environmental psychology
alireza khadivipanah; islam karami
Abstract
The emergence of social housing as a necessity in urban planning systems, the problem of the present research is the quality of living in residential complexes and the premise of the research is the role of privacy in improving the quality of living. The aim of the research is to achieve a human and ...
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The emergence of social housing as a necessity in urban planning systems, the problem of the present research is the quality of living in residential complexes and the premise of the research is the role of privacy in improving the quality of living. The aim of the research is to achieve a human and social structure in residential complexes by improving the quality of living. The explanation of the components and criteria of the quality of residence and privacy and how it is realized in the samples of the research - four residential complexes in Mashhad) are the questions of the research. Through random sampling in the statistical sample (345 people) and using an open questionnaire, field research was conducted and using spss analysis software, the results of the studies were presented using descriptive tests, mean, correlation, regression and path analysis. . The findings show that there is a significant relationship and correlation between the two variables of privacy and quality of residence, and only two variables of residence status and gender have a direct and positive effect on the variable of quality of residence. A single or concentrated type like the Venus complex has the highest quality of residence and privacy in general and among the components of the quality of residence (perceptual-emotional, physical-functional, social-activity) and privacy components (individual-social, moral-religious). , behavioral-functional). The habitat quality of the scattered species (Farhangian complex) and then the peripheral species (Pars complex) are respectively in favorable conditions. And in relation to the privacy variable, the environmental species (Pars) and then the scattered species (Farhangian) are in favorable conditions. Privacy and quality of living in residential complexes have a correlation and positive significance. Finally, the results of the research are presented in three areas of designing residential units, neighborhood units and residential complexes.
Urban Architecture
Masoumeh Mirsafa; zeinab Talebi; Mansoureh Kianersi
Abstract
Highlights
- Children’s Independent Mobility (CIM) is affected by their interpersonal characteristics, the social environment, and the quality of the built environment.
- Based on the Grounded Theory, childhood obesity, regulations and controlling process, and social and urban situation ...
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Highlights
- Children’s Independent Mobility (CIM) is affected by their interpersonal characteristics, the social environment, and the quality of the built environment.
- Based on the Grounded Theory, childhood obesity, regulations and controlling process, and social and urban situation introduce casual, contextual, and intervening conditions, respectively.
- CIM can be promoted by various spatial qualities such as walkability, safety and security, playfulness, health, attractiveness, and access to nature.
- The social acceptance and awareness of the community play a role in promotion of children’s independent mobility.
- Promotion of CIM through effective planning and design guidelines results in higher degrees of mental and physical health among children.
Introduction
In the past few decades, the social conditions of cities have changed the children’s urban life and imposed a huge impact on their freedom of movement and independence in the public realm. Moreover, many parents are caught in “social traps,” and are consequently more likely to restrict their children’s independent, active movement in the public realm. While Children’s Independent Mobility (CIM) originally focused on their independent travel to and from school, the concept has further expanded to embrace their independent, active mobility and play around their neighborhoods without adult supervision or accompaniment. Thus, this paper attempts to study the shared spaces in residential complexes, providing a child’s first independent outdoor experience, and identify the qualities that can contribute to and improve (CIM) in such areas.
Theoretical Framework
As an essential quality of a child-friendly environment, CIM is an indicator of children’s acceptance in the society, which provides them with the opportunity to be present in the public, play in the neighborhood without adult supervision or accompaniment, and interact with others and develop their social circles. It provides a wider variety of opportunities for socialization and hangouts among children and contributes to their sense of identity. Therefore, CIM is considered as an important quality that aids children’s physical, social, and cognitive development. The main factors that influence CIM include interpersonal characteristics, a sense of community and social environment, and the quality of the built environment.
With regard to children’s interpersonal characteristics, one has to take into consideration the importance of age and sex in their mobility and play patterns in the public realm. Children aged 8 to 12 years are more likely to receive permission from their parents to go out and play than younger children. There are also clear differences in the ways that boys and girls use and experience urban neighborhoods and spaces; generally, boys enjoy greater freedom of mobility and are more visible in neighborhoods and playgrounds.
The social environment of a neighborhood is influenced by the level of social cohesion, the existence of shared values and norms, a family’s mental image of their place of residence, their concerns about the presence of strangers, the likelihood of crime and delinquency, and child abuse in the area. In turn, it exhibits impacts on the level of independence that children might experience in their use of public spaces in the neighborhood.
The Physical characteristics affect CIM on two scales: the neighborhood where the residential complex is located and its shared spaces. At the larger scale of the neighborhood, the compact city form, which provides children with short distances between various destinations, increases their chances of active, independent mobility. Furthermore, such areas improve children’s sense of security in public spaces as they enjoy higher population density. In the shared spaces of residential complexes, the characteristics that are closely associated with CIM include density, pedestrian-friendliness, cleanliness, access to green spaces, and proximity to nature. One has to take into consideration that other environmental characteristics, including the climate conditions, air quality, and temperature affect the time for which children would like to stay and play in public areas.
