Showing 30 results for Space
Shahabedin Zeini Aslani, Reyhaneh Mozaffar, Ahmad Ekhlassi, Samaneh Taghdir, Hamid Mozaffar,
Volume 32, Issue 2 (4-2022)
Abstract
This study aims to investigate how lighting design can be used as an environmental design feature within historic sites in cities to turn a space into a place through placemaking processes. Accordingly, the research question is: What artificial lighting design aspects need to be taken into account in historic sites within cities through a placemaking process? Naghshe-Jahan Square’s in Isfahan, Iran, is chosen as the case study as it is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This research uses ethnographic research methods as a qualitative research method for collecting data about the lighting scheme of Naghshe-Jahan Square. Based on the main aim of placemaking which is to Strengthen people’s connection with the public places they share in order to maximize shared value, this research uses two ethnographical techniques; behavior observation and semi structured interviews with the visitors of the historic site. Accordingly, people’s behaviors and interaction with the site and their opinions on how the lighting of the site makes them feel and facilitates their needs is collected. The findings of this study suggest that artificial lighting can positively influence turning historic sites to places at night-time and accordingly improve the quality of people’s lives in cities.
Sahand Lotfi, Mahsa Sholeh, Negar Imani,
Volume 32, Issue 2 (4-2022)
Abstract
Shiraz, with its historical background, known as the capital of the Persian culture, once experienced a boom of international culture-led events using outdoor spaces as event venues. However, its outdoor vibrancy has withered gradually, and the use of public places as venues declined. Despite the existing dilemmas, a new wave of public place reclamation has created a strong trend towards using the spaces as outdoor venues. The main question of the research is what events are held in Shiraz year-round and how many of them are in public open spaces, and what events can be held in the public realm as outdoor. As in Iranian culture, the events and rituals follow the circular chronology of the Iranian, Islamic, and even Christian calendars; this article studies the events of a year-round time lap, making a clear typology in terms of places’ type and form. The listed events have been classified using the CHAID model adapted to identify the variety and temporality of the events that could occur outdoors. Finally, after categorizing the events, the spatial dispersion of events in the Shiraz urban area has been analyzed to reintroduce the existing platform for holding events and, with the help of the ‘Power of 10’ approach, the need to create or equip spaces and add venues to hold outdoor events in twelve urban ‘destinations’ has been emphasized.
Mojgan Arbab, Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad, Mohammadreza Bemanian,
Volume 32, Issue 4 (9-2022)
Abstract
Derived from a research work of the same title, this article aims at recognizing the spiritual characteristics of the concept of dynamism and motion in the Iranian traditional architecture as well as its manifestation in the connector spaces of traditional houses. These valuable buildings represent the diversity of movement and stagnation for reaching eternal concepts through reproduction and variation of their elements. An Iranian architect expresses these two concepts of Islamic transcendental goals by contrasting combinations both in form and space. The key questions arising here are: what are the characteristics of movement and stagnation in Iranian traditional houses? What are the concepts of movement and stagnation in the architecture of the connector spaces in traditional houses? To answer these questions, a case study was conducted by combination methods. The required information was collected by desk and field studies. Ten traditional houses in Qazvin were selected as samples. According to the results, the movement both in the form of physical and sensational movements can be identified in traditional Iranian architecture. Physical movement or criteria such as moving in space and eye movement and sensational movement can be analyzed by influencing the feelings of viewers as well as the rest provided by a pause atmosphere.
Reza Javadi, Reza Mansoori,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Urban green spaces provide a context where constant association with these spaces can result in reducing the incidence or diminishing the effect of many diseases. Different studies assessed the relationship between using urban green spaces and health benefits considering influential quantitative aspects. This research tries to look differently at this issue by connecting the urban green spaces qualitative aspects and their influence on encouraging individuals to use green spaces more frequently. For this purpose, the present study employs questionnaire-based interviews (no. 336) in two city parks in Urmia, Iran (The City Park and the Coastal Park) to collect the required information for assessing the interviewees’ physical and psychological health levels. The relationships between the hypotheses are later studied using SPSS analytical software. The results showed that relationships were found between using the parks and having better psychological health conditions, but no relationship was found between the duration of physical activity in the park and having better physiological health. The assessment of the obtained data emphasizes the importance of the park characters and features that lead people to engage with specific activities which cause certain health benefits as a result of that activity. The results highlight the importance of developing green infrastructures in today’s urban areas.
