Architectural Technologies Studies

Abstract This study examines the relationship between lifestyle and residential preferences of the residents of Phase One of Ekbatan Township. In the contemporary world, lifestyle, as a multidimensional concept in social sciences and environmental planning, plays a pivotal role in shaping residential patterns. Ekbatan Township, as one of Iran’s prominent examples of housing design, provides an ideal context for exploring the influence of this concept on residential needs. The primary objective of this research was to identify the factors affecting residential preferences in light of residents’ lifestyles and demographic characteristics. The main research questions addressed the impact of variables such as age, gender, and occupation on residential priorities and how these needs can be met through flexible environmental design. A mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses, was employed, with data collected through questionnaires and field observations. The findings reveal that residents’ residential preferences can be analyzed across five key dimensions: the quality of private spaces, interactions in semi-public spaces, access to public amenities, design flexibility, and sense of belonging to the environment. Demographic characteristics, such as age and length of residency, directly influence these preferences. For instance, larger families prioritize more flexible spaces, the elderly value green areas, while younger individuals emphasize social interactions in semi-public spaces. By offering multivariate analyses and focusing on designing residential environments tailored to diverse lifestyles, this study proposes solutions to enhance quality of life and better align living spaces with the evolving needs of residents.

Abstract This study investigates the evolution of void space in Tehran’s residential architecture and analyzes its role in the spatial structure of buildings from the past to the present. The main issue of the research is the transformation of the function and position of void space in the development of residential architecture, particularly in relation to its impact on spatial quality, social interactions, and the principles of Iranian architectural design. The primary objective of the study is to trace the changes in these spaces and assess their alignment with the traditional principles of Iranian architecture. The research employs a qualitative methodology based on historical and comparative analysis, drawing on library studies, architectural document reviews, and selected examples of historical and contemporary buildings. The findings reveal that in the past, void space served as a central element in Iranian residential architecture, playing a key role not only in terms of climate and functionality but also as a platform for social interactions and the creation of spatial identity. Over time, with increasing urban density, these spaces have undergone significant changes and, in many modern buildings, have lost their prominence. In some instances, efforts to redefine void space in contemporary architecture are evident, where it is considered not only as a functional element but also as an aesthetic and conceptual factor in building design.

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 use of permeable design, adaptable equipment, and diverse multifunctional spaces facilitates social interactions in cultural and artistic centers. Such centers provide individuals with unique opportunities to interact in social, engaging, and dynamic environments where they can discover, cultivate, and develop their skills. Additionally, employing portable and multipurpose items alongside multifunctional spaces strengthens spatial permeability. This approach enables cultural environments to cater to the diverse needs of individuals while considering cultural conditions. Drawing on global experiences in designing user-centered cultural centers has proven to be highly valuable and applicable in Iran.The aim of this study is to examine the influential components for achieving desirable spatial quality in designing permeable cultural centers. This research is applied and employs descriptive and qualitative methods, relying on documentary studies, literature reviews, and analysis of existing resources. A review of articles and successful case studies from inside and outside Iran indicates that architectural design, movement and circulation patterns, integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, and attention to effective elements in permeable space design contribute to fostering creativity, social interaction, and individual flourishing in cultural and artistic centers. Furthermore, cultural centers provide numerous opportunities for social interactions.

Abstract Sense of place and social relations are key elements in understanding human interactions and the functions of public spaces. The historic Bazaar of Tabriz, as one of the most prominent architectural and cultural symbols of Iran, serves as a setting where sense of place and social interactions play an unparalleled role. This study aims to examine the interconnection between sense of place and social relations in this historical space using a human-centered approach.The research employs a descriptive-analytical method, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative tools. In the quantitative section, the study population consists of shopkeepers and visitors of the historic Bazaar of Tabriz. Data were collected through a random sampling method by distributing questionnaires among 400 individuals, based on Cochran’s formula. In the qualitative section, semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in relevant fields. The collected data were processed using the SPSS statistical software, Pearson correlation coefficient, and path analysis in AMOS software.The findings indicate a significant and reciprocal relationship between sense of place and the quality of social relations in the bazaar. The physical space, cultural elements, and daily activities, as influential components in strengthening the sense of place, play a crucial role in the formation and continuity of social relationships. Emphasizing a human-centered approach, this study proposes strategies to enhance social interactions and preserve the sense of place in historic bazaars, contributing to the improvement of urban life quality and cultural sustainability in such spaces.

Abstract In the contemporary and rather superficial perception of the road phenomenon, emphasis is placed solely on its communicative function. However, roads establish a profound connection with human life and can even be chosen as destinations for travelers. The existing gap in road studies stems from neglecting the dimensions that have historically been deeply intertwined with human life over time. Modern studies indicate that with the acceleration of life’s pace, movement speed and, consequently, road safety have become the primary concerns of planners, designers, and engineers. This one-dimensional and physical perspective on roads is a defining characteristic of engineering sciences. Beyond assessing the shortcomings of engineering interventions aimed at facilitating and accelerating movement, road studies can extend their scope further. Landscape knowledge, in collaboration with engineering techniques, adopts a holistic perspective on the road phenomenon, considering both tangible and intangible dimensions. This approach plays a crucial role in enhancing road quality by reviving its inherent meanings, ultimately transforming roads into destinations for tourists. However, from this viewpoint, policy-making regarding roads will differ from current practices.This qualitative research, based on qualitative content analysis, aims to examine the significant impact of the landscape approach on different levels of road studies by reviewing library resources, analyzing previous expert theories, and observing and analyzing conditions, with a particular emphasis on the necessity of road quality enhancement.