Reyhaneh Raisi, Roza Vakilinezhad, Matin Khayyam Manesh,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
The incorporation of various openings that permit daylight into interior spaces significantly influences thermal comfort. In the central region of Iran, Orosi windows are a prevalent architectural feature in courtyard buildings. These latticed door-windows are embellished with colorful glass pieces arranged in geometric patterns. This study aims to evaluate the impact of glass color in Orosi windows on their thermal and daylight performance. The primary objective is to determine the thermal comfort and daylight performance of a typical Qajarian Orosi with different glass colors (colorful, red, blue, yellow, green, colorless) and to identify the optimal glass color for Orosi windows. The findings reveal that the glass color of Orosi windows not only affects thermal comfort but also has a significant impact on daylight performance. Yellow glass offers the most favorable thermal conditions, irrespective of the season. In terms of daylight performance, all glass colors perform adequately; however, the Orosi with yellow glass achieves the highest values for spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) and Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE). The next preferred options, in descending order, are colorless, green, and blue glass. Considering both daylight and thermal performance, it is recommended to use Orosi windows with yellow glass due to the 22% improvement in annual thermal comfort and satisfactory daylight performance.
Bakhtiar Bahrami, Nasrin M. H. Nejad,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently encounter sensory sensitivities in school settings that diverge from those experienced by adult stakeholders, such as parents, teachers, and professionals. This research examines the disparities and commonalities in spatial preferences between children with mild ASD and adult stakeholders, aiming to utilize these insights to guide the design of autism-friendly educational environments. Employing a two-phase mixed-methods approach comprising interviews and questionnaires, this study engaged 210 participants: 80 children aged 9-18 with ASD (14 in Phase 1 and 64 in Phase 2) and 130 adult stakeholders (32 in Phase 1 and 98 in Phase 2). Thematic analysis conducted in Phase 1 and factor analysis in Phase 2 identified several critical spatial factors, including stability and constancy, a calm and subdued atmosphere, prominent classroom views, spacious learning environments, familiarity and predictability, large classroom windows, and gradual exposure. While there were some areas of overlap with adult perspectives, notable differences highlighted the necessity of incorporating children's viewpoints in school design. Based on this premise, the study introduces an integrated model for designing autism-friendly schools informed by these findings. This model aims to propose strategies for creating learning environments that support the well-being and educational needs of children with ASD.
Azadeh Khaki Ghasr, Haniye Poudine, Sadaf Daneshpajooh, Soheila Haghighat,
Volume 34, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
The study intends to explore the factors that lead to an increase in place attachment of apartments in residents' attitudes toward applying for housing. After analyzing previous research on connectivity, five major components that affect place attachment were identified: perceptual-cognitive, social, historic-cultural, physical, and economic factors. Field research involving 73 Tehran mid-rise apartment residents utilized textual-visual questionnaires to investigate these factors, employing open coding and content analysis for data interpretation. Despite subtle contextual changes, the findings support the relevance of the identified components. According to the participants, influencing factors listed as environmental, sociocultural, perceptual-cognitive, economic, and historic emphasize the relevance of the first five; however, the details, order, and synthesis differ somewhat from those in the research reviewed. Furthermore, based on the literature reviewed, the study concluded a three spatial scale named global-urban-property for the home connectivity scope, with varying strengths. Additionally, based on the field study conducted, the paper added two sub-scales to the property scale, specifically within the context of an apartment. These sub-scales are building and unit. City, community, and neighborhood are subscales of the urban scale.
The global scale is also related to the country, which was not highlighted in the context of the present study since all participants were Iranian. Thus, the spatial scales of place attachment for apartments include city, community, neighborhood, building, and unit. Analyses highlight the relationship between a sense of belonging, influencing factors, and spatial scales. The study concludes that residents' place attachment is a protracted process that includes building/unit allocation and context-sensitive design considerations. In conclusion, changes in the sociocultural setting impact inhabitants' perceptions of place attachment.
Aida Lebasi, Gholamreza Talischi,
Volume 34, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
This study conducts a thorough literature review to explore the relationship between the physical learning environment and creativity. Addressing a gap in understanding how specific attributes impact creative processes, the research aims to inform the development of innovative learning environments. Using a four-step methodology, the study involves selecting relevant articles, creating a classification framework, analyzing environmental factors' effects on learning, and interpreting findings to elucidate the correlation between physical attributes and creativity. Bibliometric analysis reveals growing scholarly interest in creative spaces. Findings emphasize the substantial impact of elements like furniture flexibility, resource accessibility, and lighting conditions on creative thinking. Key themes highlight critical factors like lighting, furniture arrangement, and diverse roles of environmental elements, contributing to enhanced cognitive performance. The study underscores the potential of optimized learning spaces to nurture creativity, promote problem-solving skills, and stimulate innovation. By enriching knowledge on the influence of physical environments on creativity, this research provides valuable insights for educators, designers, and policymakers aiming to create inspiring and effective learning environments.
