Urban Architecture
Ali Akbar Heidari; maliheh taghipour; maryam bagheri
Abstract
Highlights
People’s attendance of bazaars is one of the most important factors increasing the efficiency and prosperity of these places.
The permeability of the edges, especially in the entrance sections, is one of the most important factors affecting attendance in bazaars.
The quality of permeability ...
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Highlights
People’s attendance of bazaars is one of the most important factors increasing the efficiency and prosperity of these places.
The permeability of the edges, especially in the entrance sections, is one of the most important factors affecting attendance in bazaars.
The quality of permeability in the entrance section of the bazaar is affected by the three factors of accessibility, the quality of neighborhoods, and the spatial connectivity of the entrance and the lines leading thereto.
Introduction
The quality of permeability is a physical indicator that is significant in the formation of a successful place, especially in the field of public spaces. On the other hand, given that this research considers the issue of attendance of a traditional bazaar, the quality of permeability at the edges, especially the entrances and the rows leading to them, can play a significant role here. The entrance of a space is the first place where many of its features are discovered. Accordingly, the issue of quality of permeability is considered in this research as an independent variable, and its role in people’s presence in the space of a traditional bazaar is examined as a dependent variable. This concept of permeability has been proposed in the existing literature in three forms: neighborhood quality, spatial continuity, and accessibility.
Theoretical framework
According to the existing literature, the factors affecting permeability, especially in connection with urban contexts, can be examined in three areas, as follows.
- The quality of neighborhoods. The quality of neighborhoods in a spatial configuration means the functional compatibility of the uses that form that space so that the performance of one does not disturb or hinder that of another.
- Spatial continuity. Spatial continuity means the formal and functional connection of spaces with each other so that the environment is perceived by an external observer in a unified manner. This concept can be analyzed in an urban environment using indicators such as integration and connectivity.
- Accessibility. In the literature on architecture, the issue of accessibility can be examined in two areas: visual accessibility and physical accessibility. Visual accessibility means the ability to view a space from neighboring spaces. Physical access pertains to people’s ability to move within the space.
Methodology
The current research adopts a combination of the qualitative and quantitative methods in data analysis. In the data collection section, the methods of documentary study, direct field observation, and interview with businesses and bazaar users were used, and in the data analysis section, the content analysis method and the space syntax software were used.
In regard to the edges (independent variable), the three indicators of access quality (including physical access and visual access), spatial continuity, and the quality of neighborhoods were measured separately for each of the entrances. In the analysis of the quality of visual access, indicators were used such as the visibility of the entrances, the variety of uses in the bazaar that can be viewed from the entrance areas, and the amount of details on the space that can be viewed from the entrances. In the measurement of physical access, the degrees of enclosure and isolation of entrances in the bazaar were analyzed. In relation to the quality of neighborhoods, indicators such as the diversity and density of neighborhoods and the degree of their compatibility and interdependence were examined.
Results and discussion
No research has been conducted on the issue of attendance of the bazaar and the effect of the quality of permeability thereon, hence the attempt to answer the research questions about how the quality of permeability affects people’s attendance of the bazaar.
- How does visual access affect attendance in the bazaar?
The more visible the details from inside the bazaar to the user through its inputs, the more widely people choose those inputs to penetrate the bazaar and, therefore, the greater the attendance of the bazaar. The results of this research demonstrated that the difference in level between the passage and the space inside the market and the increase in the visible surface due to the presence of linear geometries along the lines leading to the entrances raises the range of visibility before entry into the bazaar space.
- How does physical access affect attendance in the bazaar?
The first feature for people to identify about the entrances is their visibility from the surrounding roads. If people can see inside the space before entering it, they can choose whether they want to enter the space or not.
The second factor effective on physical access to the bazaar is the users’ willingness to use different entrances. In some cases, this increases the attendance of the bazaar, and in others, it decreases people’s desire attend it.
- How does the quality of the neighborhood affect attendance in the bazaar?
The existence of diverse uses and their density in those respects provides the possibility of meeting a greater range of client needs, which ultimately increases their attendance. Moreover, because they complement each other, users increase related nearby users’ attendance. However, the necessary conditions concerning the quality of neighbors are compatible with one another. This means that when incompatible users are placed together, they prevent people from attending the space due to the nuisance that they cause, besides their negative effects on each other’s functions.
- How does spatial continuity at the entrances of the bazaar cause attendance thereof?
The degree of spatial continuity at the bazaar entrances can be evaluated using the two indices of integration and connectivity. The values of these two indicators are directly related to the geometric and spatial qualities of the inputs and the lines leading to them.
Conclusion
The most important results of the current research can be presented as follows.
- The quality of access to bazaar inputs is considered as the most important factor affecting permeability, thereby increasing bazaar attendance. This quality can be examined in the form of the two concepts of visual access and physical access.
- The quality of neighborhoods can increase attendance in the bazaar in the form of the compatibility of and dependence between the uses of different bazaar lines and their density and diversity.
- Spatial continuity at the entrances and the rows leading to them in the form of their geometric and spatial features (increasing the widths of the entrance and the rows leading thereto, connecting the entrance with public open spaces and main passages, using linear geometry, reducing the depths of the rows, and integrating and connecting the lines leading to the entrance with other spaces) can increase bazaar permeability and therefore its attendance.
Urban Architecture
mohammad taghizadeh kordi; Mahmoud Reza Saghafi; Mohsen Afshari; Saeid Safaei Movahhed
Abstract
Highlights
- Neighborhood (community) schools cannot be standardized. Their only common philosophy is to respond to the needs of their neighborhoods (communities).
- The participation of the educational ecosystem components, including experts, users, and stakeholders, will make the plan successful.
- ...
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Highlights
- Neighborhood (community) schools cannot be standardized. Their only common philosophy is to respond to the needs of their neighborhoods (communities).
- The participation of the educational ecosystem components, including experts, users, and stakeholders, will make the plan successful.
- The most important action in the design of quality schools is to meet the users’ needs.
- A school should function as the educational center of the neighborhood and a place to gain educational experiences.
- A successful neighborhood (community) school should hold the original values of respect, diversity, equality, and justice in its architecture.
Introduction
In the current educational system, the physical environment is considered less seriously as an educational puzzle. The school, as a component of the neighborhood, will have the possibility of accepting different roles therein and interacting with it due to its potential capacities. In the current educational system of Iran, the school has no interaction with the neighborhood, and these capitals remain unused, while such interaction was established in the traditional architecture of Iran, where the school space was not limited to lessons and discussions but used by the residents of every city and neighborhood on special days and occasions. Since communities are different, their schools are all different; their only common philosophy is to respond to these differences, which are identified with the participation of users and stakeholders. Therefore, the research conducted in other countries is not applicable to Iran. Thus, the present study intends to answer the following main question: what are the architectural requirements for realization of the school as the center of the neighborhood?
Theoretical Framework
This research is guided by the ecological approach, according to which students’ success is influenced by an interactive process between them and their surroundings on the one hand, and all the components of an ecosystem act as a single whole on the other, where a change in one component can have serious, unpredictable effects on others. In the planning of community schools, therefore, attention should be paid to larger, smaller, and external systems firstly; secondly, one should move from the whole to the parts in order to coordinate them with one another, according to Duerk’s method.
The most desirable learning environments will be created with the participation of the educational system hardware (architecture) and software (philosophy of education, learning theories, etc.). To design the architecture of an educational space, therefore, one should start from the educational philosophy, because every educational philosophy considers the physical educational environment in a special way, and the architecture is the result of that philosophy’s view.
Although the basic purpose of current school facilities is to provide the students of the community with a sound educational program, the objective of education is not achieved until the school facilities are provided to serve the overall community. Because learning can also happen beyond the school walls, most countries welcome the interaction between the school and the community, so that a learning ecosystem is created, through which all the people and organizations that are involved in the students’ learning can also participate in the school activities. For this reason, the community school or the interaction between the school and the community is explicitly or implicitly mentioned in various parts of the Fundamental Reform Document of Education (FRDE), where it has been stated that the school should function as the educational center of the neighborhood and a place to gain educational experiences.
Methodology
According to some studies, the learning ecology approach, and the FRDE, the architecture of each period is the product of the philosophy of that period; to design a school, therefore, one must start from its educational philosophy, which is essentially concerned with aligninment of pedagogy and space, and can be referred to as the psychosocial pedagogy of space.
