Iran University of ArtJournal of Architecture and Urban Planning2717-129971320140911The Impact of Changing the Level of Education from Continuous to Discontinuous Master of Science on the Student Selection for Majoring in ArchitectureThe Impact of Changing the Level of Education from Continuous to Discontinuous Master of Science on the Student Selection for Majoring in Architecture5189010.30480/aup.2014.90FASaraGilaniPhD in Architecture, School of Architecture, University of TehranAbbasaliIzadiAssistant Professor, School of Architecture, University of TehranJournal Article20130601The process of student selection for studying in Architecture needs more attention due to the different characteristics of this field of study in comparison with other technical-engineering fields of study. Two major evolutions have occurred in the National Entrance Exam for the process of student selection for majoring in Architecture. First, the drawing test was omitted from its exam. Then, its level of education was changed from the continuous Master of Science to the discontinuous Master of Science. Changing the level of education of this field of study has resulted in selecting students who have different talents and motivations in comparison with the previous method of student selection process. The impact of this issue can be analyzed through investigation of the performance of the accepted applicants in the National Entrance Exam and during their education at university. In this research, the differences between the characteristics of the accepted applicants in Architecture in the National Entrance Exam before and after changing its level of education are investigated and analyzed. In this research, the performance of the accepted applicants in Architecture in the National Entrance Exam before and after changing its level of education was investigated quantitatively through the data received from the Sanjesh Organization. For this purpose, the overall ranks of the first 100 accepted applicants in Architecture were compared with the overall ranks of the first 100 accepted applicants in Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering in the National Entrance Exams of the two years before and after changing the level of education of Architecture from continuous Master of Science to the discontinuous Master of Science. Furthermore, the motivations of the accepted applicants for Architecture were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively using the questionnaires which were filled by the accepted applicants for studying in the field of Architecture at the University of Tehran in the National Entrance Exams of the two years before and after changing its level of education. Moreover, the educational performance of the students in Architecture was analyzed qualitatively by means of a questionnaire designed for interviewing with the university professors who taught in the field of designing in Architecture at the Design Studios 5 and 6 at the University of Tehran. The results of this research show that changing the level of education for studying in the field of Architecture from the continuous Master of Science to the discontinuous Master of Science has resulted in accepting students with different motivations and talents in comparison with those who were admitted before changing this level of education. Additionally, according to the attitudes of the interviewed professors of Architecture at the University of Tehran, changing the level of education in Architecture has had some positive and negative aspects. Therefore, it seems that some evolutions in educational methods to the accepted applicants in Architecture need to be organized due to the positive and negative aspects of this change in the entrance exam for Architecture.The process of student selection for studying in Architecture needs more attention due to the different characteristics of this field of study in comparison with other technical-engineering fields of study. Two major evolutions have occurred in the National Entrance Exam for the process of student selection for majoring in Architecture. First, the drawing test was omitted from its exam. Then, its level of education was changed from the continuous Master of Science to the discontinuous Master of Science. Changing the level of education of this field of study has resulted in selecting students who have different talents and motivations in comparison with the previous method of student selection process. The impact of this issue can be analyzed through investigation of the performance of the accepted applicants in the National Entrance Exam and during their education at university. In this research, the differences between the characteristics of the accepted applicants in Architecture in the National Entrance Exam before and after changing its level of education are investigated and analyzed. In this research, the performance of the accepted applicants in Architecture in the National Entrance Exam before and after changing its level of education was investigated quantitatively through the data received from the Sanjesh Organization. For this purpose, the overall ranks of the first 100 accepted applicants in Architecture were compared with the overall ranks of the first 100 accepted applicants in Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering in the National Entrance Exams of the two years before and after changing the level of education of Architecture from continuous Master of Science to the discontinuous Master of Science. Furthermore, the motivations of the accepted applicants for Architecture were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively using the questionnaires which were filled by the accepted applicants for studying in the field of Architecture at the University of Tehran in the National Entrance Exams of the two years before and after changing its level of education. Moreover, the educational performance of the students in Architecture was analyzed qualitatively by means of a questionnaire designed for interviewing with the university professors who taught in the field of designing in Architecture at the Design Studios 5 and 6 at the University of Tehran. The results of this research show that changing the level of education for studying in the field of Architecture from the continuous Master of Science to the discontinuous Master of Science has resulted in accepting students with different motivations and talents in comparison with those who were admitted before changing this level of education. Additionally, according to the attitudes of the interviewed professors of Architecture at the University of Tehran, changing the level of education in Architecture has had some positive and negative aspects. Therefore, it seems that some evolutions in educational methods to the accepted applicants in Architecture need to be organized due to the positive and negative aspects of this change in the entrance exam for Architecture.https://aup.journal.art.ac.ir/article_90_4c6babb89e7f16eda95b1e34c52e522c.pdfIran University of ArtJournal of Architecture and Urban Planning2717-129971320140911Presenting Interior Design Principles and Essentials based on the Perceptions of the Blind and Visually ImpairedPresenting Interior Design Principles and Essentials based on the Perceptions of the Blind and Visually Impaired19369110.30480/aup.2014.91FASarehNikoofardM.A in Architectural Interior Design, the University of Arts, TehranMostafaKianiAssistant professor, the University of Arts, TehranAlireza IKarimM.A in Architecture, the University of Arts, TehranJournal Article20131021The review of the literature related to architecture for blind and visually impaired people shows that despite the need for architectural standards and principles to design appropriate spaces for