Parastoo Eshrati, Roza Vakilinezhad, Arezoo Ghahramani, Dorna Eshrati, Mohammad Kazem Namazi,
Volume 34, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Various methods have been employed in vernacular architecture, to achieve energy efficiency in different regions worldwide, especially in facade designs. In Iran, most vernacular buildings are still in use without major modifications and renovations, even in harsh climatic conditions. This study uses mathematical analysis to conduct a quantitative approach toward principles used in the façade design of Bushehr's vernacular architecture. The research critically examined the physical characteristics of eight residential buildings, which were selected as case studies. These parameters included window-to-wall ratios, the surface area for each facade, and the size of different openings concerning height and weight. These physical characteristics of the selected houses were systematically extracted for both the interior and exterior facades, delineating eighteen criteria. The statistical analyses were done using IBM SPSS Statistics version 16.0. The results revealed fourteen linear models—six models related to the exterior facades, five models concerned with interior facades, and three models about the opening. Although the linear models are specific to the vernacular architecture of Bushehr, the research method and approach outlined in this study have the potential to contribute to a framework that can be used by other researchers to uncover underlying principles in vernacular facades elsewhere around the world.
Elahe Mohajer, Hamidreza Azemati, Khosro Movahed,
Volume 34, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
In the current century, the crisis of meaning and the loss of individual identity underscore the need to focus on self-actualization as a viable solution. Self-actualization is a psychological necessity, and it is crucial to leverage all environmental capabilities to facilitate individuals' self-actualization. This study aims to introduce a causal model for the design components of residential complexes centered on residents' self-actualization. The research was conducted in three phases: 1) document analysis using the Delphi method, 2) a survey-based second phase, and 3) correlation analysis. The study begins with an examination of resources, supplemented by expert insights gathered using the Delphi method, which was chosen for its capability to achieve group consensus through expert judgment. A researcher-made questionnaire was developed for users, and design components effective for self-actualization were identified using R-factor analysis. The theoretical model of the research components was presented, and its validity was assessed using Amos software. The results indicated that the factors influencing the design of residential complexes, based on self-actualization, included Creative Environment, Eventful Environment, Diversity, Collaborative Environment, Interactive Environment, Environmental Safety, and Discoverability. Consequently, it can be acknowledged that a social environment that is safe and secure, where environmental events can occur, and where creative participation is encouraged, can significantly support individuals' self-actualization. This study contributes a novel causal model that elucidates the relationships among the design components of residential complexes, with an emphasis on promoting residents' self-actualization.
Parzhak Mohammad Pour, Abdolmajid Nourtagani, Abdollah Ebrahimi,
Volume 34, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
In recent decades, social changes have caused the Iranian family to experience intergenerational structural transformations and lifestyle changes. Studying these changes and their relationship with housing changes can provide a model for the design of desirable housing in the future. Despite the importance of the topic, very few researches were found that reflected the effects of these transformations on the spatial configuration of housing. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the intergenerational changes in the family and the housing configuration system in the context of social changes in Northern Iran. The research method includes a systematic review of previous studies to create a theoretical model using the Sandlovsky and Barroso method, followed by field research that includes the selection of 203 households from the last three generations with a multi-stage cluster sampling method of Sari city houses. The features of their housing configuration were extracted with the depth map software, and the characteristics of the families living in them were extracted with a questionnaire, and then the findings were analyzed. The findings show that some characteristics of the family, such as communication patterns, social relations, women's education and employment, and power equality in the family have increased, and the components of religion, family dimension, and the number of extended families decreased. These transformations were aligned with changes in the housing spatial configuration, including the reduction of the number and types of spaces, rings, the gender function of spaces, and the increase of the function of public and semi-public spaces.