This applied research was conducted in the framework of a qualitative approach of document analysis, also using the ecological approach of learning and planning with Durek’s method. Thus, FRDE was first examined to extract the mission, foundations, principles, and relevant goals. The necessary data were then collected through document mining and informal semi-structured interviews with the informants. The informants consisted of 23 teachers who were purposefully selected using the criterion-based snowball sampling strategy with maximum variety to ensure data credibility. The content analysis method was used to analyze the data, and the triangulation and peer debriefing strategies were used to validate the findings. In order to ensure dependability, the data analysis process was described in detail.
Results and Discussion
After the data were collected using the literature review and interviews, initial coding was performed on them, where 137 initial codes were identified. A number of these codes were removed and combined to reduce them to a final set of 32. Finally, the identified architectural requirements were divided into three themes and nine categories, including the characteristics of the physical environment (functionality, flexibility, diversity, and favorability), satisfaction of user needs (physical and physiological, psychological and social, and participation), and organizational characteristics (cultural and holistic views).
Conclusion
Although the process adopted in this research (starting from the foundations and principles) is similar to that in the previous studies, there are similarities and differences between the presented and previous architectural requirements since FRDE, forming the foundation of this research, is similar to and different from other frameworks in different respects. According to the source of data collection, these requirements were divided into three groups: those stated only in interviews (due to the influence of the Islamic-Iranian culture and civilization on Iranian architecture), those available only in previous documents (including the needs at the higher levels of Maslow’s Pyramid), and those mentioned in both sources (including the needs at the lower levels of Maslow’s Pyramid). The final aim of school architecture, as the center of the neighborhood, should be to create a suitable physical setting for the realization of various activities to provide and expand justice in all aspects, the most important principle of which is diversity and flexibility in all its dimensions, including architecture.
Acknowledgment
This article has been extracted from the Ph. D. thesis entitled "Participatory architectural planning for community school (case study in the Andiseh New Town and selected area of Tehran)", written by the first author under the Supervision of the second and third authors and the advice of the fourth author in the Department of Architecture at the Art University of Isfahan. Also, the thesis as a research project has the financial and spiritual support of Civil company Andiseh New Town.
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
zahra sadeghi; Mojtaba Ansari; Mehdi Haghighat Bin
Abstract
Highlights
The spatial configuration of vegetation creates the visual scales and the different visual accesses in green spaces.
Closed visual scales and open visual scales are not desirable for neighborhood park users.
Users prefer semi-open visual scales and open visibility under canopy landscape ...
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Highlights
The spatial configuration of vegetation creates the visual scales and the different visual accesses in green spaces.
Closed visual scales and open visual scales are not desirable for neighborhood park users.
Users prefer semi-open visual scales and open visibility under canopy landscape for park landscape.
Women’s preferences demonstrated that greater green space confinement is more desirable for them.
Introduction
Neighborhood parks play an important role in the relationship between people and the nature. In fact, vegetation and planting are the most important motivations for attendance of and recreations available in parks. For improvement of the quality of green spaces in neighborhood parks and enhancement of public participation, it is necessary to design the park landscape with respect to people’s preferences and their perceptions of the desired landscape, while there are some shortcomings in this regard. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate people’s visual preferences in order to optimally design vegetation in neighborhood parks. A neighborhood park is a small green space (about two hectares large) with a penetration radius of about one kilometer, and it is readily accessible on foot from residential areas. The present research aimed to study these preferences in the field of spatial configuration of vegetation based on a visual scale. The visual scale is an important, effective feature in the creation of confinement and control of visual access. In this study, the underlying factors of age, gender, and socio-economic class differences were considered. Due to the difference in economic level in the northern and southern regions of Tehran, neighborhood parks in these two regions and their users were selected for evaluation. Five neighborhood parks in each region were considered purposefully.
Methodology
The method adopted in the present research was a combination of the qualitative and quantitative approaches. First, the spatial configuration of vegetation in the creation of different types of visual scale was investigated, and five categories of visual scale were identified. Images were provided of the vegetation compositions of neighborhood parks with high income levels (region 1) and low income levels (region 18). After consultation with the elite, the images were categorized based on a variety of visual scales. The visual questionnaire consisted of two images for each visual scale, where landscape desirability was examined with a Likert scale. Using random sampling, 363 people who visited neighborhood parks in the two areas of Tehran (District 1 and District 18) completed the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Bonferroni post hoc test in SPSS. After their collection, the homogeneity of variance was first examined through the Levin variance homogeneity test for comparison of the user preferences in terms of the type of landscape, and the results demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the variances of the variables in the groups (PS ˂ 0.05). Therefore, one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the studied variables between the groups, and the Bonferroni post hoc test was used to control Type I error if there was a significant difference between the opinions.
Results and discussion
The results of the present research indicated that there were different visual preferences for the images. Thus, the closed visual scale and open visual scale between all the groups were undesirable, as well as the semi-open visual scale and open visibility under canopy landscape between all the participating groups. Among the studied underlying factors (difference in the income levels in the regions, age, and gender), gender exhibited little effect on the formation of the landscape preferences, and women preferred more enclosed landscapes.
Conclusion
The results of this research demonstrated given the desirability of semi-open images that the spatial configuration of vegetation formed through planting and pruning should not allow for any visual barrier in the foreground layer while planting at the observer’s line of vision is obstructed in the background layer and sporadically in the middle layer. Moreover, it is desirable for plant height to be less than the observer’s line of vision and for tree canopies to be placed at heights greater than the observer’s visibility in the background layer. Due to the desirability of open visibility under canopy images, it is possible to provide favorable climatic conditions through selection of a combination of canopy umbrella trees of two types, fallow and non-fallow, which also allows for wide visual access. Due to the unfavorable landscape of the closed view, it is not appropriate to practice such planting at the observer’s line of vision in the foreground layer of the view. It is also necessary to avoid open visual scale design, where the coating exhibits low density in all the three layers. Regarding the influence of underlying factors, it can be stated that the landscape preferences for optimal visual access were almost the same for the different groups, but the women were more inclined to prefer semi-open visual-scale images due to the need for privacy and security, and images with closed vision were less favorable for them. Thus, the proposed species could be proposed given their heights for all the three layers of foreground, middle ground and background, according to the obtained patterns. The present study took the first steps in landscape planning based on awareness of public preferences, and these findings provide practical solutions for landscape planting design.
Acknowledgment
This article has been taken from a doctoral dissertation entitled Promoting Cultural Services of Urban Green Spaces Based on the Visual Assessment of Landscape: A Case Study of Urban Parks in Tehran, developed by the first author under the supervision of the second author and the advisory of the third author in the Faculty of Art of Tarbiat Modares University. The dissertation has enjoyed financial and spiritual support from the Tehran Urban Research and Planning Center as a research project.
Urban Architecture
Shahrad PourMohammad; Seyyed Alireza shojaei; Hosein Kalantari Khalil Abad; Masoud Taghvaei
Abstract
Highlights
- The results obtained from the present paper can be considered as a point of origin for assessment of the cognitive effects of social and physical memory on the promotion of residents’ sense of attachment to the living spaces in their neighborhoods.
- In the old fabric, the highest ...
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Highlights
- The results obtained from the present paper can be considered as a point of origin for assessment of the cognitive effects of social and physical memory on the promotion of residents’ sense of attachment to the living spaces in their neighborhoods.
- In the old fabric, the highest effects on the promotion of residents’ sense of attachment to their living spaces are associated with the neighborhood memorability factor, from physical memory, and individuals’ familiarity with the neighborhood, from the social memory.
- In the new fabric, however, the highest effects on the promotion of residents’ sense of attachment to their living spaces are associated with the factor of the neighborhood’s memory elements, from physical memory, and neighborhood relations, from social memory.
Introduction
A sense of belonging to a place, i.e. place attachment, means to have a perception of the environment and more or less conscious emotions on the surroundings, which brings one into an internal relationship with the surrounding environment. Thus, a person’s perception and emotions are bound by and integrated with the semantic context of the environment. A sense of place gives people comfort in an environment, and also leads individuals towards possession of an identity. Moreover, it can be stated that the sense of belonging to a space is a complex concept of human emotion and attachment to an environment, which is developed as a result of adaptation to the space and man’s application thereof.