this group of people, no attention has been paid to this issue, especially in the field of interior design. In fact, architecture has always been a combination of knowledge and art with the purpose of creating a vision-based environment. Findings show that although the blind and visually impaired are deprived of vision among five senses, and are not able to perceive the world like others, they can communicate with the world around them relying on other senses. They should perceive their surrounding environment using other sensors (such as ears, nose, and other sensuous information like the direction of wind and sound, humidity, temperature, etc.). In other words, blindness is either disability or desperation, but not a limitation. It should not be denied that blindness poses some serious limitations on the person, but instead, he/she possesses some other capabilities which can be helpful in continuing a healthy life. Thus, raising such an issue that perception of the environment is impossible for the blind is an oversimplified idea, and designing architectural spaces for these people is of outmost importance. In addition to observing the architectural principles and standards which are necessary for an appropriate design according to their specific form of understanding and perception of the world, attention should also be paid to their emotional needs and comfort. It is essential that designers change their views towards the needs of the blind and visually impaired, develop an appropriate outlook regarding their problems and necessities, and present their work in a way that provides the possibility for their daily life activities along with others, so that all users can enjoy the facilities of a building without any need for help. Therefore, understanding and analysis of specific behaviors of the blind and visually impaired along with their needs and memories, and implementing the result of these analyses will improve the quality of designing interior and architectural spaces. These buildings with their various atmospheres have emancipated architecture from its superficial modern appearance, and have directed it toward its true meaning which is a humane issue in harmony with humans’ needs. So the aim of this study is the analysis of interior spaces according to perceptions and disabilities of blind or visually impaired adults and children. The methodology of this research is based on logical reasoning, which at the first step presents a definition of blindness, and introduces blind and visually impaired people; then it concerns with their perception of space. After investigating the influential elements on the quality of interior design and taking the current challenges in each aspect into account, this study tries to suggest a solution for each element in order to enhance the process of interior design for the blind. Taking these patterns and solutions into account can improve the quality of interior design for the blind.The review of the literature related to architecture for blind and visually impaired people shows that despite the need for architectural standards and principles to design appropriate spaces for this group of people, no attention has been paid to this issue, especially in the field of interior design. In fact, architecture has always been a combination of knowledge and art with the purpose of creating a vision-based environment. Findings show that although the blind and visually impaired are deprived of vision among five senses, and are not able to perceive the world like others, they can communicate with the world around them relying on other senses. They should perceive their surrounding environment using other sensors (such as ears, nose, and other sensuous information like the direction of wind and sound, humidity, temperature, etc.). In other words, blindness is either disability or desperation, but not a limitation. It should not be denied that blindness poses some serious limitations on the person, but instead, he/she possesses some other capabilities which can be helpful in continuing a healthy life. Thus, raising such an issue that perception of the environment is impossible for the blind is an oversimplified idea, and designing architectural spaces for these people is of outmost importance. In addition to observing the architectural principles and standards which are necessary for an appropriate design according to their specific form of understanding and perception of the world, attention should also be paid to their emotional needs and comfort. It is essential that designers change their views towards the needs of the blind and visually impaired, develop an appropriate outlook regarding their problems and necessities, and present their work in a way that provides the possibility for their daily life activities along with others, so that all users can enjoy the facilities of a building without any need for help. Therefore, understanding and analysis of specific behaviors of the blind and visually impaired along with their needs and memories, and implementing the result of these analyses will improve the quality of designing interior and architectural spaces. These buildings with their various atmospheres have emancipated architecture from its superficial modern appearance, and have directed it toward its true meaning which is a humane issue in harmony with humans’ needs. So the aim of this study is the analysis of interior spaces according to perceptions and disabilities of blind or visually impaired adults and children. The methodology of this research is based on logical reasoning, which at the first step presents a definition of blindness, and introduces blind and visually impaired people; then it concerns with their perception of space. After investigating the influential elements on the quality of interior design and taking the current challenges in each aspect into account, this study tries to suggest a solution for each element in order to enhance the process of interior design for the blind. Taking these patterns and solutions into account can improve the quality of interior design for the blind.https://aup.journal.art.ac.ir/article_91_c48595346c5013c28b50b4664d5faa02.pdfIran University of ArtJournal of Architecture and Urban Planning2717-129971320140911The Structural Criticism of Spatial System of Ghala-Dokhtar, Firouz-AbadThe Structural Criticism of Spatial System of Ghala-Dokhtar, Firouz-Abad37569210.30480/aup.2014.92FAMahmoodArzhmandFaculty member for School of Architecture and Urban Planning, the University of Arts, Tehran0000-0002-5117-5391MarziehEtemadipourM.A. in Architectural Studies, Isfahan University of ArtsJournal Article20130506Ghala-Dokhtar monument in Firouz-Abad, Fars Province, with its dual functions of palace and citadel, and as a valuable reference remained from the transition period of Ashkanid to Sassanid, manifests a creative architectural design that has been a model for some huge monuments in Iran for a long time. So, because of demonstrating historical, cultural and architectural heritage of our country, it should be rightly recognized as the evolutionary evidence of the magnificent forms and spaces of the Iranian architecture history. Hence, in this research, we describe, analyze and explain the structure of Ghala in form of a structural criticism that is formed on the basis of “criticism of object by itself” as the best way of criticism, and introduce architectural methods used to coordinate the dual functions of the building, and its spatial organization. At the beginning of the paper, after collecting the available data, the descriptive method is used as the basis of analysis of form, function and spatial principles governing the building and appraisal of some architectural features such as spatial transparency and openness, spatial