Hadi Farhangdoust, Toktam Hanaee, Hero Farkisch,
Volume 34, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
The field of Knowledge and Information Science in its scientometric branch examines scientific indicators for evaluating the content and method. Using the benchmarks of this discipline in architecture and urban planning, while improving its theoretical foundations, also organizes its processes. This study aims to provide a comprehensive framework to resolving this issue. The main questions of this research are formed based on the recognition of the types, evolution and impact of theoretical foundations on the objective framework of this field. The research method based on its reflexive grounded theory, with constructive interaction between several layers of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives, has tried to measure the extent and method of impact of different scientometric layers as dependent variables on the scientific strategies of architecture and urban planning. The process of implementing the research method in MAXQDA software has been such that all sections have items as research layers. These items have been introduced to the software by providing a variety of descriptive, related keywords used in architecture and urban planning research along with theoretical saturation technique. The innovative part of this research is in examining the controlling variable that has comparative values of architecture and urban planning along with values of the content of information science and epistemology. The findings of this research lead to the recognition of the role, connection, and application of the layers of the theoretical foundations of these fields from a scientific point of view. It is also related to the improvement of theoretical quality and methods, indicators, applications and strategies based on theoretical foundations in architecture and urban planning. It increases the efficiency of scientific methods and theoretical support of the processes of these disciplines both in the production of written works and in building information modeling software.
Mohsen Vafamehr, Nastaran Esmaeili,
Volume 35, Issue 2 (4-2025)
Abstract
With the resurgence of building industrialization, the phrase DfMA has gained popularity, representing a new approach to future construction. Applying the DfMA principles would promote a design process that optimizes manufacturing and assembly functions, leading to cost and time savings. Such a process could significantly impact product quality and improve the construction industry's performance with a suitable strategy and guidelines. Analyzing DfMA uptake in the construction industry is crucial to understanding its current and future implementation. However, more studies are still needed on this topic. This review primarily aims to identify the factors of DfMA for advanced industrialized construction. This reseWith the resurgence of building industrialization, the phrase DfMA has gained popularity, representing a new approach to future construction. Applying the DfMA principles would promote a design process that optimizes manufacturing and assembly functions, leading to cost and time savings. Such a process could significantly impact product quality and improve the construction industry's performance with a suitable strategy and guidelines. Analyzing DfMA uptake in the construction industry is crucial to understanding its current and future implementation. However, more studies are still needed on this topic. This review primarily aims to identify the factors of DfMA for advanced industrialized construction. This research aims to integrate DfMA principles into industrialized construction by leveraging advanced construction components and their connection with DfMA. This study used a multi-step research method to achieve the main research goal: creating an analytical framework for advanced industrialized construction through bibliometric analysis and using qualitative meta-analysis to identify DfMA factors and general DfMA-like concepts in advanced industrialized construction. We arrived at a conceptual model by identifying factors and elements of the DfMA for industrialized construction. Implementing automation and robotic systems into the construction process, off-site construction, construction 4.0, information communication technology and digital technologies, prefabrication, lean construction, sustainability, and virtual design and construction are DfMA factors for advanced industrialized construction. This document provides a reference for future construction direction to achieve advanced industrialized construction and can be used as a starting point for more theoretical and empirical research.
arch aims to integrate DfMA principles into industrialized construction by leveraging advanced construction components and their connection with DfMA. This study used a multi-step research method to achieve the main research goal: creating an analytical framework for advanced industrialized construction through bibliometric analysis and using qualitative meta-analysis to identify DfMA factors and general DfMA-like concepts in advanced industrialized construction. We arrived at a conceptual model by identifying factors and elements of the DfMA for industrialized construction. Implementing automation and robotic systems into the construction process, off-site construction, construction 4.0, information communication technology and digital technologies, prefabrication, lean construction, sustainability, and virtual design and construction are DfMA factors for advanced industrialized construction. This document provides a reference for future construction direction to achieve advanced industrialized construction and can be used as a starting point for more theoretical and empirical research.
Roya Sadeghi Fereshteh,
Volume 35, Issue 3 (8-2025)
Abstract
This study explores the influence of color on the learning experiences and cognitive development of children within educational settings. Recognized as potent psychological tools, colors can markedly affect children's emotions, behaviors, and cognitive abilities. The primary objective of this research is to examine the associations between color characteristics, learning environments, and children's memory performance, with a specific emphasis on color psychology.
Employing a descriptive and analytical research methodology, the study incorporates a quantitative approach. Data collection methods include questionnaires, interviews, observational studies, and extensive literature reviews. The collected data are analyzed using SPSS software, which reveals significant positive correlations between color usage, educational environments, and memory retention among children.
