International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability
Year:2024 | Volume:5 | Issue:1|Papers Count:21

The global cement industry is facing increasing scrutiny due to its environmental impacts and resource consumption. This study compares sustainability practices in Italian, German and Iranian cement industries. It focuses on waste management, resource efficiency and environmental effects during cement production. The aim of this research is to identify the differences in sustainable practices between Italian, German and Iranian cement industries and to investigate the factors that create these differences. What is the sustainability of Iran's cement industry compared to other countries? The current type of research is comparative and this study analyzes the Italian and German cement industries using data up to 2021. It examines aspects such as cement production, waste management, alternative materials and fuels. The limited availability of data limits the assessment of Iran's industry to a preliminary analysis. Germany excels in sustainability with proactive waste management, resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact, particularly through the use of recycled solid fuel. Conversely, Italy faces challenges in waste management, significant disposal of landfill waste and slow progress in adopting alternative materials and fuels. Italy and Germany have made significant progress, while Iran relies on older production methods. Addressing these disparities is critical to Iran's alignment with global sustainability efforts. Reassessing waste management, improving resource efficiency and meeting sustainability standards are vital in reducing the environmental impact of the cement industry.

One of the most important challenges of modern life is facing the identity crisis in social interactions in the field of urban space and body, which is formed in the context of architecture. The configured pattern of architectural spaces, as well as the space that governs it, is the response of architecture to the issue of identity and authenticity. The research method of the current research is analytical-descriptive and has a practical purpose, which is based on the method of collecting library and field information from 16 houses of famous persons in Tehran city during the last Qajar period. The aim of the research includes the recognition of social interactions as one of the components of social cultural identity in the houses of Tehran in the late Qajar period. The main question of the research is that what is the position of social interactions in the architecture of residential buildings of noble class in Tehran during the Qajar period? The studied case studies have been analyzed based on the space syntax method and using A-Graph software. Findings show dividing the houses of this period into two types of introverts and extrovert, this research has analyzed the issue of social interactions in the spatial configuration of these two categories. The results of the research show that although the spaces of Shahneshin, hall, yard and porch are among the spaces with high social interactions, the spatial configuration criteria are different in them.

The rising interest in outdoor activities in modern society is influenced by evolving urban lifestyles and complex city infrastructures. Courtyards are central in this shift, impacting microclimates and managing shadows and sunlight for thermal comfort. This study explores how traditional houses, particularly courtyards, adapt to challenging weather, focusing on the relationship between their design elements and their impact on shadow and sunlight. The goal is to optimize courtyard design for better shadow and sunlight during both summer and winter. Data from 16 traditional courtyard houses in the hot, dry climate of Yazd were analyzed using ENVI-met software for the Shadow-Sunlit index. The findings highlight the significant effects of width-to-height and length-to-width ratios, and courtyard orientation on this index, accounting for 70.9%, 25.7%, and 3.4% respectively. The Arab-ha House emerged as an exemplar for optimizing shadow and sunlight dynamics. This research emphasizes the importance of courtyards in urban design and contributes to advancing sustainable architectural practices.

In the current literature of social and political theories, power is regarded as one of the most controversial dynamics and a unique feature of social systems. Throughout the urban planning context, power is depicted as the interrelationship between urban planning policies and the accumulation as well as circulation of capital. The importance of this process comes from the distribution of capital in support of social justice, while power is a critical factor that influences planners' decisions in the way of applying urban resources. As a result of power relations which reproduced along with each planning decision making, democratic and rational decisions may be restricted in many cases, making it difficult to alter or modify these frameworks. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the impact of different power types as a main source of power relations, to comprehend urban planning decision-making thoroughly. This article presents fundamental research using a descriptive-explanatory methodology with qualitative content analysis that is mapped chronologically to provide a comprehensive analysis of the types of power that influence urban planning. To accomplish this goal, the article presents different types of power definitions and explanations. Following that, a complete classification of powers will be interpreted, and seven types of power will be examined at various levels of urban society. Furthermore, the last part analyzes how these seven types are embodied and conceptualized in the evolution of contemporary urban planning theories.