Methodology
The research employed the grounded theory methodology to construct a theory from the collected data. Due to the necessity of obtaining insights from various groups of stakeholders, the data were collected through 107 semi-structured interviews to reach saturation. This included 53 children, 38 parents and caregivers, and 16 professionals. Given the importance of the physical qualities of the environment, direct field observations were also made in 15 selected residential complexes in Tehran. The qualitative data analysis was carried out through the MAXQDA software, where 74 concepts, 25 principal codes, and 9 categories were extracted. The codes and categories were integrated and optimized, and their relationship with the core of the research was specified.
Results and Discussions
The results of the data analysis demonstrate that the causal and intervening conditions of children’s independent mobility include the inadequacy of the legal framework and the inefficiency in implementation of plans and their monitoring and evaluation systems. Moreover, CIM is affected by the qualities of the social environment where children live, and the social acceptance and awareness of the community can thus play a role in promotion of CIM strategies. The results further reveal that strategies used to improve the social atmosphere within the residential complex in favor of more independent, freer presence of children include improvement of the physical qualities of the environment, involving attempts made to keep children safe and secure from all possible risks and threats, to plan for playful spaces, to facilitate access to nature and green spaces, and to keep the spaces clean and healthy. As a consequence, the children will enjoy higher degrees of mental and physical health.
Conclusion
Social traps and lack of responsive quality control and evaluation systems for child-friendly residential complexes emphasize the necessity to develop a qualitative framework to promote opportunities for children’s independent mobility and unsupervised play in shared spaces in residential complexes, while meeting parents’ expectations from the quality of the built environment to permit CIM within these spaces.
Urban Architecture
sara Mohebinejad; Khosro Movahed; Ali Akbar Heydari; malihe taghipour
Abstract
Highlights- Various studies have demonstrated that several factors, including social, physical, and economic ones, affect the degree of socialization of an environment.- Spatial organization in a residential complex has a significant role in the increase or decrease in its open space sociability.- Open ...
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Highlights- Various studies have demonstrated that several factors, including social, physical, and economic ones, affect the degree of socialization of an environment.- Spatial organization in a residential complex has a significant role in the increase or decrease in its open space sociability.- Open spaces with central and mixed layouts offer greater sociability than other patterns in residential complexes.- Improper placement of various outdoor functions of a residential complex will reduce the sociability of the space.- A new method involves measurement of the effect of the formation of open spaces in residential complexes using space syntax. IntroductionDifferent arrangements of blocks in a residential complex create different patterns of open space that enable the occurrence of different potentials in terms of spatial socialization. In this study, four different patterns of arrangement of residential blocks in the city of Shiraz, Iran were selected, including linear, complex, single-element, and complex central patterns. Their spatial structures were analyzed using the spatial syntax theory tools and field and documentary observations, and different aspects of socialization therein were compared. Theoretical foundations1- Sociability of the architectural spaceSocialization in a public space is based on people’s need for a sense of social belonging and interaction with each other, which can be realized in a supportive social space along with provision of physical comfort, territory claim, sense of ownership, and reception of justice in space.2- Factors affecting socialization in the open spaces in a residential complexAmong the factors affecting socialization, physical factors (pertaining to spatial order) that affect the sociability of open spaces in residential complexes were studied and analyzed.3- Physical components affecting socialization3-1- Type of spatial organizationHierarchyThe concept of hierarchy denotes a set of features and phenomena that cause different spaces to be classified or ordered in a spatial configuration.AccessibilityThe issue of accessibility can be examined in two ways: physical access and visual access.3-2- Locations of spaces and types of access to them One of the most important factors that affect the sociability of different spaces is their locations in the context of a site and the way in which people access them. TransparencyTransparency means the possibility of visual connection of different spaces with each other, and is an important factor in the provision of a feeling of peace and security in the environment.3-3- Form, geometry, dimensions, and proportions of the space The morphological characteristics of space specify its appearance, and have a direct impact on people’s mood in interaction with space and their desire to attend it, as measured by the following two factors.Spatial diversitySpatial diversity is associated with a variety of concepts that are related both to the uses and to the formal diversity of spaces.Percentages of open and closed spacesIt is very important to consider the proportionality of open and closed spaces and the visible skyline.MethodologyIn this research, spatial organization was evaluated using the indicators of hierarchy and accessibility. The tools of connection, relative connection, and depth were used in the space syntax technique. The locations of the spaces and the types of access to them were evaluated using the two indicators of spatial location and transparency, the subject of spatial location was examined using the tools of communication, relative link, and depth, and the transparency indicator was assessed using the tools of vision control and obstruction.Result and Discussion- It was observed that the least spatial depth was formed in the central layout, leaving the open spaces in the center of the complex with greater sociability.- Where the playing space was located in the middle of the entrance area of a mixed complex, it occupied the largest viewing area, thereby increasing sociability.