The findings suggest that careful selection of colors can significantly enhance children's concentration, reduce levels of stress, and improve their overall memory capabilities. Warm colors, such as red and yellow, have been found to stimulate energy and creativity, while cooler tones, like blue and green, are associated with increased calmness and focus. The main conclusion drawn from this study highlights the necessity of deliberate color design in educational spaces to foster children's learning and cognitive growth. This underscores the vital role that color psychology plays in the effective design of educational environments. The study's results also provide valuable insights for architects and educators aiming to develop more effective and stimulating learning spaces for children
Ali Khaki, Ali Sadeghi Habibabad,
Volume 35, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Abstract
The article aimed to analyze and compare the various characteristics of different residential spaces in the Iranian city of Shiraz, especially the differences and similarities between traditional and Contemporary buildings based on green architectural standards and principles. To meet this, eight samples of traditional and Contemporary buildings of Shiraz City were randomly selected and were then evaluated and ranked using green architecture indicators using the VIKOR method. Therefore, the methodology of this study was descriptive-analytical via field surveys. Findings showed that in traditional buildings the architect used to apply the highest and the best types of green architecture indicators in his architectural model, while modern architecture requires applying local architecture to achieve green architecture indicators. Results also showed that architects of the past employed the best green architecture indicators in designing traditional housing while generating valuable patterns of use based on these indicators.
Fatemeh Khozaei, Maryam Lesan, Mahdieh Hosseini Nia, Prof Ahmad Sanusi Hassan,
Volume 35, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Abstract
This study aims to examine how the Burden of COVID-19 (BUC), depression (DEP), and stress (STR) are related to soundscape preferences (City Voice/traffic, Music, Voice of Nature/birdsong) and to distil design implications for pandemic-resilient urban parks. This cross-sectional online study with N = 323 university students used a 60-s 3D animation of a constant green pedestrian way with three randomized audio conditions (City Voice, Music, Voice of Nature). Psychological variables were assessed with DASS-21 subscales (DEP, STR) and a 10-item BUC index. To minimize loudness confounds, audio was loudness-normalized (BS.1770-5) and participants completed a brief headphone screening before trials. Analyses reported Cronbach’s α, Pearson correlations, exact p values, and FDR control. The study showed that BUC correlated positively with Music (r = .288, p < .001), DEP (r = .213, p < .001), and STR (r = .186, p = .001), but not with City Voice or Voice of Nature. DEP correlated positively with Music (r = .174, p = .002) and Voice of Nature (r = .492, p < .001). STR correlated positively with Voice of Nature
(r = .377, p < .001). City Voice showed no reliable associations with BUC, DEP, or STR. All effects with p ≤ .002 remained after FDR control. Park and streetscape projects should buffer traffic noise, foreground pleasant natural acoustics (e.g., water features, habitat for birds/insects), and consider opt-in, curated music zones during crises to support self-regulation and recovery. Sound-attentive design can extend restorative experiences to communities with limited access to large green spaces, supporting equitable mental-health resilience during public-health emergencies. However, findings should be interpreted with caution given the student sample, correlational design, and single-item soundscape preference measures. The study isolates the auditory contribution to restoration under controlled loudness in a virtual park, links pandemic burden to sound preferences, and translates results into actionable soundscape guidelines for pandemic-ready urban design.
Amir Hossein Bagheri, Mojgan Khakpour, Amena Agharabi,
Volume 36, Issue 1 (1-2026)
Abstract
The studies of Iranian architecture, especially in the contemporary era, have often been centered around monumental buildings in each period and their analysis. Residential buildings, as one of the most widespread urban elements, have received comparatively less attention, even though the importance of documenting them is evident, regardless of associated debates. This study examines the physical transformations, spatial connections, and functional uses of houses in the city of Rasht. To achieve this, the research employs the Space Syntax analysis method, analyzing 24 case studies of houses in Rasht from the Qajar period to the present and producing justified graphs. Using a qualitative approach and inductive reasoning, the study identifies patterns of layout changes across historical periods. The results outline the evolution of residential layouts in four stages: the Qajar era, the First Pahlavi period, the Second Pahlavi period, and the Islamic Republic. The findings show extensive transformations in Rasht’s houses across all aspects under study: minor changes began in the First Pahlavi period, paving the way for broader transformations in subsequent years; the Second Pahlavi period witnessed comprehensive shifts that redefined domestic space; and finally, during the Islamic Republic era, houses assumed the form in which they are designed and used today.
Amirsam Saadati, Elham Parvizi, Ghazal Taghiloo, Shahnaz Dehghani, Aida Dehghani,
Volume 36, Issue 1 (1-2026)
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.