Native housing in general and rural housing in particular are affected by the environmental conditions and people's ways of living as well as various cultural, social, economic and climatic aspects, which rural housing in Sistan and Baluchistan province as one of the most extensive provinces of the country. The rule is not an exception. The current research has been carried out with the descriptive-analytical method and the investigation and analysis of the types of rural housing in the villages of the province from the perspective of the impact of environmental factors, using field impressions, observation and library information. The main questions that the research sought to answer are, what are the typical types of rural housing in Sistan and Baluchistan province? What is the main difference between the types of rural housing in Sistan and the types of rural housing in Baluchistan region? And finally, what were the effects of environmental factors on the formation of species? The results of the research showed that the types of rural houses in Sistan region are mostly linear and rectangular, and in Baluchistan region, they are mostly linear and oval. Also, the roofs in Sistan have a dome cover due to the lack of vegetation and trees, and in Baluchistan, due to the presence of trees, the roofs are flat. In the Sistan region, Badgir, Durche, Kharkhane and Surak are used to use the 120-day winds, while in Balochistan, the use of these elements is not common.

Urban resilience is the concept of the capacities of urban areas to recognize the priority of resource mobilization in order to eliminate threats and the effects caused by external threats and for stability in temporal and spatial scales when faced with disturbances, to quickly recover their functions in order to adapt to changes but in physical aspect of it, the main concept is urban form resiliency. The main aim of the research is to express the model of the suggested indicators of urban physical resilience on a local scale to be a basic model of evaluation methods in Iran cites. The current research method is analytical-descriptive, and the objective type is practical. The method of collecting information was based on library studies and field observations. First, the basic concepts such as resiliency, urban resiliency at the scale of urban form were investigated and the research framework was extracted. After that, based on the number of factors extracted from the theoretical framework, using the fuzzy Delphi method, the factors were digitally determined by the questionnaire technique from 16 elites and experts in the research field in 3 rounds, and finally the final indexes. The results show indexes of urban infrastructure, urban environment and transportation have the highest score and as a result, the most impact in realizing the construction and practical model. In future, study the relationship of indexes as variation can be evaluated in approach to sustainability.

The problems that exist in urban life today require graphic science to do part of its activities in the field of architecture and environmental elements. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of using the key elements of environmental graphics based on Derrida's philosophy in improving the quality of urban spaces in Isfahan. In the current research, the library information collection methods and measurement tools are in accordance with the visual, emotional evidence and the available documents. According to the type of study, the statistical population of the study includes two groups of Isfahan citizens, the first group includes 18 experts and the second group includes 213 domestic tourists. Based on the beta coefficient obtained from the regression, in the investigation of the effective factors in the improvement of the urban spaces of Isfahan, the greatest impact was related to the components of texture, diversity, light, unity in the environment, proportion, continuity, balance and emphasis. This study showed that there is a significant relationship between the improvement of the urban spaces of Isfahan and the texture of the environment, diversity, light, unity in the environment, proportion, continuity, balance and emphasis, and the greatest impact was related to the texture of the environment.

Quality of life is a broad concept whose dimensions depend on the level of development of societies. Often people have different choices while deciding upon the place to live, which makes it livable for them in neighborhoods. Indexes that define the livability might vary accordingly, but many common platforms with diverse parameters are created to measure and compare the livability of different regions but many of them depends on the locals’ approaches. The current research method is analytical-descriptive, and the objective type is practical. The method of collecting information was based on library studies and field observations up to the Torghabeh region in the Mashhad city of Iran. First, the basic concepts such as livability, urban livability at the scale of localities were investigated and the research framework was extracted. After that, based on the number of factors extracted from the theoretical framework, using the fuzzy Delphi method, the factors were digitally determined by the questionnaire technique from 16 elites and experts in the research field in 3 rounds, and finally the final indexes were explained. Results show indexes of Sense of belonging, Health, Public transportation, and Housing have the highest score and as a result, the most impact in realizing the construction and working model. In a future study we can evaluate all of indexes in case studies in acute approaches to carry out the effects of the index in macro scale drives.

