دکتر عباس غفاری

The present study aimed to investigate and prioritize the interior components of architecture of educational classrooms that influence students' emotions and can enhance the quality of learning. This objective aligns with improving the physical classroom environment by addressing the role of emotions. Due to its qualitative nature and data collection method, the research was descriptive, conducted using a field-based approach and the Delphi method through a questionnaire. The process began with a review of the literature and previous studies to identify the relevant components, which were validated by experts and subsequently prioritized based on their impact level. First, using expert opinions through the Delphitechnique, 17 interior components of architecture affecting user emotions were identified and validated based on theoretical foundations and the literature. These components were then analyzed using statistical methods and prioritized through the Friedman test. In this study, the reliability of the questionnaire was determined using the Cronbach's alpha method. The research findings, confirming the impact of environmental factors on emotions, indicate that the three components of "light," "color," and "sound" hold the highest significance among the 17 validated interior components of architecture influencing user emotions in the classroom. This highlights the importance of the physical environment in fostering positive emotions in users of educational spaces and enhancing students' learning experiences.

The complexity of the design and the abundance of aspects that must be considered simultaneously by designers make it necessary to pay attention to different variables, which leads to the optimization of different functions. Other results of studies in this area are the identification of different variables. This study aims to investigate the effects of the dimensional variables and the ratio of area to volume of the classroom on the visual and thermal comfort of the users. For this purpose, the performance of the model in terms of the variables of and thermal comfort was investigated based on the weather data of Tabriz city using the simulator plugins Honeybee and Ladybug and the optimization plugin Octopus based on the evolutionary algorithm. The results of the survey show that the area-to-volume ratio of desired classrooms ranges from 1.16 to 1.69. The outcomes deemed optimal for the objectives of glare probability and daylight autonomy suggest that the most favorable solutions lie within the lower range of the surface area-to-volume ratio. Conversely, concerning comparative thermal comfort, the optimal solutions are found within the upper portion of the aforementioned range.

The image of a city comprises the beliefs, perceptions, and imaginations that citizens hold about their city. These mental images provide a framework for urban planners to propose better futures for the city. In traditional urban planning approaches, this images were typically studied through interviews and cognitive mapping – time consuming, costly methods limited to small samples of citizens. However, today, social media and other digital technologies have provided new opportunities to study urban mental imagery. This research, seizing this opportunity, aims to explore the potential of social media visual data to study image of the city. To do so, a three-phase content analysis categorized 4,919 Instagram image data from the historical fabric of Tabriz. Kernel density estimation then mapped the data. Results demonstrate that images shared on social media can not only represent the perceived cognitive maps, but also provide more comprehensive analysis compared to classical methods. In addition to the physical dimensions of space, these data have the ability to represent non-physical dimensions such as environmental preferences, identity elements, activities, behaviors, cultural events, and beliefs of the society. They also enable remote measurement of mental images of the city at any scale, with minimal time and cost. Thus, social media-based urban images can be a valuable complement to classical methods of analyzing the mental image of cities. The analytical framework developed from this study can be used to evaluate and develop the classical theory of the mage of the city in the digital age.

Problem Statement: 

As environments with meaningful roles that are harmonic with the community, behavior settings are of great importance in enhancing the living environment quality. Additionally, a sense of community in individuals is a human and identity-related factor in the field of environmental design, which can be achieved through personal behavior, as well as the cultural state of a society to depict similar links and perceptions among individuals. Therefore, obtaining a clear meaning of an environment, on the one hand, and analyzing the sense of community indices in affecting the behavior-milieu synomorphy1 , on the other hand, is the key to understanding a behavior setting and forming an environment harmonic with the community. 

The present paper seeks to answer how behavior-milieu synomorphy in a behavior setting is influenced by a sense of community components, to identify and examine the role of a sense of community in forming behavior settings.

This is a retroduction-based applied study. Consistent with this strategy, the theoretical model was achieved through data collection and literature review with a qualitative approach and reference to desk research; experiential analysis and explication were also conducted on the model during the field.

According to the research results, synomorphy in the ritual public spaces of Tabriz is effectively influenced by social and mental conditions components related to lifespan, upstream perception, and social issues. Additionally, environmental features and transpersonal factors (upstream perception and similar perception to others) act as criteria for determining the sense of community in public spaces. The extent of correlation between the sense of community and synomorphy forming behavior settings shows that the sense of community acts as a human presence catalyst and a basic element in increasing the factors affecting harmony and synomorphy in the environment. In other words, the sense of community has a significant effect on the formation of behavior settings.