Saeed Azemati,
Volume 36, Issue 1 (1-2026)
Abstract
Minimizing thermal energy demand has become a key objective in sustainable building design. Indoor environmental quality is closely linked to occupants’ health and productivity, making zero-energy buildings an increasingly prominent research focus. Thermal comfort is defined as the condition in which individuals do not feel the need to take any action to modify the surrounding temperature. Passive systems, which harness renewable energy and natural resources, utilize building elements as design solutions tailored to specific climates. This study aims to identify optimal passive strategies for educational buildings in the temperate and humid climate of Guilan province and evaluate their impact on thermal performance. The analysis focuses on specific passive systems, including floor and roof insulation, double-glazed windows, shading devices, and natural ventilation. Using a combination of library research, document analysis, and software simulation, the study investigates the key factors affecting energy consumption in educational buildings. Climate Consultant software was used to assess the climatic parameters of Rasht city, while TRNSYS v18 simulated the performance of the combined passive systems under realistic building and environmental conditions. The simulation results indicate that floor insulation effectively reduces heating energy demand, although it slightly increases cooling loads. Consequently, the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index moves closer to the comfort range, indicating improved thermal satisfaction for building occupants.
Hassan Torabi, Razieh Labibzadeh, Hossein Zabihi,
Volume 36, Issue 2 (4-2026)
Abstract
Among the various components of the educational system, the instructor constitutes the most influential element; therefore, professors and teachers are regarded as the primary agents of pedagogical development and transformation. In architectural education, insufficient attention to the position of the human being has been identified as a limitation of traditional educational approaches. It is expected that this shortcoming can be addressed in contemporary architectural education through a deeper understanding of the human dimension, the profound perspectives and principles employed by master architects in resolving construction-related challenges, establishing meaningful relationships between new buildings and their environmental context, and accurately interpreting human relationships. The effective transmission of these principles to students is therefore of particular importance.
This study aims to enhance the quality of higher education by explaining a model of a competent professor within the context of Iranian higher education. To achieve this objective, a qualitative research methodology based on the content analysis approach was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation.
The principal research question explores students’ perceptions regarding the characteristics of a competent professor among students enrolled in the Architectural Technical Design course at Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch. The findings indicate that a score range of 5–6 out of 6 was obtained for the dimensions of mastery of the Architectural Technical Design course, up-to-date knowledge, creativity, integration of theory and practice, professional experience, responsibility, high expectations of students, eloquence, and fair evaluation. A score range of 4–5 out of 6 was obtained for optimism and positive thinking, research capability, constructive interaction with students, approachability, enthusiasm, and well-organized course content. Furthermore, a score range of 3–4 out of 6 was recorded for flexibility.
The findings highlight the significance of professional competence, pedagogical effectiveness, and human-centered educational approaches in architectural education and provide a framework for identifying and promoting the characteristics of competent professors in higher education.
Parisa Javid, Niloufar Nikghadam, Alireza Karimpour, Jaleh Sabernejad,
Volume 36, Issue 2 (4-2026)
Abstract
Climate change and rising temperatures have made thermal comfort and energy management in buildings a fundamental challenge. Optimizing environmental conditions requires intelligent design and accurate simulation tools. This study aims to determine the optimal placement of atriums in office buildings located in two different Iranian climates: the hot-dry climate of Yazd and the cold-dry climate of Tabriz. Thermal comfort was evaluated using Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) indicators, combined with solar radiation and climate data. Simulations were conducted using the Honeybee and Ladybug plugins for Grasshopper, enabling parametric analysis of thermal comfort. In Yazd, Summer PMV values (2.34–2.50) indicate reduced comfort, with Types 5 and 8 showing the lowest discomfort (PMV = 2.34). Winter PMV values (-3.48 to -3.63) indicate cold conditions, where Type 5 performs relatively better. During spring and autumn, PMV values for Types 5, 8, and 3 approach near-zero. Southern-oriented atrium (Type 8) maximizes solar gain in winter. In Tabriz (cold-dry), Most PMV values fall outside the comfort range (-0.5 to +0.5). Only the Atrium Type 3 achieves comfort during autumn. Type 3 receives maximum solar radiation in winter, enhancing natural heating. Strategic atrium placement based on solar exposure significantly improves seasonal thermal comfort. Type 8 (southern orientation) is optimal for Yazd, while Type 3 (northeast orientation) is optimal for Tabriz. These findings provide actionable insights for climate-responsive office building design in arid and semi-arid regions. Based on the hypothesis, Solar-based atrium placement significantly improves seasonal thermal comfort in both climates. Further research should examine other building typologies, alternative atrium geometries, and other climatic zones in Iran.
