International Journal of

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  In this paper, authors tackle three very important questions that need to be answered if a theory of design is to be constructed. The first is what designers do, Which we attempt to illustrate with the help of case studies and theories of design practice. The second question is what guides designers. Here, authors try to present some of the proposed normative positions about design, to show the similarities and differences between positions and a framework of how they can be categorized. The main (third) question is how the design thinking process can be represented drawing upon on a review of recent studies of design practice and designer's creativity.

  One approach to design thinking is to extract the features of the designers' strategic knowledge, for which comparative studies between expert designers and novices are useful. Also, controlled experimental studies may be adopted in order to understand the nature of the idea generation process.

Finally, the methods of research and representation of design thinking in order to gain a deeper understanding of the designers' creativity are proposed.

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When a specific building is examined and analysed for its architectural merits, it is the visible, superficial aspects, which are considered, for example: aesthetics, function, spatial relationships, and landscape. One of the most important invisible factors that should be considered in the design process is the safety of buildings against natural hazards, particularly against earthquakes. While the provision of earthquake resistance is accomplished through structural means, the architectural designs and decisions play a major role in determining the seismic performance of a building. In other words, the seismic design is a shared architectural and engineering responsibility, which stems from the physical relationship between architectural forms and structural systems. It is economic to incorporate earthquake resistance in the stage of design than to add it later in the structural calculation or strengthening after completion. In addition, a building with proper earthquake-proof design will be more effective against earthquakes than the one with complementary strengthening. This paper will demonstrate that evidence for this lies in many historical buildings, which have withstood earthquakes throughout the hundreds of years without having been reinforced with special material. The fact is that the master builder or Mimar (traditional architect) of historic buildings was simultaneously designing the architecture as well as choosing the suitable form, proportion, and material for the best structural performance.

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The present paper will investigate the specific elements of architectural design based on Islamic beliefs, by taking Iranian Architectural values and vernacular climate design methods into consideration. This research will assess the spirit of experimental elements, created by the inhabitants, according to recent scientific findings. The main concentration will be on the physical design of rural areas in hot, arid and sunny regions of Iran in order to have active and healthy environments and to emphasize on transferring all these sustainable values to the future.

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  The study seeks to address the importance of urban stream ecosystems from the perspective of urban ecology, human health and social well-being in the context of urban planning. The case study area is Paveh stream in the City of Paveh. The data from the case study area were gathered from questionnaire, existing scientific and library studies and by conducting interviews with residents and authorities. Once the importance of the biodiversity of the stream had been studied based on the existing ecological data, the social importance of the stream and the linkages between human health, social well-being and the biodiversity of the stream ecosystem were addressed.

  Based on the results of the survey and other sources of information, it was discussed that urban stream ecosystems can be rich in biodiversity and function as ecological movement corridors for species .Urban stream corridors can thus be an important part of the urban green infrastructure .Also we can make the weather fine, extend green space, prepare peaceful environment for residents and bring the countryside effects of nature into cities through improvement of stream landscape.

Finally, regarding the finding of this study some suggestions and implications are mentioned to improve the quality of the stream.

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Cracks emerge due to various forces or stresses. After discerning the cracks preferably by non-destructive techniques, there is a need to find the reason for their appearance. With very exact analysis of the shape, form and dimension of the cracks and their location on the structural elements, we can deduce the reason for their formation. This makes, proposing a suitable solution for preventing the expansion of cracks possible.

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This paper will promote many questions about the design validity of these exciting blocks. The physical design of these blocks is prone to have social and economical problems, and it is part of the visual pollution and disturbance created on the sky line of Scottish cities special Glasgow. This paper focuses on the necessity to establish a source of initial design for high rise housing design problem classes theory. A thorough research of all the estates in Glasgow area was launched. Thus, a high amount of information was classified, in an attempt to establish a theoretical approach to support the evaluation and appraisal of current blocks problems. The new class's theory in high rise housing design problems is used as a vehicle for conducting this paper analysis. Classification includes physical and social design problems domains. The physical problems domain variables of the numbers of stories, dwellings, entrances, type of corridor, access from the streets and sharing of the site. Furthermore, to the social problems domain variables of graffiti, damage, litter, crime, drugs, child density and health have been examined. Moreover, their interdependent relationships were explored throughout the new classes' theory. The study of the new classes, theory may prove to be extremely vital for future direction in adapting some from of urban design problem solving techniques. It also serves as an evaluation tool for housing design appraisal in the city from Glasgow and similar cities worldwide.