independent, spatial differentiation and spatial hierarchy. Methods used to achieve the final results include field observation, desk study, as well as rational analysis. In order for creating the identity of our future architecture, presenting the past successful patterns to architects and the preserving the continuity of the traditional and contemporary architecture are the most important factors which necessitates performing similar researches for being inspired from successful vernacular patterns. Paying attention to theoretical architectural topics such as criticism of historical buildings is another reason for choosing this topic. Presenting the spatial patterns and designs of the monument, which will clearly show the domination of citadel function over palace function, is another conclusion of this paper. The main reasons for these results include: (1) using limited spaces for family and royal life; (2) using very complicated access method along with hierarchy for spaces; and (3) using less light for private spaces in massive circular part in third floor. Another important objective of this research is introducing architectural techniques of coordinating different and inconsistent functions in a single building, and the most important techniques for providing transparency and openness in Ghala include: (1) reducing introversion by terracing and locating royal floor generally and increasing the possibility of viewing other spaces; (2) using linear pattern in the third floor despite the existence of central courtyard in other floors; and (3) increasing openness by combining open and semi-open spaces of second and third floors. The research results also indicate that, according to available information, the architectural design of the building - especially the dome and portico for organizing the space - could be known as the source of some of the major Iranian architecture patterns. In particular, the simultaneous use of these elements, due to their absence in prior architectural works, can be considered as the first use of this model in the architecture of Iranian palaces, tombs and mosques.Ghala-Dokhtar monument in Firouz-Abad, Fars Province, with its dual functions of palace and citadel, and as a valuable reference remained from the transition period of Ashkanid to Sassanid, manifests a creative architectural design that has been a model for some huge monuments in Iran for a long time. So, because of demonstrating historical, cultural and architectural heritage of our country, it should be rightly recognized as the evolutionary evidence of the magnificent forms and spaces of the Iranian architecture history. Hence, in this research, we describe, analyze and explain the structure of Ghala in form of a structural criticism that is formed on the basis of “criticism of object by itself” as the best way of criticism, and introduce architectural methods used to coordinate the dual functions of the building, and its spatial organization. At the beginning of the paper, after collecting the available data, the descriptive method is used as the basis of analysis of form, function and spatial principles governing the building and appraisal of some architectural features such as spatial transparency and openness, spatial independent, spatial differentiation and spatial hierarchy. Methods used to achieve the final results include field observation, desk study, as well as rational analysis. In order for creating the identity of our future architecture, presenting the past successful patterns to architects and the preserving the continuity of the traditional and contemporary architecture are the most important factors which necessitates performing similar researches for being inspired from successful vernacular patterns. Paying attention to theoretical architectural topics such as criticism of historical buildings is another reason for choosing this topic. Presenting the spatial patterns and designs of the monument, which will clearly show the domination of citadel function over palace function, is another conclusion of this paper. The main reasons for these results include: (1) using limited spaces for family and royal life; (2) using very complicated access method along with hierarchy for spaces; and (3) using less light for private spaces in massive circular part in third floor. Another important objective of this research is introducing architectural techniques of coordinating different and inconsistent functions in a single building, and the most important techniques for providing transparency and openness in Ghala include: (1) reducing introversion by terracing and locating royal floor generally and increasing the possibility of viewing other spaces; (2) using linear pattern in the third floor despite the existence of central courtyard in other floors; and (3) increasing openness by combining open and semi-open spaces of second and third floors. The research results also indicate that, according to available information, the architectural design of the building - especially the dome and portico for organizing the space - could be known as the source of some of the major Iranian architecture patterns. In particular, the simultaneous use of these elements, due to their absence in prior architectural works, can be considered as the first use of this model in the architecture of Iranian palaces, tombs and mosques.https://aup.journal.art.ac.ir/article_92_ee08fc4d7e144ffc0ecb678fa8b5cfbb.pdfIran University of ArtJournal of Architecture and Urban Planning2717-129971320140911Roshtkhār Monument: a Mosque or a Khaneqah?Roshtkhār Monument: a Mosque or a Khaneqah?57769310.30480/aup.2014.93FAMehrdadQayyoomi BidhendiAssistant Professor, School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti UniversitySinaSoltaniMA in Iranian Architectural Studies, Shahid Beheshti UniversityJournal Article20130911Many of Iranian architectural works have been demolished over time. Moreover, there are some “types” of buildings that were almost completely demolished and became extinct. Khaneqah is one of these types. As stated in historic Persian and Arabic texts, before Safavid era there have many khaneqahs in Iranian cities and towns, even there have been many cities with more than one khaneqah. Safavids, who originated from the Safavid Sufi Order destroyed, deformed or at least renamed most of khaneqahs that belonged to non-Safavid or non-Shiite Sufi orders. Founding a khaneqah, which was known as an important pious and religious practice gradually declined and from tenth century AH/ sixteenth century AD onwards, khaneqah’s architecture almost faded away. Nowadays, Iranians and Iranian architectural historians have no clear image or idea about khaneqah’s formation, configuration, and architectural characteristics. Therefore they are unable to distinguish ruins of a building that someday might have been a khaneqah. Identifying the characteristics of khaneqah can be carried out using several sources, including historic texts, Islamic literature, studying the buildings that are known as khaneqah, and finally, studying the buildings that are known as hosseyniyyeh, mosque, mausoleum, or madrasa, but to the scholars their types are under debate. Roshtkhār monument is a prominent example of such buildings. On the Zaveh-Khāf road in Khorasan, there are some ruins of a building known as Roshtkhār Friday Mosque. This paper will examine the architecture of the monument on the basis of archeological findings and also recent findings about khaneqah architectural characteristics in Persian literature in early Islamic centuries. The ruins of Roshtkhār building are located in the suburb of the new Roshtkhār town; however recent archaeological excavations show that the building was someday located inside the town or on its west side. The