Nooreddin Azimi, Mohammadreza Faroughi, Mona Tajbakhsh,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (12-2014)
Abstract
As a common space, urban entrance is the first place that introduces a city to its visitors and it is imprinted in the memory of people. This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of physical development and activity patterns along the main entrance of Rasht, Iran. Utilized data in this research comes from a questionnaire survey through which 707 land lots along the main entrances were studied. A number of statistical methods including nonparametric test of Kruskal-Wallis and crosscorrelation analysis were used to analyze the collected data. Findings indicated that entrance axes in Rasht present a low density pattern, in the form of single row shops with sporadic low rise buildings and uneven distribution of activities mainly by auto-related shops and services. dala aeatsysy aaaaataD a significant difference in the development of physical elements such as density of land lots, lot size, building age, quality of structure and land use/activity pattern among the main entrances. Data results also showed that density of development along the entrances is associated with land use type and ownership. Moreover, the data showed that the age of a building is correlated with quality of structure, land use type and ownership and quality of structure is related with land use type and ownership. Adopting a number of urban planning approaches such as density increase, encouraging mixed land uses, and employing local architectural styles in building design could enhance the exterior outlook, increase the land value, expedite investments and eventually improve the economy along the entrance axes.
Dr M. Khakzand, M. Azimi,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (12-2015)
Abstract
In the developing world, skills in innovation and creative design have emerged as key attributes for graduating designers. Creativity is essential if we want to generate new solutions to the considerable and complex problems in architecture. Metaphor is frequently expressed as a key tool for enhancing creative design, yet little empirical research has been performed on how novice designers can use it within their design. The goal of this study is to empirically research the use of metaphor in the design studio, with a focus on its effects on design creativity and quality. A three-stage method is presented, which allows novice designers to use meanings and metaphors in the early stages of design and idea generation. This method was tested in an architectural studio with two groups as experiment and control groups. The results were evaluated using a qualitative research methodology and a questionnaire was prepared in which the students were requested to assess the use of this method in their design process. Also expert designers evaluated the design outcomes in both control and experiment groups. The results highlight that metaphor is a helpful tool for young designers to stimulate design creativity and has a noticeable effect on design quality factors such as novelty, value, flexibility, usefulness and detail. These research findings have different implication for novice architects and help them enhance creativity and quality in their design endeavors.
