Showing 268 results for Type of Study: Research Paper
Ashkan Khatibi, Pari Alavi,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
In contemporary contexts, optimizing energy consumption and ensuring thermal comfort for occupants in hot and arid climates necessitates prioritizing the shielding of buildings from solar radiation and heat. This study employed simulation techniques utilizing Rhino software, Grasshopper plugin, and Climate Studio plugin to determine the most suitable facade design in terms of energy efficiency, considering the thermal performance of office building facades in Tehran. The investigation evaluated the thermal performance of four facade systems: three variations of double-skin facade (Buffer system, Extract-air system, Twin-face system), and a kinetic facade. Detailed calculations were conducted for heating, cooling, and electrical energy consumption, with results compared using monthly and annual charts. Simulation outcomes indicate that, under constant conditions, the kinetic facade exhibits superior energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting its components, including rotation direction and opening/closing mechanisms, resulting in a 42.3% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional double-skin facades. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that annual energy consumption, encompassing cooling, heating, and electric lighting, is lower on the southern facade than on the northern facade. Notably, the kinetic facade, with its adaptable design, demonstrates significant performance in energy reduction compared to other facade types, establishing it as the preferred option in this study. Employing intelligent self-adaptive systems, a portion of the facade is configured as a canopy, effectively mitigating building cooling and heating loads by regulating solar radiation, thus enhancing environmental comfort for occupants while minimizing energy loss.
Sanaz Naghshizadian, Mojtaba Rafieian, Zahra Sadat Saeideh Zarabadi, Hamid Majedi,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
The acceleration of decision-making processes within urban planning has instigated significant transformations across various facets of cities, encompassing economic, political, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. Consequently, heightened emphasis has been directed towards the cultivation of urban entrepreneurial environments as instrumental mechanisms for enhancing societal decision-making capabilities. Recognizing the pivotal role of this approach in fostering sociocultural and entrepreneurial dynamics within urban settings, the imperative to organize vibrant locales, currently grappling with formidable challenges and deficient planning strategies, has become increasingly pronounced. Aligned with its defined objective, the present study employs the meta-synthesis method to articulate a conceptual model aimed at elucidating the interplay between the "urban regeneration" and "urban entrepreneurial ecosystem" paradigms in the formation of entrepreneurial locales. To ascertain the qualitative criteria and components, the Delphi technique was utilized to validate the criteria derived from the applied quantitative methodology, thereby achieving a more precise validation grounded in expert opinions. Through an in-depth exploration of the core tenets and principles underpinning these two pivotal approaches, the findings of this study culminated in the identification of six components encapsulating the attributes, interdependencies, intervention modalities, constituents, resources, recommendations, perspectives, policies, and conceptual frameworks germane to the synergistic interaction between the aforementioned approaches. Consequently, a comprehensive framework is delineated to facilitate the establishment of entrepreneurial locales through mechanisms such as sociocultural engagements, elevation of societal well-being, sustainable generation of financial resources and employment opportunities, integration of intelligent systems within the societal fabric, and the cultivation of knowledge dissemination and educational initiatives. Moreover, this research underscores fundamental pathways for prospective investigations in this domain, thereby laying the groundwork for future scholarly endeavors.
Rana Najjari Nabi, Arsalan Nezhadfard, Jamaloddin Mahdinezhad, Bahram Saleh Sedghpour,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Given that newly constructed commercial complexes and the trend toward luxury are negatively impacting socio-economic structures, it is essential to establish principles for sustainable development, with social considerations being a fundamental aspect. Applying the social elements of sustainable development is especially critical in historical and ancient contexts. As previously mentioned, both new and old commercial buildings often appear as stylish but empty structures devoid of businesses. The concept of public space and community perception is at odds with modern shopping centers, which differ significantly from traditional markets. This disparity arises because many modern shopping centers cater to specific social groups, defined by particular tastes and ages. This article aims to analyze the social aspects of bazaars and identify key sub-indicators of social sustainability to propose suitable solutions for future market designs. Bazaars are vital places with complex and extensive social significance, particularly in Iran. The study’s findings suggest that incorporating sustainable development indicators into urban design can significantly enhance productivity and foster a sense of community in emerging markets. The current study highlighted the impact of various attributes—physical, environmental, cultural, and social—on enhancing the sociability and spatial quality of the area. The study revealed that structural-semantic values, as a cultural feature, have the greatest influence on bazaar socialization, with an effective coefficient of 0.410. Other significant factors include physical attributes (0.381), socio-political-cultural components (0.285), visual exposure (0.264), physical quality (0.235), and social capital (0.255). Finally, the study proposed appropriate solutions, such as establishing access pathways, employing diverse shapes and proportions in design, creating visible depth, ensuring permeability at the margins, varying roof shapes, and revitalizing the marketplace system.
