Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Iranian Architecture
Year:2024 | Volume:3 | Issue:6|Papers Count:12

This research proposes a conceptual model of  place design that integrates biological and cognitive biology principles into architectural design. By examining theories from biology, epistemology, and environmental psychology, the study aims to create spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also biologically and cognitively beneficial to human users. The model emphasizes the importance of understanding human-environment interactions, spatial perception, and cognitive processes. By incorporating these factors, architects can design spaces that promote well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life. The research highlights the potential of biophilic design, which seeks to connect people with nature, and the significance of creating environments that are adaptable and responsive to human needs. Ultimately, this interdisciplinary approach offers a novel perspective on architectural design, enabling the creation of spaces that are both sustainable and human-centered.

The effective management of lighting systems plays a critical role in minimizing energy consumption in commercial and office buildings.The Implementation of control devices in lighting systems offers diverse services, assists in mitigating grid stress, and facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources. This research aims to evaluate the deficiencies and constraints of lighting systems in commercial and office buildings situated in District 2 of Tehran based on global standards. In addition, it aims to examine energy-efficient strategies for these systems. A comprehensive research approach was adopted to accomplish these objectives, including an extensive literature review to establish the current lighting requirements and strategies.  Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative analyses of several international case studies were conducted to explore energy efficiency and conservation strategies for commercial  and office lighting systems. The examination and analysis of diverse lighting systems in commercial and office buildings in Iran were also carried out. Additionally, a detailed analysis of lighting systems in a two-floor office building in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, the Netherlands, a four-floor office building in Beijing, China, and ten offices in Torino, Italy, were undertaken. Moreover, the flexibility optimization model was employed to validate the solutions. The findings highlighted multiple methods to reduce energy consumption in lighting systems, including the adoption of advanced lamp technologies such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), controls to regulate illumination in the presence of natural light, and measures to curtail operating hours when spaces are unoccupied. Lastly, it was deduced that dimmable lights and autonomous controls proved to be more effective in reducing peak electricity demand for lighting systems.

Realistic photomontage is more a symbolic representation, and compared to a normal photo, a it functions as an indexical icon, where representation takes precedence in its production, and reference is prioritized in its credibility as a photograph. Now, if the form created by a realistic photomontage is to be accepted and interpreted as a realistic text, it must be an accurate reproduction that creates an authentic experience, making its mediated nature imperceptible. The distinctive advantage of photomontage is that, despite the selection and composition processes, it ultimately retains its photographic semblance. This photographic quality should be seen as a distinct manifestation of reality construction and manipulation. Many photographic compositions appear transparent even in elements that are not transparent, this transparency grants them a kind of realism that non-photographic forms obviously lack. The purpose of this article is to present a study of the work of photographers and digital artists, such as Ugur Gallen and Babak Kazemi who anchor their artistic approach in photographic realism and the depiction of reality, which aligns with Kendall Walton's theoretical framework. Accordingly, this research examines how realistically photomontage is perceived and interpreted. The study follows a library-based research method, after which the texts and contents are analyzed and interpreted. The findings emphasize that photographs establish a perceptual connection between the viewer and the world. Even an underexposed snapshot with poor lighting, an incomplete composition, or limited visual information can still assert a claim to realism.

Digital fabrication and computational geometry are two emerging approaches in architecture that have increasingly interacted with each other. Computational geometry plays  a crucial role in the evolution of the design process by providing powerful tools for generating complex forms and optimizing structures. On the other hand, digital fabrication, through the use of advanced technologies, enables the physical realization of these forms with high accuracy and speed. The complexity of the interaction between these two areas and their immense potential reveals the necessity of conducting comprehensive research in this field. This research has been carried out to examine the relationship between digital construction and computational geometry in architectural design and evaluate the challenges, possibilities and opportunities resulting from this synergy. By reviewing the existing literature and adopting a descriptive-analytical approach, this study investigates various case examples with distinct geometric features and digital fabrication methods, exploring the synergy between these two approaches in architectural design. The research findings show that the optimal synergy of computational geometry and digital fabrication leads to a design-by-fabrication process that can create architectures with diverse geometric complexity, manufacturability, customization, and cost reduction.