building consists of a portal, a court with some rooms around it, an Iwan, and a domed hall. The Iwan has the domed hall on one side and the ruins of an unknown space (probably a second domed hall) on the other side. Date of the building is under debate; but on the basis of archaeological findings and comparing the scholars’ dating, we will show that the construction of the building dates back to eleventh century AD, with an important restoration including a dated thuluth inscription in fifteenth century AD. The building used to be called as khaneqah before it was registered in the Iran’s National Registry of Architectural Heritage in 1976; however, its type has been under debate. None of the scholars have clarified their criteria used to identify the type of this building. Therefore, we should take another way to identify its type: deliberating the building compatibility with khaneqahs’ physical configuration and functional requirements. In this paper we examine the type of this building on the basis of the criteria that we achieved in another research about khaneqah architecture and will show that the building almost completely corresponds to khaneqah architectural characteristics. So it is a khaneqah rather than a Friday mosque.Many of Iranian architectural works have been demolished over time. Moreover, there are some “types” of buildings that were almost completely demolished and became extinct. Khaneqah is one of these types. As stated in historic Persian and Arabic texts, before Safavid era there have many khaneqahs in Iranian cities and towns, even there have been many cities with more than one khaneqah. Safavids, who originated from the Safavid Sufi Order destroyed, deformed or at least renamed most of khaneqahs that belonged to non-Safavid or non-Shiite Sufi orders. Founding a khaneqah, which was known as an important pious and religious practice gradually declined and from tenth century AH/ sixteenth century AD onwards, khaneqah’s architecture almost faded away. Nowadays, Iranians and Iranian architectural historians have no clear image or idea about khaneqah’s formation, configuration, and architectural characteristics. Therefore they are unable to distinguish ruins of a building that someday might have been a khaneqah. Identifying the characteristics of khaneqah can be carried out using several sources, including historic texts, Islamic literature, studying the buildings that are known as khaneqah, and finally, studying the buildings that are known as hosseyniyyeh, mosque, mausoleum, or madrasa, but to the scholars their types are under debate. Roshtkhār monument is a prominent example of such buildings. On the Zaveh-Khāf road in Khorasan, there are some ruins of a building known as Roshtkhār Friday Mosque. This paper will examine the architecture of the monument on the basis of archeological findings and also recent findings about khaneqah architectural characteristics in Persian literature in early Islamic centuries. The ruins of Roshtkhār building are located in the suburb of the new Roshtkhār town; however recent archaeological excavations show that the building was someday located inside the town or on its west side. The building consists of a portal, a court with some rooms around it, an Iwan, and a domed hall. The Iwan has the domed hall on one side and the ruins of an unknown space (probably a second domed hall) on the other side. Date of the building is under debate; but on the basis of archaeological findings and comparing the scholars’ dating, we will show that the construction of the building dates back to eleventh century AD, with an important restoration including a dated thuluth inscription in fifteenth century AD. The building used to be called as khaneqah before it was registered in the Iran’s National Registry of Architectural Heritage in 1976; however, its type has been under debate. None of the scholars have clarified their criteria used to identify the type of this building. Therefore, we should take another way to identify its type: deliberating the building compatibility with khaneqahs’ physical configuration and functional requirements. In this paper we examine the type of this building on the basis of the criteria that we achieved in another research about khaneqah architecture and will show that the building almost completely corresponds to khaneqah architectural characteristics. So it is a khaneqah rather than a Friday mosque.https://aup.journal.art.ac.ir/article_93_640d5f94625280d89d46516b9914906b.pdfIran University of ArtJournal of Architecture and Urban Planning2717-129971320140911The Role of Microclimate in Attachment and Place-Making
Case Study: School of Art and Architecture, Yazd UniversityThe Role of Microclimate in Attachment and Place-Making
Case Study: School of Art and Architecture, Yazd University77929410.30480/aup.2014.94FANadiehRahmatianMA Student in Architecture, School of Art and Architecture, Yazd UniversitySeyedeh ZeinabEmadian RazaviAssistant Professor, School of Art and Architecture, Yazd UniversitySeyed Mohammad HosseinAyatollahiAssistant Professor, School of Art and Architecture, Yazd UniversityJournal Article20130701In the process of place attachment, i.e. the emotional bond between people and special places, people contribute meanings to spaces and keep them in their memory. Many physical and social factors influence the formation of place attachment. Places need to have a level of quality and be beyond the concepts of space and location. Canter sketched the theory of place, comprising three key components: physical, functional and psychological ones (meanings people attribute to a place). Among these, microclimate is an affective factor in place-making that has been neglected among researches concerning place and place attachment. The perceived microclimate has a role in people’s behavior, their bonds with places and how they experience and remember the place. Indeed microclimate has an impact on meanings that people attribute to places and is modified by physical characteristics of a place and affects people’s functions, so it is nested in the structure of place. By considering the significant role of the sense of attachment in improving the quality of designed spaces, this paper discusses the role of the microclimate in place-making and people’s place attachment. In this regard, we first review the literature of place, place attachment and microclimate and next the relationships between these terms will be clarified. In the second part of the research, these relationships will be evaluated in the case study of School of Art and Architecture, Yazd University (Rasoulian House), which is the offspring of the land use change of 11 traditional houses, built in a way to harmonize with nature and climate. This case study was chosen because of the various microclimates in different parts of the house, and also with the land use change to an educational environment, many students studying there for years make the survey possible. We interviewed the students and 70 questionnaires consisting of 21 closed-ended Likert-type scale questions and a few open questions were distributed among them. Participants were BA students in architecture who were studying for more than 1.5 years in the school so they would be familiar with all parts of the faculty. The questions were asked about different parts and classes of the school so they could be compared. Participants also described places and the reasons for attachment to them using words and phrases. The feedbacks of 52 questionnaires were analyzed and the results indicated that microclimate was one of the many physical factors affecting place attachment, although it may be less significant than other components. The level of attachment was different within various parts of the school and the