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
Reyhane Khaghanpour Shahrezaee, Fatemeh Mehdizadeh Saradj,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Architectural education at the undergraduate level primarily focuses on design studios, which are conducted through critique sessions. These sessions are crucial for fostering communication between tutors and students, making them a key component of architectural education. Despite the emphasis on visual presentation in various courses, verbal communication receives less attention. To address this gap, it is essential to explore knowledge centered on human communication and strategies for improvement. Rhetoric, a concept introduced by philosophers and literary scholars, forms the foundation of all human communication by focusing on persuasive techniques. This research investigates critique sessions in architectural design studios, particularly examining the communication between tutors and students within the framework of rhetorical knowledge. The goal is to enhance this communication by elucidating the critique session and the relationship between teacher and student. The research employs a combination of descriptive and analytical strategies, along with logical reasoning, to address two primary questions: "How can the critique session be defined as a rhetorical situation?" and "What are the persuasion techniques used at each stage of the architectural design studio?" By applying rhetorical situation theory and persuasive methods, the research presents techniques for each stage of the architectural design studio, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of critique sessions. The findings suggest that effective communication in these sessions relies on clear, coherent expression and logically presented criticisms and suggestions. This creates a persuasive context that facilitates mutual understanding. As a result, architectural students not only acquire design skills but also develop the ability to communicate convincingly and defend their designs effectively in various scenarios.
Hadi Farhangdoust, Toktam Hanaee, Hero Farkisch,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Theoretical principles in environment-oriented disciplines are crucial, serving as the foundational knowledge base for all processes and activities within these fields. Their significance lies in their ability to establish a distinctive identity for these disciplines, differentiating them by their content, methodologies, and values. This research investigates the core concepts and fundamental ideas that underpin architecture and urban planning, linking these theoretical frameworks to knowledge management indicators. Understanding these theoretical foundations is vital as they are informed by knowledge-centric perspectives. Furthermore, recognizing the term "science" within these disciplines necessitates acknowledging existing frameworks and exploring new theoretical fields. The integration of software tools, particularly artificial intelligence, facilitates the application of these theoretical principles through logical algorithms. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend these fundamental concepts, which form the basis for theoretical support across all aspects of these disciplines. In simpler terms, theoretical principles can be viewed as foundational ("Foundation"), their formation as structural ("Structure"), their appearance ("Appearance"), and their application in architecture, urban planning, and urban geography as functional ("Function"). This research utilizes qualitative content analysis, specifically employing artificial intelligence via MaxQDA software. The study's findings enhance our understanding of existing theoretical foundations, enabling their adaptation into environmental scenarios and their application in new contexts and situations. By integrating these environmental scenarios into architectural and urban planning practices, professionals can create more sustainable, resilient, and livable environments, benefiting both people and the planet.
Reyhaneh Raisi, Roza Vakilinezhad, Matin Khayyam Manesh,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
The incorporation of various openings that permit daylight into interior spaces significantly influences thermal comfort. In the central region of Iran, Orosi windows are a prevalent architectural feature in courtyard buildings. These latticed door-windows are embellished with colorful glass pieces arranged in geometric patterns. This study aims to evaluate the impact of glass color in Orosi windows on their thermal and daylight performance. The primary objective is to determine the thermal comfort and daylight performance of a typical Qajarian Orosi with different glass colors (colorful, red, blue, yellow, green, colorless) and to identify the optimal glass color for Orosi windows. The findings reveal that the glass color of Orosi windows not only affects thermal comfort but also has a significant impact on daylight performance. Yellow glass offers the most favorable thermal conditions, irrespective of the season. In terms of daylight performance, all glass colors perform adequately; however, the Orosi with yellow glass achieves the highest values for spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) and Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE). The next preferred options, in descending order, are colorless, green, and blue glass. Considering both daylight and thermal performance, it is recommended to use Orosi windows with yellow glass due to the 22% improvement in annual thermal comfort and satisfactory daylight performance.