The Pavilion, as the main built element in the Persian garden, is considered the only extroverted residential space in Iranian architecture. The main reason for its extroversion can be found in the possibility of viewing the garden from all its fronts, as well as its location in the microclimate of the garden as a closed ecosystem. In many Persian gardens in hot and arid regions, pavilions were used as the only extroverted residential spaces, often for temporary accommodation or for holding ceremonies. Considering the importance of the pavilion in the Persian garden, the present research aims to explain the climatic factors that are effective in the creation of pavilions in Persian gardens located in hot and arid climates and to investigate the climatic parameters of pavilions design. The selected pavilions are Chehelsotoun, Dolatabad, and Shazdeh, as three valuable examples of gardens and pavilions built from the Safavid era to the Qajar era, which is considered as an important period in Persian gardening. The research method of this paper is qualitative, with a descriptive-analytical approach based on library research. while introducing the physical characteristics, elements and spaces that make up pavilions in Persian gardens and compiling climate design strategies in hot and arid regions, this study recognizes these criteria in selected pavilions using a comparative and analytical method. By analyzing and evaluating the climate design parameters in the selected pavilions, different passive cooling strategies are identified in historic gardens' pavilions in arid areas of Iran.

Regarding the importance of the quality of life and the necessity of proper and efficient planning to improve the quality of life of residents in residential apartments in temperate and humid climate, there is a fundamental need for comprehensive studies in this area. Consequently, the current study was conducted to compare the quality of life of residents on different floors of residential apartments,  based on the effective components of Iran's moderate and humid climate, for reducing energy consumption.  To this end, the research method employed is a causal-comparative descriptive design. Based on the nature and method, of data collection, the present research is a descriptive survey and applied study. The statistical population of this research comprises residents of residential apartments in Behshahr. Using G-power software with an effect size of 0.34, an error value of 0.05, a test power of 0.91, and three groups, a total sample size of 117 people was determined. An equal number of 39 people were selected from each group using a simple random sampling method. A 31-item Likert scale questionnaire was used to measure residents’ quality of life. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26. Furthermore,  Cronbach's alpha was calculated for the questionnaire, confirming its reliability (>0.7). After  confirming normality, data analysis was  performed using a one-way analysis of variance test.  The results indicated that, according to residents , the quality of life  related to reducing energy consumption  varied across floors based on the roof component, with upper and middle floors experiencing a more significant benefit, while the influence of the components of form, wall, and opening on energy consumption-related quality of life did not differ significantly among the floors. Thus, the impact of these components is consistent across different floors.

Contemporary society requires the nurturing of creative children for its scientific, cultural, and social development. Unfortunately, the establishment of educational centers without adequate consideration of psychological and behavioral factors in their design has  led to disruption in spatial quality, the educational process and has negatively affected creativity. Thus, the present study aims to assess the factors influencing creativity and skill development in children. The primary objective of this study is to design environments that foster children's creativity, stimulate intrinsic motivations and challenge conventional mindsets,  while also examining the role of education and the influence of architecture design on both the learning environment. This qualitative research employs an analytical approach, utilizing case studies and library research to explore the principles of designing educational spaces based on factors influencing creativity. The findings indicate that various environmental factors directly influence the nurturing of creativity in children.

The impact of biophilic architecture on human psychology has been studied in environments such as offices and hospitals; however, university educational environments require more detailed investigation. Resilience in academic settings has been assessed in various ways, but the lack of a unified measure has hindered the development of appropriate solutions. Moreover, as the number of students entering university increases, concerns regarding their mental health have grown. To address these concerns, the present study examined the impact of biophilic architecture on student resilience. In this study, the six components of biophilic architecture were integrated with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire and evaluated. The evaluation was conducted among architecture students at Shomal University, with with data analyzed in two  in two interrelated phases:  the first phase involved descriptive statistical analysis, and the second phase employed variance-based structural equation modeling. This research is a field study using a questionnaire that was analyzed using Smart PLS and SPSS software. The aim of the research was to investigate the effects of biophilic architecture and its components on the resilience of students at the university. The results showed that biophilic architecture has a significant impact on resilience, and among its components, natural light (location, dimensions, shape and direction of openings) has the greatest impact, and subsequently, sustainable materials (e.g., wood, stone, brick), vegetation (trees, flowers and bushes at varying scales), natural ventilation, water features (pond, water path, aquarium) and the geometry of natural elements (both overall and in individual building parts) were found to influence student resilience.