Nowadays, there are problems such as noise pollution in the environment. In line with the emergence of these problems, topics such as providing sound comfort and proper distribution of sound in architectural spaces find a special place. Depending on the use of spaces, the degree of importance of this issue is different. In spaces such as libraries, access to sound comfort is among the priorities. One of the optimal space requirements in the library from the sound point of view is to prepare a relatively quiet environment without additional disturbances (such as traffic, internal ventilation, noisy people) and noise control. The proper distribution of sound in the study hall by expressing the issue of speech privacy and in meeting halls by expressing the issue of speech clarity is the focus of this research.

Research method, This research was conducted experimentally by measuring the sound intensity in the reading rooms of the girls and boys of Tabriz Central Library using the 2260B&K sound meter and the H8 recorder. The graphs obtained from the sound meter were extracted in Excel software and the recorder graphs were analyzed in MATLAB software. Finally, it has been adapted to the NC standard graph.

Statement of the problem: In the matted spaces of the library, where the physical boundaries become fainter, non-visual boundaries become visible. The place of sound has been important in the architecture of the past so that it has become a modern science. The problem of proper distribution of sound in libraries led this research to examine comparative studies between sound and architecture in library reading rooms. The purpose of the research: The main purpose of the research is to create sound comfort and reduce harmful sound reflections in these spaces to create speech privacy. To achieve this goal, the relationship between the transmission and distribution of sound has been analyzed by examining the geometry of the halls and the materials used. The final goal of the research is to investigate the effect of the gender of the voices of girls and boys in the halls. Research questions 1- What effect does the reduction of noise in the library space have on the process of speech privacy for users?

The general results of the research showed that the gender difference of sound in spaces requires a special architecture, especially in the girls' reading houses, due to the wide range of frequencies, necessitates the use of fibers and shells on the surfaces. Sound comfort and security are harmful reflections, despite the sense of place and sense of belonging for users in the library, in the degree of the environment's desirability, is one of the goals of this research. Examining the forms in the overall volume and surfaces of the floor, wall and ceiling and dealing with materials with appropriate absorption coefficients and creating speech and hearing privacy are the other research goals. The final goal of the research is to examine the combination of the frequency spectrum and the effect of the gender of girls' and boys' voices in the halls and to design an architectural solution in case of combining the frequency spectrum. By strengthening the architectural features in the field of sound, it becomes possible to formulate principles in the architectural design of libraries and acoustics.

Sound comfort is one of the discussions that has double importance in the library. This research has been investigated and compared in the reading rooms of girls and boys of Tabriz library. In order to improve the sense of attachment to the place in libraries, the importance and necessity of achieving a proper sound distribution increases. Research objectives; Achieving acoustic comfort and a sense of belonging to the place for users in the library and the desirability of the environment. From the recent studies in the field of library, architectural dependent and independent acoustic variables (geometric, subjective, objective, proportions) have been separated. The research method is descriptive and through the correlation of the mentioned variables and it was done by distributing the questionnaire and analyzing the data in SPSS software. The results of the research mean users' opinions in the geometric dimension of girls 3.087 and boys 3.579, in the mental dimension girls 4.093 and boys 3.998, in the objective dimension girls 3.828 and boys 3.733 and in the aspect of proportions girls 3.938 and boys 804 It shows 3/ and it means that; The mental dimension has the highest effect and the level of attachment of girls is the highest among both sexes. Therefore, it is emphasized that in order to improve the sense of place in the design of study and educational spaces, more attention should be paid to the use of surfaces with fibers and shells, and in some parts, the use of holes. The innovation of the research acknowledges that the range of wide and higher frequencies produced by the larynx of girls makes it more necessary to use fibers and shells on the surfaces of spaces reserved for girls in order to increase the sense of attachment to the place by creating acoustic comfort.

Given the increasing significance of technology in the progress and development of every society, along with the need to have a proper understanding of its meaning and concept to promote architecture, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive study on technology in the architectural context. It is not an overstatement to claim that all scholars of architectural history have somehow addressed the importance and concept of technology in architecture and have considered its role in the emergence of architecture. Meanwhile, research shows that technology in popular culture refers to machines, but there are other definitions for scholars. Consequently, extensive research in recent years has explored this subject, with experts presenting various viewpoints. But sometimes issues such as inappropriate, incomplete and inaccurate conceptualizations cause problems in these studies. Consequently, when referring to “technology in architecture,”, one cannot precisely define technology and its related components, which in its turn poses a big problem. Technology involves different beliefs and approaches and the purpose of this article is to refine the conceptual space of technology and to provide a more precise conceptualization with the help of its components. The questions that emerge are: What precisely is the definition of technology, given the wide range of opinions and the absence of a unified perspective on this term? To achieve a comprehensive definition of technology and address the diverse and occasionally contradictory interpretations, what indicators and components can be mentioned for this category?

