International Journal of

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In recent decades, remarkable changes have occurred in the spatial structure of metropolitan regions, creatingdiscontinuous, scattered and polycentric development which have significant implications for commuting patterns. This study examines the dynamics of spatial structure using interaction flow patterns in Mashhad Metropolitan Region (MMR). Four dimensions - centrality and dominance, network cohesion, interaction strength and levels and hierarchy - were used to analyse population flows in 1999, 2007 and 2012, showing that the interaction between Mashhad and other cities in the MMR increased over the time. However, the growth was inflows to the principal city grew considerably while the outflows decreased from 1999 to 2012 suggesting that the spatial structure of the MMR is monocentric despite the focus of development policies on polycentric development. Thus, it is necessary to adopt an integrated and multi-sectoral approach to develop a polycentric metropolitan region in order to protect the environment and reinforce inter-city relationships, manage travel demand, reduce unnecessary trip, and restrict sprawl. These policies lead to more convergence and polycentric development.
 

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The purpose of this research is to investigate the travelers' visual preference criteria in caravanserai hotels’ interior design to enhance human’s social, historical and cultural interactions. Using 356 questionnaires and Quantitative Research approach, the travelers' visual preferences of three hotels in Tabriz city are assessed. Photo questionnaires are prepared according to the Information Processing Analysis theory and were examined by SPSS software. The results indicate that preferred caravanserai hotels are mysterically related to physical factors like medium intensity of light, warm and neutral colors, modern and traditional furniture integration, green space and wooden decoration. Interior architects can increase peoples’ interest for using Caravanserai Hotels by considering this results and its application in their design methods.

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Since tectonic and stereotomic theories have neither been used systematically nor dealt with simultaneously for the interpretation of architecture, by explaining the theoretical position of critics and their thoughts, the process of their interaction will be more effective. The main questions asked is it possible to interpret architecture through the interaction of tectonic and stereotomical theories precisely? In this regard, research aimed to read and process the physical dimensions and spatial structure of Iranian architectural works in the post-revolutionary period based on the interaction of approaches of tectonic and stereotomical theories. The approach of the present research in terms of epistemology is interpretive with deductive reasoning strategy. Qualitative research was carried out with the help of library documentation and field studies in this paper. The findings of this study indicate that the approaches of tectonic and stereotomical theories, regardless of the architectural style, have affected the materials, elements, structure, and construction of the body and spatial configuration.  Furthermore, the interaction of the approaches of these two theories and, in other words, the non-algebraic sum of the approaches affected by the two theories on these components in both integrated and non-integrative forms can be perceived and received. Also, the maximum interaction in the selected architectural works was on the construction component, including a combination of symbolic body configuration of tectonic theory along with the symbolic configuration of stereotomical theory.

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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.

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Designers can use the story, as a common language, to improve the packaging of cultural artifacts. Knife packaging, as one of the most important handicrafts of Zanjan province, can be a factor in supplying and selling this product in domestic and foreign markets. The main objectives of this research were to provide a design process for designing products related to emotions. To this end, a collection of stories related to this product was extracted; 30 users were surveyed and questioned as a sample. This study uses a descriptive-analytical method. In the descriptive part we have studied the storytelling method in the design process and in the analytical section we offered a checklist of stories and proverbs and examined them. Finally, the best story was chosen, and the knife was designed using the principles of storyboarding and scenario planning and considering the story-based packaging designed by principles. After taking time to make sure that the questionnaire was fully understood by the user and conducting the survey, the data were extracted, and statistical analysis was performed. The feedback of the users was reviewed and according to the results, it can be found out that the principles of the story in Zanjan knife packaging design have a significant effect on the interaction and emotions of users.

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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.