The development of the construction industry and resilience are among the most important manifestations of progress and development in human societies. Issues such as increased costs, waste, high risk, low labor productivity, and environmental challenges have posed significant obstacles to the traditional construction industry in many countries. This research aims to investigate the impact of using BIM on building resilience in Tehran. The importance of this topic is evident in improving the safety and sustainability of buildings against natural and human-made disasters. A mixed-methods research approach was used to provide a suitable framework and model for promoting physical resilience, including survey and descriptive-analytical methods. The mixed-methods approach to resilience first involved reviewing specialized literature on theoretical foundations in the qualitative phase to identify key indicators that contribute to building resilience based on technical studies. In the next phase, the indicators systematically categorized into a structured, multi-level framework. In the second phase, a statistical sample consisting of experts and specialists in the construction industry was selected using a random sampling method. The research data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

The primary aim of this study is to define the competencies required for architecture graduates in their professional field based on the Professional Competency Model. This model provides a framework for defining the competencies necessary for various businesses and occupations. The research method employed in this study is descriptive-analytical. Initially, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather the key competencies of architects. These competencies were refined and validated by a panel of experts using the Delphi technique. Subsequently, the competencies were categorized into four groups: technical, individual, social, and methodological, based on the Professional Competency Model. The statistical population of this study comprised 153 consulting engineering firms specializing in educational and residential buildings. Using Cochran's formula and a random sampling method, 109 firms were selected, and a researcher-designed questionnaire was administered. For data analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied using SPSS and AMOS software. The questionnaire, based on a Likert scale, comprised 43 items derived from the identified competencies and was distributed among the participants. The findings indicate that technical, individual and methodological competencies had the highest impact on the architectural profession, with impact coefficients of 0.532, 0.328, and 0.236, respectively. Social competencies had the least influence, with a value of 0.196. Therefore, technical competencies are the most critical factors in the career success of architecture graduates.

Void, as an empty spatial entity, holds a wide range of influences across various fields, including architecture and urban planning. Consequently, the void, in addition to its distinct physical and morphological characteristics, possesses conceptual and socio-functional dimensions. It not only acquires meaning and significance in spatial terms but also serves as a focal point for meanings and concepts and a site for interactions among individuals. In residential spaces, the void functions as a behavioral setting, enclosed by physical elements that define boundaries and limits. In this study, the spatial structure of the void is examined from formal, physical, and social perspectives. The research includes two sections: analyzing documentation related to the void design process in residential case studies and conducting interviews and behavioral observations of residents. The study, with an applied focus, investigates the spatial components influencing the void in the design process and its impact on social interactions among residents in residential spaces in Tehran. Methodologically, the research is conducted within a qualitative paradigm using a grounded theory approach. Based on parameters derived from literature and documentary sources, interviews were conducted with residents of various residential typologies, including single-family houses, apartments, and residential complexes, categorized by the number of households. The analysis of the findings was performed using MAXQDA software to generate qualitative data. The results examine the interactions between the design process factors and the residents’ perspectives extracted from interviews.

Urban social resilience in the context of good urban governance, as a dynamic and multidimensional concept, reflects the ability of societies to adapt, recover, and respond effectively to crises and environmental changes. This study, aiming to structurally analyze social resilience in District 14 of the metropolis of Isfahan, has chosen the framework of good urban governance as the main foundation of the study. The research method is applied and follows a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing futures research tools including MicMac software to analyze relationships between variables and identify key factors and Scenario Wizard software to develop and evaluate future scenarios. The findings of this study show that achieving social resilience and good urban governance in District 14 of Isfahan requires strong institutional capacity, promoting transparency in management and decision-making processes, increasing public trust, and improving the quality of urban services. Structural analysis showed that key variables including transparency, public participation, and social justice have the greatest impact on achieving social resilience. Accordingly, three possible scenarios were developed, providing a roadmap for improving governance and promoting social resilience in the region. The main innovation of this research lies in providing a comprehensive and future-oriented model for analyzing and promoting social resilience with an emphasis on the principles of good urban governance, which can be used as a reference model for other urban areas in Iran. The results of this study provide a framework for comprehensive decision-making and policy-formulation in the field of urban management and emphasize the importance of coordination among different stakeholders in the path of sustainable development.