of different types of city-based regions on the one hand and not so deep knowledge of regionalism models and political and functional requirements of their implementations on the other hand. Therefore, the main purpose of this article is to find those models of metropolitan regionalism that are in relative proportion with the geographical definition of metropolitan regions (majmoo-e-shahri) as well as the characteristics of local and regional territorial management of the country.Methods: For achieving our purpose, various models of metropolitan regionalism are examined in order to show the scope of their application - in terms of spatial-territorial, political and functional requirements of each. So, after a concise discussion of the reasons for dealing with metropolitan regionalism, discusses the various well-known typologies of metropolitan regionalism and provides a detailed list of main models of metropolitan regionalism. In the following, the appropriateness and effectiveness of each of the models of metropolitan regionalism in terms of two major definitions of "city", one in the sense of urban or metropolitan built-up area and the other in the sense of urban or metropolitan functional region are examined. Findings: The research findings show that among the different models discussed in this paper three models, namely annexation, local and regional special districts and formal inter-municipal cooperation have been used in Iran before. However, the important point is that, apart from local and regional special districts, the other two models are used to consolidate territorial governance in urban or metropolitan built-up area rather than whole of a large metropolitan region. Other three models, two-tiered metropolitan government, comprehensive urban county, and city-county consolidation are also used to consolidate territorial governance in urban or metropolitan built-up areas or small urban regions within a county borders. The two models of regional councils as well as regional government are the only models and structures that by definition can cover the whole of a large metropolitan region frequencies.Conclusion: The intellectual contribution of this paper is to show which model will have the most effectiveness to establish unity in the governance of large metropolitan regions. Here, by examining the spatial extent and functional spectrum of different models of regionalism, it is clear that two models of regional councils as well as regional government are the only models and structures that by definition can cover the whole of a large metropolitan region.

Original Research Paper

Analysis of the Internal Brand Image of the Historical Context of Isfahan

Hajar Nasei Isfahani; Mahin Nastaran; Rasoul Bidram

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 231-245

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2022.261676.1593

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Historical contexts are the relative advantage of old cities, which can attract both human and economic capital in urban competitiveness ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Historical contexts are the relative advantage of old cities, which can attract both human and economic capital in urban competitiveness approaches. However, this advantage becomes a competitive one when the place brand can create a unique valuable image in the minds of its stakeholders. Therefore, any planning and designing to promote the brand of the place requires accurate identification of the current situation and perception of the beneficiaries of that place. Consequently, it is very important to examine the mental image of the internal stakeholders of that place, including residents, business owners, and citizens, all of which determine the internal brand of the context. The urban context is only successful in satisfying external stakeholders, including tourists and investors, once it creates value, a positive image, or satisfaction for its internal stakeholders. Therefore, this study was first conducted to investigate the perception of the internal brand of the historical context of Isfahan and to know what factors shape the mentality of internal stakeholders in the perception of the brand of the historical context of Isfahan and also what the current status of its brand image is.Methods: The methodology used is organized and implemented based on the grounded theory of Strauss and Corbin. Considering this theory, recognition of the phenomenon or the presentation of the theory comes from the data collected. Based on their systematic collection and analysis, it is rooted in the conceptual data. The purpose of a grounded theory is to provide an abstract analytical framework for a process, action, or interaction. Based on this fact, in this research, the emotions, feelings, and behavior of the internal stakeholders in the context are investigated using open-ended qualitative interviews. The data gathered is used to analyze and interpret the perception of the context for discovering their concepts and relations and organize them in the form of a necessary theoretical explanatory plan. Therefore, by conducting in-depth interviews with 245 people in five historical neighborhoods of Jubareh Dardasht, Jolfa, Takht-e Foulad, and Naqsh-e Jahan, the internal image of the place brand was investigated and analyzed. Findings: The data gathered helped us extract 72 key concepts and 19 main categories. The results indicate that the brand image of the historical context of Isfahan -from the stakeholders’ internal point of view- is consisted of tangible and intangible cultural heritage attractions, social compatibility versus social conflict, economic activities, and social interaction that is affected by factors such as physical and social issues. These involve the degree of desire to reach the context in various aspects, such as residence, investment, and visiting and spending leisure time. However, in some historic neighborhoods, it leads to economic stagnation, lack of social vitality, and capital withdrawal. The dominant mental image of the audience in Jubareh neighborhood is based on its social identity and the Jewish residence. In Jolfa neighborhood, it is based on the social and economic identity of the Armenian population. The entertainment and leisure activities and shopping in Dardasht neighborhood are considered because of its tangible and intangible cultural identity, including religious occasions and historical monuments. In Naqsh-e Jahan neighborhood, it is based on its cultural and economic identity, including its great square and large handicrafts market. And finally, in Takht-e Foulad neighborhood, in its ritual religious, cultural ceremonies, and identity.Conclusion: In a comparative study of the related literature review with the findings of this grounded theory research, the conceptual model of the internal brand image creation of the historical context of Isfahan indicates two stages of cognitive factors and emotional factors. The cognitive stage includes tangible and intangible cultural heritage attractions, economic activities, social and physical issues, structural capital of urban management, and local lifestyle. The emotional stage also indicates interaction and adaptation versus social conflict, stakeholders’ religious values on the one hand, and the manifestation of religious values in the place. On the other hand, belonging to the context versus not belonging and the existence and symbolic human capital causes motivation or lack of motivation to participate in the context. These two stages create an attitude of the place in the mind of the stakeholders that leads to the process of creation of the brand image in the behavioral stage. Then, based on the interests of the stakeholders, willingness or unwillingness to live, invest, spend leisure time, do shopping, and visit is manifested, and of course, it is associated with the existence or lack of economic and human capital, economic and social vitality in the context.