Theoretical Framework
A review of the related literature can lead one to the roles of different factors in the formation of this sense, including the physical aspects of the environment, social characteristics of the residents, relationships between individuals and the environment, duration of residence, and, in general, memorability factors. The memorability factors influencing residents’ place attachment to the environment in their neighborhoods are divided into the two broad categories of physical memories and social memories. The measures affecting the probability of development of collective memory in cities include the residents’ familiarity with the neighborhood, neighborhood relations, etc., and the measures concerning the development of physical and spatial memory include the neighborhood center features, signs, introversion, etc.
Methodology
The process of conducting the research is described as involving seven steps. The first step includes an extraction of the memorable factors which are influential on residents’ sense of attachment. For this purpose, the memory indicators are extracted via the documentary-analytical method. The results from the section on the theoretical framework reveal that the physical and social indicators are the most influential factors on the promotion of the sense of attachment in residents of neighborhoods in the city of Shiraz, Iran. The second step involved the development of the main research questionnaire. The features of physical and social memory are considered as the independent variables, and residents’ sense of attachment is considered as the dependent variable. In the third step, the ANOVA test is used for assessment of the level of homogeneity of the population from the old fabric and that from the new fabric. In the fourth step, the Spearman correlation coefficient is calculated for investigation of the effects of the memory factor on the promotion of the sense of attachment in the old and new fabrics. The fifth step involves the application of Tukey’s integrated test for comparison of the effects of physical and social memory on residents’ levels of sense of attachment in different neighborhoods. In the sixth step, the paired-samples T test is employed to analyze the effects of physical and social memory on the improvement of residents’ sense of attachment to their neighborhoods and the significance of the differences. Consequently, the Pearson coefficient is used for investigation of the correlation between the different elements comprising the physical and social memory component, which influences residents’ sense of attachment to their neighborhoods. The neighborhoods selected for the case study include three situated in the old fabric, namely Sang Siyah, Eshagh Beig, and Bazare Morgh, examined along with three neighborhoods located in the new fabric, namely Abyari, Eslahe Nezhad, and Havabord. The districts to be examined for the case study are selected separately from the old and new fabrics given the similarities of the cultural components and the shared physical and social features measured in the present study.
Results and Discussion
It can be stated based on the above that the effect of physical and social memory on the promotion of residents’ sense of attachment in the selected neighborhoods of the same fabric is insignificant, and the selection for the case study has been appropriate in terms of feature similarity and homogeneity at the end of the assessment. The results obtained from the Spearman correlation coefficient reveal that a significant relationship exists between the sense of place attachment and memory in all the neighborhoods from the old and new fabrics. However, it can be stated in general that the Eshagh Beig neighborhood exhibits the greatest effect of physical memory in the old fabric on the improvement of the sense of attachment, and Bazare Morgh shows the least effect. In the new fabric, the Abyari neighborhood exhibits the greatest effect, and Havabord shows the least.
Conclusion
In terms of the effects of social memory on the promotion of the sense of attachment, the Sang Siyah neighborhood exhibits the greatest effect, and Bazare Morgh shows the least effect in the old fabric, while the Abyari neighborhood exhibits the greatest effect, and Havabord shows the least in the new fabric. Based on this assessment, the mean effect of physical memory on the promotion of the sense of attachment is less than that of social memory in the old fabric. In the new fabric, however, the mean effect of physical memory on the promotion of the sense of attachment is significantly greater than that of social memory, and it can be stated in general that residents’ sense of attachment to neighborhoods in the new fabric is significantly lower than that in the old fabric. Given the results for the old fabric, memory-making elements in the neighborhood, from the physical memory indicator, and individuals’ familiarity, from social memory, exhibit the greatest effects, while the historical monuments factor, from physical memory, and NGOs, from social memory, have the least effects on residents’ sense of attachment to the living spaces. In the new fabric, memory-making elements in the neighborhood, from physical memory, and neighbors’ relations, from social memory, exhibit the greatest effects, and historical monuments, from physical memory, and social class, from social memory, have the lowest effects on the improvement of residents’ sense of attachment to the living spaces.
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
farnaz dibazar; Sahar Toofan; Siroors Jamali; nima valizadeh
Abstract
HighlightsThe general characteristics of third places have been investigated using observation, behavior mapping, interview and structural equation modeling (SEM) methods.The feature of conversation as the main activity has the greatest impact on social interactions in cafes.Cafes are an example of a ...
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HighlightsThe general characteristics of third places have been investigated using observation, behavior mapping, interview and structural equation modeling (SEM) methods.The feature of conversation as the main activity has the greatest impact on social interactions in cafes.Cafes are an example of a third place.Cafes influence social interactions.Individual privacy and distances affect social interactions. IntroductionThird places provide a platform for social interactions, and have a particular position in public-sphere institutions and social interactions due to their special characteristics. The environment can strengthen or weaken these characteristics; therefore, it is necessary to consider the design and architecture of third places in order to enforce their positive features. The purpose of this study is to investigate the general characteristics of cafés as third places in the studied samples and to analyze their impact on the social interactions formed at these places.Theoretical FrameworkThird places are one of the most important examples of the urban public sector that give meaning to the informal lives of citizens and lead to the restoration and creation of social interactions. Third places can serve as sources of protection and resilience for an individual, a family, and a community by creating social relationships. Moreover, individuals have an inherent need for social interaction, so they provide opportunities for that purpose. Such conditions are more likely offered at third places. A place turns into a third place from a service environment when it meets emotional and social needs as well as physical needs such as the need for eating and drinking. A concrete example of third places, cafés are of particular importance in the urban structure and human interactions. Such architectural spaces make it possible to imagine, think, and communicate due to their special features, described in Table 1, and their creation of pause spaces.MethodologyTwo general types of method have been used in this field research, quantitative and qualitative, including observation, behavior mapping, interviews, questionnaires, and archives, used for data collection. In the observation stage, things, people, and their reactions have been examined without interference with the environment. The observations have eventually led to behavioral mappings. Each sample has been examined using the passive observational method for three days in the periods of 10-12 in the morning and 6-8 in the evening. In the second stage, the interview method has been used, where attempts have been made to obtain more profound results through guidance of the conversations and provision of an understanding of the questions. Finally, structural equation modeling based on covariance has been used to investigate the general characteristics of third places and their effects on social interactions. The population has included all cafés in Tabriz, and the statistical sample has involved a total of 399 people.Results and DiscussionThe behavioral mapping indicated that large group of people and groups of two are more inclined to environments with clear privacy conditions. People tend to welcome spaces where their privacy is respected, while it is possible to establish appropriate communication with the environment as a whole. One way to create such environments is to separate spaces using transparent walls, while other considerations include distance, type of arrangement, material, and type of furniture. An examination of sample photos published by users demonstrates that most of the images concern these spaces, indicating their popularity among the audience. According to the analysis made of the responses, the main reason stated by 83% of the respondents for their presence in the café is to have chats. Attributes seem to play roles in strengthening and weakening each other as people express certain attributes to describe others. The results of the structural equation model demonstrate significant relationships between the variable of social interactions and four characteristics: conversation as the main activity, convenience and habitability, fixed customers, and a friendly atmosphere. The path coefficients of the variables indicate that a friendly atmosphere is 0.358% effective on social interactions, conversation as the main activity is 0.378% effective, convenience and habitability is 0.100% effective, and fixed customers are 0.058% effective. The two characteristics of a friendly atmosphere and conversation as the main activity are most greatly affected by the parameter referred to as homes away from home, and the neutral framework parameter exhibits the greatest impacts on the two characteristics of convenience and habitability and fixed customers. Figure 5 shows the significant effects of these parameters on the four characteristics with confirmed effects on the social interactions formed in cafés.ConclusionAs third places, cafés are influential in social interactions due to their special features.All the characteristics of third places can be found in cafés, but they have different intensities and types of impact on each other and on the social interactions formed in cafés. Conversation as the main activity, a friendly atmosphere, convenience and habitability, and fixed customers directly affect these interactions, and other characteristics exhibit indirect effects as a result of the impacts of these four. Conversation is the most influential parameter in the formation of social interactions. The results of the interviews demonstrate that it is also one of the main reasons for people’s attendance of cafés. In fact, conversation is an element that affects both the primary factor and social interactions; for enhancement of social interactions, therefore, it is necessary to design spaces that can help meet the prerequisites for conversation to take shape between people in cafés. The general characteristics of third places are more likely to lead to social interactions among familiar groups. Adequate privacy and appropriate working hours are factors besides third-place characteristics that increase social interaction as the senses of place and belonging rise, because people communicate when they experience senses of security, intimacy, and peace at the same time.AcknowledgmentThis article is excerpted from the doctoral dissertation in the field of architecture entitled "Interaction between body, mind and architectural environment based on the Integral theory (Case study: Cafe-restaurants in Tabriz)."
