Architectural Technologies Studies

Abstract Freehand drawing in the first year of architectural education is often shaped by a fundamental gap between seeing and drawing. Novice students encounter space, volume, line, depth, texture, light, and material qualities, yet they do not always know how to translate these visual experiences into architectural drawing, sketching, rendering, and representational judgment. This study addresses this pedagogical gap by examining the use of artificial intelligence in teaching freehand drawing to undergraduate architecture students. Rather than approaching AI as a substitute for manual drawing or as a tool for producing final visual outputs, the study conceptualizes it as a visual mediator that can make the implicit logic of drawing more visible, discussable, and pedagogically actionable. The main aim of the research is to formulate and evaluate the “AI-based Visual Mediation Model” as an instructional approach for strengthening students’ representational understanding in architectural freehand drawing.
The research was conducted through a design-based educational research approach, supported by qualitative and descriptive analysis, in the Architectural Representation I and II courses at Shahid Beheshti University during the 2025–2026 academic year. In the first semester, one group of 16 students out of 62 first-year architecture students participated in the initial phase of the intervention. In the second semester, three groups, comprising approximately 37 students, were included in the observation and instructional intervention process. The educational intervention was implemented across selected sessions within the two-semester course sequence and involved a gradual movement from direct observation and manual drawing toward AI-generated intermediate representations, guided analysis, redrawing, rendering, and final visual organization.
The data included students’ initial and intermediate drawings, AI-generated visual mediations, the instructor’s observational notes, classroom feedback, analytical rubrics for freehand drawing and rendering, and expert evaluations of selected final works. The findings indicate that, when accompanied by the instructor’s analytical guidance, AI-generated intermediary images can help students recognize the structural logic of lines, vanishing directions, spatial depth, foreground-background differentiation, texture control, preservation of white space, tonal hierarchy, and purposeful rendering. The model was particularly effective in shifting students’ attention from merely copying visual appearances toward understanding the selective and interpretive nature of architectural representation. It also supported the transition from isolated drawing exercises to more complex visual compositions, including rendered sheets and organized architectural presentations.
The study concludes that the pedagogical value of AI in this context does not lie in accelerating image production or replacing the hand, but in altering the quality of students’ visual attention. In the proposed model, AI functions as an intermediate visual layer through which students can compare, question, analyze, and return more consciously to manual drawing. Accordingly, AI becomes not an alternative to freehand drawing, but a means of deepening the relationship between observation, interpretation, and hand-based architectural representation.

Abstract Aims: Iranian gardens, particularly the Fin Garden of Kashan, embody a complex system of meaning formed through the interaction of natural elements, spatial structure, and the observer’s perceptual experience; nevertheless, the semiotic and signifying dimensions of these elements have rarely been examined in a systematic manner. Drawing upon Peircean semiotics, this study approaches the Fin Garden as a cultural–spatial text and seeks to elucidate the mechanisms of meaning production across different semiotic levels. The primary objective is to analyze the role of natural elements as carriers of meaning and to examine the relationships among signs within the observer’s perceptual experience. Accordingly, the research questions address the why of the meaningfulness of natural elements and the how of the formation and stabilization of meaning within the garden’s spatial system.
Materials & Methods: This study adopts a qualitative research approach with a descriptive–analytical nature, grounded in Charles Sanders Peirce’s semiotic theory, and aims to elucidate the mechanisms of meaning production through the interaction between natural elements and the spatial organization of the Fin Garden of Kashan. Within this framework, the garden is conceptualized as an architectural–landscape text, whose constituent elements are interpreted through Peirce’s triadic semiotic system, comprising iconic, indexical, and symbolic signs. The research population encompasses all natural and physical elements that contribute to the garden’s semiotic structure and play a signifying role in its spatial organization and the perceptual experience of the observer, including water, vegetation, landform, spatial geometry, axial organization, pools, water channels, and the pavilion. Sampling is conducted using a purposive and theoretical strategy, focusing on elements that exhibit the highest semiotic capacity, a significant presence within the spatial structure, and a direct association with the symbolic concepts of the Persian garden, thereby enabling the achievement of conceptual saturation. Data are collected through documentary and library research, the examination of historical and theoretical sources, field observations, and the analysis of images, maps, and visual documents related to the Fin Garden of Kashan. The validity of the study is ensured through reliance on a well-established theoretical framework of Peircean semiotics and the triangulation of data sources (theoretical and conceptual validity), while reliability is reinforced by repeated data review, comparative interpretation across different semiotic levels, and the maintenance of logical coherence among findings. Data analysis is based on interpretive qualitative analysis and semiotic coding, conducted in several stages: first, the identification and description of spatial and natural elements; second, the extraction and coding of their meanings at the iconic, indexical, and symbolic levels; and finally, the analysis of interrelationships among signs and their organization within the garden’s spatial structure. This analytical process facilitates an in-depth understanding of how meaning is produced and stabilized in the perceptual experience of the observer and leads to the articulation of a coherent model of the semiotic system governing the Fin Garden of Kashan.
Findings: The findings of the study indicate that the Fin Garden of Kashan is not merely a physical assemblage of natural and architectural elements, but rather a complex, purposeful, and multilayered semiotic system in which meaning is produced and stabilized through the structured interaction of natural elements, spatial organization, and the observer’s perceptual experience. Data analysis within the framework of Peircean semiotics reveals that the garden’s principal elements—particularly water, vegetation, landform, and the pavilion—operate simultaneously across the iconic, indexical, and symbolic levels, with meaning emerging through a gradual process that moves from sensory perception toward conceptual understanding. At the iconic level, the visual and sensory qualities of the elements establish the initial layer of engagement between the observer and space; at the indexical level, causal and experiential relationships evoke sensations such as movement, freshness, tranquility, and spatial orientation; and at the symbolic level, natural elements, in relation to their cultural–philosophical context, convey concepts such as life, order, and spirituality. The results further demonstrate the presence of a semiotic hierarchy within the garden, whereby water and the pavilion function as dominant signs, while other elements serve complementary and supportive roles. Meaning thus arises not from isolated elements, but from a network of inter-semiotic relationships that, through spatial synchronicity and the diachronic dynamics of natural change, transforms the Fin Garden into a living, dynamic, and readable text.
Conclusion: The Fin Garden of Kashan can be understood not merely as a historical–physical artifact, but rather as a multilayered and dynamic semiotic system in which meaning is produced through the structured interaction of natural elements, spatial organization, and the perceptual experience of the observer. The findings indicate that the garden’s principal elements—most notably water, vegetation, and spatial geometry—operate simultaneously across the iconic, indexical, and symbolic levels, and that meaning emerges not as a fixed or static entity, but as a gradual process contingent upon the observer’s spatial perception. Comparison with previous studies reveals that, while the overall conclusions align with existing research emphasizing the symbolic and cultural dimensions of the Persian garden, the application of Peirce’s triadic semiotic framework enables a more systematic explanation of the mechanisms of meaning production and a rigorous analysis of inter-semiotic relationships, thereby conceptualizing the Fin Garden as a readable text structured by hierarchies of signification. Furthermore, the convergence of these findings with comparative semiotic studies of gardens in other cultural contexts suggests that, despite ideological and formal differences, garden spaces across cultures embody complex and multi-level semiotic structures. Accordingly, it is recommended that Peircean semiotics be employed as an analytical framework in future studies of Iranian gardens and, when integrated with phenomenological approaches and perceptual experience studies, provide a more nuanced understanding of the observer’s role in the reproduction of meaning. Such an approach holds both theoretical and practical potential for the design and reinterpretation of contemporary landscape spaces inspired by the Persian garden tradition.

Abstract The rehabilitation and restoration of the built heritage represent a central concern in current international and national policies. In Iran, a significant portion of educational buildings, constructed during the construction booms of the 1970s and 1990s, now exhibit structural deficiencies, seismic vulnerability, and poor energy performance. This study develops an integrated multi-criteria decision-making framework to support the planning and prioritization of rehabilitation interventions for university buildings, simultaneously considering socio-economic sustainability, seismic safety, energy efficiency, and process sustainability. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is employed to structure the decision problem and evaluate intervention alternatives. The proposed framework is validated through application to a real case study: an educational building of the Islamic Azad University of Tarom in Zanjan Province, Iran. Four rehabilitation scenarios—ranging from minimum to maximum intervention—were evaluated. Results indicate that the "developed" scenario (comprehensive insulation, internal space redesign, and courtyard rehabilitation) achieves the highest priority score (0.368), outperforming the maximum intervention scenario (0.355) due to better socio-economic and process sustainability performance. This research contributes a replicable decision-support tool for university administrators and public authorities, enabling transparent, informed, and cost-effective investment decisions aligned with Iran's 1404 Vision Plan and national energy efficiency regulations.