Original Research Paper

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

Mohammad Navid Fattahi; Nina Ghaslani; Salahedin Molanaei

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

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

Guilda Daghighi Masoule; Mojgan Khakpour

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

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

Ahad Nazari; Mohammad Reza Torabi

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

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

Zahra Mahdinejad Godarzi; Jamaluddin Mehdinejad Darzi; Fatemeh Mozaffari Qadikolaei

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

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

Maryam Heidari; Seyed Hashem Mosaddad

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

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

Marziyeh Fallah Barzeghar; Ahmad khalili

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

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

Sanaz Haghshenas; Mahnaz Mahmoudi Zarandi; Nasim Khanloo

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

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

Sahel Ghasemi Baghdadi; Mozayan Dehbashi Sharif; Mohammadreza Pourzagar

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

The Theoretical Relation of Patterns and Regulations in Architecture

Azadeh Mohajer Milani; Alireza Einifar

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

Optimization of Townscapes with Emphasize on Flood Resilience

Fatemeh Fotouhi Ahl; Azita Belali Oskoyi; Yaser Shahbazi

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

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

Abstract

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

Original Research Paper

Analyzing the Effects of Urban Highway Construction on the City with a Futuristic Approach

Samaneh Jalilisadrabad; Shaghayegh Parhizgar

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, Pages 421-442

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.278400.1673

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: With the ever-increasing population expansion and the scattered growth of cities, especially in cities centered on personal transportation, ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: With the ever-increasing population expansion and the scattered growth of cities, especially in cities centered on personal transportation, we are witnessing the creation and expansion of road networks, especially highways. Transportation can be considered one of the central elements and a role player in the growth and development of the city. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the issues of transportation problems, such as problems related to inner and outer city transportation, traffic problems, noise and air pollution, and waste of time and capital. Managers and urban planners tried to solve these problems, and some urban planners believe that building a highway is one of the ways to improve transportation and adjust the issues and problems related to it, but others believe that highways do not have the ability to respond to existing problems. During the rapid global changes, cities are experiencing a paradigm shift, of which the highway is one of them, and they play an important role in urban mobility and accessibility. In this regard, their effects on the city should also be examined.Methods: The current research method is descriptive-analytical of applied research type. Information and documents have been used to extract indicators affecting highways. The effects of each indicator were analyzed by foresight and cross-effects analysis. The cross-effects analysis method is a kind of foresight method that tries to achieve the possible and likely scenarios in the future for that subject with the cause-and-effect relationships between the factors affecting a subject. In this research, after extracting some indicators using the Delphi method in three rounds, experts were first asked to complete the indicators and effective factors, and in the next step, the mentioned indicators were categorized and finalized, and in the last round, points were determined. The factors have been discussed, which were scored from 0 to 3 and P (possible effects) and entered into Micmac software. Therefore, ten versions of the questionnaire were completed by the experts to determine the points of the factors, and by using the method of cross-effects analysis, which is one of the common and accepted methods of foresight, it analyzed the effective components related to highways. A number of 24 factors related to highway construction have been investigated, and finally, the factors have been analyzed in tables and graphs extracted from this software. The outputs of this method classify the factors affecting highways into five categories of risk variables, influential, secondary leverage, independent and dependent, and show its stability or instability pattern.Findings: In the first stage of model implementation in the current research, using the Delphi method and the opinion of 10 professors and experts, all 24 factors affecting highways were entered into the software, and a short indicator was considered for each one, then the impact of each factor on other factors have been measured with the help of Mic Mac software. In other words, the cross-effects matrix is formed. MicMac software analyzes the direct and indirect relationships of a network by using different calculations and finally creates a map and an influence graph based on which variables can be analyzed and categorized. The level of impact in this model is divided into four groups: no impact (number zero), weak impact (number), medium impact (number two), and high impact (number three). The results of this research show that the variables of the road network change rate, motorized transport use, pedestrian and bicycle paths, the performance and efficiency of land use, the level of surface water pollution, the direction of the city expansion, and the amount of wind and airflow among the indicators and factors that were investigated. The number of changes in the road network and the amount of motorized transport used were the most important effects of intra-city highways.Conclusion: In general, these things (the amount of change in the road network, the amount of motorized transport use, pedestrian and bicycle paths, the performance and efficiency of land use, the level of surface water pollution, the direction of the city expansion and the amount of wind and airflow) are seven key factors. In addition, there are effects of intra-city highways that should be given special attention in the process of micro and macro-planning to improve the condition of the city and highways.

Volume 14 (2023)

Volume 13 (2022)

Volume 12 (2021)

Volume 11 (2020)

Volume 10 (2019)

Volume 9 (2018)

Volume 8 (2018)

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Volume 6 (2016)

Volume 5 (2015)

Volume 4 (2014)

Volume 3 (2013)

Volume 2 (2011)

Volume 1 (2010)

Volume & Issue: Volume 13, Issue 2, February 2022, Pages 1-459

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