The development of ecotourism in any given area of the country indicates the stability of political security and tourism will thrive when the government pays more attention to visitor safety. This research examines the function and position of ecotourism in Chabahar county's political-security development. Related models and variables have been identified in order to examine the research variables and explain and present the implementation model of human resource strategies. Final criteria have then been determined in the society under study, taking into account the opinions of specialists. Ultimately, the theme analysis method's model has been evaluated and fitted overall using the final criteria that were determined. Utilizing reliability, convergent validity, and divergent validity, the measurement model's fit was assessed. In the portion dedicated to qualitative assessment, 400 accurate data about the variables were gathered. The government should support the ecotourism industry by creating and improving facilities, given its potential and attractions in the region, as well as its early efficiency in terms of employment and development. These conclusions are based on the findings in the qualitative and quantitative evaluation section. Tourism security and the creation of a sense of security among visitors can contribute to the security and political development of a region. Based on the findings, it can be said with 95% certainty that Chabahar county's unique and distinct ecotourism development situation, as opposed to other parts of the country, can support the political development of this region by drawing in money and tourists, thus confirming the research hypothesis.

The diversity of the urban space is one of the basic factors in the contemporary urban design system, which is caused by the social, biological, and economic benefits, etc. it has been widely welcomed by modern urban models. However, Iran’s urban planning and design system has not received enough attention, and such a weakness reduces the livability level of urban collective areas from the micro to the macro level. Since different dimensions have not been properly analyzed in the studies of the urban system of Iran, therefore, the present research aims to analyze and find the roots of the concept of diversity in the framework of Richard Sennett’s the open city theory. The research method of this research is presented in the form of visual approaches and placement of each component and sub-component in all three types of tissue (intermediate tissue, new tissue and old tissue) in the study areas and in the quantitative part, the evaluation of the questionnaire based on the opinions of the experts is discussed, in this section, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is used to evaluate and rank the three ranges based on Friedman’s tradition theory. The statistical population of this research is all professors who have opinions in this field and the sampling method is snowball. The reason for using Richard Sennett’s theory is that he is trying to link between function and body with social issues in the diversity system of urban space, and Khayyam area is the example of this research. The obtained results show that according to the opinions obtained, the northern Khayyam area of Qazvin has the most diversity according to the tradition theory and Khayyam in the middle has less diversity due to the repetition of certain types of uses and the attraction of certain strata, finally, Khayyam in the South has the lowest amount of diversity due to the presence of administrative and medical centers and the loss of living space at certain times.

Today, natural hazards are a reality that has affected a significant part of the southern regions of Semnan. It is of great importance to study the level of resilience against natural hazards due to the fact that it is not possible to prevent the occurrence of these natural hazards in some cases. The present study has been conducted with the aim of investigating the role of social resilience in reducing damages caused by natural factors affecting the desert areas of Semnan City. This study, using the fuzzy model and one-sample t-test, seeks to evaluate the resilience of the southern residents of Semnan County, in this regard, 40 questionnaires (With the snowball sampling method) are available to experts and specialists that the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha and its validity was confirmed by specialists in geography, urban planning and social sciences. The questions included four dimensions which were answered by experts and stakeholders. According to the results, the Second question of the research has been rejected at a significant level and the maximum amount of resilience in the social, economic and institutional dimensions, the amount of resilience is significantly greater than the hypothetical average, and three questions of the research were confirmed and there is no significant relationship between resilience and physical, social, economic and institutional components. Also, the values of resilience of Semnan City are far from the standards. The results of studies show that long-term droughts play an important role in creating land subsidence.