Bakhtiar Bahrami, Nasrin M. H. Nejad,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently encounter sensory sensitivities in school settings that diverge from those experienced by adult stakeholders, such as parents, teachers, and professionals. This research examines the disparities and commonalities in spatial preferences between children with mild ASD and adult stakeholders, aiming to utilize these insights to guide the design of autism-friendly educational environments. Employing a two-phase mixed-methods approach comprising interviews and questionnaires, this study engaged 210 participants: 80 children aged 9-18 with ASD (14 in Phase 1 and 64 in Phase 2) and 130 adult stakeholders (32 in Phase 1 and 98 in Phase 2). Thematic analysis conducted in Phase 1 and factor analysis in Phase 2 identified several critical spatial factors, including stability and constancy, a calm and subdued atmosphere, prominent classroom views, spacious learning environments, familiarity and predictability, large classroom windows, and gradual exposure. While there were some areas of overlap with adult perspectives, notable differences highlighted the necessity of incorporating children's viewpoints in school design. Based on this premise, the study introduces an integrated model for designing autism-friendly schools informed by these findings. This model aims to propose strategies for creating learning environments that support the well-being and educational needs of children with ASD.
Amin Habibi, Romina Tafvizi, Mohammad Nikkar, Ehsan Sharifi,
Volume 34, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
Urban densities are prone to the urban heat island (UHI) effect, resulting in decreased outdoor thermal comfort for the growing urban populations in hot and dry climates. Canyon layout, surface materials, green cover, and ground moisture can alter the outdoor microclimates of urban canyons at the canopy layer. While the isolated impact of urban cooling strategies is researched extensively, the integration of these UHI mitigation strategies into design compositions for complex projects has yet to be thoroughly examined. This study explores the impact of six different design scenarios for the redevelopment of the entry canyon for the Afifabad garden in Shiraz during the hottest and coldest times of the last decade. The design scenarios include the final proposed and past layouts of the site, along with four interim scenarios introducing feasible compositions of greenery and cool surfaces.
The ENVI-met model of the site is validated by field measurement data from 2021, and then used to simulate all six scenarios for the hottest and coldest days of a typical year. The predicted mean vote (PMV) and physiological equivalent temperature (PET) values were calculated from the simulation results and evaluated to identify the most feasible and impactful design compositions. Findings indicate that high albedo pavements were not effective in isolation (scenario 4) and led to an increase in the mean radiant temperature (MRT). Street trees and vegetation were the most influential isolated measures, resulting in a 2.61°C variation in PET. The most impactful results were related to the combined effect of trees, turf, and cool surfaces, which resulted in up to an 11.3°C variation in PET due to the combination of appropriate greenery, shading over surfaces, and cool covers. Understanding the details of the impact of design configurations, when addressing heat stress adaptation in cities, enables the implementation of UHI mitigation strategies into feasible urban retrofit and regeneration projects.
Sajad Moazen, Avideh Kamrani, Hosein Raie,
Volume 34, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
Shrines, as part of the most magnificent works of Islamic art, not only play an essential role in the social life of cities but also reflect the architecture and arts of their time. Sometimes, these buildings are grouped and have been constructed over various periods. In the present study, the shrine of Al-Kadhimiya is examined. The
Al-Kadhimiya shrine complex, located in Baghdad, includes the tombs of two Shiite Imams. The construction of this complex began in the ninth century. The oldest inscription in this collection dates back to 1519 AD. According to historical evidence, the structure was built during the Safavid period. However, the construction rules, proportions, and principles of covering the space, as well as the design of the dome and the surrounding porch, incorporate pre-Safavid (Azeri) and Timurid art styles. This raises the question: how can a comparative study of the dome of the Al-Kadhimiya shrine with similar examples from the Timurid period prove that the change in artistic styles is a gradual process and not necessarily subject to changes in government? Therefore, this study examines the following hypothesis: the historical discontinuation of governments does not directly affect the architectural structures related to the subsequent period, which instead follow a gradual developmental course. This article employs a historical research method and comparative analysis. It compares the Al-Kadhimiya shrine with two complexes: the shrine of the eighth Imam of the Shiites in Mashhad, Iran, and the tomb of Shah Nematullah Vali in Kerman, Iran, as well as other Timurid domes. The results indicate that architectural techniques and structures are not necessarily updated with changes in government but follow a gradual process.
