Housing and Rural Environment
Year:2024 | Volume:43 | Issue:186|Papers Count:8

2Objective: Architects, designers, and urban planners often prioritize high-rise buildings, while the spaces between these structures are frequently overlooked. This neglect can diminish both vitality and security in urban environments. Enhancing vitality in these spaces can be achieved through the integration of various forms of public art. This research aims to identify and elucidate the indicators of public art that can enhance vitality in the spaces between high-rise buildings in Sadra Town, Shiraz. Method: This descriptive-analytical study employs applied research methodologies and utilizes a questionnaire for data collection, completed by 22 experts. A total of 16 variables across six dimensions—architectural art, visual-performance art, digital art, street art, sculpture art, and landscape art—were compiled through a review of theoretical studies. The Mic Mac method was employed to analyze the data, identifying both direct and indirect relationships among the 16 variables and establishing their prioritization. The variables were categorized into four groups: two-dimensional variables (goals and risks), independent variables, influential variables, and influenced variables. Results: The study identified climbing plants, tree arrangements, and movie broadcasts as influential variables. Light and lighting equipment, street performances, furniture, flooring, and LED displays emerged as two-dimensional variables. Additionally, street music and festival-related variables were recognized as influential. Independent variables included wall paintings, museums, galleries, sculptures, and sound installations. Conclusions: The findings indicate that light and lighting equipment, street performances, furniture, climbing plants, and LED displays are the most impactful variables. Among these, furniture, lighting, flooring, and street display elements have had the greatest influence on enhancing vitality in urban spaces.

2Objective: The importance of utilizing technologies compatible with the natural environment and renewable energy sources in line with the studied climate is increasingly recognized. This research focuses on the study of wind behavior and the function of windcatchers as a passive system for creating natural ventilation in hot and dry zones, addressing the thermal comfort requirements of residents. Ventilators, once a significant climatic architectural element in new constructions—particularly in rural areas—have lost their prominence, as inhabitants of hot and dry regions have shifted to conventional cooling systems such as water and gas coolers. One such area is Yazd province, where traditional housing reflects its cultural identity. This article aims to investigate the impact of one-way windcatchers on providing thermal comfort in rural housing through natural ventilation in Yazd province. Method: This article employs a qualitative research method in a descriptive-analytical approach, beginning with field observations of common patterns in rural housing within Bondorabad village. The study investigates the methods of utilizing wind for natural ventilation in this region. The dependent variable is thermal comfort, while the independent variable is wind speed. Subsequently, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis software is used to explore the relationship between these variables, examining different configurations of the windcatcher: the current height, an increased height of two meters, and a decreased base height of two meters. Results: The findings indicate that the performance of the windcatcher is optimal when situated four meters above the roof, with wind entering perpendicularly to its opening. However, simulations reveal that under certain conditions, wind flow speed can create irregular currents in the space during summer. Furthermore, as the height of the windcatcher decreases, wind speed diminishes in the summer area, leading to suboptimal performance. Conclusions: It is recommended that the performance of existing buildings be considered in future constructions, particularly regarding the placement of openings and the internal design of the windcatcher.

2Objective: This research evaluates the validity of the hypothesis by investigating the five-door rooms, three-door rooms, and courtyards of historic houses in Ahvaz. The study aims to answer the question of which adjustment systems of proportions are utilized in the geometry of these historic houses. To assess the normality of the obtained data, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was employed. Given the normality of the data, parametric tests were utilized to address the research hypotheses. Method: Among the teachings of Iranian architecture, two theories—“Iranian Golden Rectangle” and “Guz and Module”—have been particularly influential. This research evaluates the validity of the hypothesis by examining the five-door rooms, three-door rooms, and courtyards of Ahvaz historic houses. The study seeks to determine which adjustment systems of proportions are applied in the geometry of these structures. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the data, and parametric tests were implemented based on this normality to test the research hypotheses. Results: Considering the actual conditions and plan patterns of Ahvaz houses, the variation coefficients derived from Guz and Module were found to be lower and closer to the real values compared to those obtained from the Iranian Golden Rectangle. This supports the acceptance of the Guz and Module hypothesis as the primary theory applied in the geometry of the investigated houses. Conclusions: Previous research on the geometry and proportions of historical houses indicates that architects aimed to align the dimensions of spaces as closely as possible to specific geometric proportions. This study assessed the extent to which golden rectangle proportions have been utilized in Qajar-era houses in Ahvaz.