Abstract The regulation of psychological privacy and the realization of privacy quality in residential architecture are fundamentally intertwined with the structure and tangible nature of physical boundaries, as the quality of spatial demarcation directly influences the control of environmental stimuli and the segregation of public and private domains. However, in the physical transformations of contemporary housing, the excessive dominance of transparency or the irregular arrangement of boundaries has challenged the monitoring of visual and acoustic information, thereby altering traditional patterns of privacy. The primary objective of this study is to provide a comparative analysis of the role of spatial boundary-making mechanisms and degrees of physical solidity on the level and quality of privacy preservation within highly replicated typologies of residential buildings in District 1 of Tehran. This study is qualitative in nature, employing a descriptive-analytical method grounded in logical reasoning. Initially, the indicators for measuring enclosure and privacy regulation were extracted through literature reviews, and subsequently, the research variables were analyzed individually and comparatively across selected spatial cells of the case studies in this district. The results indicate a direct and hierarchical relationship between the solidity coefficient of boundaries and the degree of privacy attainment in spaces. Consequently, deep spaces such as the master bedroom, by relying on solid boundaries, achieved the highest privacy index, while public and common areas such as the parking lot remained at the lowest level. Furthermore, the findings reveal that in addition to the degree of solidity, the geometric configuration of boundaries plays a vital role in mitigating stimuli. If the placement of blurred boundaries or openings lacks a specific order and rule, the space suffers from visual and acoustic crowding, leading to a drop in the privacy index. Conversely, increasing the spatial area in conjunction with reducing the width of thresholds enhances the physical enclosure coefficient. Moreover, utilizing modern semi-solid elements at thresholds considerably elevates privacy stability and quality without inducing spatial contraction.

Abstract In the field of building, minimizing energy demand and improving energy management of buildings has received much attention in recent years with the development of energy reduction technologies related to openings. In this study, a window in the living space of a residential building is considered, which is investigated with several types of double and triple glazing and different intermediate gases in terms of internal thermal energy management. (Best-case results) Polymer-based phase change materials (PCM) for thermal energy storage (TES) applications have recently received attention due to their high stability and potential solid-to-solid phase transition. In this study, a living space in the cold climate of Tabriz is simulated, which shows the energy consumption in a cold climate by one of the thermal analysis energy plugins for the best case of glass in terms of type and number of glazing. In this example, the glass surface area occupied (WWR) is considered to be 0.6 of the wall area, and the type of materials selected for the ceiling, walls, and floor of the space is selected equally. Some results show that necessarily with increasing the number Thermal resistance will not be achieved in windows, and in some windows with a lower number of panes but more efficient glazing, energy savings will be greater.

Abstract Aims: The continuous rise in air temperature driven by rapid urbanization and ongoing climate change has become one of the most critical environmental challenges of the twenty-first century, particularly in hot and humid coastal cities. In these environments, elevated temperatures combined with high humidity intensify thermal stress and severely diminish outdoor thermal comfort at the neighborhood scale. Although a substantial body of literature has examined urban heat islands (UHIs), the majority of existing studies have concentrated on metropolitan or city-wide scales. Consequently, the precise identification of thermally critical zones—localized urban heat islands—at the finer neighborhood scale, and the systematic examination of their relationship with the physical and morphological characteristics of urban textures, have received comparatively limited attention. This research gap is especially pronounced in coastal urban settings where natural ventilation regimes and microclimatic conditions are strongly influenced by proximity to the sea and by the configuration of the built environment. Determining which parts of a neighborhood are most vulnerable to climate-induced thermal stress and to reductions in natural ventilation is therefore essential. Such knowledge can serve as a robust scientific foundation for prioritizing climate-responsive interventions in urban design and planning, enabling decision-makers to allocate limited resources more effectively toward the enhancement of thermal comfort and the strengthening of climate resilience in coastal fabrics.
Materials & Methods: The present study was designed and conducted with the explicit objective of identifying thermally critical areas within two contrasting coastal urban contexts of Bandar Abbas city: a traditional (native) neighborhood fabric and a more recent, planned (developed) fabric. Field measurements of air temperature and wind speed were carried out at carefully selected monitoring stations distributed throughout both neighborhoods. Data collection was performed systematically to ensure spatial representativeness and temporal consistency. To analyze the thermal behavior of the two fabrics, a combination of spatial trend analysis techniques was employed. The nonparametric Mann–Kendall test was applied to assess the statistical significance of temporal trends in the measured variables, while the Sen’s slope estimator was used to quantify the magnitude and direction of these trends. In addition, threshold analysis was performed to detect points of abrupt change in the behavior of air temperature and wind speed. These change points were interpreted as indicators of the onset of thermally critical conditions. Within the conceptual framework of this research, a thermally critical area is defined as a portion of the neighborhood in which a measurable decline in natural ventilation coincides with a noticeable rise in air temperature, causing local thermal conditions to approach or exceed the upper limits of the human thermal comfort range. This integrated methodological approach allowed for a spatially explicit and statistically rigorous delineation of critical zones.
Findings: The analytical results revealed a statistically significant decreasing trend in wind speed across both the native and developed fabrics, confirming a progressive weakening of natural ventilation in the studied coastal neighborhoods. Despite this shared decline in airflow, the thermal responses of the two fabrics differed markedly. The native texture, characterized by its compact morphology, narrower pathways, and traditional spatial organization, demonstrated greater thermal stability in the face of reduced ventilation; the temporal trend of air-temperature change within this fabric was not statistically significant. In contrast, the developed fabric exhibited heightened sensitivity to the reduction in air movement, displaying a clear positive slope in temperature trends. Thermally critical areas emerged predominantly in the terminal or peripheral sections of the neighborhoods, coinciding spatially and temporally with the most pronounced decreases in wind speed. These findings underscore the differentiated capacity of traditional versus contemporary urban forms to buffer against microclimatic deterioration under conditions of diminishing natural ventilation.
Conclusion: Collectively, the research findings demonstrate that the pattern of natural ventilation and the physical-morphological organization of neighborhoods play decisive roles in the formation and spatial distribution of thermally critical areas. The greater resilience observed in the native fabric highlights the microclimatic advantages inherent in traditional coastal urban patterns, while the heightened vulnerability of the developed fabric points to the need for more careful climatic consideration in contemporary urban design. The methodological approach developed for identifying thermally critical zones offers an efficient and transferable tool for locating priority areas that require climate-oriented interventions. By enabling the precise spatial targeting of design measures, this approach can facilitate the formulation of practical, climate-responsive strategies aimed at improving outdoor thermal comfort and enhancing the overall climate resilience of coastal urban textures. Future applications of the method in other hot-humid coastal cities may further refine its utility and contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines for sustainable urban planning under conditions of accelerating climate change.