participants mentioned microclimate (sun, wind, coolness, shade, quality of light etc.) while describing the reasons of being attached to places along with other factors such as vegetation, texture, views, enclosure, color, space proportion and etc. Microclimate had an effect on students’ attendance, functions and choice of places, and different places were preferred during different seasons. This research also showed that accumulation of various microclimates in traditional houses is a factor for their quality improvement, which makes residents directly sense the thermal qualities and keep them in their memories of the places.In the process of place attachment, i.e. the emotional bond between people and special places, people contribute meanings to spaces and keep them in their memory. Many physical and social factors influence the formation of place attachment. Places need to have a level of quality and be beyond the concepts of space and location. Canter sketched the theory of place, comprising three key components: physical, functional and psychological ones (meanings people attribute to a place). Among these, microclimate is an affective factor in place-making that has been neglected among researches concerning place and place attachment. The perceived microclimate has a role in people’s behavior, their bonds with places and how they experience and remember the place. Indeed microclimate has an impact on meanings that people attribute to places and is modified by physical characteristics of a place and affects people’s functions, so it is nested in the structure of place. By considering the significant role of the sense of attachment in improving the quality of designed spaces, this paper discusses the role of the microclimate in place-making and people’s place attachment. In this regard, we first review the literature of place, place attachment and microclimate and next the relationships between these terms will be clarified. In the second part of the research, these relationships will be evaluated in the case study of School of Art and Architecture, Yazd University (Rasoulian House), which is the offspring of the land use change of 11 traditional houses, built in a way to harmonize with nature and climate. This case study was chosen because of the various microclimates in different parts of the house, and also with the land use change to an educational environment, many students studying there for years make the survey possible. We interviewed the students and 70 questionnaires consisting of 21 closed-ended Likert-type scale questions and a few open questions were distributed among them. Participants were BA students in architecture who were studying for more than 1.5 years in the school so they would be familiar with all parts of the faculty. The questions were asked about different parts and classes of the school so they could be compared. Participants also described places and the reasons for attachment to them using words and phrases. The feedbacks of 52 questionnaires were analyzed and the results indicated that microclimate was one of the many physical factors affecting place attachment, although it may be less significant than other components. The level of attachment was different within various parts of the school and the participants mentioned microclimate (sun, wind, coolness, shade, quality of light etc.) while describing the reasons of being attached to places along with other factors such as vegetation, texture, views, enclosure, color, space proportion and etc. Microclimate had an effect on students’ attendance, functions and choice of places, and different places were preferred during different seasons. This research also showed that accumulation of various microclimates in traditional houses is a factor for their quality improvement, which makes residents directly sense the thermal qualities and keep them in their memories of the places.https://aup.journal.art.ac.ir/article_94_804d266e2d720f9999c5bb8783dc6c7d.pdfIran University of ArtJournal of Architecture and Urban Planning2717-129971320140911Urban Design Studio as the Educational Core of the Course:
A Comparison Study of Studio Subjects and Professional PrioritiesUrban Design Studio as the Educational Core of the Course:
A Comparison Study of Studio Subjects and Professional Priorities931129510.30480/aup.2014.95FAHosseinMobiniM.A. in Urban Design, University of Art, TehranFaribaGharaeiAssociate Professor, University of Art, TehranMitraHabibiAssistant Professor, University of Art, TehranJournal Article20131009Urban design emerged as an interdisciplinary profession in a world where its qualities were overwhelmed by its quantities and it was intended to improve the communities by rehabilitating the lost qualities. An accurate understanding of the urban design objectives and methods of achieving them will help us in this regard. Several educational programs have been offered throughout the world, and accordingly in Iran, towards achieving the expected objectives of the field. Given that the academic communities and the professionals are the main elements to achieve the expected objectives, their coordination may have a fundamental role in this regard. The comparison of the two groups constitutes the main goal of this study. In order for addressing this issue and attaining accurate definitions of urban design objectives, documents and sources have been reviewed and views and ideas of the theorists have been summarized. Since the proposed subjects in urban design studios play the most important role in preparation of students to enter urban design profession, prioritization of those objectives in professional community and urban design studio projects have been discussed and compared in this study. The extent to which the prioritizations of urban design goals were similar among the two groups, i.e. professionals and academic community, was studied in this way. To achieve this purpose, several interviews were conducted with urban design students in studied universities as well as with the professionals. Also a number of questionnaires were completed. The results show consistency in some cases and inconsistency in others. However, for both the professional and academic communities, the need to improve the existing approaches and methods seems inevitable. Consequently, professionals and their productions are affected by educational system, meanwhile according to the results of this study professional community lacks a perfect perception of urban design nature, so we can conclude that urban design educational system in Iran is not on the right road to address these shortcomings. Thus the Iranian educational system is incapable of covering the theoretical gaps in this field and eliminating the ambiguity of concepts in accordance with native characteristics. So, there are some priorities in society which are neglected to be discussed in urban design studios and in long term, and they can lead to wasting of resources, either human resources or time and money. However, it seems that differences between the professionals and the academic communities in terms of their priorities may be considered as an opportunity. In other words, academic community may help to improve the scientific and technical aspects of urban design professionals by introducing new topics and subjects to them and on the other hand, through the close relationship between the above groups, the academic community will be able to consider those projects in the urban design studios which are realistic and based on the needs of the society. It is through a close collaboration of the academic community and the professional groups that steps can be taken towards a quality urban design.Urban design emerged as an interdisciplinary profession in a world where its qualities were