2Objective: Iranian architecture has historically confronted various climatic challenges in desert regions, often leading to innovative solutions. One such challenge is the increase in temperature coupled with decreased relative humidity, particularly during the hottest days of the year. A sustainable climatic solution for achieving thermal comfort and mitigating harsh weather conditions in this region involves the integration of central courtyards and basements. However, the lack of moisture in the air renders the mere construction of these spaces insufficient for thermal comfort. To address this, pond spaces were incorporated into the yard and, in some cases, into the cellar or basement to help lower temperature and increase relative humidity. Method: This study employs descriptive and analytical methods alongside library and internet research. Additionally, simulation techniques were utilized to explore the impact of the pond factor within the two spaces of the cellar and yard. Results: The findings indicate that introducing a moisture source (pond) results in an average temperature reduction of up to 3.5 degrees Celsius in the yard and up to 2.5 degrees Celsius in the basement compared to scenarios without a pond on the hottest day of the year. Furthermore, the presence of a pond in the yard does not lead to significant changes in the temperature and humidity levels of the basement, even with air circulation. Conclusions: While the pond is essential for reducing the temperature of the yard itself and cannot be omitted from the design of desert homes, its role in enhancing thermal comfort within the cellar is particularly notable during peak heat hours. In the pond scenario, the temperature difference compared to the outside reaches approximately 9 degrees Celsius, whereas the scenario without the pond yields a difference of about 5 degrees. This underscores the undeniable importance of the water pond and the associated humidity in achieving thermal comfort.

2Objective: The Dastkand architecture of the Sahand hillside includes a large number of steep rock structures, a limited number of which have been studied and researched so far. Most of the studies that have been done in this regard are generally about the structures or in more detail about the rock architecture in Kandavan, which has been researched from various aspects. Rock architectural structures, along with works such as mosques, baths and other collections, form important parts of Dastkand (hand- made) architecture. Therefore, it is very important to know the rock architecture of each of them in detail, including the pattern, the way of formation, the structure and the place they have in terms of structure, social and natural. The main goal and focus of this research is to investigate and typology of the rock mosque of Ansarood, located in a village in the foothills of the Sahand volcanic mountains, which remains from the past and is always in use. The follow-up questions include what are the unique architectural features of Ansarood Mosque and how are the patterns of damage and destruction factors that have threatened the sustainability of the building. Method: The way to reach these questions and finally achieve the purpose of the study is through field studies and review of available sources, and during this research, which is focused on recognizing the patterns and the way of putting together the main parts and spaces of the mosque, in the method A descriptive-historical description was made along with field surveys and an attempt was made to study the design and composition of the mosque. Results: The conducted studies show that the architecture of the mosque is similar to the rock structures of the with their own hand type, and it is in two separate spaces for women and men, and the women's section is located in the front part and at a higher pleace than the male section. Conclusions: Also, the interventions made in the mosque, including damaging the originality of the building by using mortars and non-repair materials, as well as digging to enlarge the space and thus reducing the thickness of the walls, are among the most dangerous factors along with the environmental factors.

2Objective: Self-sufficiency and reliance on natural materials are fundamental principles of Iranian architecture, with brick being a locally abundant material in Iran. Over time, brick buildings require retrofitting, restoration, and enhancement. To gain a deeper understanding of brick and its retrofitting, it is essential to analyze historical bricks and incorporate past experiences in brick making. This research aims to examine the technical characteristics of bricks used in the historical buildings of Kashan city across different time periods. Five brick samples from these historical structures have been selected for analysis. Method: The research employs a quantitative approach based on field studies and laboratory experiments. The experiments are categorized into three groups. The first group comprises basic tests, including density, specific gravity, moisture content, and water absorption. The second group encompasses mechanical tests, focusing on compressive and bending strength. The third category involves chemical tests conducted through X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. Results: The tests revealed that the specific weight of the samples ranged from 1.6 to 2.14 grams per cubic centimeter, while water absorption varied between 9.3 and 18.5 percent. The compressive strength was found to be between 53.12 and 195.27 kg/cm², and the bending strength ranged from 11.62 to 125.83 kg/cm². The findings indicate that basic characteristics significantly influence mechanical properties. As specific weight and volume density of the samples increase, their internal pore structure diminishes, leading to reduced moisture content and lower water absorption. Furthermore, higher sample density correlates with increased compressive and bending strength. The predominant chemical composition in the samples was quartz, while the presence of gypsum contributed to decreased mechanical resistance. In contrast, higher levels of quartz, anorthite, and albite enhanced the resistance of the samples Conclusions: The physical and mechanical characteristics of brick samples remain relatively stable over time. Consequently, it appears that the resistance parameters are more influenced by the quality of the raw materials, sample density, and production methods rather than the age of the samples.

