Volume 36, Issue 1 (2026)                   IJAUP 2026, 36(1) | Back to browse issues page

XML Print

Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Saadati A, Parvizi E, Taghiloo G, Dehghani S, Dehghani A. From Simplicity to Intricacy: Understanding Architectural Complexity in Modern Iran Using Box-Counting Method. IJAUP 2026; 36 (1)
URL: http://ijaup.iust.ac.ir/article-1-890-en.html
From Simplicity to Intricacy: Understanding Architectural Complexity in Modern Iran Using Box-Counting Method
Amirsam Saadati1 , Elham Parvizi *2 , Ghazal Taghiloo3 , Shahnaz Dehghani3 , Aida Dehghani3
1- Faculty of Arts and Architecture, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
2- Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran , Parvizi.e@khu.ac.ir
3- Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract:  
Residential building facades play a crucial role in defining the visual identity and character of urban spaces, significantly influencing individuals' perceptions. This study examines the visual complexity of residential facades in award-winning buildings from Iran's Memar architectural competition (2016–2024); The Memar Award, issued yearly by Memar Magazine, is considered one of the top architectural accolades in Iran. The research evaluates complexity, encompassing visual, structural, and functional dimensions, through the application of the box-counting method—a fractal analysis technique. By analysing two-dimensional line drawings, the study calculates fractal dimensions to quantify complexity, focusing solely on the impact of lines, excluding other factors such as texture or colour. The findings provide deeper insights into the visual and structural intricacies of facade design, highlighting the role of complexity in enhancing urban aesthetics and shaping residents' experiences. This research underscores the importance of facade complexity in architectural and urban discourse, offering valuable contributions to future design practices and urban planning strategies.
 
Keywords: Urban facades, Architectural complexity, Box-counting method, Memar Architectural Competition, Residential Buildings, Fractal Analysis
Full-Text [PDF 1391 kb]      
Type of Study: Research Paper | Subject: Architecture
Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:
CAPTCHA
Rights and permissions
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

© 2026 CC BY-NC 4.0 | Iran University of Science & Technology

Designed & Developed by : Yektaweb