overwhelmed by its quantities and it was intended to improve the communities by rehabilitating the lost qualities. An accurate understanding of the urban design objectives and methods of achieving them will help us in this regard. Several educational programs have been offered throughout the world, and accordingly in Iran, towards achieving the expected objectives of the field. Given that the academic communities and the professionals are the main elements to achieve the expected objectives, their coordination may have a fundamental role in this regard. The comparison of the two groups constitutes the main goal of this study. In order for addressing this issue and attaining accurate definitions of urban design objectives, documents and sources have been reviewed and views and ideas of the theorists have been summarized. Since the proposed subjects in urban design studios play the most important role in preparation of students to enter urban design profession, prioritization of those objectives in professional community and urban design studio projects have been discussed and compared in this study. The extent to which the prioritizations of urban design goals were similar among the two groups, i.e. professionals and academic community, was studied in this way. To achieve this purpose, several interviews were conducted with urban design students in studied universities as well as with the professionals. Also a number of questionnaires were completed. The results show consistency in some cases and inconsistency in others. However, for both the professional and academic communities, the need to improve the existing approaches and methods seems inevitable. Consequently, professionals and their productions are affected by educational system, meanwhile according to the results of this study professional community lacks a perfect perception of urban design nature, so we can conclude that urban design educational system in Iran is not on the right road to address these shortcomings. Thus the Iranian educational system is incapable of covering the theoretical gaps in this field and eliminating the ambiguity of concepts in accordance with native characteristics. So, there are some priorities in society which are neglected to be discussed in urban design studios and in long term, and they can lead to wasting of resources, either human resources or time and money. However, it seems that differences between the professionals and the academic communities in terms of their priorities may be considered as an opportunity. In other words, academic community may help to improve the scientific and technical aspects of urban design professionals by introducing new topics and subjects to them and on the other hand, through the close relationship between the above groups, the academic community will be able to consider those projects in the urban design studios which are realistic and based on the needs of the society. It is through a close collaboration of the academic community and the professional groups that steps can be taken towards a quality urban design.https://aup.journal.art.ac.ir/article_95_f4f8c5fed905e9ae875a123f19a88db1.pdfIran University of ArtJournal of Architecture and Urban Planning2717-129971320140911Analysis and Assessment of Sitting Activity in Urban Spaces
Case Study: Tehran’s Theatre Shahr SquareAnalysis and Assessment of Sitting Activity in Urban Spaces
Case Study: Tehran’s Theatre Shahr Square1131319610.30480/aup.2014.96FAKavehBaghbehM.A. in Urban Design, Tarbiat Modares UniversityMohammadrezaPourjafarProfessor, Department of Urban Planning and Design, Tarbiat Modares UniversityEhsanRanjbarAssistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Design, Tarbiat Modares UniversityJournal Article20130707One of the most significant factors for improving the quality and success of urban spaces is increasing the publicity of their routine activities. Direct observations of some great experts such as William White and Jan Gehl demonstrate that the successful public places have three essential advantages: density, variety and wide range of different social interactions. Despite former studies by academic experts, the activities themselves have never been considered in particular as effective factors on the space design. Studying urban spaces from this point of view will also help us organize the activities. “Sitting” is one of the most attractive and most important activities in urban spaces. Conscious decisions being made on where to sit (ledges, benches, steps, etc.) are evidences for an appropriate space, view or peripheral circumstances. Hence making assessments on these decisions will clarify the extent at which these spaces may seem appropriate to citizens. Considering the diversity of social and cultural activities in Theatre Shahr Square, it could be labeled as an important urban space in Tehran. Theater and traditional performances attracts a variety of social crowds specially youngers and artists to this public place. Sitting on ledges and benches is one of the most popular activities of attending people therein. Reasons for this particular activity vary from waiting for weekly programs to start, waiting for friends, having a chat, watching people and the surrounding area and so on. Holding the objective of investigating the relation between the physical environment of this urban space and the important activities conducted therein and also the rate at which this environment satisfies the behavioral patterns of attendees, this paper will analyze and assess the activity of sitting in the public square of Theatre Shahr. The assessment is based on direct observation of the public area in front of the Theatre Shahr building and the surrounding public zones by camera shooting in accordance with Whyte Pattern and also the statistical analysis of the activity-level, the count and the age group of people and the time period they are engaged with the activity using GIS and MS Excel software programs. The results show that in this urban space the ledges are more favorable to people, especially to those attending there in groups, in comparison to benches. In the time of any acrobatic or theatrical shows, the use of sitting places increases by 2 to 10 times; being concave, dependence to the shape of the square, being shaded and serving the possibility of sitting in different height levels are among the specifications of an appropriate place for sitting. Most of the activities happen in the areas where sitting places have better physical characteristics; design of the edges includes considering the attributes of its physical environment and also providing a suitable view for any activity show in front; and finally the physical environment of the square does not provide the requirements for the attendance of women and children.One of the most significant factors for improving the quality and success of urban spaces is increasing the publicity of their routine activities. Direct observations of some great experts such as William White and Jan Gehl demonstrate that the successful public places have three essential advantages: density, variety and wide range of different social interactions. Despite former studies by academic experts, the activities themselves have never been considered in particular as effective factors on the space design. Studying urban spaces from this point of view will also help us organize the activities. “Sitting” is one of the most attractive and most important activities in urban spaces. Conscious decisions being made on where to sit (ledges, benches, steps, etc.) are evidences for an appropriate space, view or peripheral circumstances. Hence making assessments on these decisions will clarify the extent at which these spaces may seem appropriate to citizens. Considering the