2Objective: The primary goal of this study is to develop a model for optimal urban land management, focusing on the integration of neighboring villages in Iranian cities and validating this model. Method: This research employs a qualitative approach grounded in Grounded Theory. The study population comprises experienced experts and managers who possess valuable insights related to the research topic. A total of 30 individuals were selected as samples. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to facilitate the development of the research model. Data analysis was performed using the systematic method proposed by Strauss and Corbin, incorporating ten acceptability indicators by Corbin and Strauss for model validation. Results: The data analysis followed the three stages of coding in Grounded Theory: open, axial, and selective coding. This process led to a progressive abstraction of the collected data, culminating in the formation of the research model. The model encompasses categories such as adjacent villages, land exchange, demographic concentration, policy formulation, regulatory authorities, services and facilities, land use, civic identity, environmental considerations, agriculture, rational and empirical policies, as well as urban-rural relations and migration. These categories were designed by identifying causal conditions, strategies, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, and consequences. The validity of the model was confirmed through rigorous analysis. Conclusion: Following a thorough analysis of the data and the extraction and refinement of concepts, 32 categories and 92 open concept codes were identified. Ultimately, a comprehensive research model was developed, presenting causal, contextual, and intervening conditions, strategies, consequences, and results.

2Objective: The COVID-19 home confinement orders disrupted the traditional balance of residential use, as dwellings that were previously occupied for limited hours had to accommodate a broader range of daily activities. This shift exposed incompatibilities within traditional residential dynamics. This study aims to explore these dynamics and contribute to the development of residential adaptability in similar future scenarios. Method: Given the extended study period on residential living during home confinement and the need for an inductive approach grounded in residents' lived experiences, this study adopted a qualitative methodology. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a homogeneous sample of 14 architects and specialists active during the confinement phases. Thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software, involving open and axial coding to identify key themes. To ensure reliability, content validity was assessed through an analytical hierarchy process (AHP), which confirmed and prioritized the qualitative themes in alignment with the research objectives. Results: Residents' adaptation mechanisms during home confinement were driven by two primary objectives: "preventing the spread of disease" (preventive) and "facilitating habitation" (facilitative). The preventive category includes "spatial hierarchy need," "spatial layout and circulation reconfiguration," and "increased significance of service areas," with "spatial hierarchy need" being the most prominent, referenced in 61% of the initial qualitative data and holding 49% relative importance in post-pandemic analysis. The facilitative category comprises six groups: "replacing the city within the home," "humanizing the dwelling," "need for expansive open spaces," "technology utilization," "sensitivity to details," and "flexibility need." Among these, "flexibility need" emerged as the most critical, with a 26% frequency in the data and over 32% relative importance in subsequent analysis, followed by the "need for expansive open spaces," which had a 25.5% frequency and about 29% relative importance. Conclusions: The study's narrative is divided into two categories: preventive and facilitative. The preventive mechanism reveals a behavioral-spatial pattern encompassing three key themes: establishing a "hygienic hierarchy," "improving spatial layout and circulation," and implementing "cleaning and containment" measures to block contamination. The facilitative mechanism includes themes such as "replacing the city within the home," "humanizing the dwelling," and "sensitivity to details," which sequentially led to an increased "need for expansive open spaces" and "greater flexibility." Additionally, the growing use of "technology" helped mitigate the limitations of the home in terms of flexibility and space.