Abstract Aims: The building sector accounts for a large share of global final energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and improving building energy performance is regarded as a principal pathway toward sustainable development. In Iran, Topic 19 of the National Building Regulations (2020 edition) provides the main regulatory framework for managing building energy consumption, yet the extent to which its requirements align with international standards and rating systems remains insufficiently examined. This study aims to comparatively evaluate the energy performance of a two-storey, 480 m² office building in Kashan against Topic 19, the Swiss Minergie standard, and the Japanese CASBEE rating system, to identify the capacities and shortcomings of Topic 19 relative to international benchmarks, quantify the relationship between climatic parameters and energy consumption under base and optimized conditions, assess the preliminary economic feasibility of the proposed measures, and propose practical strategies for near-zero-energy office buildings in Iran's hot and arid climate.
Materials & Methods: The research is based on dynamic energy simulation of a representative two-storey office building with a net floor area of 480 m² (240 m² per floor), comprising open-plan offices, management rooms, a meeting hall and service spaces. The building is located in Kashan (33°59′N, 51°26′E, 940 m above sea level), classified as BWh (hot and arid) under the Köppen-Geiger system, with a July maximum temperature of 41.9°C, a January minimum of 1.3°C, mean annual precipitation of about 115.2 mm and mean relative humidity of about 35.6%. Hourly weather data were compiled into an EPW file using ten years of synoptic station records (WMO code 40785). Three scenarios were modelled: a base case with uninsulated walls (U=1.89 W/m²K) and roof (U=1.5 W/m²K), single-glazed windows (U=5.7 W/m²K), a 75%-efficiency boiler, a split air conditioner (COP=2.5) and infiltration of 0.8 ACH; an optimized case applying Topic 19 requirements, including wall and roof U-values of 0.48 and 0.35 W/m²K, Low-E windows (U=2 W/m²K), a 90%-efficiency condensing boiler, an inverter split unit (SEER=4.2), infiltration reduced to 0.5 ACH, a 15° reorientation toward the optimal south-facing axis and 0.8 m deep horizontal shading on the south façade; and a renewable-integrated case adding a 40 kWp rooftop photovoltaic array of 114 polycrystalline panels (228 m²). The window-to-wall ratio was 30% on the south and east façades and 20% on the north and west. The model was developed in SketchUp, transferred through OpenStudio to EnergyPlus 23.2, and simulated with a six-minute time step. Validation included an annual energy balance error below 0.5%, sensitivity testing of wall U-value and infiltration rate, and comparison of EUI with comparable office buildings in hot and arid climates. Sequential parametric analysis quantified the contribution of individual measures, while Pearson correlation analysis related monthly climatic parameters to heating, cooling and total energy consumption. The outdoor-air requirement was checked against ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1. A preliminary economic assessment estimated incremental investment costs and simple payback periods (SPP) using 2023 (1402) reference prices, a feed-in tariff of 22,000 IRR/kWh, a retail electricity tariff of 5,472 IRR/kWh and a natural-gas price of 5,000 IRR/m³. Finally, the optimized scenarios were assessed against the CASBEE for Office (2018) checklist and Minergie Standard (2020).
Findings: Annual energy consumption fell from 75,823 kWh in the base case to 58,301 kWh in the Topic-19-optimized case, a reduction of 23.11%, with the largest savings occurring in July and August, the months of peak cooling demand. Sequential parametric analysis showed that optimal orientation (7.03%) and envelope thermal insulation (5.08%) contributed the most to this reduction, followed by efficient heating and cooling systems (4.52%), Low-E windows (3.36%) and horizontal shading (3.12%); because the method is order-dependent, these shares should be read as indicative rather than fixed contributions. The rooftop photovoltaic system generated 40,451 kWh per year, lowering net grid energy demand to 17,850 kWh and yielding a net energy use intensity of 37.19 kWh/m²/year, close to the range reported for near-zero-energy office buildings. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant negative relationship between mean monthly temperature and heating consumption (r=−0.59 in the base case, r=−0.579 in the optimized case) and a significant positive relationship between mean and maximum monthly temperature and cooling consumption (r≈0.76 in both cases), while relative humidity correlated negatively with cooling demand, more strongly in the base case (r=−0.687) than in the optimized case (r=−0.659). Checking the reduced infiltration rate (0.5 ACH) against ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1 showed that natural infiltration together with the assumed mechanical supply meets only about 79% of the required outdoor-air rate for the building's occupancy, a roughly 21% shortfall that could raise indoor CO₂ concentrations above 1,000 ppm during peak occupancy, indicating that airtightening measures need to be paired with controlled mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. The preliminary economic assessment showed that the Topic-19 envelope, glazing, HVAC, shading and infiltration measures require an incremental investment of about 774 million Tomans and reduce annual consumption by 17,522 kWh, but because EnergyPlus outputs do not separate the resulting electricity and gas savings, their financial benefit and payback period could not be quantified; the 40 kWp photovoltaic system, by contrast, requires an investment of about 1,000 million Tomans, generates 40,451 kWh/year and, assuming all generated electricity is sold at the feed-in tariff, yields an estimated annual revenue of about 89 million Tomans and a simple payback period of about 11 years and 3 months. Under CASBEE for Office, the building scored 3.5, 3 and 2.5 out of 5 on indoor environmental quality, service quality and outdoor environmental quality respectively, and 4, 3 and 3.5 on energy, resources and materials, and site environment, yielding Q=50, L=37.5, a BEE index of 1.33 and a B+ (Good) rating. Under the Minergie Standard, by contrast, the building failed every applicable criterion: wall and roof U-values of 0.48 and 0.35 W/m²K exceeded the 0.2 W/m²K limit, window U-value of 2 W/m²K exceeded the 1.2 W/m²K limit, mandatory mechanical ventilation with heat recovery was absent, no blower-door air-tightness test was carried out, and fossil-free energy supply was only partially achieved, so no certification level was obtained despite the marked improvement in net EUI.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that Topic 19 offers an effective framework for reducing office building energy consumption in Iran's hot and arid climate and, combined with photovoltaic generation, can bring performance close to advanced international near-zero-energy benchmarks, as reflected in the B+ CASBEE rating. The contrast between the two rating outcomes stems from their different logics: CASBEE is a relative, weighted index (BEE=Q/L) that rewards proportional gains in environmental quality and load reduction, whereas Minergie is a threshold-based standard with absolute, mandatory limits on envelope transmittance, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and air-tightness testing, so a low net EUI alone does not guarantee compliance. The economic assessment further shows that, of the measures studied, only the photovoltaic system has a directly quantifiable payback (about 11.3 years) under 2023 reference prices, while the financial return on the Topic-19 envelope and system upgrades could not be isolated from the available simulation output; this preliminary analysis excludes discount rates, inflation, maintenance costs and the time value of money, so it should be read as indicative rather than a full life-cycle cost assessment. The reduction in infiltration recommended by Topic 19 also creates a fresh trade-off, since the resulting outdoor-air supply falls short of ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1 requirements, underscoring that airtightening without mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is an incomplete solution. Revising Topic 19 to tighten wall and roof U-value limits, to require or incentivize heat-recovery mechanical ventilation, and to introduce air-tightness testing is recommended as a means of narrowing the gap with Minergie and moving office buildings in similar climates closer to near-zero-energy performance. Because the results derive from a single case study validated only through internal energy-balance and sensitivity checks rather than measured field data, and the CASBEE scoring reflects the authors' self-assessment rather than an independent certification, broader generalization requires further work on more diverse building samples, measured performance data, independent CASBEE assessment, and a comprehensive life-cycle cost analysis.

Abstract Extended Abstract
Aims: Color is one of the most influential components of the physical environment, capable of affecting users' perceptual, emotional, and cognitive experiences and, consequently, supporting creative performance. Previous studies have demonstrated that color influences attention, arousal, mood, and certain cognitive processes. Nevertheless, most existing research has concentrated either on comparing the effects of individual colors or examining color as an isolated environmental variable. Consequently, there is still no evidence-based framework explaining how color should be organized in creative workplaces according to the cognitive requirements of different stages of the creative process.Advertising agencies provide an appropriate context for investigating this issue because their employees are continuously engaged in idea generation, brainstorming, collaborative problem-solving, evaluation, and implementation of creative solutions. Since these activities require different cognitive states, the environmental conditions supporting creativity are unlikely to remain constant throughout the creative process.Accordingly, the present study aimed to develop a conceptual model for applying color in creative workplaces based on Graham Wallas' theory of the creative process. Specifically, the study sought to identify the perceptual components through which users experience workplace colors, interpret these components according to the four stages of Wallas' creative process (Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, and Verification), and propose an evidence-based framework for color organization in creative work environments.
Materials & Methods: This study adopted a qualitative research approach using conventional content analysis. This method was selected because the purpose was to derive concepts directly from participants' experiences rather than imposing predetermined theoretical categories. The theoretical framework of Wallas was intentionally reserved for the interpretation stage after data analysis.Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted using purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Participants consisted of two groups. The first included university academics and researchers specializing in architecture, interior design, environmental psychology, and color studies. The second group consisted of managers and employees working in advertising agencies in Tehran who possessed direct experience of creative workplace environments.Each interview lasted approximately 30–45 minutes, was audio-recorded with participants' consent, and transcribed verbatim. Interview questions explored participants' perceptions of workplace colors, their experiences of different color qualities, and the perceived influence of color on creative activities.Data were analyzed simultaneously with data collection following the procedure proposed by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). Meaning units were identified, condensed, coded, and gradually grouped into subcategories and main categories using MAXQDA 2020 software. To ensure trustworthiness, Lincoln and Guba's criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability were applied through purposive participant selection, continuous comparison of codes, transparent documentation of analytical procedures, and systematic review of coding decisions.After completing the inductive analysis, the extracted categories were interpreted within the conceptual framework of Graham Wallas' theory in order to examine their relationships with the cognitive characteristics of different stages of the creative process.
Findings: The findings revealed that participants' perceptions of workplace color are organized around six principal perceptual components: stimulation, energizing quality, calming quality, softness, visual attractiveness, and color functionality. Rather than representing purely aesthetic attributes, these components describe perceptual qualities that support different aspects of creative work.The analysis further demonstrated that each perceptual component corresponds more closely to particular cognitive requirements of specific stages of Wallas' creative process.Stimulation was primarily associated with the Preparation stage, where curiosity, attention, and problem engagement are required. Calming quality and softness were closely related to the Incubation stage by reducing perceptual tension and facilitating sustained concentration and deeper cognitive processing. Energizing quality mainly supported the Illumination stage by enhancing motivation, psychological activation, and participation in idea generation. Visual attractiveness contributed to both the Illumination and Verification stages by encouraging users' engagement with the environment and maintaining their willingness to develop creative ideas. Finally, color functionality was linked primarily to the Verification stage, emphasizing the importance of organizing colors according to functional workplace requirements and different patterns of activity.These findings indicate that the effectiveness of workplace color does not depend on selecting a universally superior color. Instead, successful color design depends on the compatibility between perceived color qualities and the cognitive demands of different creative activities.Based on these findings, the study proposes a conceptual framework for organizing workplace colors according to activity type rather than aesthetic preference. Dynamic color schemes, represented by soft orange hues, are suggested for collaborative areas supporting brainstorming and teamwork. Calm color schemes, represented by light blue hues, are recommended for spaces requiring concentration, analytical thinking, and idea development. Neutral transition zones may facilitate movement, communication, and spatial continuity while maintaining visual coherence across different workplace functions.
Conclusion: The present study contributes to environmental design research by shifting attention from identifying the "best" color toward understanding how perceptual qualities of color can support different stages of the creative process. Unlike previous studies that primarily compared individual colors, this research demonstrates that workplace color should be considered as part of a broader environmental design strategy responding to changing cognitive requirements throughout creative work.The proposed conceptual framework provides an evidence-based foundation for organizing colors in creative workplaces according to users' perceptual experiences and activity-specific cognitive demands. Consequently, the study extends current knowledge by integrating environmental psychology, color perception, and Wallas' theory of creativity into a coherent design framework. From a practical perspective, the proposed model may assist architects, interior designers, and organizational managers in making more informed decisions regarding workplace color planning. Instead of relying solely on personal aesthetic preferences, color organization can be aligned with functional requirements and the cognitive characteristics of creative activities. Despite these contributions, the findings should be interpreted within the limitations of the study. Data were collected exclusively from advertising agencies in Tehran, and the proposed framework has not yet been experimentally validated in other organizational or cultural contexts. Future research is therefore recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model through experimental and mixed-method studies and to investigate the interaction of color with other environmental variables, including lighting, spatial configuration, materials, and acoustic conditions.