Hosna Varmaghani,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Urban squares reflect urban planning cultures, and also to some extent even a reflection of overall nations’ cultures. Squares are microcosms of urban life, offering excitement and repose, markets and public ceremonies, a place to meet friends and watch the world go by. They have been shaped by popular whims, by topography and architectural fashion. Some grew piecemeal; others were planned at a stroke, as a symbol of power or the foundation stone of a new development. Here in this study effort is made to compare two selected cases from two different cultures, West vs. East - Savanna, Georgia, USA vs. Hamadan, Iran. In this comparison, the indicators of the biophilic city (pedestrian, nature-friendly, accessible and sociable city) have been considered. Descriptive analytical method was used to collect and classify the indicators and space syntax theory was used to analyze and compare the placing pattern of squares in urban contexts. The method of data collection was library and field survey and data analysis tool were UCL Depthmap software. The study of biophilic city in the two studied cities revealed differences and similarities that are effective in increasing theoretical understanding, recognizing anomalies and understanding how indicators work in these two different urban structures and contexts.
Aliakbar Salaripour, Reza Kashani, Zahra Seif Reihani,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
This research assesses the determinants influencing the efficacy of a particular locale, specifically comparing a National Park endowed with historical significance, globally recognized, with another site, an Artificial Lake serving as a contemporary and burgeoning urban space, both situated in Gonbad-e Qabus, Golestan, Iran. The methodology employed involves a comparative study to gauge their respective levels of desirability. The primary objective of this investigation is to identify the factors contributing to the success of the Artificial Lake, despite its relatively limited historical attributes, in contrast to the National Garden, acknowledged as a world heritage site. Additionally, the identified challenges within these spaces are addressed, and solutions are proposed with active citizen participation. The research introduces novelty by concurrently investigating factors influencing the success of public spaces and comparing two categories - historical and contemporary. The sample size (n=383) was determined using Cochran’s formula, comprising 184 male cases (48%) and 199 female cases (52%). Internal consistency of the questionnaire was confirmed through Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Employing a descriptive-analytic approach, data analysis utilized SPSS software (one-sample t-test) and LISREL software (second-order confirmatory factor analysis). The findings reveal a total success score of 82.63 for the Lakeside and 72.47 for the National Garden. Notably, the "safety and security" component in both spaces received the lowest satisfaction and quality scores. Conclusively, 81.2% of citizens express a preference for the Lakeside over the National Garden for their recreational activities.
Abbas Azari, Naser Barati, Mona Sedighi,
Volume 33, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
This study endeavors to explore the predicament associated with spaces lacking distinctive character and identity, ultimately resulting in the estrangement of shrines from their peripheral surroundings. Focusing on Mashhad, renowned as the holiest city in Iran and a site of numerous interventions, this research employs it as a case study. The central inquiry revolves around establishing a coherent nexus between the notion of polarity and the intellectual foundations shaping the development of environs surrounding holy shrines. The core objective is to discern the alignment of contemporary advancements around these shrines with their initial conceptual underpinnings. Employing a qualitative approach, this research adopts a descriptive method rooted in the case study framework. The outcomes derived from statistical analysis and the application of space syntax techniques reveal that extensive interventions encircling the shrine of Imam Reza have significantly disrupted the city's connectivity with the shrine. This disruption has led to the displacement of residents, severed emotional ties with the surrounding fabric, and a perceptible attenuation of the sense of place, culminating in the erosion of the genius loci or spirit of place. Furthermore, an examination of the fabric of this separation underscores an anti-Shiite intellectual basis, demonstrating incongruence with the ideal of human communion with "the perfect man." In light of these findings, it is proposed that development initiatives in Islamic cities should prioritize considerations aligned with the intellectual foundations governing city construction. This emphasis is crucial for sustaining the inherent character and spirit of the place amidst developmental endeavors.