diversity of social and cultural activities in Theatre Shahr Square, it could be labeled as an important urban space in Tehran. Theater and traditional performances attracts a variety of social crowds specially youngers and artists to this public place. Sitting on ledges and benches is one of the most popular activities of attending people therein. Reasons for this particular activity vary from waiting for weekly programs to start, waiting for friends, having a chat, watching people and the surrounding area and so on. Holding the objective of investigating the relation between the physical environment of this urban space and the important activities conducted therein and also the rate at which this environment satisfies the behavioral patterns of attendees, this paper will analyze and assess the activity of sitting in the public square of Theatre Shahr. The assessment is based on direct observation of the public area in front of the Theatre Shahr building and the surrounding public zones by camera shooting in accordance with Whyte Pattern and also the statistical analysis of the activity-level, the count and the age group of people and the time period they are engaged with the activity using GIS and MS Excel software programs. The results show that in this urban space the ledges are more favorable to people, especially to those attending there in groups, in comparison to benches. In the time of any acrobatic or theatrical shows, the use of sitting places increases by 2 to 10 times; being concave, dependence to the shape of the square, being shaded and serving the possibility of sitting in different height levels are among the specifications of an appropriate place for sitting. Most of the activities happen in the areas where sitting places have better physical characteristics; design of the edges includes considering the attributes of its physical environment and also providing a suitable view for any activity show in front; and finally the physical environment of the square does not provide the requirements for the attendance of women and children.https://aup.journal.art.ac.ir/article_96_6b0d2e6bd54d308724d98bcf3ad6c928.pdfIran University of ArtJournal of Architecture and Urban Planning2717-129971320140911Investigating Social Capital in Three Spatial Layers of Sanandaj City: Informal Settlements, Old/Central and Planned NeighborhoodsInvestigating Social Capital in Three Spatial Layers of Sanandaj City: Informal Settlements, Old/Central and Planned Neighborhoods1331499710.30480/aup.2014.97FAHooshmandAlizadehAssociate Professor, School of Art and Architecture, University of KurdistanKioumarsIrandoostAssistant Professor, School of Art and Architecture, University of KurdistanLeilaKhosravanianM.A. in Urban Planning, School of Art and Architecture, University of KurdistanRoohollahTavallaeiM.A. in Urban Planning, School of Art and Architecture, University of KurdistanJournal Article20130911Social capital is a relatively new concept that has been identified as the key explanatory factor in economically prosperous territorial communities. It is a collection of actual or potential resources that emerges as a result of the institutional ties in the context of social networks which can improve citizens’ life. Since these social relations have a spatial dimension, so too the social capital. Depending on the kind of the ties and interactions, different types of social capital may exist. This, in turn, may include different spatial dimensions of social capital. In this regard, as social capital can have a great role through being integrated into the concept of neighborhood, the context which contains common interests and face-to-face relationships of its inhabitants, this study aims to investigate the level of social capital in three spatial layers at the community level in order to recognize the presence or absence of social capital and to identify the reasons behind them. The research strategy is primarily a quantitative one, in which three neighborhoods has been chosen as three different spatial layers (Informal settlements, old/central and planned neighborhoods) in the city of Sanandaj. Their social capital has been investigated through field survey using a designed questionnaire in summer 2012, where 150 questionnaires were randomly distributed among residents of each neighborhood. The administration method of the survey involved face-to-face interviews with residents. Data was analyzed using AHP method to determine correlations between the variables (comparative analysis of the three neighborhoods). This involved testing factors associated with social capital, identifying the key relationships and where the differences were between the neighborhoods. The results of this study indicate that the maximum level of social capital is in Abbas Abad (the informal settlement), the average level in Ghatarchian (downtown) and the minimum level in Mobarak Abad (the planned) neighborhoods. However, this classification mostly covers the content of bonding social capital and the next two dimensions of social capital (bridging and linking) are relatively the same across the neighborhoods. In other words, the highest level of social capital in the field study is associated with the bonding dimension of social capital and the least level of social capital is related to bridging and linking dimensions of social capital. The study reveals that the ‘concept of “neighborhood” is not a fixed one according to the survey findings and based on residents’ perceptions of their neighborhood boundaries. Another finding is related to the level of social capital. While the level of social capital is a good indicator of the ‘quality of the neighborhood’, the social capital cannot be seen as the factor which ‘causes’ neighborhoods to be ‘better’ places to live. The findings of this study suggest that social capital of positive community will tend to occur in neighborhoods with associated positive impacts, rather than causing it.Social capital is a relatively new concept that has been identified as the key explanatory factor in economically prosperous territorial communities. It is a collection of actual or potential resources that emerges as a result of the institutional ties in the context of social networks which can improve citizens’ life. Since these social relations have a spatial dimension, so too the social capital. Depending on the kind of the ties and interactions, different types of social capital may exist. This, in turn, may include different spatial dimensions of social capital. In this regard, as social capital can have a great role through being integrated into the concept of neighborhood, the context which contains common interests and face-to-face relationships of its inhabitants, this study aims to investigate the level of social capital in three spatial layers at the community level in order to recognize the presence or absence of social capital and to identify the reasons behind them. The research strategy is primarily a quantitative one, in which three neighborhoods has been chosen as three different spatial layers (Informal settlements, old/central and planned neighborhoods) in the city of Sanandaj. Their social capital has been investigated through field survey using a designed questionnaire in summer 2012, where 150 questionnaires were randomly distributed among residents of each neighborhood. The administration method of the survey involved face-to-face interviews with residents. Data was analyzed using AHP method to determine correlations between the variables (comparative analysis of the three neighborhoods). This involved testing factors associated with social capital, identifying the key relationships and where the differences were between the neighborhoods. The results of this study indicate that the maximum level