Urban risks and their coping strategies have become the central concern of urban authorities in recent years. Recognizing cities as one of the most vulnerable residential areas, efforts have been made to enhance the optimal management of these risks at the urban management level. A prominent example of this is the establishment and equipping of crisis management bases at the city level. Objective: This research aims to examine the effective indicators on the role of urban managers in reducing risks in the city of Nowshahr. The present study, in terms of purpose, employs an applied method and, in terms of study approach, uses a descriptive survey method. Data collection methods include questionnaires and library documents, and data analysis is conducted using one-sample t-tests in SPSS software. The study population consists of the city of Nowshahr, with a sample size of 60 individuals selected for the research. The results of the one sample t-test indicate that in the competence and cultural indices, there is a relatively favorable role in reducing risks in the city of Nowshahr. Additionally, the indices of design and planning, as well as infrastructural support, have a positive role. Furthermore, considering the obtained level of significance less than 0.05, with a 99% confidence level, the results are confirmed. The research findings, while confirming the significant impact of these four dependent variables, indicate the managerial performance weakness based on the low averages obtained from the data analysis results.

In order to conform to the tradition of life, the neighborhood units must have a range of culturally effective criteria and indicators. Attention to these criteria and indicators has a decisive role on the quality of neighborhood units. The aim of the present research is to identify the influential cultural criteria in the continuation of the tradition of living in the neighborhood unit and the extent of the impact and relationship of these criteria on each other, in selected samples from the city of Tabriz in the three decades of the 70s, 80s and 90s. The current research is quantitative and interview and observation tools were used to collect data. This research was selected and investigated in 2023 with the statistical population of 11 neighborhoods from each decade and a total of 33 neighborhoods. The data were analyzed by inferential statistics and Spearman's non-parametric correlation test, using smart pls software, with a significance level of 5%. Among the influential cultural criteria, physical-spatial criteria and perceptual-psychological criteria had a strong positive correlation with a coefficient of 0.575. In the 70s and 90s and the 80s and 90s, activity-behavioral-performance indicators had a significant relationship and a strong positive correlation with a coefficient of 0.521 with a level of 0.05 and a coefficient of 0.570 with a significance level of 0.01, respectively. In the examined samples, physical-spatial and perceptual-psychological indicators have the highest correlation and relationship. And there is no relationship between physical and perceptional criteria with activity-behavioral-performance criteria.

In actuality, by utilizing innovative technology and sustainable building materials, green buildings contribute to the reduction of energy consumption and non-renewable resource use. By utilizing solar energy, dynamic air conditioning, efficient thermal insulation, and other sustainable technology, these buildings contribute to lowering air pollution and improving interior air quality. With this kind of management, everyone from independent contributors to construction management material producers achieves a shared goal of lowering environmental harm and boosting energy efficiency. Therefore, the current study's goal is to enhance supply chain management and control's ability to promote cooperation in the construction industry The current research is descriptive-analytical in terms of method and practice in terms of purpose. The collection of information in the current research is formed of library and documentary studies and field studies using questionnaire tools. The statistical population of the current research includes stakeholders in construction projects such as engineers, builders, owners and investors. In the questionnaire tool, 50 people were randomly selected from among the statistical population as a sample size. After that, the condition of the selected buildings in Babolsar city was investigated using the WASPAS method and their prioritization. The results show that Building number 2 is ranked first, Building No. 3 is ranked second, and Building number 1 is ranked third and also shown that the purpose of creating a supply chain in green buildings is to improve the performance of construction products and services in terms of quality and sustainability.