Hadi Rezaei Rad, Zahra Khodaei, Mohammad Mehdi Ghiai,
Volume 33, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Urban planning and morphology are one of the most important factors affecting land surface temperature (LST) and microclimate chrematistics. The production of anthropogenic heat, mainly for cooling systems and lighting, has resulted in significant impacts on the quality of the thermal environment. These impacts include poor air quality, increased temperatures, higher energy consumption, and the development of urban heat islands (UHIs). With the growing urban population and increased building height, especially in metropolitan areas, there have been significant changes in the urban geometry, rate of pollution, amount of heat released, and meteorological parameters. All these factors contribute to the heat island phenomenon and significantly alter the microclimate in urban areas. The goal of this article is measuring the effects of height changes in buildings around Tehran metropolitan squares in a detailed plan on microclimatic changes. As part of a research study, the Hafthoz Square in Tehran was chosen as a case study. The researchers used a combination of simulation techniques (Envi-met) and GIS to detect the spatial variation of Land Surface Temperature (LST) and determine its quantitative relationship with building height and density. This was achieved through simulation modeling for the Narmak neighborhood of Tehran. As Conclusion, the results indicate that comparison on the simulation between the existing conditions and proposed scenario area showed that in the proposed scenario, wind speed and relative humidity decrease and ground surface temperature (UHI) and PPD and PMV indices increase. Therefore, if the detailed plan of Tehran metropolis is realized and implemented in many squares, it will be accompanied by changes in micro-climatic parameters in order to reduce the thermal comfort of citizens.
Davood Vafadari Komarolya, Mohsen Kafi, Mahdi Khansefid, Jessica Ann Diehl,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Landscapes and urban green spaces, particularly urban parks, are among the most crucial urban areas. Therefore, planning and designing urban parks to offer appropriate services under various conditions, including during infectious disease pandemics, is essential and ensures citizens' health. This study aimed to bridge the gap between urban park design and pandemic needs by proposing design criteria based on expert opinions to meet park users' health needs during a pandemic. A questionnaire with seven questions was developed to establish these criteria, resulting in a total of 28 criteria. After collecting the questionnaires, the data were extracted, and the frequency of each option was determined. The criteria for designing urban parks under pandemic conditions were then ranked by importance. Our research identified three of the most important criteria: implementing an electronic queuing system in buffets or restaurants to eliminate customer lines, installing automatic hand sanitizers throughout the park, and equipping drinking fountains with smart valves to minimize hand contact. An additional 25 criteria were also prioritized. Designers and urban planners can utilize these criteria to create or redesign parks that are better suited for pandemic conditions compared to current parks
Aida Lebasi, Gholamreza Talischi,
Volume 34, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
This study conducts a thorough literature review to explore the relationship between the physical learning environment and creativity. Addressing a gap in understanding how specific attributes impact creative processes, the research aims to inform the development of innovative learning environments. Using a four-step methodology, the study involves selecting relevant articles, creating a classification framework, analyzing environmental factors' effects on learning, and interpreting findings to elucidate the correlation between physical attributes and creativity. Bibliometric analysis reveals growing scholarly interest in creative spaces. Findings emphasize the substantial impact of elements like furniture flexibility, resource accessibility, and lighting conditions on creative thinking. Key themes highlight critical factors like lighting, furniture arrangement, and diverse roles of environmental elements, contributing to enhanced cognitive performance. The study underscores the potential of optimized learning spaces to nurture creativity, promote problem-solving skills, and stimulate innovation. By enriching knowledge on the influence of physical environments on creativity, this research provides valuable insights for educators, designers, and policymakers aiming to create inspiring and effective learning environments.