Azadeh Khaki Ghasr, Haniye Poudine, Sadaf Daneshpajooh, Soheila Haghighat,
Volume 34, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
The study intends to explore the factors that lead to an increase in place attachment of apartments in residents' attitudes toward applying for housing. After analyzing previous research on connectivity, five major components that affect place attachment were identified: perceptual-cognitive, social, historic-cultural, physical, and economic factors. Field research involving 73 Tehran mid-rise apartment residents utilized textual-visual questionnaires to investigate these factors, employing open coding and content analysis for data interpretation. Despite subtle contextual changes, the findings support the relevance of the identified components. According to the participants, influencing factors listed as environmental, sociocultural, perceptual-cognitive, economic, and historic emphasize the relevance of the first five; however, the details, order, and synthesis differ somewhat from those in the research reviewed. Furthermore, based on the literature reviewed, the study concluded a three spatial scale named global-urban-property for the home connectivity scope, with varying strengths. Additionally, based on the field study conducted, the paper added two sub-scales to the property scale, specifically within the context of an apartment. These sub-scales are building and unit. City, community, and neighborhood are subscales of the urban scale.
The global scale is also related to the country, which was not highlighted in the context of the present study since all participants were Iranian. Thus, the spatial scales of place attachment for apartments include city, community, neighborhood, building, and unit. Analyses highlight the relationship between a sense of belonging, influencing factors, and spatial scales. The study concludes that residents' place attachment is a protracted process that includes building/unit allocation and context-sensitive design considerations. In conclusion, changes in the sociocultural setting impact inhabitants' perceptions of place attachment.
Nasser Koleini Mamaghani, Parisa Izadpanah, Mahdiyeh Jafarnezhad Shahri,
Volume 34, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
In today's global market, products that meet users' emotional needs are more likely to succeed. Emotional design involves designers incorporating affective thought and user emotions to create a strong emotional connection between the user and the product. Culture plays a significant role in emotional design and user interaction. This study focuses on redesigning dinnerware based on Iran's tradition and cultural heritage. From the viewpoint of design parameters, five historical pottery periods, namely the Samanid, Seljuq, Ilkhanid, Timurid, and Safavid periods, were analyzed, and results were collected. A cultural design model was then created using Kano's questionnaire, which was distributed to thirty participants, both male and female, who were presented with questions related to the redesign of dinnerware. Kano's questionnaire included 16 questions about glazes, colors, patterns, and some of the design ideas used in the vessels from each historical period. A graphical image representing the outstanding pottery of each era was prepared and shown to participants. The results were analyzed using statistical approaches, revealing the cultural-emotional needs of users when interacting with the product. The results indicate a higher preference among Iranian users for ceramic features from the Timurid period. Additionally, the findings suggest that incorporating Sasanian patterns and simple arabesques into the vessels will better attract Iranian users. This approach helps create a more effective and engaging product for users.
Habib Sohrabiparsa, Hamed Mazaherian,
Volume 34, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
Social stratification engenders intricate disparities within social strata, denoted as "differentiation" in accordance with Pierre Bourdieu's conceptual framework. Consequently, urban buildings exhibit diverse facades, thereby exerting a profound influence on the city's aesthetic presentation. This study elucidates the pivotal role assumed by architects in aligning residential building facades with the discernment of citizens, drawing from Bourdieu's differentiation theory. Employing an applied and qualitative approach, the research method underscores the purposeful nature of the inquiry. The findings of this research categorize the perspectives of most Iranian architects on the notion of "citizen's taste in residential buildings" into four overarching themes: "building structure," "facade harmony with climate," "facade alignment with building function," and "visual aesthetic appeal of the facade".
Mohsen Mohammadi, Zahra Ghiabaklou, Hamed Moztarzadeh,
Volume 34, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
High temperatures and air pollution are significant challenges in ensuring fresh air supply in the hot-humid climate of Asalouye City. These conditions compel residents to rely heavily on mechanical cooling, which subsequently escalates energy consumption and deteriorates indoor air quality. The primary air pollutants include Particulate Matter (PM), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and microorganisms. Fiber filters and electrostatic filters are the most common methods for purifying PMs from the air, with the electrostatic method offering advantages such as high efficiency, the ability to remove a wide range of particles, low-pressure drop, and no need for frequent replacement. This study proposed a ventilation system integrating a window,
a precipitator using electrostatic technology, a cooling coil, and an exhaust fan. The system's performance was evaluated using CFD simulation in Ansys-Fluent software (2021) to assess its effectiveness in reducing PM concentrations, pre-cooling incoming air, and maintaining the standard ventilation rate. The findings revealed that at air velocities of 6 m/s and 1 m/s, the system could completely remove copper, nickel, and sulfur particles with diameters of 0.1 µ and 10 µ. Additionally, the distance between the system's air inlet (window opening) and its air outlet (where air enters the interior) significantly influences the particle reduction level. The proposed cooling coil, however, only managed to reduce the air temperature by 2°C. In the absence of wind, an exhaust fan with a pressure jump of at least 250 Pa or 500 Pa is necessary to achieve the standard airflow and ventilation rate.