Abstract Aims: The building sector is one of the largest consumers of global energy and a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Growing concerns regarding climate change, depletion of fossil fuel resources, and increasing energy demand have intensified the need for innovative technologies capable of improving building energy efficiency while maintaining indoor thermal comfort. Among passive thermal energy storage technologies, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have attracted considerable attention because of their ability to absorb, store, and release large amounts of latent heat within a narrow temperature range. When incorporated into building envelope components, PCMs can moderate indoor temperature fluctuations, reduce heating and cooling loads, and improve overall thermal performance. However, the practical application of conventional PCM systems has been constrained by several limitations, including low thermal conductivity, leakage during phase transition, inadequate long-term thermal stability, and incompatibility with conventional construction materials. These shortcomings have stimulated the development of advanced PCM generations with enhanced thermal, mechanical, and environmental performance. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the technological evolution of PCM systems, evaluate the characteristics of new-generation PCMs, compare their performance with earlier generations, and assess their contribution to improving the thermal performance of buildings through integration into building panels.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted using a review-analytical approach. Relevant scientific publications concerning Phase Change Materials and their applications in building thermal performance were systematically collected from reputable international and national scientific databases. The selected literature comprised review papers, experimental investigations, numerical simulations, and field studies focusing on PCM integration into building envelopes and panel systems. The studies were classified according to the technological evolution of PCM systems, including conventional macro-encapsulated PCMs, micro-encapsulated PCMs, shape-stabilized PCMs, nano-enhanced composite PCMs, and bio-based or smart PCM systems. Comparative analyses were carried out using criteria including thermal conductivity, latent heat storage capacity, phase stability, leakage resistance, compatibility with building materials, cycling durability, and applicability in building panels. Representative case studies were further examined to evaluate the practical performance of different PCM generations under real and simulated building conditions, providing a comprehensive understanding of their technological progression and their contribution to building energy efficiency.
Findings: The reviewed literature demonstrates that the technological evolution of PCMs has substantially improved their applicability in the building sector. Early-generation PCMs introduced latent heat storage into buildings but were restricted by leakage, low thermal conductivity, limited cycling durability, and difficulties in integration with construction materials. The development of microencapsulation and shape-stabilization technologies significantly improved material stability and leakage resistance, enabling safer incorporation into building panels. Subsequently, nano-enhanced PCMs containing graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metallic nanoparticles considerably increased thermal conductivity and accelerated heat transfer during charging and discharging processes, resulting in faster thermal response and more efficient utilization of latent heat. Bio-based PCMs further represent an important step toward environmentally sustainable thermal storage solutions while maintaining satisfactory thermal performance. Overall, integrating advanced PCMs into building panels enhances the thermal inertia of building envelopes, reduces peak heating and cooling loads, improves indoor thermal comfort, and contributes to considerable energy savings. Nevertheless, production cost, large-scale commercialization, long-term durability under real climatic conditions, and the absence of standardized evaluation procedures remain major barriers to widespread implementation.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the evolution of PCM technologies has transformed them from conventional latent heat storage materials into multifunctional systems capable of actively improving building thermal performance. Compared with earlier generations, nano-enhanced, shape-stabilized, microencapsulated, and bio-based PCMs provide higher thermal conductivity, improved cycling stability, better leakage control, and greater compatibility with modern construction materials. These improvements significantly strengthen the potential of PCM-integrated building panels to reduce energy consumption, improve indoor thermal comfort, and support the development of sustainable and low-energy buildings. However, broader implementation requires overcoming technical and economic challenges, particularly cost reduction, long-term field validation, standardized performance assessment methods, and comprehensive life-cycle evaluation. Future research should therefore focus on adaptive intelligent PCM systems, integration with renewable energy technologies and smart building management systems, optimization for different climatic conditions, and large-scale practical applications to facilitate the widespread adoption of advanced PCM technologies in energy-efficient buildings.

Abstract Aims: Light is one of the fundamental elements in human perception and constitutes a key factor in understanding, experiencing, and interpreting architectural space. Beyond its physical function of enabling vision and providing adequate illumination, light plays an important role in defining spatial character, organizing visual experience, and communicating architectural meaning. The interaction between light and shadow affects the perception of form, scale, depth, texture, color, and spatial hierarchy, while also influencing the emotional and psychological responses of users. In Islamic architectural thought, the significance of light extends beyond its physical and aesthetic dimensions and acquires symbolic, philosophical, and spiritual meanings. Light is frequently associated with divine truth, knowledge, purity, guidance, and spiritual enlightenment. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the role of light in the perception and experience of different aspects of architectural space by considering both its physical characteristics and its symbolic significance in Islamic architectural thought. The study seeks to clarify how light contributes to the formation of spatial identity and how the integration of physical and metaphysical dimensions can enrich the architectural experience.
Materials & Methods: This research employed a descriptive–analytical method based on the review, interpretation, and analysis of theoretical literature related to architecture, environmental perception, visual experience, and Islamic philosophy. Relevant theoretical and conceptual sources concerning the physical properties of light, human visual perception, environmental psychology, architectural composition, and the symbolic role of light in Islamic culture were examined. The study focused on the relationship between light and major architectural components, including form, geometry, proportion, color, texture, materiality, openings, spatial hierarchy, and organization. Particular attention was given to the ways in which the intensity, direction, distribution, quality, and contrast of light influence the perception of architectural elements and the overall experience of space. The symbolic and philosophical meanings attributed to light in Islamic thought were also analyzed to identify the relationship between illumination, spirituality, and architectural expression. The findings were interpreted through an integrated architectural, perceptual, psychological, and philosophical perspective. The research was conceptual and theoretical in nature and did not involve experimental observation, field measurement, or quantitative assessment. Findings: The findings indicate that light is a fundamental component in the perception, interpretation, and experience of architectural space. It enables individuals to recognize architectural forms, identify spatial boundaries, understand relationships between different elements, and perceive details that might otherwise remain visually indistinguishable. The interaction of light and shadow creates visual depth, establishes contrast, emphasizes architectural forms, and contributes to the hierarchy and identity of spaces. Variations in the quality, intensity, direction, and distribution of light can significantly alter the perceived character of an architectural environment. Light can make a space appear larger, smaller, more open, enclosed, intimate, dynamic, or tranquil, demonstrating its important role in shaping spatial perception. In addition, lighting conditions influence users’ psychological and emotional responses, including feelings of comfort, tranquility, security, happiness, concentration, and contemplation. The findings further demonstrate that light interacts closely with architectural geometry, proportion, color, material, and spatial organization, thereby strengthening the aesthetic coherence of the built environment. In Islamic architecture, these physical and perceptual functions are complemented by symbolic meanings. Light can operate as a representation of divine presence, wisdom, truth, purity, and spiritual enlightenment. Through controlled illumination, filtered daylight, openings, courtyards, domes, screens, and the deliberate creation of light–shadow contrasts, Islamic buildings establish distinctive spatial experiences that encourage reflection and contemplation. Consequently, light serves as a medium through which the physical characteristics of architectural space can be connected with spiritual and metaphysical concepts.
Conclusion: Light should be regarded as a fundamental architectural element rather than merely a technical requirement for illumination. Its role extends across functional, perceptual, aesthetic, psychological, symbolic, and spiritual dimensions. Light shapes visual perception, enhances spatial quality, emphasizes architectural characteristics, influences emotional responses, and contributes to the formation of architectural identity. The integration of physical and symbolic dimensions of light is particularly evident in Islamic architecture, where illumination functions simultaneously as a means of revealing physical space and expressing deeper philosophical and spiritual meanings. Understanding these multiple dimensions can assist architects and designers in developing environments that respond more effectively to human perceptual, emotional, and spiritual needs. Therefore, thoughtful lighting design and the deliberate integration of natural and artificial light with architectural form, geometry, material, and spatial organization are essential for creating architectural environments that successfully combine functionality, aesthetics, human experience, and symbolic significance. Such an integrated approach can strengthen the relationship between users and their built environment and contribute to the creation of meaningful, harmonious, and culturally responsive architectural spaces.