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Visibility is an important factor of environmental quality that has various influences on the quality of neighborhood. This paper aimed to find the relationship between urban form and visual quality. A public space with a spatial configuration in one of Bushehr city's neighborhoods was selected as the case study. Bushehr city is surrounded by urban development and the sea. Compact urban space, squares, long and narrow streets shape this fabric. Correlational research method was used with Isovist tool to evaluate visibility. A grid analysis and two paths inside the fabric with different urban forms were analyzed using Syntax2D software. The results show that the paths with different urban forms have various visual qualities.

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This research experimentally analyzes the issue of Sociopetaloid of architecture space. Sociopetal represents spaces where people come together or stay away from each other, and when they stay away from each other it is also called sociofugal. The research methodology was primarily compiled by presenting a pattern with a theoretical standpoint regarding the Sociopetaloid of space using hypothesis testing with a case study with the aid of polling, first on-site presence technique, then a cognition map tool and a questionnaire.7 public spaces were selected amongst 3 distinguished independent the university of science and technology(IUST) faculty buildings for the case study. The data underwent correlative analysis using the SPSS statistical software and meaningful relations were determined between the variables affecting Sociopetaloid. The following main results were achieved in this research: • The psychological-social factors of users directly influenced the Sociopetaloid of the public architecture space and were considered as an establisher. • Physical-spatial factors influence Sociopetaloid. This influence has two types one with "direct affordance" and another with "indirect affordance". • Sociopetaloid of public space is achieved with proper synthesis of the spatial- physical elements of architecture and psychological-social elements of users. This Sociopetaloid increases with a high synomorphy between the space physic and interpersonal behaviors.

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Isfahan is a historic city that has experienced several urban developments throughout its shining and glorious past. They began in Al-buyid and Seljuq periods, and continued through the Safavid urban evolution in the sixteenth century. Zayande-Rood is an important and effective natural element in the city's landscape and plan. This article reflects the conclusion of a historic study on revitalization of Zayande- Rood's riverfront. The interaction of Zayande- Rood, its nature in Isfahan plain and the city in Safavid period is the main scope of this article. Therefore, the historic changes of the natural-historic environment of the river are studied. The documents used in this study are historic texts, foreign and vernacular tourists' travelogues, and historic maps and pictures from natural – historic environment of the Zayande- Rood River. The conclusion is cognition of: I) Interaction between Zayande- Rood river & Isfahan in Safavid Era, II) Theory of the Safavid development of Isfahan in relation to the river. They provide a theoretical base for planning, conservation and development plans of the city, especially for the Zayande- Rood's natural-historic environment.

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This research aimed at identifying natural organisms and their properties in the technological samples of contemporary architecture. The main questionswere: "Which properties of natural organisms are effective on the technological works of contemporary architecture?" and "How much do they affect?"This descriptive-analytic research was conducted using archival method to access the theoretical literature, and surveying method for collecting the data required. Case studies were selected and analyzed from theinternationally famous technological works made from the sixties (Hi-Tech style) till now. The case studies were divided into two periods, 20th and 21st centuries 8 works each period. The results indicated that properties such asunity, balance, proportion, hierarchy and efficiency have had most used between properties of natural organisms in technological works of contemporary architecture, and properties such as restorability, reproducibility and developability have been neglected.