The importance of the issue of security in all broad levels of science is obvious, and this issue has been paid attention to in the field of urban design for some time, but women, who are generally known as relatively vulnerable groups, are not particularly considered in urban security issues. Have not been paid attention to. In the current research, the role of designing and modifying urban spaces in preventing the occurrence of crime for women has been discussed. In order to achieve this goal, field studies were carried out in Tehran’s 6th district, especially Valiasr Street, which was chosen because of the high traffic density and the number of visitors to it, as well as the problems related to the safety of women using the environment. Is In order to analyze the collected research data, two analytical and inferential methods have been used. In the analytical part, average and standard deviation statistics have been used to present the analytical information of the society and the statistical sample, and in the inferential part, statistical inferential tests have been used to test the hypotheses. The tool used in this research to analyze research data is SPSS software, and Chi-square test, beta coefficient, correlation coefficient, standardized multiplication and unstandardized coefficient and other statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Is The results of the research show that the results of this survey show that women’s sense of security in public spaces is affected by environmental design and the proximity of public spaces to various uses. The result is that the necessity of meeting the specific needs and standards of women and using approaches such as defensible space, crime prevention through environmental design, rational choice and public security and other related ideas that can provide these needs and standards in the design of public spaces and environments in cities. Should be noticed by planners and urban designers.

Persian script, in its various forms of Islamic calligraphy, has profound and significant impacts on Iranian architecture. These influences can be categorized into aesthetic, spiritual, cultural, educational, and social dimensions. Aesthetically, Persian script, recognized as one of the most beautiful forms of Islamic art, adorns the architectural facades of mosques. The use of diverse calligraphic styles, such as Thuluth and Naskh, adds even more appeal to their designs. From a spiritual perspective, inscribing Quranic verses and Persian poetry on mosque facades fosters a deeper connection with God and reinforces the cultural identity of Iranians. One of the influential mosques on Iranian architecture is the Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque in Isfahan, where the characteristics of Persian script are clearly evident. The aim of this research is to examine the impact of Persian script on the semiotics of Iranian architecture, particularly in mosques. The research method is descriptive-analytical and has practical objectives. Data is collected through library and documentary methods, utilizing content analysis and deductive reasoning. The findings indicate that Persian script significantly influences Iranian architecture in aesthetic, spiritual, philosophical, cultural, and social dimensions. Consequently, based on educational, ethical, social, cultural, and artistic criteria, this impact is discernible in all architectural works in Iran, especially following the advent of Islam.

The evolution of artistic practices in the 20th century saw a profound transformation in the understanding of what constitutes art, largely influenced by the works of pioneering artists such as Marcel Duchamp. His radical ideas about art challenged conventional norms and contributed significantly to the avant-garde movement. The aim of the current research is to explain the concepts of artistic reality and its transformation in society from Duchamp’s perspective and its representation in the character of Rose Sélavy. The research methodology of the present study is analytical and qualitative, and it is considered development-oriented. The information is gathered through documentary and library methods, utilizing online resources and articles. Initially, the concept of artistic reality is examined and inferred using content analysis, and the works of Marcel Duchamp are analyzed in relation to the underlying concept. Furthermore, philosophical structural critiques of Duchamp’s famous works are investigated, and his fictional character is examined based on reports and critiques from critics. Finally, a general conclusion is presented. The findings shows The character of “Rose Sélavy” is often interpreted as a representation of rebellion against conventional artistic standards. Through the creation of this character in post-modernism approach, Duchamp aimed to subvert the established boundaries of art and remind viewers that art exists not only in objects and paintings but also within individual thought processes and perceptions.

This article delves into the comparative analysis of light aesthetics within Suhrawardi’s philosophy of illumination and Plato’s theory of beauty. Both philosophers regard light as fundamental to understanding truth and beauty, highlighting its interconnectedness with love and knowledge. In his Theory of Forms, Plato views physical beauty as merely a reflection of the absolute beauty that exists in the realm of ideas, which can be grasped through reasoning and dialectical thought. Conversely, Suhrawardi perceives beauty as a direct manifestation of divine light and champions an intuitive, mystical approach to its recognition. This study also examines the insights of key interpreters such as Henry Corbin and Gholamhossein Dinani, illuminating both the congruences and divergences between these philosophical approaches. Furthermore, it analyzes their influence on Islamic art and contemporary artistic expressions. Suhrawardi’s notion of light as a vital link between the sensory realm and divine truth has significantly enriched spiritual experiences within visual arts, serving as a conduit for deeper understanding and transformative encounters. Overall, the interplay of light in these philosophies reveals profound implications for artistic creation and appreciation in both historical and modern contexts.