Abbas Sedaghati,
Volume 36, Issue 3 (7-2026)
Abstract
Academic motivation is a critical determinant of students’ engagement, learning effectiveness, and academic achievement. In architectural education, technically oriented courses such as Building Structures are often perceived as more challenging and less engaging than design studio courses, which may negatively affect students’ motivation and learning experiences. Consequently, identifying innovative instructional approaches that enhance students’ academic motivation has become an important objective in higher education. This study investigates the effectiveness of interactive computer simulation-based instruction in enhancing the academic motivation of undergraduate architecture students enrolled in a Building Structures course. A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design with a control group was employed. The study involved 50 undergraduate architecture students at Urmia Islamic Azad University, who were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 25) or a control group (n = 25). The experimental group received instruction through an interactive computer simulation environment, whereas the control group was taught using conventional lecture-based methods. Academic motivation was assessed using the Hermans Achievement Motivation Questionnaire (AMT). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The findings revealed a statistically significant increase in academic motivation among students who participated in simulation-based instruction compared with those who received traditional instruction. In addition, students in the experimental group achieved significantly higher scores on the final examination than their counterparts in the control group. These findings indicate that interactive computer simulation can serve as an effective pedagogical strategy for enhancing both academic motivation and learning outcomes in Building Structures education. The study contributes to the growing body of research on technology-enhanced learning in architectural education by providing empirical evidence from a technical course context that has received comparatively limited attention in previous studies.
Punik Simoni, Sara Hafezi,
Volume 36, Issue 3 (7-2026)
Abstract
Architectural foundation studios operate within complex educational environments where curriculum planning must reconcile disciplinary traditions, institutional priorities, professional expectations, and rapidly evolving societal and technological conditions. Although previous research has substantially advanced studio pedagogy, competency development, and first-year architectural education, transferable frameworks that systematically support curriculum generation, planning, and evaluation remain limited. Addressing this gap, this study develops a process-generating framework for architectural foundation studio curriculum design. A qualitative hybrid methodology, combining conceptual framework development and educational action research, was adopted and demonstrated through the first-year architecture program at the Iran University of Art as a locally grounded case. The proposed workflow comprises five phases: context mapping; identification and validation of curriculum criteria through cross-domain triangulation and expert consensus; operationalization of the criteria into educational purposes, methods, and cases; modeling through a three-dimensional morphological matrix; and demonstration through application within the studio curriculum. The study identifies seven core curriculum criteria—arts, senses, attachment, design domains, volumetric languages, skills, and approaches—and demonstrates how they can be systematically translated into coherent, adaptable, and context-responsive semester programs. Rather than prescribing a fixed curriculum or promoting a particular pedagogical philosophy, the proposed framework provides a transparent decision-support methodology for generating and refining architectural foundation studio curricula. Its principal contribution is a transferable methodological workflow that explicitly distinguishes between a general curriculum-generation framework and its case-specific implementation, bridging curriculum theory and the practical planning requirements of architectural education while remaining adaptable to diverse institutional and cultural contexts.
Elahe Mohajer, Hamidreza Azemati, Khosro Movahed,
Volume 36, Issue 3 (7-2026)
Abstract
This paper aims to identify the design cycles through which housing complex environments may support residents’ self-actualization and well-being. A mixed-methods design was employed across three sequential phases: Delphi analysis, user surveying, and correlation-based modeling. In the first phase, a literature review and expert interviews were analyzed using Grounded Theory in conjunction with the Delphi method to extract key dimensions of residential design associated with self-actualization. In the second phase, expert and user survey data were analyzed using factor analysis to identify the structural components of the proposed design model. In the final phase, structural relationships among these components were examined using causal modeling to develop an integrated framework of housing design components associated with self-actualization. The analysis identified four participatory cycles: Creative Participation in Space, Interactive Spatial Events, Environmentally Participatory Events, and Collaborative and Discoverable Space. These cycles demonstrate how spatial, social, and perceptual characteristics of housing environments interact to structure opportunities for both individual and collective engagement. The findings suggest that self-actualization in housing environments can be understood as an emergent, spatially mediated process shaped by recursive interactions between design components, social participation, and environmental experience. By integrating architectural configuration with patterns of interaction and perception, the study offers a causal framework for understanding how participatory and adaptive spatial systems may contribute to residents’ well-being and self-actualization.