Urban Architecture
Sevda Norozi; Ali Javan Forouzandeh
Abstract
Highlights:
Participation is a concept in various fields and includes a wide range of meanings appropriate to its field of application.
Despite the relatively broad theoretical background of participation, its efficiency in the field of public space design process has been less.
Three components ...
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Highlights:
Participation is a concept in various fields and includes a wide range of meanings appropriate to its field of application.
Despite the relatively broad theoretical background of participation, its efficiency in the field of public space design process has been less.
Three components of individual, social and spatial dimensions are the main factors influencing the participatory design process of public spaces.
Introduction: It is important to consider the participation of public space users in the process of architectural design, and each of the various definitions of public participation that is reviewed somehow expresses the richness of people’s involvement in urban affairs at different levels, viewing public participation as an essential, inseparable component of urban development and noting the positive, undeniable results of the public’s contribution to the design and architecture process. On the other hand, this issue has been considered by many researchers and designers of urban public spaces in recent years, where participatory design solutions have been presented in practical examples at the three levels of design, planning, and decision-making. Despite the existence of a specific method of participatory motivation in design, concern for the issue is limited in Iran mainly to low-level methods of receiving information involving, for example, interviews and recorded user opinions, and a kind of deception is observed at macro levels of design, planning, and decision-making. Thus, the results obtained from these measures are restricted to purely-written or low-level operational intervention. The important point in this regard is the improper explanation of the effective components of participation, on the one hand, and the ineffective structure of these components and its relationship with the design process, on the other hand. Therefore, it is necessary to address the various dimensions of public participation and identify the components that affect the participatory design of public spaces. Knowledge of the components affecting these spaces allows designers, planners, and urban officials to design and plan quality public spaces with the people’s participation.
Theoretical Framework: Participation is a concept that comes in a variety of contexts, and includes a wide range of meanings tailored to its social, cultural, and practical aspects. It is regarded as a kind of notion that is easy to discuss but difficult and complex in practice. Despite the growing significance of public participation in architecture, urban planning, and urban management and the dedication of an important part of research in recent years to this issue, many architects, designers, planners, urban managers, and citizens still often disagree on public participation. Recognizing a black box on the path to individuals’ effective participation in the process of designing public spaces, they emphasize that efforts made in the field of public participation have often been ineffective, and efficiency has hardly been achieved in practice, especially in the field of design and architecture, even with the relatively broad theoretical background of participation. On the other hand, the diversity that is there in the field of participation in different disciplines has caused persistent problems with the way the concept can be used. Architectural designers and thinkers have different professional views on the process of participation in design, and the views of participation-oriented architects and participatory design have been considered as a new approach in the specialized training of architects. Collaborative design has assumed various manifestations in architecture, all of which have in common the use of opinions and the participation of more and more people in the design, especially in the architecture, of public spaces.
Methodology: The present research is an applied deductive-review study.
Results and Discussion: The present article aimed to explain the participatory factors by presenting and analyzing a conceptual-structural model of the impacts of the effective factors in the process of designing public spaces. Accordingly, the three main components, including the individual, social, and spatial dimensions, were extracted as the main influential factors in participatory design. The intersections of these three with concepts such as the sense of place (in the semantic dimension), physical and functional diversity (in the socio-spatial dimension), and permeability and readability (in the spatial dimension) played the major roles in specification of the levels of participatory intervention. At the secondary level, the components of access, security, and invitation (in the spatial dimension) exhibited the next greatest parts. The secondary level of influence of the place facilitates people’s presence in public places, while the primary level of influence deepens the participation in public places, and creates an emotional, unconscious, semantic structure at the place.
Conclusion: This research emphasizes the essential role of the concept of participation in the design process, which is multiple, complex and multi-level. The findings obtained in the design process can be applied at three levels: in the field of decision-making and design planning management, in the field of physical planning and urban design, and, finally, in the field of architecture and micro-space design. The first level deepens participation in public places, and creates an emotional, unconscious, semantic structure. The second level causes this deepening process to continue, and the third level makes it possible to facilitate people’s presence at public places.
Acknowledgment: This article was taken from the Master’s thesis in Architecture entitled Designing a neighborhood house with the approach of social participation of citizens in the ancient fabric of Ardabil (Mansouria neighborhood), which was defended by the first author under the second author’s supervision at the Islamic Azad University of Ardabil
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
Raheleh Abdollahi; Islam Karami; Ahad Nejad Ebrahini; Leila Rahimi
Abstract
Highlights
• The favorable situation of Tabriz Historic Bazaar was revealed in terms of resilience, contextualism and spatial capabilities.
• The relationship between contextual components and spatial capabilities with spatial resilience was explored.
• The greatest effect of ...
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Highlights
• The favorable situation of Tabriz Historic Bazaar was revealed in terms of resilience, contextualism and spatial capabilities.
• The relationship between contextual components and spatial capabilities with spatial resilience was explored.
• The greatest effect of adaptability and climatic context on resilience of Bazaar was revealed.
• Emphasis was discovered on paying attention to both factors of contextualism and spatial capabilities in achieving resilience.
1. Introduction
A new topic in the field of resilience, spatial resilience seeks space dynamism and vitality by preserving identity and function through focusing on particular features of space which provide an appropriate platform for possibility of vitality over time while maintaining efficiency and attendance. However, the existence of unused and abandoned spaces in cities and the importance of concern for the durability of spaces and their role in sustainability are among the leading challenges in metropolises, which seem to be modifiable and improvable due to their compatibility with the context and possession of environmental features that lead to the resilience required in addressing disorders. The purpose of the present study, designed to promote sustainability and urban identity, is to investigate the effects of contextualism and spatial capabilities on resilience in Tabriz Historic Bazaar.
2. Theoretical Framework
Spatial resilience concerns the possibility of different applications, adaptations, and capabilities and even the acceptance of changes without modification of identity. Therefore, the four components of flexibility, adaptability, variability, and reactivity were evaluated in a case study as spatial capabilities affecting the survival of spaces through analysis of the key concepts in different areas of resilience studies. On the other hand, the significance of the context in the discussion of spatial resilience can be considered for assessment of the success of spaces in achievement of the resilience required by the degree of their contextualism. The four physical, historical, cultural, and climatic components were examined in the case study as important contextual components affecting the survival of spaces. In other words, the effects of contextualism and spatial capability on spatial resilience were investigated through assessment of the relevant relationships.
3. Methodology
This applied descriptive-analytical research was based on the analysis of questionnaires through a correlation strategy. The contextual variables and spatial capabilities were assessed as independent variables, and spatial resilience was examined as a dependent variable. To specify the sample size using Cochran’s formula, 357 clients at Tabriz Historic Bazaar were selected to constitute the sample. For assessment of the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.899, which indicated the reliability of the research instrument. To analyze the data, the independent t-test was used to assess the current conditions, and correlation and regression tests were performed to examine the synchronous relationships between the variables.
4. Results and Discussion
The findings of the data analysis demonstrated that Tabriz Historic Bazaar was in favorable conditions in terms of resilience, contextualism, and spatial capabilities, and there were significant relationships between space resilience and the contextual components )physical, historical, cultural, and environmental-climatic) and spatial capabilities (flexibility, adaptability, variability, and reactivity) with coefficients of 0.773 and 0.834, respectively. There was also a significant relationship between contextualism and spatial capabilities with a coefficient of 0.767. The greatest impact on the resiliency of the bazaar space was associated among the four spatial capabilities to the adaptability and reactivity of the space with beta coefficients of 0.365 and 0.351, respectively, and among the four components of contextualism to the climatic and historical contexts with beta coefficients of 0.378 and 0.212, respectively. However, the lowest score was associated with the adaptability and climatic context of the space, and the highest with its flexibility and historical context. This indicated, on the one hand, that the capability of adapting to changes and new conditions and of adopting spontaneous response strategies against changes was most effective on the continuity of the space activity. On the other hand, adaptation to climatic conditions and environmental comfort and to native species and collective memories played a major role in maintenance of the space vitality over a long period of time. Given that previous research has emphasized the high degree of resilience due to the characteristics and capabilities of the environment, the present study was focused on concern for both contextual factors and spatial capabilities that are effective in the achievement of resilience and reduction of vulnerability to change. This was considered as the innovative aspect of the research.