- Mixed and central spaces exhibited the highest degree of interconnection, minimum separation, and maximum accessibility of the open space due to the type of arrangement of their blocks.- Central and mixed spaces provided greater vision control and transparency despite their great spatial diversity and the possibility of mutual view of the spaces.- In the examination of the indicator of spatial diversity, as observed, the presence of a skyline with a wider field of view and a sense of open space increased the sociability of the public space.Conclusion- Improper placement of spaces in the site of a residential complex will leave them less appealing and desirable to the community.- If a space is relatively deep in terms of access, it will hardly be welcomed.- Variety in the arrangement of blocks can increase sociability in the open air, because it increases the variety of space on the plan.- An open space will enjoy greater sociability if it meets everyone’s needs. Children and families should be free to respond to their basic needs in these spaces.- By establishing a balance between the percentages of open and closed spaces, we can help increase sociability. A visible skyline and consideration of the height of the blocks increase a person’s motivation to be outdoors.- Greater sociability is required to create less visual depth and more communication and interconnectedness.The following suggestions are made about the design of a complex:- tendency to design residential complexes of the mixed and central types- inclusion of playing spaces that are more connected and more frequently used- development of spaces suitable for sitting with a focus on provision of the right shade or the possibility of sunbathing and applying maximum transparency and accessibility- creation of a playing space in a lower hierarchy with the possibility of providing maximum transparency and communication- creation and development of semi-open common spaces on the floors of a residential complex, such as social balconies, and consideration of the availability of public, private, and semipublic spaces- recognition that residents of a complex who have better observed the indicators of physical quality will find their living environment more favorable in the same conditions of the neighborhood.AcknowledgmentThis article is taken from the first author's doctoral dissertation entitled "Compilation of Shiraz apartment housing schemas with emphasis on indicators of optimal physical quality" which is being conducted at the Islamic Azad University of Shiraz.
Urban Architecture
aliakbar heidari; malihe taghipour
Abstract
Highlights
- The physical health of people in residential complexes is directly related to the environmental quality of those complexes;
- The mental health of the residents in the residential complexes is directly related to the structural quality of the complexes;
- The social health of the residents ...
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Highlights
- The physical health of people in residential complexes is directly related to the environmental quality of those complexes;
- The mental health of the residents in the residential complexes is directly related to the structural quality of the complexes;
- The social health of the residents in the residential complexes is directly related to the functional quality of the complexes;
- Providing health dimensions in residential complexes is directly related to the quality of life of residents.
Introduction
Due to the inattention of designers and architectures to the quality of biological collections during the rapid growth of urbanization, the residents of these collections have faced many problems, the most important being the sharp decline in their quality of life. On the other hand, since home is the most important space in human life, and people spend most of their lives in residential environments, the quality of housing and its role in improvement of the quality of life is a significant issue. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate how the environmental quality of housing is related to the residents’ quality of life to analyze the mechanism of this relationship. Accordingly, the environmental quality of housing was considered as an independent variable and the quality of life as a dependent variable. In addition, given that the quality of housing is an objective issue, and the quality of life is a subjective issue, a mediating variable was needed with both objective and subjective aspects for analysis of the relationship between the two concepts. Therefore, the notion of health was considered as the mediating variable in this study, and an attempt was made to explain the relationship between the main variables through examination of the relationship between health and the dimensions of environmental quality, on the one hand, and its relationship with the quality of life, on the other.
Theoretical Framework
Based on the objectives and hypotheses of the research, architectural quality was considered as an independent variable, quality of life as a dependent variable, and health dimensions as a mediating variable. According to the research literature, the quality of architecture was evaluated in the form of three indicators: environmental quality, structural quality, and functional quality. The quality of life was evaluated in the form of a psychological-semantic concept including satisfaction with residents’ various aspects of individual and social life. Finally, the dimensions of health were analyzed in the form of three aspects: physical, mental, and social health.
Methodology
After a review of the literature and extraction of the indicators concerning each of the research variables, the theoretical framework of the research was presented. These indicators were examined as a case study using tools including observation, interview, and researcher-made questionnaires at three residential complexes in the city of Shiraz, Iran. A standard questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. The quality of architecture was assessed using the above tools based on the indicators provided for that purpose. Finally, the residents’ health conditions were assessed using a researcher-made closed questionnaire. To specify the validity and reliability of the questionnaires, the items concerning each variable were first designed and provided to the experts. After a number of the items were corrected and deleted, the final questionnaire was designed in the form of a set of 26 items, and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for each group was obtained.