Abstract Aims: The relationship between architecture and poetry is fundamentally rooted in their shared capacity to structure human experience, transforming the mundane into profound, perceptual, and interpretive forms. In the Divan of Hafez, architectural elements and spatial settings are not merely decorative appendages or fleeting imagery; they are foundational components of a complex semiotic apparatus. However, prevailing scholarship has frequently reduced these elements to isolated metaphors, symbols, or static descriptive markers, thereby neglecting the systemic structural relationships that govern the formation of “poetic space.” This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating how architectural and spatial signs are organized within the poetic fabric of Hafez’s work. By deconstructing the internal architecture of the ghazals, this research seeks to elucidate how structural relationships contribute to the production of meaning and the consolidation of poetic spatiality. Furthermore, it aims to develop a robust typology of “architectural spatial syntax,” analyzing the transition of architectural elements from their conventional physical utilities to multifaceted cultural, mystical, perceptual, and interpretive meanings. Ultimately, this inquiry explores how the Divan functions as a built environment of language, where spatial configurations engage in the construction of subjective experience, spiritual movement, and interpretive depth. Materials & Methods: This qualitative study employs an analytical-interpretive methodology, rigorously grounded in the principles of structural semiotics. The primary corpus consists of selected ghazals from the Divan of Hafez, specifically focusing on verses where architectural, spatial, and place-related elements serve as active agents in the generation of meaning. The selection criteria were not restricted to the mere frequency of architectural lexicon; rather, they were determined by the functional role of these signs—their relational positioning, their participation in oppositional structures, and their integration with verbs, motion, spatial orientation, and poetic imagery. The unit of analysis was calibrated to the scope of spatial signification, varying between the individual verse and the broader context of the entire ghazal. The analytical process proceeded through two interconnected, hierarchical levels. First, the “morphology of space” was established to identify, categorize, and code architectural elements based on their dominant spatial properties and semantic functions. Second, the “syntax of space” was applied to examine the syntagmatic, paradigmatic, and dialectic relations among these elements—analyzing how juxtapositions, displacements, and oppositions generate meaning. By delineating these two levels, the study moves beyond impressionistic reading, establishing a formal grammar of spatial signs that accounts for the coherence of Hafez’s spatial imagination. This methodology ensures that the findings are rooted in the internal logic of the text, rather than relying on external historical or diachronic explanations. Findings: The findings demonstrate that the poetic quality of architectural space in Hafez’s work does not derive from the singular presence of architectural vocabulary, but from the sophisticated ways in which spatial signs are combined, displaced, and reinterpreted within the poetic structure. At the level of the morphology of space, four principal categories emerged: “threshold and boundary,” which map the liminality of presence; “verticality and transcendence,” which activate the axis of spiritual ascent; “passage and separation,” which represent the dynamics of transit; and “light and vision,” which transform spatiality into an epistemological field of revelation. At the level of the syntax of space, the study identified four composite spatial types: “spaces of formal ritual and asceticism”; “spaces of Rind-like liberation and manifestation”; “spaces of presence and boundary” ; and “spaces of openness and unstable dwelling”. These types do not exist as static objects but emerge through the constant tension of syntagmatic and oppositional relations. Through the mechanism of “defamiliarization” Hafez strips these elements of their normative functions, re-coding them within a poetic system that facilitates multifaceted cultural and mystical discourse. The principal innovation of this research lies in establishing a structural correspondence between spatial morphology and syntactic organization, proving that meaning in Hafez’s work is a product of relational dynamics rather than isolated imagery. Conclusion: This study concludes that architectural space in Hafez’s Divan constitutes a dynamic and cohesive signifying system, where meaning is generated through the continuous interaction of elements, spatial relations, and cultural codes. The architectural syntax of Hafez is not predicated on static references to built forms, but on the structural logic through which physical reality is transcended and transformed into an experiential, symbolic, and interpretive field. The displacement of the “dominant function” of architectural elements stands as a central mechanism in the poetic construction of this space, rendering the familiar unfamiliar and the physical metaphysical. For the field of architecture, the significance of this reading lies not in the formal mimicry of historical motifs, but in the extraction and transfer of a logic of spatial relation. Concepts such as “threshold and boundary” offer a framework for rethinking architectural pause, delay, and entry sequences; “movement and passage” provide a grammar for organizing circulation and transitional arrival; while “light and vision” suggest methods for orchestrating discovery and phenomenological shifts in perception. By bridging the gap between literary critique and architectural theory, this research proposes a productive dialogue between the architect as a literary reader and the literary-minded architect. It argues that architecture and poetry converge in their shared capacity to organize human relations and experience. Consequently, this study suggests that architectural education can be enriched by encouraging students to transition from the passive observation of elements to the active decoding of spatial relations—translating the experiential logic found in literary texts into a more reflexive and meaningful spatial organization.