Parastoo Eshrati, Roza Vakilinezhad, Arezoo Ghahramani, Dorna Eshrati, Mohammad Kazem Namazi,
Volume 34, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Various methods have been employed in vernacular architecture, to achieve energy efficiency in different regions worldwide, especially in facade designs. In Iran, most vernacular buildings are still in use without major modifications and renovations, even in harsh climatic conditions. This study uses mathematical analysis to conduct a quantitative approach toward principles used in the façade design of Bushehr's vernacular architecture. The research critically examined the physical characteristics of eight residential buildings, which were selected as case studies. These parameters included window-to-wall ratios, the surface area for each facade, and the size of different openings concerning height and weight. These physical characteristics of the selected houses were systematically extracted for both the interior and exterior facades, delineating eighteen criteria. The statistical analyses were done using IBM SPSS Statistics version 16.0. The results revealed fourteen linear models—six models related to the exterior facades, five models concerned with interior facades, and three models about the opening. Although the linear models are specific to the vernacular architecture of Bushehr, the research method and approach outlined in this study have the potential to contribute to a framework that can be used by other researchers to uncover underlying principles in vernacular facades elsewhere around the world.
Elahe Mohajer, Hamidreza Azemati, Khosro Movahed,
Volume 34, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
In the current century, the crisis of meaning and the loss of individual identity underscore the need to focus on self-actualization as a viable solution. Self-actualization is a psychological necessity, and it is crucial to leverage all environmental capabilities to facilitate individuals' self-actualization. This study aims to introduce a causal model for the design components of residential complexes centered on residents' self-actualization. The research was conducted in three phases: 1) document analysis using the Delphi method, 2) a survey-based second phase, and 3) correlation analysis. The study begins with an examination of resources, supplemented by expert insights gathered using the Delphi method, which was chosen for its capability to achieve group consensus through expert judgment. A researcher-made questionnaire was developed for users, and design components effective for self-actualization were identified using R-factor analysis. The theoretical model of the research components was presented, and its validity was assessed using Amos software. The results indicated that the factors influencing the design of residential complexes, based on self-actualization, included Creative Environment, Eventful Environment, Diversity, Collaborative Environment, Interactive Environment, Environmental Safety, and Discoverability. Consequently, it can be acknowledged that a social environment that is safe and secure, where environmental events can occur, and where creative participation is encouraged, can significantly support individuals' self-actualization. This study contributes a novel causal model that elucidates the relationships among the design components of residential complexes, with an emphasis on promoting residents' self-actualization.
Leila Moghimi, Pirouz Hanachi, Somayeh Fadaei Nezhad Bahramjerdi,
Volume 34, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
One of the effective strategies for achieving sustainability and creating interaction between the “conservation and development of urban heritage” is to maintain “integrity” in historic cities. The definition of integrity, in relation to the definition of the special values of urban heritage, is important. Reviewing international conservation documents and conventions, as well as relevant theoretical perspectives, indicates that the evolution of the concept of integrity has been the result of both sources, with an emphasis on the principle of conservation and the conservation of heritage significances. It then becomes associated with the concept of “authenticity” in convey of significance, and ultimately aligns with the concept of sustainability and sustainable development in "conserving significance " and "transferring significance." The present study aims to explain and recognize the relationship between the concept of integrity and the sustainable conservation and development of urban heritage. Therefore, the approach of this research is fundamental, and the dominant strategy is content analysis, in order to provide a conceptual framework that, on the one hand, focuses on the concept of integrity and the conservation and convey of heritage significances over time, and on the other hand, ensures the secure and convey of significances to future generations through the concept of sustainability. Therefore, the concepts of "convey significance “and “conservation significance" are vital and essential in the process of sustainable conservation and development of urban heritage.