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The importance of Iranian ancient as architectural heritage have to competent international prestige a nd respect due this is important with regard to proper conservation met hods based on non-destructive evaluation methods and non-contact testing providing enough accuracy and speed to bri ng performance to stabilize while correct location and age value of valuable architectural aspect of quantification. Qu ality and originality of these valuable cultural po ints of view, maintenance, protection and restoration in principle be enough a nd intervention measures in the field of strengthening and improvement due seismic in these important historic monuments. Thus re-assessment actions shall be effective with accuracy, speed and lack of unnecessary destruction in order to maintain these buildings may be accompanied by gentility. Therefore, we should transfer the newest technical knowledge through appropriate training and non-destructive with non-contact methods in the field of architectural restoration for ancient monumental wo rks in these objectives will be achieved. Based on any particular monument, rules and technical measures appropriate to its historic monument need to be used. This paper tries to explain while doing it is specialized modern academic training and evaluating the existing technology in architecture, the importance of attitude in non-destructive observing methods, assessment, measurement and diagnostic engineering features of monuments. The methods of documentation, studies, classify scheme, explain the profile of engineering methods of pathology, evaluation, analysis and formulation process of expanding the structural weakness of monuments and finally race precision appropriate intervention measures, modeling, strengthening and durability of the architectural heritage of Iran th rough the training consideration of a new curriculum.

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Based on a gender equity perspective and within a pluralistic civil society, women should have equal rights for presence in and use of urban open spaces. Despite this, various factors decrease their presence including inappropriate design of space, as well as socio-cultural obstacles. Since women’s major place of presence and activity has traditionally been in or near home, neighborhood open space is chosen as a relevant case study. Through a questionnaire survey of 180 subjects, 90 male and 90 female, of both marital status the criteria affecting their presence are investigated. Results show that environmental quality factors are more effective than socio-cultural factors on presence of women in urban open spaces.

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Little has been written about the structural behavior of conical shells, while conical shells’ construction techniques due to the high rise and small span has always required special attention throughout the history of Islamic architecture. This paper aims to examine how conical shells bear weight loads and resist against bending through a qualitative analysis. After proving that ‘rise/span’ ratio strongly affects weight loads and bending in external shells, the main question of the paper is “what construction techniques architects adopted to carry weight loads, and how these techniques differed in domes with various ‘rise/span’ ratios”. To find out about paper’s main question, a qualitative approach for structural analysis has been adopted. First, architectural maps and dimensions of six cases were documented, and then, according to the documentation, some ratios and parameters have been defined to find their probable correlation with ‘rise/span’ ratio. Results show that to restrain weight loads in external shell, design of stiffeners and thickness of the conical shell play a crucial role to keep structure balanced. According to the results, ‘rise/span’ ratio has a positive correlation with ‘thickness/span’, ‘height of stiffeners/span’, ‘stiffeners’ sectional area/span’, ‘gradual decrease of thickness’ and “number of stiffeners/ number of flat planes”. In contrast, ‘Rise/span’ ratio does not have any meaningful relationship with ‘stiffeners’ end point’ and ‘struts’ end point’, and has a negative correlation with “the number of flat plains.

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Outdoor spaces and their thermal condition is becoming a controversial issue in modern architecture and urbanism. It has a great effect on people who use the open spaces like campuses where many students from different cities spend most of their time. This research investigated the effect of SVF, MRT and PET in the two campuses namely: Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) and Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT). Thermal condition of campuses has diverse states due to their different level of shaded open spaces. PET is calculated via Rayman for thermal-comfort assessment in spring and summer, 2015. Subsequently, it was determined that by decreasing SVF to 0.4, Tmrt declines to 3.04°C. The variations of MRT's influence PETs drop. PET comparison in two campuses illustrates that in an average value of PET, there is 0.86°C dissimilarity between campuses in the warmest time of the year (July). IUST campus is 1.39°C cooler on the PET measure. In conclusion, increasing shaded spaces by increasing green spaces and trees can create cooler campuses. Integrated design of shaded open spaces with their architectural forms is recommended as a design strategy for the designers to create a responsive environment in terms of thermal comfort. By this means, cooler campuses are more prone to be used by students and their activities.