Results and Discussion
The eventual research results follow.
- The physical health of the people in the residential complexes was directly related to the environmental quality of the complexes.
- The mental health of the residents of the residential complexes was directly related to the structural quality of the complexes.
- The social health of the residents of the residential complexes was directly related to the functional quality of the complexes.
- Provision of health dimensions in the residential complexes was directly related to the residents’ quality of life.
Conclusion
1- The quality of architecture in residential spaces is directly related to improvement of the residents’ health conditions. In this regard, the following are significant:
-Improvement of the level of environmental quality promotes all aspects of health in housing, especially the residents’ physical health. This means that the most important factors ensuring the residents’ physical health include the provision of health, creation of environmental comfort in housing, and assurance of the residents’ safety, which lie in the field of environmental quality.
- Improvement of the level of structural quality in housing promotes mental health. Psychological peace is provided in the house through attention to the structural features of housing with respect to the method of spatial configuration, proper spatial zoning, provision of the residents with psychological security, creation of an appropriate visual space in the home environment, and the like. As a result, the residents’ mental health is improved at home.
- Improvement of the level of functional quality improves the residents’ social health in residential environments. We can refer to the capabilities of housing in provision of individual and social functions in the housing environment. are These capabilities include the establishment of collective spaces in the residential environment, creation of a space with functional diversity to perform a variety of activities in public spaces, generation of a spatial hierarchy, and individual and social privacy in space. Such solutions raise the possibility of increasing the interaction between neighbors, which leads to greater recognition among them, formation of the residents’ collective identity, and increase in the desire for social participation among them, which can ultimately contribute to social health.
2- The residents’ quality of health in residential complexes is directly related to the improvement of their quality of life.
This means that provision of all the three dimensions of health in residential environments increases the residents’ quality of life from all aspects. Therefore, if any of the dimensions of health is not provided in a residential environment, it can reduce the residents’ quality of life.
3- The quality of architecture in a residential space is directly related to the residents’ quality of life.
This issue, which is one of the main purposes of the present study, is quite obvious and understandable in light of the above. Thus, on the one hand, there is a two-way relationship between the quality of architecture and health dimensions; on the other hand, the residents’ quality of health in a residential complex is directly related to their quality of life there. Therefore, it can be stated that there is a direct relationship between the quality of architecture in a residential complex and the residents’ quality of life. Hence, improvement of the quality of architecture in a residential space increases different dimensions of the residents’ health, leading to an improvement in their quality of life.
Urban Architecture
sahar borhanifar; Mohammad Ebrahim Mazhari; Vida Taghvaei; behzad vasigh; Reza Ashrafzadeh
Abstract
Highlights This study examines the relationship between privacy and interactions together. The results show that the two criteria of border and territory, and interpersonal distances, have the greatest impact on social interactions and the criterion of audio-visual privacy has the least impact on social ...
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Highlights This study examines the relationship between privacy and interactions together. The results show that the two criteria of border and territory, and interpersonal distances, have the greatest impact on social interactions and the criterion of audio-visual privacy has the least impact on social interactions compared to other components. The results of Friedman ranking test showed that the indicators of physical flexibility, social homogeneity, interpersonal flexibility and spatial planning have the greatest impact on social interactions and the indicators of dimensions, proportions and hierarchy have the least impact on social interactions. Compared to other indicators. The study of the results in sheshsad Dastgah Residential Complex in Mashhad also shows that the designer's attention to the criteria and indicators affecting interactions with an approach to maintaining privacy in the design, has played a significant role in promoting interactions between users and residents of the complex. Which has been considered by the designer more than other criteria. 