Amirhossein Zekri, Ahmad Ekhlassi, Abbas Tarkashvand,
Volume 34, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Any scientific activity or instrumental application involving façades—such as research, design, evaluation, and decision-making—requires a comprehensive set of criteria to cover all expected requirements. This highlights the necessity of a study to explore, gather, and organize a holistic set of criteria for the evaluation, study, design, and decision-making regarding façades. Moreover, establishing a comprehensive list of criteria is essential but insufficient on its own. It is equally important to achieve a mutual understanding of these criteria, providing experts and researchers with a common language and understanding regarding façades. Although various criteria have been mentioned in different façade-related research, a summary study to gather, organize, and reliably define these criteria is needed to improve the logical applications of façades and facilitate mutual understanding. This study aims to take the first step in meeting this requirement by describing each criterion relevant to façade assessment. In this context, a systematic library-based research approach was employed, reviewing 71 related papers. Criteria were then extracted using an exploratory study based on open and axial coding methods. Ultimately, 42 criteria were identified and organized into five primary categories: environmental aspects, social impacts, economic aspects, efficiency and effectiveness, and technical aspects.
Mona Mohseni, Mehdi Khakzand,
Volume 34, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Given the crucial role of medical buildings in emergency situations, health maintenance, and disease control, as well as the importance of ensuring user comfort, recent architectural studies have emphasized the need to revise design criteria. One of the key considerations for creating comfortable environments in hospitals is managing undesirable lighting. Although research underscores the importance of sufficient and appropriate natural light in reducing patients' length of stay, reliance on general standards may not adequately address the needs of specific patient groups. To assess visual comfort in an ophthalmic ward while minimizing the potential biases and limitations of human studies, this research utilized an in vivo animal model using rabbits. Rabbits were selected due to their physiological similarities to humans, especially regarding the visual system, making them appropriate subjects for studying cataract-related reactions. Moreover, animal studies offer better control over environmental factors, ethical considerations, and reproducibility compared to human studies, where individual variations and external factors can affect results. In this study, daylight simulation and its effects were analyzed through a point-by-point illuminance comparison using Rhinoceros modeling software, Grasshopper, and HoneybeePlus version 1.4.0. The results demonstrated a 15.19% discrepancy between the visual comfort limits set by international standards and the expectations of patients with cataract eye problems. This inconsistency has led to a 22.44% reduction in the comfort levels within the patients' rooms.
Narges Soltani, Parvin Partovi, Daryoush Moradi Chadegani,
Volume 34, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Preserving the Natural Environmental Cultural Heritage (NECH) and improving the urban Quality of Life (QOL) are crucial urban planning issues that play critical roles in cities. The modernization and expansion of cities due to population growth, lifestyle changes, and improved quality of life are inevitable movements in developing and developed countries. Although the new progression has brought many opportunities concerning socio-economic aspects, it has also caused some challenges for urban planning, particularly in conserving cultural heritage. It reaches a point where it is possible to visualize the link between heritage conservation and sustainability, which will enhance the development of future cities. The present study investigates how the NECH and QOL have evolved to be implemented in urban strategic planning to upgrade the NECH and QOL values. The research time scope covers 1920, when the first use of “standard of living” (before QOL) was proposed, until 2023. By reviewing and analyzing texts and documents of historical transformation of the NECH and QOL, tracing and overlying common fields of the NECH and QOL concepts (historical-structural analysis and comparative analysis), and organizing sequential cause and effect relations between milestones and evidence of NECH and QOL historical transformations (timeline diagram), the authors explained the strategic planning approach to support the (NECH and QOL) using the adaptive analysis method and extracting both substantive and procedural components for urban spatial, strategic planning process. The research results presented an urban spatial strategic planning model according to the NECH and QOL components (substantial and procedural). Due to the nature of urban spatial strategic planning (focus on uncertainty in planning; probability of planning process; need to expand the scope of planning in the broader political, social, economic, and environmental fields; focus on paying attention to diverse shareholders; and ability to support urban planning models based on description, analysis, and prescription); a cyclical-continual steps (1) assessing the current situation, (2) problem finding, (3) cause and effect problem analysis, (4) producing a final statement of significant issues and goals, (5) presenting decision options and suggestions (problem-solving), and (6) sharing strategic planning related to cultural and natural heritage among key shareholders and residents, with special content in each step, configured. The achievement of this spatial strategic planning model is bridging between the quality of life and the natural environment cultural heritage concepts and applying its principles of substance and procedure adapted to local conditions in such a way that the capacities of the natural environment heritage of the cities are coextensive with upgrading the resident’s quality of life.