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Evidence of the past shows variation in human settlements. Nomadic house the” Black Tent” shows relationship between humans and the natural environment surrounding them. Black Tents are made of natural materials consistant with environmental conditions. This paper discusses nomadic living space of some Iranian tribes located in different regions to show their unique architecture and culture. Rediscovering different architecture to understand this particular modus in nomadic life which need migration between their summer and winter residences. Given the factthat Black tent material is approximate similar, after thorough study in seven tribes in different provinces of Iran, it has been revealed tha  general ideas concerning the set up and installation of the tents have been the same. However, Black tent shapes and forms are different in those regions. In this regard, documenting how Iranian nomadic tribes arrange their settlement and the methods of using vernacular material by them, seems to be a good way to preserve their architecture. The Black tent is a synergy of nature and human's creative power. Method of data collection include desk studies as well as observation and documentation of indigenous habitat patterns of Iranian nomads by field observations and  ethnographyEvidence of the past shows variation in human settlements. Nomadic house the” Black Tent” shows relationship between humans and the natural environment surrounding them. Black Tents are made of natural materials consistant with environmental conditions. This paper discusses nomadic living space of some Iranian tribes located in different regions to show their unique architecture and culture. Rediscovering different architecture to understand this particular modus in nomadic life which need migration between their summer and winter residences. Given the factthat Black tent material is approximate similar, after thorough study in seven tribes in different provinces of Iran, it has been revealed tha  general ideas concerning the set up and installation of the tents have been the same. However, Black tent shapes and forms are different in those regions. In this regard, documenting how Iranian nomadic tribes arrange their settlement and the methods of using vernacular material by them, seems to be a good way to preserve their architecture. The Black tent is a synergy of nature and human's creative power. Method of data collection include desk studies as well as observation and documentation of indigenous habitat patterns of Iranian nomads by field observations and  ethnography

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Several researches of developmental psychology have emphasized the importance of childhood as one of the most effective periods of life. Play as a tool of acquiring experiences has a wonderful effect on child development. Through the play, children can communicate with the world around them. The child psychologists and environmental psychologists, by focusing on the interaction of humans and the environment, believe that play provides the opportunity for experience and direct interaction with environmental factors for a child. In this review, by using descriptive and analytical methods, descriptions about the concepts and theories of play, motivation and environmental affordances have been surveyed. The proposed approach was based on Gibson’s "Theory of Affordances" (1979) describing an awareness of the environments and their functional significance or meaning. The main question was about the process of kids’ interaction with the environment through the environmental affordances to motivate kids to play. Kids tend to the physical environment to satisfy the play need as an intrinsic motivation. By studying the childchr('39')s interactions in the play environments, the ability of the environment which can be entitled the environmental affordances to motivate kids to play (EAMKP) was achieved. More precisely, the quality of the elements and physical components of environment as extrinsic motivation factor encourages kids to play, so kids are encouraged to play. Individual features, physical and socio-cultural environments were considered as the effective factors on kids’ motivation to play.

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Home personalization is a way to remedy the monotonous, standardized design of affordable housing, and to make it more congruent with users’ taste, preferences and life style. Previous research on personalized residential space suggests that private outdoor space, especially front yard, provides an ideal setting for personalization. However, most units of an affordable housing do not possess a front yard and current studies rarely give evidence of personalization in other types of private outdoor space. Therefore, the first research question is how four main types of private outdoor space including front yard, terrace, balcony, and rooftop terrace compare with respect to the extent to which each type facilitates personalization. The second question is how the physical characteristics of an outdoor open space correlate with the higher levels of personalization. One hundred and eighty private outdoor spaces of an affordable housing complex are surveyed for amount and purposes of personalization through expert inspection of trace measures and interview with residents. The data has also gone through correlational analysis. Results show that front yard and terrace are the most personalized spaces with two purposes of territorial defense and regulation of social interaction. In contrast, balcony and rooftop terrace are far less personalized, and mostly with the purpose of improving their practicality. Furthermore, larger amounts of personalization are found to be strongly correlated with adjacency to the entrance and living room, a larger size of space, and its being on the lower levels of a building.