Furthermore, the findings indicated that all the four contextual components had the appropriate spatial characteristics required to continue the activity due to the significant relationship between contextualism and spatial capabilities. However, the cultural and climatic contexts were in favorable conditions in terms of spatial capabilities.
5. Conclusion
The results demonstrated that Tabriz Historic Bazaar was influenced more by spatial capabilities than by contextual components in terms of resilience. That is, contextual components must be taken into account in addition to spatial capabilities to enhance resilience. Emphasis on both features will be effective in reduction of vulnerability and enhancement of resilience, and achievement of resilience requires the alignment of space with the context, where the ability to cope with disorders is realized as the capability of the space is raised through its inherent potentials.
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
akram esfandiari; Abbas Tarkashvand
Abstract
Like any other construction, a residential complex contains perceptual load for citizens as well as space and physical entity. Visual quality plays an essential role in the formation of this perceptual load. Thus, the perceptual function of a residential complex is dependent to a large extent on visual ...
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Like any other construction, a residential complex contains perceptual load for citizens as well as space and physical entity. Visual quality plays an essential role in the formation of this perceptual load. Thus, the perceptual function of a residential complex is dependent to a large extent on visual quality, which is considered qualitative, so the analysis involves plenty of complication. Isovist analyses and sightlines provide an efficient means of analysis and assessment of visual quality through quantitative methods. A review of the theories and studies presented in the field of isovist tools indicates their significance in the analysis of constructed environments based on the visual perception of the audience. This research provides an explanation of the relationship between isovist indicators and spatial experience. On the other hand, concern for visual privacy, which is a major aspect of the visual quality of the environment, is related to overlook. Moreover, whether the residential space is overlooked by surrounding buildings is an essential factor in specification of the interior space quality of a residential unit. The purpose of this study was to provide a method of using isovist tools and sightlines in the process of assessing the visual quality of residential complexes. The research was conducted in the city of Kermanshah, Iran. To this end, residential complexes located in Kermanshah were first typologized and categorized using analyses of form based on a quantitative method. For prevention of the inconsistency of the urban spaces around the complexes from functioning as an interfering factor, the shapes of the obtained types were then homogenized with the normalization method, and the spatial-physical quality of the normalized types was measured using Spacemate. In the next step, visual quality was assessed using isovist tools based on criteria including area, thrust angle, maximum line of sight, and circumscription, and quantitative data were extracted. Finally, the correlation between the data collected from the visual quality measurements and those obtained from the analysis of the spatial-physical quality of the types was examined and analyzed. The results demonstrated that each of the residential complex types involved specific visual quality indicators and sightlines that compared quantitatively and qualitatively with the other types. Moreover, the isovist indicators, which represented the visual quality of the types, correlated with their spatial indicators. This demonstrated the validity of the proposed method in isovist and sightline analysis for assessment of the visual quality of residential complexes, and illustrated the use of the Spacemate charts for that purpose. This research could not assign any of the types absolute or relative superiority in terms of visual quality; however, it analyzed the visual characteristics of each, thereby providing designers with a tool to include the desired visual qualities in their designs. The results of the research can be used potentially in the design of residential complex sites and, consequently, affect the quality of residential plans.
Urban Architecture
Ali Mosallanejad; Khosro Movahed; hadi keshmiri
Abstract
Urban passages are one of the most important urban spaces that have long been the main focus of citizens’ social attendance, particularly the youth. Young people can increase the dynamism and vitality of these spaces with their purposeful attendance. It is of great significance ...
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Urban passages are one of the most important urban spaces that have long been the main focus of citizens’ social attendance, particularly the youth. Young people can increase the dynamism and vitality of these spaces with their purposeful attendance. It is of great significance today to address the issue of young people’s attendance of urban spaces and its relationship with architectural components. It is an important step in reduction of the problems of the youth to identify the roles played by these elements in their attendance of passages. Their interaction with other citizens in the streets of the city of Shiraz, Iran can increase the vitality of the urban spaces and provide them with a valuable opportunity to manage their leisure time. The main purpose of this research was to assess the impacts of architectural elements on young people’s attendance of urban spaces. These elements include the shapes of the urban buildings, their colors, flooring types, furniture, and land use variety, and the locations and shapes of the gardens and fountains. The area under investigation is Afifabad Street in Shiraz. The street is 950 meters long and 13 meters wide with about 11 meters of sidewalk on each side. It extends from Qasr al-Dasht Intersection to Afifabad Garden. This urban passage provides a crowded, powerful commercial texture with shopping attraction. This study was aimed at investigating the environmental and functional quality components of its architectural design in order to increase youngsters’ attendance of urban passages. For evaluation of the impacts of physical architectural elements on young people’ attendance of urban passages and their liveliness in this applied research, expert views on the components of urban attendance were first identified through library and documentary studies with an emphasis on the youth. Then, the physical elements that enhance attendance of urban passages were examined, followed by an identification of the components of its reinforcement. In this descriptive-analytical research, the required data were collected through questionnaires obtained from a random sample of 400 respondents that resided, did business, or walked in Afifabad Street. The statistical analysis of the questionnaires was made using SPSS 24, and the important factors related to the environmental components were obtained using the method of factor analysis. The findings demonstrated that the urban furniture element was correlated with some other components such as public and welfare services, environmental components, functional characteristics, safety, and security. Spatial diversity and physical components were found to exhibit the greatest impacts on the attempt to increase young people’s attendance of Afifabad Street, where the correlation coefficient of the relationship was 0.64. It should also be noted that the factors most important to the youth included the concern for the cleanliness of the urban environment and the availability of public services, which can motivate their attendance of the urban area.
Urban Architecture
SEYYEDEH FATEMEH MOUSAVINIA
Abstract
Adoption of strategies such as compact city design and urban intensification are claimed to positively affect the levels of social sustainability within the city. The sense of safety and social interactions within neighborhoods are also important factors affecting residents’ quality of life and ...
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Adoption of strategies such as compact city design and urban intensification are claimed to positively affect the levels of social sustainability within the city. The sense of safety and social interactions within neighborhoods are also important factors affecting residents’ quality of life and community cohesion and sustainability. However, no research has been conducted on the relationship between density and social ties, and contradictory claims are made about the impacts of higher density on social life in residential environments. It has been demonstrated that people’s experience and perception of density could vary by its levels, and is inadequately expressed by any of its measures. Previous research has found that most of the negative associations of density concern the perceptions thereof, and perceived density is correlated with social interactions and the sense of safety in residential environments. The causal nature of the relationship, however, has not been established. Furthermore, the constructed shapes, residential layouts, and hybrid land uses in a neighborhood and the relevant socio-demographic variables have been found in some studies to play important roles in achievement of social sustainability. A physical element known as gatedness is also believed to influence local community relationship networking and the sense of safety. Therefore, one of the most common strategies that developers adopt to establish communities that provide residents with closer-knit, safe places to live in involves gated communities: residential areas with access restricted through physical barriers such as fences, walls, security guardhouses, and electric gates. Based on the social ecological model, this study highlighted the importance of evaluations and perceptions derived from communal spaces as motivators of social interaction, and demonstrated that the physical environment affects people’s thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about a local neighborhood through everyday contact and experience. The aim of this study was to examine the structural relationships between perceived density, social interaction, and the sense of safety in gated and non-gated communities. For that purpose, six neighborhoods of the same net residential and population density and the same socioeconomic resident status but with different layouts in the city of Mashhad, Iran were selected for detailed investigation. A total of 590 randomly-selected residents completed a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire, originating from the reviewed literature. The data analysis was made using SPSS 19 and Amos 23. The reliability of the questionnaire, developed specifically to elicit individuals’ perceptions, was demonstrated, and the latent constructs were validated through confirmatory factor analysis. Then, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to estimate the relationships between the predictors and outcomes. It was found that social interaction was greater in gated communities than in non-gated ones. However, residents in non-gated residential areas exhibited greater senses of safety than those in gated communities. The results of SEM demonstrated that the direct effects of perceived density on social interaction were significant in both groups, and there was a negative causal relationship between perception of density and social interaction. In gated communities, the non-recursive model suggested a feedback loop where a decrease in perceived density would increase social interaction, thereby increasing the sense of safety, in turn further decreasing perceived density. In non-gated communities, however, the sense of safety was influenced by perceived density and thus correlated with social interaction as an independent factor. This finding indicated the mediating role of the sense of safety in the relationship between perceived density and social interaction in non-gated communities.