Abstract Aims: The quality of office environments cannot be understood solely in terms of functional efficiency or the provision of appropriate physical conditions. Employees spend a considerable part of their daily lives in workplaces, and the spatial characteristics of these environments can influence how they move, interact, concentrate, perceive environmental quality, and develop psychological relationships with their workplace. In this context, workplace attachment represents an important outcome of the continuous interaction between employees and the built environment. Previous studies have generally examined particular aspects of office environments, such as spatial configuration, privacy, territoriality, environmental comfort, flexibility, density, or personalization, while fewer studies have simultaneously investigated the relationships among physical characteristics, employees’ environmental experience and perception, and workplace attachment within an integrated framework. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to analyze the effects of the physical components of functional spaces on employees’ workplace attachment, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of environmental experience and perception in Tabriz Municipality buildings. The study conceptualized the relationship between employees and office environments through three interconnected levels: the designed physical environment, the environment as experienced and perceived by employees, and the resulting attachment to the workplace. Accordingly, the study examined whether physical components directly influence workplace attachment and whether a substantial part of this relationship is transmitted through employees’ experience and perception of their working environment.
Materials & Methods: This applied study adopted a quantitative approach and was conducted using a survey-based correlational design. The statistical population consisted of 17,852 employees of Tabriz Municipality. Based on Cochran’s formula, the required sample size was determined to be 376 employees. To compensate for possible non-response and incomplete questionnaires, 420 questionnaires were distributed, of which 376 complete and usable questionnaires were ultimately included in the statistical analyses. The research instrument consisted of 46 items measured on a five-point Likert scale and organized into 15 dimensions under three main constructs. The physical components of functional spaces included 23 items and six dimensions: spatial organization and configuration; flexibility, adaptation, and layout; privacy, control, and territoriality; density and shared spaces; connection with nature and outdoor environments; and indoor environmental quality. Environmental experience and perception consisted of 11 items and four dimensions: perceived comfort, privacy, and control; environmental evaluation and fit; concentration, interaction, and autonomy; and overall environmental experience and quality. Workplace attachment was assessed through 12 items and five dimensions: emotional bond and feeling at home; place identity and pride; functional dependence; continuity of relationship with the workplace; and psychological ownership and social bonds. Preliminary analyses included descriptive statistics, assessment of data normality, examination of common method bias using Harman’s single-factor test, and Pearson correlation analysis among the three main constructs. The measurement model was subsequently assessed through first-order confirmatory factor analysis, in which the 46 observed items were evaluated in relation to the 15 dimensions, followed by second-order confirmatory factor analysis linking the 15 dimensions to the three principal constructs. Reliability and convergent validity were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. Model fit was evaluated using χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, IFI, RMSEA, and SRMR. Finally, the structural relationships were tested using covariance-based structural equation modeling in AMOS 24. The mediating role of environmental experience and perception was evaluated through bootstrapping with 5,000 resamples and a 95% confidence interval.
Findings: The results supported the adequacy of both the measurement and structural models. All 46 observed items were retained in the first-order confirmatory factor analysis, with standardized factor loadings ranging from 0.65 to 0.88 and critical ratio values exceeding the acceptable threshold. The first-order measurement model demonstrated satisfactory fit, with χ²/df equal to 2.05, GFI equal to 0.91, AGFI equal to 0.89, CFI equal to 0.94, TLI equal to 0.93, IFI equal to 0.94, RMSEA equal to 0.053, and SRMR equal to 0.047. The second-order confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the hierarchical organization of the 15 dimensions under the three main constructs. Among the physical dimensions, spatial organization and configuration had the strongest loading. Overall environmental experience and quality showed the strongest loading within environmental experience and perception, while emotional bond and feeling at home had the strongest loading within workplace attachment. The second-order model also demonstrated satisfactory fit, with χ²/df equal to 2.02, GFI equal to 0.92, AGFI equal to 0.90, CFI equal to 0.95, TLI equal to 0.94, IFI equal to 0.95, RMSEA equal to 0.052, and SRMR equal to 0.045. Pearson correlations indicated positive and significant relationships among all three constructs. Structural equation modeling showed that physical components of functional spaces had a positive and significant effect on environmental experience and perception, with a standardized coefficient of 0.68. Environmental experience and perception, in turn, had a positive and significant effect on workplace attachment, with a standardized coefficient of 0.57. The direct effect of physical components on workplace attachment remained positive and significant, with a coefficient of 0.27. Physical components explained 46% of the variance in environmental experience and perception, while physical components together with environmental experience and perception explained 60% of the variance in workplace attachment. Bootstrapping further demonstrated a significant indirect effect of physical components on workplace attachment through environmental experience and perception, with a standardized coefficient of 0.39 and a 95% confidence interval ranging from 0.29 to 0.48. Since both the direct and indirect effects remained significant, environmental experience and perception played a partial mediating role. The total effect of physical components on workplace attachment was 0.66. These results indicate that the indirect pathway through employees’ environmental experience and perception is stronger than the remaining direct relationship between physical conditions and workplace attachment.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the relationship between office architecture and employees’ workplace attachment cannot be explained merely through the direct effects of physical characteristics. Physical qualities acquire greater psychological and behavioral significance when they are translated into positive everyday experiences of comfort, legibility, functional fit, autonomy, interaction, privacy, and environmental quality. Thus, environmental experience and perception constitute a key connecting mechanism between the built workplace and employees’ attachment to it. The principal scientific contribution of the study is the empirical confirmation of an integrated three-level framework connecting observed physical characteristics, employees’ environmental experience and perception, and workplace attachment. This framework suggests a conceptual sequence from the designed space to the experienced space and ultimately to the attached space. Accordingly, improving office environments should not be restricted to physical interventions alone. Spatial organization and legibility, flexibility, privacy and individual control, opportunities for social interaction, access to nature and outdoor environments, and indoor environmental quality should be designed and evaluated according to how employees actually experience them in everyday work. The findings therefore provide an evidence-based basis for evaluating and improving existing municipal office buildings and for developing more human-centered approaches to the design of future administrative workplaces.

Abstract In addition to optimizing energy consumption, daylight is efficient in the health quality of indoor spaces, the interaction of architecture with social behaviors, and the health of individuals in the space. In addition to increasing the quality of natural light in the space, benefiting a daylight control system significantly reduces the building's electrical energy consumption. The study aims to deals with the amount and the way the quality of the openings of the building's windows affects the quality of the received daylight. Therefore, it investigates the effect of the opening rate of the designed Iranian knot on the efficiency of natural lighting in the office space based on international standards, applying daylight simulation software and annual analyzes consistent with the weather information of Mashhad, through the occupation hours of the space. Firstly, However, the paper studies the basic concepts of the research; secondly, analytical tools are employed and analyzed how the quality of openings affects the quality of receiving light. Lastly, the result is formulated with logical reasoning based on analytical tools. Moreover, the results indicate that the opening coefficient holds a great effect on the distribution of natural light in different directions, particularly on the south front. Furthermore, the importance of daylight in optimizing the amount of energy consumption, the health quality of indoor spaces, and the health of individuals in the space is efficient through a systematic design that may control daylight consistent with the requirements.

Abstract The rapid expansion of cities and uncontrolled population growth have led to numerous challenges. Therefore, urban tourism, especially in developing countries like Iran, presents an economic advantage that can accelerate the development process. Given that the city of Hamedan holds significant potential as a major tourist attraction, this study aims to investigate, identify, and analyze the factors influencing urban tourism development, assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) in tourism, and propose strategies to enhance the tourism industry in Hamedan. The research methodology in this study combines both field and analytical approaches. In the first phase, research hypotheses and indicators were distributed via questionnaires among 355 tourists, and their correlations were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test in SPSS software. The questionnaire's validity was established as face validity, and reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, resulting in values of 0.70 for the first hypothesis, 0.68 for the second, and 0.73 for the third. The results revealed no significant relationship between the development of Hamedan's tourism industry and the indicators of the first hypothesis. Additionally, the third hypothesis, suggesting low satisfaction among tourists with urban services in Hamedan, was rejected. However, the second hypothesis, which posited a significant relationship between the integration of tourism organizations and the development of Hamedan’s tourism, was confirmed. In the second phase, the SWOT analysis and the internal-external factors matrix (IEFM) were used to propose strategies for improving tourism industry in Hamedan. Subsequently, the strategies were prioritized using the QSPM method. The results indicate that attracting private sector investments to enhance accommodation and recreational infrastructure and leveraging the city’s rich historical, cultural, and natural attractions are among the most significant strategies for advancing Hamedan’s tourism industry.

Abstract To achieve harmony with nature, humans must conserve natural energy and resources while using them efficiently. This study primarily aims to investigate the bionic performance of termites and ants to optimize ventilation and energy consumption. Secondary objectives include examining termite and ant nests and their functional methods for creating natural ventilation, as well as their strategies for energy conservation. Termites and ants, known for building some of the most intricate subterranean nests with deep, interconnected systems, instinctively maintain stable temperatures, optimal airflow, and relative humidity throughout their nests. Their bionic behaviors serve as effective models for achieving natural ventilation and energy conservation. The research methodology is primarily analytical, involving an examination of termite and ant nests, their functional patterns, and an integration of all findings to achieve the ultimate goal of energy preservation. By gathering information from library and online sources, utilizing credible translated books and articles, and analyzing the functional mechanisms of termite and ant nests for natural ventilation, this study synthesizes and evaluates findings to derive actionable insights for optimizing ventilation and energy in architecture.The results of this research highlight how the behaviors of termites and ants in nest construction—focused on energy conservation and ventilation optimization—can serve as inspiration for developing bionic design ideas that promote harmony with nature.