1. Introduction In residential complexes, securing privacy, in its two main dimensions, namely family privacy and individual privacy, is prioritized as an effective component in ensuring the security and tranquility of residents. In fact, people’s attitudes toward privacy are part of their socialization process. For establishment of social relations, the privacy of individuals and groups in the public must be considered. It is essential to provide a balance between privacy and social interaction in the light of the cultural values of the community. The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize the indicators of privacy effective on social interactions in a residential complex with 600 apartments in the city of Mashhad, Iran. 2. Theoretical Framework Privacy is a process undergone for determining the boundaries between individuals, through which the individual or group monitors how they interact with others (Altman, 2003). Altman (1975) considers personal space and territoriality as the main mechanisms used for achievement of privacy (Lang, 2009: 165). Communication means the ability to transfer human information, thoughts, and behaviors from one person to another. Social interaction is a need that involves actions and emotions such as the sense of belonging and attachment, joining a group, loving, and being approved (Siramkaya, 2017). The factors effective on the promotion of social interactions with the privacy approach include the following: Physical characteristics, Borders and territories (hierarchy, border clarity, and controllability in the separation of private and public areas), Interpersonal distances, Audio and visual privacy. 3. Methodology The research method is descriptive-analytical, adopted besides documentary and library methods to identify the components of privacy affecting social interactions. The population examined in the present study consists of the residents of the Sheshsad Dastgah residential complex in Mashhad. The sample size is set to 322 people using Cochran’s formula. A questionnaire is used to collect the required information, and the data are analyzed using the SPSS and PLS software. Confirmatory factor analysis is applied to evaluate the research model and the validity of the questionnaire, along with the one-sample t-test to compare the means and the Friedman ranking test to rank the components. 4. Results and Discussion The findings of the one-sample t-test of the population demonstrated that the mean values of all the components and subcomponents were higher than the obtained averages, and that all the specified components and indicators had relatively large impacts on social interactions (p < 0.05). The mean for the interpersonal distance component was 4.48, that for the boundaries and territories was 4.38, that for the physical characteristics was 4.12, and that for the visual-auditory space was 4.06. The results of the Friedman ranking test also indicated that the components of border and territory and interpersonal distance ranked highest in average, and therefore exhibited the greatest impacts on social interactions. Moreover, physical flexibility, social homogeneity, and interpersonal flexibility exhibited the highest average ranks among the subcomponents and the greatest impacts on social interactions. 5. Conclusion As explained in the Methodology section, the SPSS 25 and PLS 3 software were used to analyze the data. The extracted average variance index (AVE) was used to verify the convergent validity. This index measures the amount of variance that a hidden variable gets from its markers, and its value ranges between 0 and 1, where higher values indicate greater convergent validity for the structure. The mean extracted variance, which measured the convergent validity, varied from a minimum of 0.53 for the boundary and a territory to a maximum of 0.70 for the physical characteristics. Since the mean values of extracted variance were close to or greater than 0.50, we could confirm the convergent validity (total validity of each component). Finally, the results demonstrated the validity and reliability of all the components and relevant questions. The effects of the four main criteria of privacy on social interactions in the examined residential complex could be analyzed using the Friedman test, ranking the criteria and the degrees of their impact on social interactions as follows. The findings on the ranking of the privacy criteria with respect to a chi-square value of 226.81 (df = 3) indicated significant relationships with social interactions (P < 0.05), from which it could be inferred that there was a significant difference between the four criteria of privacy affecting social interactions, and the extents and degrees of their impact on social interactions were also found to be different. The results of the Friedman ranking test demonstrated that the border and territory criterion ranked highest in average, and exhibited the greatest effect on social interactions in the residential complex. Shortly after that, there was the criterion of interpersonal distance, with an average rank of 2.97. According to the results, the two criteria of border and territory and individual intermediate distance had the greatest impacts on social interactions, and the criterion of audio-visual privacy affected them less than the others. There were significant differences between the fourteen indicators affecting socialization, the ranks and values of which were also different. The results of the Friedman ranking test demonstrated that physical flexibility ranked highest in average, and was the most important indicator affecting social interactions. The social homogeneity, interpersonal flexibility, and spatial arena sub-components were ranked next, averaging 10.34, 10.20, and 8.82, respectively. According to the findings, the indicators of physical flexibility, social homogeneity, interpersonal flexibility, and spatial arena exhibited the greatest impacts on social interactions, and those of dimensions, proportions, and hierarchy affected them less than the others. The results indicated that the components of territoriality, such as interpersonal distance, physical characteristics, spatial domains, and audio-visual privacy, could be regarded as variables affecting social interactions in the Sheshsad Dastgah residential complex with an approach to maintenance of privacy.
Urban Architecture
nazanin dehnad; Jamaledin Mahdinejad; BAGHER KARIMI
Abstract
Highlights Therefore, acquiring knowledge about the developing and improving factors of sociability in open public spaces to revive these spaces in various scales is necessary. The quality of shared public spaces in terms of sociability; given that this quality is highly effective in the ...