Urban Architecture
mehrdad shahbazi; mansour yeganeh; M Bamanian
Abstract
Open spaces play a vital role in enhancement of the quality of any environment or space. Human biological conditions can be improved through an increase in the quality of space, which can be achieved when individuals’ everyday psychological needs as well as the functional, environmental, and aesthetic ...
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Open spaces play a vital role in enhancement of the quality of any environment or space. Human biological conditions can be improved through an increase in the quality of space, which can be achieved when individuals’ everyday psychological needs as well as the functional, environmental, and aesthetic aspects are considered. Therefore, environmental vitality can be regarded as an integral part of a desirable architecture that seeks to convey a sense of vitality to the audience. The present paper sought to explore the theoretical domain of the research conducted in the area of vitality through meta-analysis of environmental vitality factors. The research population consisted of forty articles (twenty domestic and twenty foreign papers) published during the 2008-2018 period. The data were collected from the articles based on the Prisma protocol, which had been adapted by experts. A systematic review method was used for data collection, meta-analysis was employed for data analysis, along with the funnel, linear regression, distribution error, and heterogeneity Q test methods, and the data extracted from the review were evaluated using CMA2. Linear regression and multivariate regression were then used to investigate the relationship between every two independent variables and their relationship with the dependent variable, environmental vitality. The findings of the study were addressed from two aspects. From the structural analysis aspect, the general characteristics of the articles were studied in terms of vitality. From the content analysis aspect, the most important assumptions of meta-analysis (the homogeneity of the studies and consistency among them) were examined. The findings of the research demonstrated that there were positive, direct relationships between the effects of the independent variables on vitality and between vitality and the independent variables. This means that vitality increases as the independent variables rise. The theoretical foundations of the field have not yet reached the depth and breadth required for research, which needs greater organization. The research topics, theoretical frameworks, and theoretical achievements should be subjected to methodological revision to gain scientific accuracy, which is also dependent on research, including studies that involve meta-analysis. The best efforts to conduct such research should reduce the drawbacks. Some of the weaknesses in previous studies can be noted on that basis. More than half of the research performed in the field (60%) was evaluated as based on moderate and weak theoretical foundations. This could be accounted for in terms of the failure to utilize up-to-date, firsthand resources, to provide high levels of consistency, and to adapt the structures of the materials presented in the theoretical foundations to meet the main purposes of the papers. This could be attributed to the weakness of the theoretical foundations of the research. A total of 49 variables were extracted after the theoretical foundations were examined and analyzed. Furthermore, the variables of safety and security exhibited the greatest impacts on environmental vitality, and social participation and social interaction were found to be the most effective. Conversely, building shape exhibited the least effect on environmental vitality, and the effects of the other variables were found to be almost constant. Thus, the above design recommendations and planning criteria can lead to high quality in an urban open space in terms of communication, vitality, diversity, and appearance.
Urban Architecture
maryam kiaee
Abstract
In addition to their objective, overt aspects, different spaces have subjective, covert dimensions, which cannot be inferred simply through analysis of their physical structures. These features, which are classified as cognitive features of space, are largely influenced by the space users’ types ...
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In addition to their objective, overt aspects, different spaces have subjective, covert dimensions, which cannot be inferred simply through analysis of their physical structures. These features, which are classified as cognitive features of space, are largely influenced by the space users’ types and methods of perception of space. You receive part of the environment information via presence in the space and with the help of your sensory abilities. Depending on your needs and motivations, some of the information is perceived by your mental system, and recognition is ultimately achieved through analysis of the perceived information and their registration in mind. Thus, mental or cognitive maps are formed for you, which in turn result from transformation of an objective entity into a subjective one, on which basis your mental image of an environment takes shape. These cognitive maps are largely dependent on the values, beliefs, memories, aspirations, etc. of people who use an environment. Therefore, it can be argued that people have different types of perception of the environment. Therefore, the quality of the objective and subjective features is effective in space users’ cognition and perception of the environment, and they utilize one or both of these perceptions to evaluate the environment. Moreover, the physical quality of the space is effective on its recognition, which turns recognition of the structural features effective in identification of space into another aspect of the significance of this research. Therefore, the present research sought to investigate the cognitive and perceptual aspects of a traditional market as a case study by evaluating the perceptual quality of the environment using Gestalt psychology and analyzing the system of spatial configuration using space syntax and to analyze the space users’ spatial-cognitive behavior in the relatively complex environment. After the factors required by both theories were introduced, the process of analysis began. On the syntactic analysis side, the market map was loaded in the software environment, and the market was analyzed using the values of factors such as the cone of vision, spatial depth and integrity, and spatial accessibility and quality. On the cognitive analysis side, the method of drawing cognitive maps was used for extraction of the Gestalt factors. Therefore, the research population was asked to enter the market through a specific entrance and draw their mental images of its structure in the croquis format after traveling around the market for thirty minutes. After data were collected using both methods, the obtained findings were analyzed and compared. The results of the research indicated that several objective and subjective factors are effective, either at the same time or with some prioritization with respect to each other, in proper wayfinding in spaces, particularly unfamiliar and less familiar ones. Moreover, the results obtained from the syntactic analysis of an environment are in some cases consistent with those of its cognitive analysis, and they contrast in other cases, depending to a great extent on the spatial features of the environment and the elements used in it. Accordingly, a traditional market in Iran was selected for a case study, and people’s spatial behavior in the urban space with a relatively complex structure and their perception thereof was analyzed. Therefore, the questions of the research are as follows. Which configuration features of a market are perceived and considered more closely by users? How do different people—particularly those who are unfamiliar or less familiar with the space—find or, in other words, choose the ways to their destinations in the market?
Urban Architecture
noushin sekhavat doust; Fariba Alborzi
Abstract
It is already inevitable to address the issue of meaning and to discover the deep semantic layers in social, cultural, and artistic areas and also in architecture. The observation that this has not been the case in regard to urban spaces and architecture has put an emphasis on the requirement for use ...
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It is already inevitable to address the issue of meaning and to discover the deep semantic layers in social, cultural, and artistic areas and also in architecture. The observation that this has not been the case in regard to urban spaces and architecture has put an emphasis on the requirement for use of intellectual and philosophical methods depending on meaning with a critical, profound attitude. One of the most important such methods is the semiotic approach examining a wide range of phenomena. Therefore, a link was established in this research between the role of semiotics and the quality of the historic monument known as Sa'd al-Saltaneh in the city of Qazvin, Iran through the use of the semiotics methodology for finding the place-making elements. Used as a caravanserai in the Qajar era, the monument has continued to function in a novel form as a dynamic urban space after reconstructed in the past few years, Due to the citizens’ continuous visits and sense of belonging to the place, it presents its particular space features, turning the search for surrounding space concepts into a subject to be contemplated. It is assumed that use of semiotics can lead to a more accurate interpretation of the place and promoted space quality as a supplementary role. In other words, the place-making elements, developed as a result of the visitors’ experience and sensory perception are studied with respect to the building and its context of location in the transition from semiotics. The method of semiotics used in this research takes the form of an analytical method, which makes contemplation and manifestation in the semantic domain possible through prioritization of the background and concentration on interpretation of the visitors’ mental presumptions in confrontation with the work. In fact, it becomes perfectly possible through semiotic contemplation in the process of transforming and understanding a sign into a meaningful sign, referred to here as promotion of space into place, to refer to mental presumptions and learn about the historical, social, and cultural context that influences the perception of a rich image of the place in the audience’s mind while relying on his sensory perceptions and experiences in a deeper interpretation. According to the stated hypothesis, the purpose of the present research is to identify the factors pertaining to the concept of place with a semiotic perspective and the descriptive-analytical method, next adapted to Sa'd al-Saltaneh historic monument using observations, interviews, questionnaires, and cognitive maps through croquis drawing after explanation of the above factors by means of semiotics. In the above questionnaire, sample size was obtained by the Cochran formula, and data analysis was made using SPSS 20 through presentation of data frequency and mean and Spearman’s test of correlation. The research results indicate the importance of the role of semiotics in the search for the factors promoting space to place, such as consideration of the context and adaptation to the environment, meaningfulness, cultural and social values, the identity and durability of the space, and memorability. The study also involved an examination and realization of the above factors in different relations between the individual and the place from the perspective of considering the semiotics of perception, historical, cultural, and social memory, and audience mentality.