Abstract Extended Abstract
Aims: This study examines the relationship between humans and nature and its impact on spatial experience and mental well-being, highlighting historical Iranian gardens as exemplary models of intelligent human-nature interaction. Through geometric patterns, water flows, diverse vegetation, and spatial hierarchies, these gardens integrate aesthetic and climatic functions while shaping human experiences of space. Despite extensive research on Iranian garden design, few studies have systematically analyzed both nature-oriented and human-oriented components, particularly how direct, indirect, and spatial experiences of nature are reflected in garden layouts. Therefore, analyzing biophilic elements and reinterpreting the spatial pattern of the Shazdeh Mahan Garden with a focus on human experience is essential for advancing human and nature-centered landscape design in Iran.This research aims to explore traditional Iranian architectural capabilities in creating nature-oriented, human-centered spaces using the threefold Clarett model, through qualitative analysis of natural elements and spatial patterns, ultimately deriving strategies for contemporary design rooted in Iranian culture. The main research questions focus on identifying biophilic architectural elements in the garden and understanding how the three types of biophilic experiences direct, indirect, and spatial manifest in its layout.
Materials & Methods: This applied study aims to enhance the design quality of historical Iranian gardens, particularly the Shazdeh Mahan Garden, using a descriptive-analytical and mixed-methods (qualitative–quantitative) approach. Data were collected through literature review to identify theoretical concepts, a physical checklist to evaluate the garden’s structure, and five-point Likert questionnaires to assess perceptions of visitors and experts. Qualitative analysis involved content analysis and spatial-physical comparison to extract biophilic elements and understand their manifestation in the garden. Quantitative data from 30 visitors and 10 experts were analyzed to evaluate both user perceptions and expert assessments simultaneously. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability were ensured through expert review and Cronbach’s alpha. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests to examine the significance of biophilic elements. This integrated approach allows for alignment between spatial analysis and human perception, although limitations included the difficulty of quantifying subjective experiences, time constraints for field observations, and limited access to experts.
Findings: Shahzadeh Mahan Garden in Kerman is a prominent example of Iranian Qajar-era gardens, featuring a axial and hierarchical design, water flow from the Tigran qanat, and an organized arrangement of garden beds, pathways, and pools that create a multisensory experience of human-nature interaction. This study, using a combination of three data collection methods literature review, spatial-physical analysis, and questionnaires showed that biophilic architectural elements are widely present in the garden. Direct nature experiences, including flowing water, diverse vegetation, and natural light and shade, have the greatest psychological and sensory impact on visitors. Indirect nature experiences, through local materials, geometric patterns, and lighting, enhance visual harmony and the sense of nature. Human-centered spatial experiences, guided by spatial hierarchies, sight axes, and the central pavilion, facilitate purposeful movement and active interaction. The findings indicate that these three dimensions work synergistically, making Shahzadeh Mahan Garden a successful example of Iranian biophilic architecture, providing an integrated and rich experience of human-nature connection both physically and perceptually.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the Shazdeh Mahan Garden in Kerman Province is a remarkable example of Iranian biophilic architecture, where the three core dimensions of the Clarret model direct experience of nature, indirect experience of nature, and human-centered spatial experience coexist harmoniously, strengthening the interaction between humans and the natural environment. In the direct experience of nature, water features, diverse vegetation, and shading provide relaxation, focus, and a sense of connection to nature, experienced by users as sensory and tactile stimuli. In the indirect experience, geometric patterns, native materials, and natural lighting create a sense of spatial harmony and rhythm without the immediate presence of natural elements. The human-centered spatial experience, organized around main axes, rest points, and the central pavilion, guides movement and spatial perception. The integration of these three dimensions enhances users’ psychological, perceptual, and movement experiences, making Shazdeh Mahan Garden a unique model among Iranian gardens. The findings suggest that contemporary landscape and public space design in Iran can leverage these biophilic principles to create a cohesive, psychologically enriching, and human-centered experience for users.

Abstract Schools have long been among the most important places for imparting knowledge and nurturing the spiritual development of children, and the impact of their environment on personality formation in adulthood is undeniable. This study aims to demonstrate the relationship between school courtyards and green spaces and the promotion of spiritual education among elementary school students. Accordingly, the key research question is: How can the connection between school green spaces and Islamic thought be analyzed to enhance the spiritual growth of elementary students?The research starts with a primary hypothesis and is based on previous foundational studies. It seeks to examine the relationship between the physical structure and architectural elements of the Persian garden used in school courtyards and students’ familiarity with the origin and essence of creation, aiming to promote spiritual education within the educational spaces of elementary schools.This applied research employs both qualitative and quantitative approaches to answer the research questions. In the first phase (qualitative), the principles and architectural criteria of educational buildings designed by integrating traditional school courtyards were extracted. In the next phase, using an analytical method, the obtained criteria were examined in Iranian schools, and the values and design strategies of school courtyards were evaluated and analyzed.An observational and analytical study was conducted on several sample schools, which contributed to the final pattern formulation.Findings indicate that the presence of courtyards designed in the style of Persian gardens with garden geometry and pools can guide children towards spiritual education and elevated personal growth.

Abstract Iranian architecture underwent significant transformations during the Pahlavi era, as historical elements merged with Western modernist styles in an effort to define a new architectural identity. This period provided a platform for the representation of Iran’s history and culture within contemporary architecture, influenced simultaneously by nationalist policies and modernization efforts. The key issue in this study is to examine various approaches to historical interpretation in the architecture of this era and its impact on shaping contemporary Iranian architectural identity. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach and a documentary-historical method, this research analyzes the physical structures of buildings and examines their social and political contexts. The primary data sources include library research, analysis of visual documents, and field visits to significant architectural landmarks. Findings indicate that historical interpretation in Pahlavi architecture involved direct use of ancient symbols, a combination of traditional and modern elements, and the fusion of various Western styles with Iranian architecture. While some of these interpretations faced criticism, they played a crucial role in shaping contemporary Iranian architectural identity. Many buildings from this period reflect efforts to strike a balance between tradition and modernity.

Abstract The present article emphasizes the need to pay attention to the environmental dimensions and especially the natural substrate in architectural and urban planning projects. Comprehensive attention to nature is necessary in all cultural and climatic dimensions of architecture. Relying on the knowledge of technology, modern man has no qualms about changing and destroying nature, and a review of recent experiences shows the destruction of natural resources by implementing some plans on different scales. Of course, the advancement of technology does not necessarily conflict with the natural mechanism and sometimes it also takes steps to strengthen the relationship with the natural environment. This is despite the fact that the ancients paid more attention to nature and their hand-made works were made with much higher harmony than nature. Based on field observations and citing library sources and document analysis, this research seeks to prove the hypothesis that modern architectural knowledge should also give more importance to the adaptation of design to nature and take steps to strengthen human interaction with nature as much as possible. Undoubtedly, understanding this issue with practical training and workshops based on environmental knowledge can provide better conditions for sustainable development. The aim of this training will be to gain scientific knowledge about the resources of the natural environment, moral principles, values and skills in line with sustainable development.

Abstract Rapid advances in digital technologies and the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the emergence of new approaches in architecture and urban environmental management. In this context, data-driven architecture, as an emerging paradigm, has significant potential to optimize resource consumption, enhance energy efficiency, and strengthen environmental resilience. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for data-driven architecture in the era of AI with a focus on environmental sustainability. The research is qualitative and employs a systematic literature review and thematic analysis approach. Data were collected from credible national and international sources in the fields of smart architecture, AI, the Internet of Things, digital twins, and environmental sustainability. The analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method, resulting in more than 150 initial codes organized into coherent themes. The findings reveal that data-driven architecture in the AI era is structured around four main themes: (1) data-driven infrastructure and architectural digitalization, (2) intelligent analysis and adaptive decision-making, (3) sustainability and environmental resilience, and (4) governance, interaction, and implementation context. The results further indicate that this approach operates through a dynamic cycle comprising real-time data collection, intelligent analysis, adaptive decision-making, and continuous learning. The proposed conceptual framework suggests that integrating data-driven technologies and AI with sustainability principles can facilitate the development of smart, sustainable, and resilient buildings and cities. This study contributes to the theoretical advancement of data-driven architecture and provides a foundation for future policymaking and the design of intelligent urban environments.