To address these questions, we will closely review the etymology of this concept, trace its historical development, explore the growth of theoretical perspectives, scrutinize related definitions, and analyze its associated characteristics. For this purpose, using the bibliographic method and conceptual analysis and, the views and theories of the experts are first examined and analyzed. Then, the indicators were elaborated by focusing on the commonalities of the existing definitions. Thus, through the analysis of scholars’ perspectives, 10 indicators were assessed based on expert definitions and assigned scores. Among these indicators, six had the highest mean scores, implying the need to employ the Delphi method to assess the validity and reliability of these components. Consequently, these components are subjected to evaluation to ascertain their significance as perceived by Iranian scholars, with rankings derived from the perspectives of 23 experts who participated in this study. 

This test was conducted by interviewing the experts in two rounds. In the end, it was determined from the experts’ point of view which components were more important and which were less significant. Finally, one can achieve the highest level of success with these steps and arrive at a comprehensive definition of technology and its associated elements by considering the theoretical approaches put forth by experts. The findings indicate that among the components of “tools (hard tools and devices)”, “scientific knowledge”, “practical-experimental knowledge”, “process-system”, “techno-industry” and “manufacturing-production”, the components of “tools” as well as “techno-industry” scored the highest and the “practical-experimental knowledge” component scored the lowest.

In general, it is evident from the scholars’ perspectives presented in the table that their opinions align with those of the Delphi method experts. This means that for both groups, the “tool” component has the highest score. According to a wide range of definitions in terms of different opinions (positive to negative attitude) on the nature of technology, it was observed that some approach it in terms of its use or function, while others focus on its underlying meanings and concepts. In the end, according to the components, technology can be defined as the application of science, experience and human skills to meet human needs. It is a set of tools, skills, knowledge, and information known as technology components. This implies that not only the absence of these components but also the absence of synchronization among them can impact the ineffectiveness of the technology.

The provision of sound comfort and speech intelligibility in metro stations also contribute to the mental and physical discussions of individuals in addition to safety and security. In acoustics, an objective evaluation alone is not sufficient to determine acoustic satisfaction and there is a need for subjective evaluation. Therefore, the purpose of this research was evaluation of acoustical satisfaction in metro stations in terms of quantity and quality with descriptive-experimental methods. The required data was collected through field studies that included measurement of physical parameters (SPL and RT) as well as questionnaires to better understand the audience and measure their satisfaction with the five effective components in acoustic quality (auditory, speech, human, functional and architecture) and analyzed in two EXCEL and SPSS software. A comparison with international standards was made in the scope of physical measurements and recognition of the underlying variables to determine the satisfaction, the relationship between the factors influencing the acoustic satisfaction with the demographic variables which research in humanities is looking for. The analysis of the collected data indicated that the SPL and RT did not follow the relevant standards. The main factors of dissatisfaction from people’s points of views included mechanical, dynamic and speech reflection in metro stations, which produce significant noise, and have a great impact on safety and security and the performance of public address systems. Furthermore, satisfaction of users had a significant correlation with variables such as gender, age, number of trips during the day, and auditory ability of each individual.

Hearing in humans is a sense which has no role in selecting entries and responds unconsciously to various sounds. The environment in which humans live is overfilled with such sounds and vis saturated with different types of sounds from a variety of sources. Depending on the location of the human, the maximum amount of sound exposure that the ear can tolerate is determined. Architecture limits and frames sound. This causes the sound to behave differently indoors than outdoors. The type of difference is sometimes desirable and sometimes undesirable, and this is due to different architectures. There are many effective components in the formation of architecture and the physical structure of a place. However, early studies in Acoustics for architecture, exemplified by Sabine's formula, placed emphasis on the size, materials, and surface area of space as the most important factors in shaping its acoustics. As mosques are of a particular function in terms of acoustics, they require multiple behaviors in this field. An acoustically ideal mosque should not only provide quiet spaces for individual concentration, but also distribute sound effectively for collective use. According to Sabin's formula, this can be achieved through careful consideration of the volume, materials, and surface area of the space.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how changes in volume affect the acoustic behavior of mosques. To achieve this, the study aimed to maintain consistent parameters affecting sound measurements to analyze the impact of volume variations on the acoustic behavior of mosques. Findings suggest that traditional mosques with smaller volumes generally have more homogeneous sound behavior and exhibit higher sound pressure levels throughout the space. In contrast, larger mosques may have areas with high sound pressure levels but inconsistent sound behavior. The study was conducted in two phases - a theoretical phase and a field study - focusing on analyzing the acoustic behavior of mosques using advanced tools to obtain accurate results. The main objective of the research was to differentiate between acoustics in different volumetric types and identify effective techniques. In order to measure the Reverberation time, the 2260 device of B&K Denmark has been used, and several points have been measured in mosques depending on the size of the plan surface. The SINUS Acoustic Camera was utilized for imaging purposes and was operated in two positions. During the first stage, the samples' overall noise level was recorded. In the second position, the sound source was utilized. In all instances, the position of the source in the Mihrab was taken into account. This was done to simulate the preacher's typical placement in the Mihrab. The selected frequency range is up to 10 kHz. 