Tourism is a vital global industry that boosts economic growth, creates jobs, serving as a key tool for regional development and sustainability. It promotes sustainable practices through innovative technologies, culturally meaningful design, infrastructure investment, and digital marketing, aiming to balance environmental, cultural, and economic goals. The idea of “delights” in tourism relates to desirable destinations with strong, unique appeal that foster mental images and competitive advantages; however, maintaining this “delightfulness” requires careful planning and differentiation. Despite its potential, countries like Iran face challenges in fully utilizing their tourism assets, making sustainable development focused on eco-tourism, cultural appeal, and innovative strategies crucial for improving destination competitiveness and long-term benefits, all grounded in ecological principles that examine the relationships betweenliving organisms and their environment.The present research method is analytical and has an interpretive paradigm. The data collection method is documentary and library type and is applied in purpose. The analysis method used in the research is content and the concepts are examined using inductive reasoning. Initially, using the fuzzy Delphi method and using an elite panel of 15 people, 17 factors affecting the subject were explained and using consecutive rounds, 7 final factors were proposed. Accordingly, the weight of the effect and importance of each factor was also explained. The findings indicate that human and comfortable spaces and quality construction and detailed design have the greatest impact in explaining the pleasant components in eco-friendly architecture on the tourism axis in tourist accommodations, with an approximate weight of 8.5 and 8.4, respectively.

Urban art plays a vital role in shaping cityscapes and public perceptions, reflecting cultural, social, and political realities. However, contemporary theories suggest that these visual expressions are increasingly influenced by hyperreality, as proposed by Baudrillard. The proliferation of digital media and consumer culture has transformed urban spaces into sites of spectacle, blurring the line between authentic social critique and superficial entertainment. This raises questions about the true social and political potential of urban art in the context of hyperreality. The primary aim of this study is to analyze how Baudrillard’s concepts particularly simulacra, hyperreality, and spectacle apply to contemporary urban art and to explore its functions as both resistance and commodification. A qualitative, interpretive approach was employed, involving a comprehensive review of theoretical literature, analysis of visual examples such as murals, digital interventions, and social media representations, and thematic analysis to identify patterns and implications. The study found that urban art often operates simultaneously as a form of social resistance and as part of spectacle culture. While some artworks challenge dominant narratives and foster genuine engagement, many are coopted or transformed into commodified symbols, reinforcing superficial perceptions. Baudrillard’s theories offer valuable insights into understanding the complex nature of urban art in the hyperreal city. Recognizing the tension between authenticity and spectacle emphasizes the need for critical engagement and strategies that foster genuine social dialogue in urban visual culture.

This present research Conducts a comprehensive study of minimalism as an ideology and architectural style and analyzes its relationship with professional ethics in contemporary architecture. This study first examines the historical roots and theoretical foundations of minimalism and explains its connection with modernity and other architectural styles such as Modernism, International Style, Brutalism, and Japanese architecture. With a focus on the philosophy of “less is more,” this research demonstrates that minimalism goes beyond a design style; it is an ethical framework that emphasizes simplicity, the elimination of unnecessary elements, sustainability, and respect for the environment. A case study of works by Tadao Ando, a prominent Japanese architect, particularly the Church of the Light, the Design Museum Site, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, provides a practical model of the integration of minimalism with professional ethics. The ethical framework in minimalist architecture includes respect for nature, honesty in the use of materials, attention to local culture, commitment to quality execution, sustainability, creating a spiritual experience, and responsible innovation. This approach makes architects more sensitive to environmental and social responsibilities and enables them to create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and responsive to the diverse needs of contemporary communities. Additionally, the research addresses the limitations and challenges of implementing minimalist architecture and emphasizes the role of new technologies in its development, while also forecasting the future of this style. This study provides a foundation for further investigations into how the principles of minimalism manifest in traditional and contemporary architecture.