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Highlights Therefore, acquiring knowledge about the developing and improving factors of sociability in open public spaces to revive these spaces in various scales is necessary. The quality of shared public spaces in terms of sociability; given that this quality is highly effective in the amiability of the environment and the quality of its residents’ lives. Hence, open spaces in residential complexes are the fundamental element of building space and the heart of social affairs. Strengthening mutual understanding with the behaviors of the environment enhance the quality of open public spaces. Introduction Public spaces have always had a close connection to human beings and created a form of interaction in space that, in turn, has formed social relations and socialized public spaces. Besides, the neglect of and lack of concern for the standards for open public spaces has made them empty and inutile. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire knowledge about the factors developing and improving sociability in open public spaces to revive them on various scales. The present study aims to identify and analyze the factors affecting the quality of public spaces in residential areas and their impact on the interaction between residents. Accordingly, the main purpose of this research is to assess and evaluate the factors interpreting the quality of shared public spaces in terms of sociability; given that this quality is highly effective on the amiability of the environment and the quality of its residents’ lives. The set of effective activities and parameters are significant in environment socialization. Theoretical Framework Theorists have presented models based on the above concept to categorize the quality and sociability of spaces. In this article, conclusions have been made—according to the space theory of John Panther and Counter and Gustavon’s emphasis on meaning and the significance of its interaction with the environment—regarding the idea that the quality of sociable spaces is the consequent of three aspects, each developing one of the triple qualities in the environment: physical, active, and semantic. The latter is of great significance in terms of the improvement made in the sociability between individuals within the environment. For this purpose, a theoretical framework was established to obtain the effective qualitative components of a favorable design of open public spaces, focusing on the potential of sociability in public spaces and entailing the improvement of such environments. Methodology The descriptive-inferential research method was adopted in this article. First, the quality of open public spaces within residential complexes was assessed, and quantitative data were collected and categorized to determine the proportions, criteria, and spectrum of sociable quality in open spaces. The inclusion criteria considered in this study was to be a resident of one of four residential complexes in Municipal District 6 of the city of Shiraz, Iran. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula as 122 individuals in each residential complex. The simple random sampling method was used for sampling. The collected data were authenticated by the residents of the residential complexes through the evaluation method of questionnaires. The reliability of the questionnaires was verified through Cranach’s alpha method—with each factor evaluated individually first, followed by the whole questionnaire. The validity coefficient was assumed to be 0.61, and the sample size was determined as 488 of the residents of the four residential complexes, based on the results from the Cochran formula. The results obtained from the questionnaires were used in the statistical test, using the Pearson correlation coefficient to verify the hypotheses of the research, based on the fact that the scale in this study was interval, and the relationship was linear. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Results and Discussion The results of this research were focused on the impact of the quality of open public spaces on the emergence of sociable environments in residential complexes in the three physical, active, and semantic dimensions. The study also assessed sociability in residential areas according to the conceptual model, as compared to factors such as security, flexibility, penetrability, activity, sociability, spatial identity, and environmental perception. In the physical dimension, the relationship between physics and sociability was found significant. The most important conclusions made regarding the physical factors in residential complexes emphasized the use of symbols and elements to organize the environment. On the other hand, ease, secure access, and flexible navigation proved effective in the development of interaction between users and the environment, as well as social activity in sociable spaces. In the active and social dimensions, a significant relationship was observed between activity and sociability. The users’ attention to sociable spaces in shared public spaces in residential complexes and social relations and activities conform to the arrangement of open public spaces, appropriate behavior patterns toward the environment, and elements that pertain to environment-fitting activities. Other factors that enhance sociability in these dimensions include accessibility and legibility—especially effective in the active dimension. In the semantic dimension, a significant connection can be seen between sense and sociability. The impact of sociability on the attachment and connection of man to a place is signified through the several forms of connection made by people to the environment. In this dimension, the multiplicity and sequence of spaces are also signified. Consequently, among the three major aspects defining the quality of open public spaces—physical, active, and semantic—the semantic dimension and its relevant components attracted the largest amount of attention from users, and proved to have the greatest impact on sociability in the open spaces between residential complexes. This needs to be included more effectively in the theories of public space design. This study demonstrates how active and physical components affiliate with the concepts and semantics of a place to create a pleasant public space and provide sociability as well. Conclusion The findings of this research—providing useful methods for design of open public spaces with an enhanced potential for sociability in the interaction and communication between users—can be decomposed into four branches: creation of active environments, creation of public spaces, association and interaction, and enhancement of mutual understanding with the behaviors of the environment. These findings can improve the quality of open public spaces. Given the hierarchy of human needs and social dimensions, open spaces in residential complexes form the foundation of social life, creating a background for the emergence and growth of creativity, sociability, collective interaction, communication, entertainment, events, and activities—social, economic, and leisure. Hence, open spaces in residential complexes constitute the fundamental element of the building space and the heart of social affairs.
Urban Architecture
Parisa Hashempour; ziba sami
Abstract
Housing is one of the most basic human needs. Failure in paying attention to multidimensional demands of human beings reduces the quality of life. Considering the various aspects of human needs, the study of environmental quality for the promotion of life has thus a profound impact on the livability ...