of social capital is in Abbas Abad (the informal settlement), the average level in Ghatarchian (downtown) and the minimum level in Mobarak Abad (the planned) neighborhoods. However, this classification mostly covers the content of bonding social capital and the next two dimensions of social capital (bridging and linking) are relatively the same across the neighborhoods. In other words, the highest level of social capital in the field study is associated with the bonding dimension of social capital and the least level of social capital is related to bridging and linking dimensions of social capital. The study reveals that the ‘concept of “neighborhood” is not a fixed one according to the survey findings and based on residents’ perceptions of their neighborhood boundaries. Another finding is related to the level of social capital. While the level of social capital is a good indicator of the ‘quality of the neighborhood’, the social capital cannot be seen as the factor which ‘causes’ neighborhoods to be ‘better’ places to live. The findings of this study suggest that social capital of positive community will tend to occur in neighborhoods with associated positive impacts, rather than causing it.https://aup.journal.art.ac.ir/article_97_d662ca0e59115a901dd4df80c807c6cb.pdfIran University of ArtJournal of Architecture and Urban Planning2717-129971320140911The Role of Urban Boundaries in Controlling and Guiding Urban Development of TehranThe Role of Urban Boundaries in Controlling and Guiding Urban Development of Tehran1511739810.30480/aup.2014.98FAMahdiNorouzi FardM. A. in Urban Planning, the University of Art, TehranNaserBakpourAssociate Professor, the University of Art, TehranMahdiArabiAssistant Professor, School of Civil Engineering, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University (SRTTU)Journal Article20130212Rapid urbanization has caused different problems such as irregular physical growth of cities, emerging various forms of huge settlements resulted from urban sprawl, and expanding developments on valuable, but vulnerable, lands and areas prone to develop. Among these, urban sprawl is one of the most important metropolitan problems. It means irregular spatial growth resulted from moving and distributing activities and population from central city towards suburbs. Urban sprawl often occurs on the lands out of the municipalities’ boundaries, where the authorities’ control is weak and, therefore, is prone to expanding developments. Thus, different strategies, including Infill Development, Smart Growth, Growth Management (GM), Urban Containment Policy (UCP) and Satellite Town, have been considered to cope with these problems. Specifying urban boundaries is a tool of growth management and urban containment policy which is used to prevent unplanned physical growth, which in turn, results in destruction of environment and damaging open spaces and vulnerable lands. This study aims to analyze the role of urban boundaries (named Mahdoode and Harim in Iran legislation and development literature) in controlling and guiding urban development of Tehran. The first question of this study focuses on the importance of urban boundaries in controlling urban development based on the relevant literature review and experiences of different countries in using this tool under various titles such as Green Belt, Urban Service District, Urban Service Area Boundary, Urban Service Line, Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, Restricted Development Zone and so on. The second question addresses the evaluation of the performance of city boundaries, Mahdoode and Harim, in guiding Tehran development. To do this, four areas of study, including the functions, planning, governance and legislation of urban boundaries have been considered. With respect to the importance of the role of urban boundaries in the theory and practice of urban development and, also, the few available research concentrated on this subject, at least in Iran, the present study is regarded as an introduction of future studies on urban boundaries in Iran. Desk study, secondary and content analysis, and other relevant methods have been used to gather and analyze information in this research. The main findings of the research show that the urban development management system of the city of Tehran has used green belt to prevent unplanned and unwilling urban physical growth, as well as urban boundaries, i.e. Mahdoode and Harim, to control and guide the amount and direction of the urban development. However, due to effects of other elements out of the control of Tehran management system, it has not been able to achieve all of its objectives. Nevertheless, these boundaries have been relatively effective to control and guide urban development in the city of Tehran.Rapid urbanization has caused different problems such as irregular physical growth of cities, emerging various forms of huge settlements resulted from urban sprawl, and expanding developments on valuable, but vulnerable, lands and areas prone to develop. Among these, urban sprawl is one of the most important metropolitan problems. It means irregular spatial growth resulted from moving and distributing activities and population from central city towards suburbs. Urban sprawl often occurs on the lands out of the municipalities’ boundaries, where the authorities’ control is weak and, therefore, is prone to expanding developments. Thus, different strategies, including Infill Development, Smart Growth, Growth Management (GM), Urban Containment Policy (UCP) and Satellite Town, have been considered to cope with these problems. Specifying urban boundaries is a tool of growth management and urban containment policy which is used to prevent unplanned physical growth, which in turn, results in destruction of environment and damaging open spaces and vulnerable lands. This study aims to analyze the role of urban boundaries (named Mahdoode and Harim in Iran legislation and development literature) in controlling and guiding urban development of Tehran. The first question of this study focuses on the importance of urban boundaries in controlling urban development based on the relevant literature review and experiences of different countries in using this tool under various titles such as Green Belt, Urban Service District, Urban Service Area Boundary, Urban Service Line, Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, Restricted Development Zone and so on. The second question addresses the evaluation of the performance of city boundaries, Mahdoode and Harim, in guiding Tehran development. To do this, four areas of study, including the functions, planning, governance and legislation of urban boundaries have been considered. With respect to the importance of the role of urban boundaries in the theory and practice of urban development and, also, the few available research concentrated on this subject, at least in Iran, the present study is regarded as an introduction of future studies on urban boundaries in Iran. Desk study, secondary and content analysis, and other relevant methods have been used to gather and analyze information in this research. The main findings of the research show that the urban development management system of the city of Tehran has used green belt to prevent unplanned and unwilling urban physical growth, as well as urban boundaries, i.e. Mahdoode and Harim, to control and guide the amount and direction of the urban development. However, due to effects of other elements out of the control of Tehran management system, it has not been able to achieve all of its objectives. Nevertheless, these boundaries have been relatively effective to control and guide urban development in the city of Tehran.https://aup.journal.art.ac.ir/article_98_9036c9cdddfb01aeb4403992fb700e92.pdf