The findings indicate that all samples had a consistent sound distribution of 94 decibels. However, the largest volume exhibited the lowest sound pressure level, while the smaller volumes had higher sound pressure levels in proportion to their size. This shows that the effect of loud noises in space is much less felt with increasing volume. This acoustic event intensifies with increasing frequency and the effect of volume is less at low frequencies. On the other hand, increasing the volume increases the reverberation time, and this change, in contrast to the SPL, is greater at lower frequencies. In other words, the volume at lower frequencies is an effective factor in changes in the reverberation time and does not play a significant role in the reverberation time of space at high frequencies.

The results show that increasing the volume in the same structure of the samples reduces the sound pressure level in the building and, at the same time, increases the reverberation time. This is directly dependent on the frequency, and at lower frequencies, increasing the volume has less effect on the sound pressure level. In the reverberation time factor, the frequency behavior is inverse and the volume will be less effective at higher frequencies, which proves the acoustic balance in the samples. The three factors of volume, reverberation time, and sound pressure level vary in relation to the frequency range. The relationship between volume, reverberation time, and sound pressure level also varies depending on the frequency spectrum. This finding will be effective in designing mosques with a similar structure because the reverberation time and the desired sound pressure level can be predicted depending on the desired volume. On the other hand, since a standard amount is defined for reverberation time in mosques and other settings, the volume of the space can be designed, and the sound pressure level can be adjusted to achieve the desired Reverberation time.

In the present study, in order to explain the desirability of the soundscapes of the Timchehs of Tabriz Bazaar, Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and Reverberation Time (RT) have been measured as objective variables of acoustic behavior. Using descriptive questionnaire, subjective assessments were used to determine the quality of soundscape. The research seeks to answer the question of how the spatial characteristics of Tabriz Bazaar Timchehs affect their acoustic behavior and what factors are involved in the desirability of their soundscapes. Findings show that small-scale domes act as cavities with the retention of sound waves and have a good effect in reducing RT. Glass surfaces with sound reflection increase the echo of the environment and reduce the acoustic quality of the space. The materials used in Timcheh wall, brick with gypsum bonding, by diffusing sound waves play a positive role in acoustic quality. The results show that although the values of SPL and RT, which indicate the acoustical behavior of space, are somehow involved in the perception of people from the soundscape, but alone cannot be the basis for assessing the quality of the soundscape. The environmental characteristics and qualities of the spaces such as geometric proportions, dynamics or statics and the amount of congestion have a direct effect on the pleasantness of the urban soundscape in three Timches of Amir-e Shomali, Amir and Mozaffarieh. These three timches are part of tranquil spaces, and for this reason, the sudden appearance of some sounds, due to the difference in SPL, directly has a negative effect on the quality of the soundscape. Therefore, it is suggested that a component called Urban Soundscape Clarity be added to the studies in this field and be considered in the evaluation of soundscapes of tranquil urban spaces.

Soundscape is the perceptual quality of heard sounds. This study examines soundscapes of nine spaces of three special types in Tabriz Bazaar, Bazaars’ aisle (Rasteh), Malls (Timcheh), and stores (Sarai). The extant study aims to find how the soundscape of the three spatial types is perceived and how special features affect the quality of soundscapes of studied spaces. For this purpose, perceptual components of soundscape were surveyed by individuals who were present in the studied spaces of Tabriz Bazaar. This assessment was conducted based on scores given to perceived loudness of sound, acoustic comfort, noise source acceptability, and soundscape descriptors through the questionnaires filled out by 384 members. The research results indicated that the soundscapes quality of different spatial types of Tabriz Bazaar was affected by the environmental qualities, specifications, and sound sources. In static and unpopulated spaces that provide the possibility for pause and watch, the soundscape is more pleasant. Overpopulation usually reduces the perceptual quality of soundscape. The sounds with the sudden incidence in quiet spaces have a bad effect on the acoustic comfort and quality of soundscape due to the sound pressure level (SPL) difference. Therefore, a component called urban soundscape clarity must be considered in the studies conducted on the soundscape of quiet urban spaces. Moreover, sound source acceptability and quality of soundscape will be higher if the noise sources are matched with the acoustic expectations of users, in other words, the sounds heard in the space are consistent with its nature.