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Housing is one of the most basic human needs. Failure in paying attention to multidimensional demands of human beings reduces the quality of life. Considering the various aspects of human needs, the study of environmental quality for the promotion of life has thus a profound impact on the livability of residential complexes. The livability approach addresses the link between housing and human life and needs by paying attention to the quality of environment in residential complexes. A residential complex with the livability approach can be life-enhancing for human beings. Therefore, the attention to human behaviors and activities in different functional areas and the respect for environmental quality with such an approach in a stressful, difficult, boring and routine daily life multiplies the necessity of livability in residential spaces. Accordingly, when it comes to the place or architectural space, the term “livability” can be used as if it is supposed to encompass the factors for human life. Given the mutual effect of residential environment on the lives of residents, it is essential to determine the environmental quality which affects livability. This study aims to enhance the livability of residential complexes in terms of the effects of environmental quality. Three residential complexes – Aseman Tabriz, Shahid Chamran and Imam – which were constructed in different decades, were selected as case studies. This study is an applied research in terms of its objectives and employs a descriptive-analytical methodology. The data is collected through library and field research (observation, interview and questionnaire). The field data is obtained by distributing a questionnaire. The sample size was determined by the Cochran formula to be 300 people. The data is analyzed using the SPSS software. The SWOT matrix is also used to assess and analyze the samples. The components of livability are categorized into material and perceptual components by analyzing the levels of human life from the Islamic point of view. The results indicate that the environmental quality affects the livability of residential complexes in regard to the needs of human life. The environmental quality includes material (physical and environmental factors) and perceptual components (cultural, mental and social factors). The material components are the basic needs for living in a house and are necessary for human life, while the perceptual components are investigated in relation to meanings and human perception. Finally, it is found that mental factors have a greater impact on the livability of residential complexes. Given the investigations into the case studies (Aseman Tabriz, Shahid Chamran and Imam Residential Complexes) in terms of livability, the results suggest that failure to pay attention to material and perceptual components in residential spaces leads to the deterioration of residential complexes over time. Given the components of livability, Imam Residential Complex is vulnerable because of its failure in addressing some material and perceptual components. The livability of Chamran Complex is vulnerable due to the elimination of the role of perceptual components. Amongst the three case studies, Aseman Tabriz Complex has the components of livability. The livability of a complex can be observed through the presence within the space.
Urban Sustainability
Islam Karami; parisa mohamadhoseini
Abstract
Mehr housing developments typify the problem of increasing building density in modern urbanism, a state of affairs with manifold repercussions. The Mehr housing complexes in Ardabil consist stereotypically of apartment buildings tightly jammed together, without regard to every environmental and human ...
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Mehr housing developments typify the problem of increasing building density in modern urbanism, a state of affairs with manifold repercussions. The Mehr housing complexes in Ardabil consist stereotypically of apartment buildings tightly jammed together, without regard to every environmental and human aspect. As rather densely populated complexes and prospective accommodations for upcoming generations, they warrant serious attention in terms of social sustainability. It is indeed possible to make amends for the human and social aspects overlooked in the original designs by enhancing the physical environment. Hence, the present study explored the role of sociable public spaces in social sustainability of residential complexes, seeking to promote social identity and vitality in contemporary urban structures. The examined cases were three Mehr housing developments in Ardabil, namely Niayesh, Vahdat, and Andisheh. Our hypothesis stated that the presence of sociable public spaces at the concerned developments correlated significantly with their social sustainability. The adopted method combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the applied strategies included logical reasoning, comparison, and correlation. At first, documentary and analytical studies were embarked on to extract the facets and variables of social sustainability and sociability of the spaces. To measure the two concepts of “space sociability” and “social sustainability”, the designed models incorporated the spatial-physical components of the former and the human and social dimensions of the latter. Questionnaires designed with respect to the research components were distributed among the local residents. The variables of the two concepts and their correlation at the complexes were interpreted by analyzing the data from the questionnaires through one sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation using SPSS. Results of these analyses suggest that establishing sociable spaces will positively contribute to social sustainability of residential complexes, and that Andisheh exhibits relatively higher levels of the two concepts among the examined cases. The next step involved the analysis of spatial and physical facets of the public spaces of the complexes. The data resulting from the analysis of the questionnaires were related to the results of interviews and observations. The variables and environmental attributes pertaining to the sociability of public spaces of the residential complexes were then extracted and classified. The paper concludes by offering a series of solutions, including provision of sociable spaces such as green areas, children’s playgrounds, and commercial and cultural centers, allowing for proper physical-social sizes of the spaces, enhancing environmental welfare, and taking account of visual diversity, all of which will ensure sociability of public spaces at the residential complexes, thereby promoting social sustainability. Sociable places can be regarded as multi-purpose spaces that can accommodate various activities and appeal to different groups, thus intensifying human interactions. The physical-social size of a space is correlated with the sense of security, sense of affinity, and identification with the environment. Environmental welfare is related to being satisfied with the physical environment and to the desire for spending more time at and relishing the space, whereas visual variety makes the space appealing and inviting.