Urban Architecture
Fatemeh Hanifeh; Hojjatollah Rashid kolvir; Abbas Abolghasemi; Hassan Akbari; Kasegar Mohammadi Shoaib
Abstract
The environment and space are two basic platforms for supporting multidimensional human needs. Hence, the dwelling, where architecture, society, and culture are closely interrelated, has a significant behavioral effect on the residents’ spirits and social interactions at different levels. The impact ...
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The environment and space are two basic platforms for supporting multidimensional human needs. Hence, the dwelling, where architecture, society, and culture are closely interrelated, has a significant behavioral effect on the residents’ spirits and social interactions at different levels. The impact of environment design and visual quality on people’s behavior and mental health has also been demonstrated in research by environmental designers, including William White, Appleyard, Kevin Lynch, and Alexander. Moreover, investigations of different residential environments indicate that every dwelling has its own behavioral effects on the residents’ psyches. This study investigates the hypothesis that the physical environment of a residential condominium is critical for increasing the psychological and social indicators. Furthermore, the sub-hypothesis suggests that the environmental (physical) components of the residential condominium (sound, light, space dimensions, etc.) influence the specification of the above indicators. The significance of the study lies in the idea that a dwelling should reflect its residents’ public images and private lives. This implies adherence to the residents’ diverse economic, political, cultural, and, particularly, individual philosophies, which vary from person to person in different communities. Since the three basic aspects of quality of life concern physical, mental, and social health, a dwelling can provide a sense of security and mental peace and lead to fundamental changes in personal, social, and other relations. The purpose of this descriptive-correlational study was to investigate the effects of the physical characteristics of a residential condominium on the improvement of the residents’ psychosocial indicators on a neighborhood scale. Data analysis was made using the correlation and multiple regression statistical methods. In order to confirm the variables obtained using the Delphi technique, 18 architecture and psychology experts were sent a questionnaire was sent to 18 architecture and psychology experts, modified on that basis to the final questionnaire. The research population included 186 available households from among the 439 residing in four residential condominiums in Rasht. The correlation coefficient indicated that there were significant relationships between all the physical variables confirmed by the experts and the social and psychological indicators. On that basis, 61.2% of the psychological indicator variance was predicted by the variables space quality, flexibility, and light, and 59% of the social indicator variance was predicted by the variables confidentiality, dwelling type, flexibility, public services and facilities, repetition time and period, light, space geography, convenience, and functional distance. The research results indicated the determining role of physical characteristics in the promotion of the social- and psychosocial indicators, which suggests that individuals acquire the coherent ability to interact efficiently with others both in private and public life in accordance with their own nature while controlling their own lives. In Rasht, the residents enjoy natural, lush, clean, and temperate environments, generally interacting with natural phenomena, which increases hope, and reduces stress in life. Finally, the present study sought to obtain solutions for improvement of neighborhood relations, enhancement of social interactions, and reduction of psychological damage among the residents through investigation and identification of the psychosocial factors affecting the design of residential condominiums on a neighborhood scale.
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 Architecture
minou Gharehbaglou; ahad nezhadebrahimi; maliheh javidmehr
Abstract
As key elements of cities, urban areas have always been an important issue in the history of urban studies. People of various social strata may need to visit and/or pass through urban areas with different goals on a regular basis. In this sense, urban spaces can play an important role in forming social ...
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As key elements of cities, urban areas have always been an important issue in the history of urban studies. People of various social strata may need to visit and/or pass through urban areas with different goals on a regular basis. In this sense, urban spaces can play an important role in forming social interactions and shaping people’s memories. The optimal design of an urban environment as a suitable context for extensive social interactions can help to meet the needs of citizens in an effective way. Urban areas are considered as the core context for social and economic interactions in cities. Insofar as they facilitate the presence and mobility of people, urban areas act as the beating hearts of cities and have an important role in establishing communication among various members of the society. This study aims to investigate the historic textureof Gonbad-e Kavus urban area which is one of the most important public spaces in Gonbad-e Kavus and home to major economic and recreational centers. The main objective of this study is to comprehensively identify the factors that enhance the responsiveness of urban areas as well as the criteria that help to achieve user satisfaction. The main research question addresses the degree of importance of factors that influence the responsiveness of the studied urban area, which is why it is essential to identify them clearly. In addition, improving the responsiveness of urban areas via considering the importance of influencing factors is the idea behind the second research question. The present study is an applied research in terms of its objective and a descriptive-analytical research in terms of its methodology. The process of identifying effective factors was based on a qualitative research strategy conducted through an indirect survey tactic based on expert opinions collected from a community of urban planners, professors and students of architecture. The sample size was determined by Cochran’s sample size formula and the participants were randomly selected via the snowball sampling method. The variables were identified based on theoretical studies through an extensive review of the related literature in order to achieve appropriate executive strategies for enhancing the environmental responsiveness of urban areas. Based on the literature review, a comprehensive set of responsiveness criteria was identified and prioritized by experts, including accessibility, land use diversity, legibility, permeability, richness, concentration or density of land use, visual proportions, flexibility, privatization and structure of organization. Considering the current condition of Gonbad-e Kavus urban area, a comprehensive set of effective strategies was evaluated and proposed for improving the current indices of environmental responsiveness. The results indicate that, among the evaluated strategies, the accessibility, diversity and legibility strategies have the highest levels of priority, in order of importance, for improving the responsiveness of Gonbad-e Kavus urban area. Given its role in facilitating commuting and convenient access to this area, accessibility is identified as the first priority. In addition, the diversity of existing land use patterns for meeting various user needs helps significantly to increase the appeal of this urban area for attracting a larger audience. Finally, the factors of legibility and permeability are also very important in creating a more responsive urban area.
Urban Architecture
Abstract
Place attachment is a type of emotional connection developed between an individual and a specific location which could happen in different times and places. People could feel different levels of attachment to their homes, neighborhoods or cities. This feeling could have different levels of intensity ...
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Place attachment is a type of emotional connection developed between an individual and a specific location which could happen in different times and places. People could feel different levels of attachment to their homes, neighborhoods or cities. This feeling could have different levels of intensity based on environmental features, social atmosphere and the memories made by individuals in that specific place. Several studies have been conducted on the subject of place attachment. Researches done by Daneshpour et al. (2009), Sarmast & Motavaseli (2010), Amir Kafi & Fathi (2011), Sajadzadeh (2014), Heidari et al. (2014), Cuba & Hummon (1993), Hidalgo & Hernandez (2001), Brown et al. (2003), Shamai & Liatov (2005), Gifford et al. (2009), and Lewicka (2010) are among studies that have addressed the issue from different approaches. However, these studies have not addressed place attachment in terms of the three factors of home, neighborhood, and city as well as age and sex variables. Also, they have not compared two different cities with different physical and social features. The present study will focus on the three factors of home, neighborhood and the city and delve into the reasons for the increase and decrease in the intensity of place attachment. It will also take sex and age variables into account. To compare the resulted data, residents of the two cities of Tehran and Sari were chosen. Conducting a study on the two cities of Tehran, a metropolis, and Sari, a small city with stronger social ties, can improve generalizability. The number of participants as subjects of the study in Tehran and Sari is assessed to be 427 and 306, respectively. Within the prescribed framework, factors that affect place attachment are divided into the three physical, social and emotional categories. Accordingly, three separate questionnaires were provided to assess the intensity of place attachment regarding the aforementioned categories. In each questionnaire, there were questions about physical, social and emotional factors, which are the main factors in determining the reasons behind place attachment. The resulted data from within subjects ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA and split-plot ANOVA were analyzed using SPSS. The results showed that the intensity of attachment in residents of Tehran and Sari regarding the three categories was different. Accordingly, the subjects’ attachment to their homes held the highest rank, attachment to cities was at the second place and attachment to neighborhood was at the lowest level. Also the factor of sex had no impact on the intensity of attachment regarding the aforementioned categories. However, the results of descriptive statistics showed that the intensity level related to attachment to home for both men and women held the highest level, attachment to city was at the second place and attachment to neighborhood was at the lowest level. Although not having a meaningful impact on the results of the study, in the case of female residents of Sari, attachment to city held a lower place than attachment to neighborhood.However, the age of subjects played an important role in their place attachment. For instance, Tehran residents of all age groups said that they had a stronger attachment to their homes, their city and neighborhoods (in the same order), but in the case of Sari, teenagers showed stronger attachment to their city while older people showed roughly the same level of attachment to all the three categories.The results showed that social attachment to home held the highest priority and physical attachment held the second place followed by emotional attachment to home. With regard to the neighborhood and city categories, for all age groups, emotional attachment to the city held the highest rank, followed by attachment to the physical dimensions and social attachment.