Abstract Aims: The rapid advancement of computational technologies and artificial intelligence has fundamentally transformed conventional paradigms for documenting, analyzing, designing, and conserving heritage landscapes. As the volume and complexity of spatial data continue to grow, traditional intuition-based decision-making is gradually being replaced by evidence-based, data-driven approaches. Consequently, the concept of Future Heritage Landscapes has emerged as a new research paradigm in which heritage conservation extends beyond preserving existing physical characteristics toward predicting future conditions, supporting adaptive management, and enabling intelligent planning through computational systems.
Heritage landscapes represent complex socio-ecological systems integrating tangible and intangible values, spatial configurations, ecological processes, and accumulated indigenous knowledge. Historic Persian gardens, recognized as one of the most significant cultural landscape typologies worldwide, embody centuries of environmental wisdom, hydraulic engineering, climatic adaptation, and symbolic spatial organization. However, conventional documentation techniques often fail to capture the multidimensional relationships embedded within these landscapes or to support comprehensive decision-making processes.
Literature Background: Recent developments in UAV photogrammetry, computer vision, machine learning, and Decision Support Systems (DSSs) have introduced new opportunities for collecting high-resolution spatial data and transforming them into actionable knowledge. Rather than serving merely as computational tools for data processing, intelligent DSSs provide integrated frameworks capable of organizing heterogeneous datasets, extracting hidden knowledge, simulating alternative scenarios, and supporting evidence-based decisions. Computational technologies have thus become an essential foundation for developing adaptive and resilient future heritage landscapes. This study investigates the role of computational Decision Support Systems in facilitating the transition from intuition-based to data-driven decision-making within landscape architecture and cultural heritage management. Specifically, the research aims to explain how advanced data acquisition technologies—particularly UAV-based photogrammetry—can provide the spatial information required for intelligent decision-making processes. Furthermore, the study proposes a conceptual framework illustrating the transformation of raw data into information, information into knowledge, and knowledge into informed decisions through computational systems, with particular attention to integrating artificial intelligence into each stage.
Materials & Methods: The research adopts a descriptive–analytical and developmental methodology. Initially, an extensive literature review was conducted concerning computational design, AI, data mining, spatial analysis, and DSSs. Subsequently, various landscape data acquisition methods were comparatively evaluated, and UAV photogrammetry was identified as the most appropriate technique for documenting historic Persian gardens due to its ability to generate dense, accurate, and high-resolution spatial datasets while maintaining relatively low operational costs. Image datasets acquired by UAVs were processed using Structure from Motion and Multi-View Stereo algorithms to produce dense point clouds, orthophotos, digital elevation models, textured meshes, and complete three-dimensional representations of heritage landscapes. The resulting datasets were subsequently integrated into a Decision Support System specifically developed for heritage landscape analysis, comprising multiple computational layers including data management, spatial analysis, information processing, knowledge extraction, and intelligent decision support.
Findings: The findings demonstrate that UAV photogrammetry provides highly accurate, multi-dimensional, and information-rich datasets that substantially enhance the documentation and analysis of heritage landscapes. Beyond geometric reconstruction, the generated datasets facilitate the extraction of valuable information concerning vegetation distribution, irrigation networks, topography, spatial hierarchy, architectural structures, and environmental characteristics. The study further reveals that the true value of spatial data emerges only after systematic integration within an intelligent Decision Support System. Through the integration of spatial, historical, ecological, and visual information, the developed DSS transforms heterogeneous datasets into meaningful information and subsequently into actionable knowledge. AI algorithms identify hidden spatial relationships, recognize recurring landscape patterns, classify environmental conditions, detect anomalies, monitor temporal changes, and support predictive analyses that would be difficult to accomplish using conventional analytical approaches.
Conclusion: The proposed framework demonstrates that decision-making in heritage landscape management can be conceptualized as a hierarchical computational process composed of four successive stages: Data → Information → Knowledge → Decision. Unlike traditional conservation practices that often rely primarily on expert intuition and qualitative assessments, AI-driven Decision Support Systems provide transparent, reproducible, and evidence-based recommendations supported by quantitative analyses. Moreover, the integration of historical documentation, remote sensing, three-dimensional models, and environmental monitoring enables continuous evaluation of landscape conditions and facilitates dynamic management strategies capable of responding to future changes. From a broader theoretical perspective, the research suggests that computational systems redefine heritage conservation by shifting emphasis from static documentation toward continuous knowledge generation, significantly enhancing the capacity of landscape architects and heritage managers to understand complex interactions between cultural values, ecological processes, and spatial organization. This study demonstrates that computational Decision Support Systems constitute a transformative framework for the future of heritage landscape conservation and management. Rather than functioning solely as analytical software, AI-enabled DSSs integrate diverse datasets, extract meaningful knowledge, simulate future scenarios, and support evidence-based decision-making throughout the entire heritage management process. UAV photogrammetry emerges as one of the most efficient methods for generating accurate, comprehensive, and analytically valuable three-dimensional datasets of historic landscapes. When combined with AI, computer vision, and data mining algorithms, these datasets become the foundation for intelligent decision-making frameworks capable of supporting conservation, restoration, planning, and adaptive management. The proposed computational workflow provides a comprehensive paradigm for developing Future Heritage Landscapes by preserving, transferring, and regenerating both explicit and tacit ecological knowledge embedded within historic Persian gardens. Ultimately, this research argues that the future of cultural landscape conservation lies in establishing intelligent computational ecosystems capable of continuously learning from heritage data, supporting multidisciplinary collaboration, and facilitating informed decision-making. The proposed framework offers a transferable model for integrating AI, computational design, spatial data science, and landscape architecture into heritage conservation practices.

Abstract Aims: The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively investigate the role of architectural infill design in forging a cohesive bridge between historical urban structures and contemporary interventions. In an era marked by rapid urbanization and the increasing pressure on historic city centers, infill architecture emerges as a critical tool for sustainable urban regeneration. Specifically, the research aims to explain the multi-dimensional capacities of the infill approach in facilitating the systematic improvement, adaptive reuse, and revitalization of historical contexts. By evaluating the Dar-ol-Fonoon building within the Oudlajan neighborhood—one of Tehran’s most significant historical districts—this study seeks to formulate a balanced conceptual model that harmonizes rigorous heritage preservation with the practical needs of modern urban development. The research explores how infill interventions can address the physical, functional, and cultural gaps in historic fabrics while maintaining the authenticity and identity of the place. Ultimately, it aims to demonstrate that thoughtful infill design can transform fragmented historical areas into vibrant, livable urban spaces that serve both present and future generations.
Materials & Methods: Methodologically, this research is categorized as applied in terms of its ultimate purpose and descriptive-analytical in its core nature. Adopting a qualitative-comparative approach, the study is built around a localized case study of the Dar-ol-Fonoon building situated within the broader historical fabric of Oudlajan. This building, with its rich educational and architectural history, serves as an ideal exemplar for examining infill strategies in a complex urban heritage setting. Empirical data collection was executed through a rigorous four-tiered process. First, extensive library and documentary research was conducted to map the historical evolutions of the site, including its architectural transformations, socio-cultural shifts, and urban development patterns over time. Second, systematic field observations and detailed spatial mappings were carried out to document the current physical condition, spatial relationships, and contextual characteristics of the area. Third, a comprehensive diagnostic analysis examined the physical, functional, and structural characteristics of the target building and its immediate surroundings, identifying existing deficiencies and potentials. Fourth, a comparative study of both international and domestic contemporary infill projects facing similar heritage constraints was performed to extract best practices and lessons learned. The gathered empirical data were synthesized and evaluated using a qualitative analytical approach. In the theoretical framework, critical urban concepts—including endogenous development, incremental urbanism, historic urban landscapes (HUL) as defined by UNESCO, and the socio-spatial dynamics of contemporary interventions—were thoroughly analyzed. These concepts helped establish robust criteria for evaluating the physical, functional, and cultural status of the study zone, ensuring that the proposed infill model is both contextually grounded and theoretically sound.
Findings: The findings of this research demonstrate that an incremental, infill-based approach serves as an exceptionally effective strategy for guiding contemporary urban developments inside historical zones, provided it strictly adheres to contextual parameters. The analysis reveals that successful infill regeneration hinges on four interconnected dimensions: (1) respect for the continuity of the historical urban morphology, (2) strict physical and functional coordination with neighboring structures in terms of scale, height, materials, rhythm, and voids, (3) sensitive integration of modern functions without compromising cultural authenticity, and (4) the deliberate strengthening of the local cultural identity. When these conditions are met, infill architecture successfully transitions from a disruptive modern imposition to a symbiotic urban element that heals the fractured spatial patterns of the historical core. The Dar-ol-Fonoon case study illustrates how well-designed infill can restore spatial continuity, enhance functional efficiency, and reinforce the sense of place, ultimately contributing to the social and economic vitality of the neighborhood.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the application of inter-additive architectural principles does not merely safeguard heritage values; it actively builds the foundation for upgrading the overall quality of the urban environment across spatial, economic, and social domains. By filling physical and functional voids, infill regeneration boosts urban dynamism, fosters social growth, encourages community engagement, and aids in the realization of smart growth principles within historical city centers. Ultimately, this research emphasizes that the revitalization of historic fabrics must abandon rigid preservation-only or development-only dogmas. Instead, urban planning authorities must adopt deeply contextual, synergistic, and flexible architectural approaches that respond intelligently to the evolving needs of society. The conceptual framework derived from the Dar-ol-Fonoon model offers a replicable pathway for creating a sustainable balance between heritage conservation and progressive contemporary development, particularly in historical Asian contexts where cultural continuity and modern aspirations must coexist harmoniously. This study provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for architects, urban planners, and policymakers seeking to implement sensitive and effective regeneration strategies in valuable historic districts.