Urban Planning
Volume 2, Issue 5 , March 2013, , Pages 13-26
Abstract
The post-industrial revolution era is characterized by increasingly global urbanization with the resulting problem of the shortage of housing. In fact, housing has become not only one of the desperate needs but also an ever-growing concern of human being who has always been preoccupied with finding ...
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The post-industrial revolution era is characterized by increasingly global urbanization with the resulting problem of the shortage of housing. In fact, housing has become not only one of the desperate needs but also an ever-growing concern of human being who has always been preoccupied with finding a solution to this issue. Maskan-e-Mehr is deemed to be the greatest national project in housing. Due to the wide scope and newness of the project, an evaluation of the results is necessary. Generally, housing satisfaction as one of the widely studied issues along with housing environments proves to be a part of the life satisfaction. As a matter of fact, satisfaction means the amount of individuals’ accessibil -ity to the intended objectives. The identification of the effective factors responsible for the satisfaction and dissatisfaction rate of the residents can be helpful both in the analysis of the existing living conditions and in the future decisions to improve the quality of the housing environments and to avoid the same defects in the future locations. This study can assist the policy-makers and planners in designing an effective architecture for Maskane-Mehr projects to meet the needs of the residents. The present article undertakes to evalu-ate the satisfaction level of the residents in Fatemieh site of Maskan-e-Mehr in Yazd city. Although the adopted methodology in this study is largely descriptive, the data collection includes documentary and survey carried out via distributing questionnaires and inter -viewing the residents. A formula-based sampling of 367 subjects residing in kokran was taken as the statistical sample which was, for the sake of more accuracy, raised to 400 sub -jects. To assess the extent of satisfaction of the Maskan-e-Mehr project, the questionnaire was divided into two parts. The first part dealt with the independent variables such as age, sex, marital status, education, income, occupation and a medium designed to investigate the variables on the level of perception of the satisfaction of residents. The second part was devoted to the dependent variable pertinent to the satisfaction of the Maskan-e-Mehr project. These variables include integrated facilities management and maintenance, light-ing, ventilation, landscape and views, arrangement, neighborhood relations, economic, environmental dimensions, transportation, accessibility and security. The analysis of the data has been done via the SPSS20 software. According to the descriptive results obtained from applying the Chi-Square test, there is a meaningful relation between independent variants such as gender, occupation, marital status on the one hand and the satisfaction level on the other hand. Based on Pearson Correlation Coefficient, the results show that there is a meaningful and direct relation between the age variable and that of satisfaction, whereas the education and the average income variables have a meaningful but indirect relation. The evaluative results of this research indicate that the overall satisfaction level of the residents of Fatemieh Condo is average. The residents of Fatemieh Condo are dis-satisfied with the economic condition of the condo while the neighboring residents are satisfied with criteria such as security, lighting, ventilation and the physical status of the complex. They, however, expressed an average satisfaction about the other study criteria. Taking into account the complex of Maskan-e-Mehr Fatemieh city of Yazd, it is possible to raise the level of satisfaction of the residents through provision of a range of facilities and reduction of the problems in their residential location. Finally, some solutions have been proposed for the improvement of the project, the facilities and the services for our case study.
Urban Design
Farhang Mozaffar; Ali Asadpour
Volume 1, Issue 3 , August 2012, , Pages 3-12
Abstract
Social patterns in open space organizations have a key role in shaping most of 20th urban theories. This paper identifies the formal and social patterns in planning the residential open spaces in famous theories and projects of urbanization during 20th century and compares them with experiences of Iranian ...
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Social patterns in open space organizations have a key role in shaping most of 20th urban theories. This paper identifies the formal and social patterns in planning the residential open spaces in famous theories and projects of urbanization during 20th century and compares them with experiences of Iranian urban organizations in an analytic manner from the past to present. Historical – interpretative method established in this research was combined with case studies. From the formal viewpoint in the early 20th century theories, 4 categories of open space organizations could be identified: "grid organization", "linear", "central" and "complex" patterns, which have been tended towards complex patterns during the second half of the century. Moreover, try to remove social hierarchy, providing class equality and common ownership of open spaces seen in the first half of the century has been replaced by social stability, social equality and simultaneous attention to both public and private open spaces. However, the modern construction in country is almost the continuation of the early century proven strategies that mainly use the central and grid patterns and lack of certain social patterns in their designs. Hence, considering current world conditions and national experiences and achievements and belief principles, it is suggested to pay attention to the social concepts like social capital social interaction along with suitable patterns of open space organization (for example, complex) while particular separating and dividing public-private fields and measuring public priorities.