Urban Architecture
y p; A H
Volume 6, Issue 22 , May 2017, , Pages 15-26
Abstract
Functional quality of cumulative spaces is special to environmental and urban design. In line with improvement of functional quality of these urban places, it is important to take security elements into account. These elements include both objective and subjective indicators. The absence of these components ...
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Functional quality of cumulative spaces is special to environmental and urban design. In line with improvement of functional quality of these urban places, it is important to take security elements into account. These elements include both objective and subjective indicators. The absence of these components in such spaces with unlimited users affects their overall performance. The aim of this study is to examine some visual or skeletal components in one of these communal spaces, i.e. parks. To validate research findings and user preferences, subjective factors (users’ perception of space) will also be evaluated. In this research, the objective quality of space will be assessed through space syntax indices following the characteristics of the space syntax theory which investigates the physical parameters of space. Other research tools include field research (environmental and field data), questionnaires, interviews and researchers’ observations. The subjective and perceptual characteristics of users in terms of “security” are hereby placed under investigation. After stating the problem and introducing Space Syntax theory in the environment analysis, this paper tries to analyze the issue of crime hotspots (security or lack of security) in the environment regardless of the effective factors on the users’ perceptions (first step). After analyzing the issue by this method, the survey strategy was used to validate the obtained results and to adapt them to the views of space users (second step). To achieve the objectives of the research, after the introduction of research tools, the total area of the park was determined by syntax factors and then open questionnaires, field observations and cognitive maps were used. The results showed that the population of the research avoided some parts of the park due to different subjective reasons. In some cases, environmental quality and, in some other cases, subjective characteristics of the environment were effective on creating a sense of insecurity with the space. Ultimately, it seems that subjective factors have priority over environmental indicators in selecting a space. Other important results of the research are as follows: - The central area of the park seems to be desirable. This is because of its shallow depth and lack of permeability as well as the low level of monitoring due to the structural and skeletal features of the environment. - A favorable environment in urban parks in terms of security is a place which has relatively large terraces with few wide passageways without any deadlock. - Safe spaces in parks have proper lighting. Accordingly, there should be no tall and broadleaf trees in the main communication areas, especially on the passageways, so that they would not block lighting in the night. - When these spaces have innovative design features and create the subjective sense of belonging to the place in people, even in the absence of some objective characteristics of a safe environment, they will lead to increased usability of the environment, socialization of the space and thereby maintaining a desired level of security in the environment.
Urban Architecture
Mitra Ghafourian; Elham Hesari
Volume 5, Issue 18 , May 2016, , Pages 91-100
Abstract
Residential Satisfaction is one of the most complex issues and the key criterion which has been studied by many urban scholars and also other scientific researchers. It is necessary since it contributes to individuals’ well-being and quality of life. Admittedly, the Residential Satisfaction concept ...
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Residential Satisfaction is one of the most complex issues and the key criterion which has been studied by many urban scholars and also other scientific researchers. It is necessary since it contributes to individuals’ well-being and quality of life. Admittedly, the Residential Satisfaction concept is based on a wide range of expectations, desires and tendencies in order to meet basic and transcendental human needs, and refers to the real experience of people's lives. Satisfaction with the residential environment is, in fact, people's quality of evaluating their living environment and many factors such as personal, physical and social factors influence its level. Hence, evaluation of these factors leading to satisfaction with the residential environment can be used as scales and standards by the city planners, urbanists and architects. It seems that by reviewing the research conducted on residents' satisfaction and its inductive conclusion, one can reach a systematic framework and a comprehensive model to explain the factors affecting this quality. This paper is in search of a theoretical framework to identify and assess background factors and variables affecting residential satisfaction, and to develop a theoretical model to analyze the relationship of each variable with the extent of residents’ satisfaction using a meta-analysis method by comparing the results of previous experimental research. This analysis was undertaken to achieve tangible and clear conclusions. Accordingly, on the one hand it deals with defining satisfaction with the residential area based on the views of experts in the field; and on the other hand, by looking at previous experimental studies, it deals with identifying and analyzing the factors affecting the satisfaction of the residents and offers the proposed model of the research. The results of the research identify that Satisfaction with residential space is a complex phenomenon and depends on multiple factors which includes personal, social and physical factors. Personal variables, independently, are known as the most influential factors affecting different levels of expectations, desires and tendencies of life. Social factors were identified and defined as emotions that are effective in the process of shaping the social dimension of satisfaction. It can be stated that the public's sense toward local community increases in places and is affected by people’s mental perception of the environment. in fact, people feel more satisfied with their local community when it seems supportive, reliable and friendly. The third level of commonality also showed that satisfaction is also influenced by the living conditions and physical environmental factors. If built environment was selected by people and it has a good quality, it will affect judgment of satisfaction of the residential environment. In addition, social and physical factors of residential environments form the real experiences of people from these environments. With respect to the objective of observing the physical environment and mental perception of the social conditions in which one lives, residents will have different actual experience in terms of the environment. Thus, if there is more convergence between individuals' expectations with their real experience of the environment, the satisfaction with the residential environment will increase.
Satisfaction, Residential Environment, Personal Factors, Social Factors, Physical Factors.
Urban Architecture
Amir Hossein Farshchian; Azita Balali Oskuei
Volume 4, Issue 15 , August 2015, , Pages 53-68
Abstract
The present study is based on the analysis of perceiving geometry aiming at explaining, analyzing and displaying the geometry system of urban development according to different periods and the factors affecting it. Cities are formed from the crowds gathered along rivers and ...
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The present study is based on the analysis of perceiving geometry aiming at explaining, analyzing and displaying the geometry system of urban development according to different periods and the factors affecting it. Cities are formed from the crowds gathered along rivers and caves based on perceived relationships, including the requirements of human survival, and are developed according to the needs of people living in them. The most important issue in this system is the type of organization that bonds these parts to urbanism issues and controls them. The main background and hidden relationship in urbanism system is perceiving geometry. It is a factor that systematizes the principles associated with subjectivities in relation to itself beyond visual perception and identifiable mathematical relations. The main research hypothesis and question presented is how cities are developed based on its perceiving geometry and if this type of geometry is effective in other general and specific subjects such as area and area centers. This paper is based on survey-based research, phases of which include 1. defining this system and its performance; 2. studying perceiving geometry and its effects on the formation of Hamadan as a case study; 3. research literature and analysis of information and documents; 4. detailed description of the main periods and parts of the city; 5. analyzing and displaying graphics, images, and factors affecting the formation and geometry of the city and green areas (centers of districts in Hamadan); 6. identifying how the physical structure of the city is achieved, consolidated and continued based on perceived geometry 7. research results 8. strategies to maintain and renovate the geometry according to time and place; and 9. summary and description of the formation and development of the original geometry. Hamadan has ten main periods of the city development based on the most significant changes in the urbanism system: 1. geometry and basic needs; 2. geometry and security vacuum; 3. geometry and government rule; 4. geometry and Islam; 5. geometry and wars 6. geometry and the notable presence of Shiites 7. geometry and machine 8. geometry and urbanism without geometry; 9. geometry and the increase of urban territory, 10. geometry and machinist. Since the early period, six main factors overshadowed this geometry from the smallest urban cell (house) to green spaces and the whole of the city: accessing water, food, green spaces, being with others, security and livelihood. At present, the remaining green spaces of this perceiving geometry system is that it apparently has no causality and order, but internally it has the most precise causal relationship so that the semantic adaptability of these issues will be manifested by analyzing this issue in the different periods of the city’s development. The basic strategies that result from this research include: 1. detection of the type of process of change according to the geometry of growth and factors affecting it and how to respond in any successful period; 2. examination of the stoppage time and sidelining its correct and appropriate procedure along with the reasons regulating this issue; 3. identification of the type of geometry which, after stoppage period, has taken the procedure and managed the changes; 4. Finally, the adaptation of the type of the main perceiving geometry with the present geometry and entering the modern components in achieving a geometry in accordance with all aspects of present life. This geometry can be the most desirable turning point in this regard with a reforming view to the future of desirable architecture and urban development that can be turned to optimizing and renovating green space according to this type of recognized perceiving geometry.