Residential architecture in Iran, and especially in the city of Tehran, has been changing since the beginning of the Pahlavi government. that, this developments were incomplete and led to the conversion of traditional, single-unit buildings into apartment complexes with vertical living. In the meantime, one of the most important factors influencing these developments is the new technologies resulting from the industrial revolution, which as a powerful factor, has in turn created undesirable developments. Because today, despite the fact that buildings have become more suitable and better due to the development of newer equipment and materials, it has adopted an intimate and inhumane design process. Therefore, this study reflects the impact of technology on the architecture of residential complexes in the contemporary period and during the two periods of Pahlavi and the Islamic Revolution, to achieve this, in the theoretical part with a qualitative approach and library studies and using the analytical-descriptive method, a theoretical framework is provided. In the practical part, the mentioned theoretical framework is evaluated through SPSS statistical program and finally personal analysis by field studies and questionnaire compilation. The research findings indicate that; there is a relatively weak relationship between the independent variable of "hard tools" from the discussion of technology and dependent variable of "residential complex" in the Pahlavi period compared to the period of the Islamic Revolution, but for the period of the Islamic Revolution, this relationship is more visible and stronger. So that the intensity of this relationship in the Pahlavi period with an average of 0.207 and in the Islamic Revolution with an average of 0.390. Among the significant issues; the important of "interior architecture/plan" in both mentioned periods is higher than the other two discussions, i.e. "interior decoration" and "area/ facade" in the architecture of complexes.

Sonic comfort and auditory desirability in architectural and urban spaces are largely dependent on the amount of reverberation created in the space. Reverberation Time (RT) is a physical component that is measured to assess echoes. Reverberation time, which indicates the acoustic behavior of space, depends on its physical factors, which include the form, volume and materials of space. If the acoustic behavior of the space is such that it creates an optimal reverberation time without the need for acoustic interventions, it can be acknowledged that the space is acoustically self-sufficient and sustainable. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the acoustical sustainability of Tabriz Bazaar spaces by analyzing their acoustical behavior to determine which categories of physical components are effective in the amount of space reverberation and how this effect is. In this regard, in different situations of various spatial species from Tabriz Bazaar, reverberation time is measured and in each situation, environmental factors affecting the acoustical behavior have been identified. Through the comparison of reverberation time values in different conditions and its adaptations with pre-proven scientific facts, environmental factors affecting the acoustic behavior of Bazaar spaces and how they affect have been clarified. The findings indicate that the domes and semi-domes used in the body of the Bazaar as cavities by retaining sound waves reduce its Reverberation Time. Also, fractions in the shells and delicate fractures of materials, bricks with gypsum bonding, reduce the echo of the space by scattering sound; unlike glass extensions, which reflect sound waves, causing a sharp increase in Reverberation Time. In fact, the original part of the body of Tabriz Bazaar, cavities and fractures, by reducing the Reverberation Time, causes the suitable acoustical behavior and creates the appropriate heard sound quality. The form is designed in such a way that the clarity component is fixed, and therefore, with increasing sound intensity, sound attenuation occurs faster and prevents the creation of noise and increase the sound intensity. Therefore, it can be acknowledged that Tabriz Bazaar is acoustically sustainable and its body pattern can be used in the design of new spaces.

The soundscape is one of the perceptual dimensions of the urban landscape, the quality of which depends on the pleasantness of the auditory perception of individuals. Different sonic potentials and, in general, the acoustic environment of any urban space is affected by the character and role of the area in the city. The central streets of the town are one of the urban spaces that, in addition to passing the various modes of transportation like light vehicles, heavy vehicles, motorcycles, buses, and BRT, include diverse land uses and functions and activities that it is both a transit space and a destination space for pedestrians. The acoustic quality of this space, which is affected by traffic flow and all activities that take place there, has a significant impact on the tendency of people to use the area and its pleasantness. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the quality of soundscape perception of pedestrians on Imam Street in Tabriz, which is the central main street of the city that embraces various architectural heritage sites and buildings. The sound walk method was used for the subjective assessment of 30 people (17 men and 13 women) based on the standard requirements of ISO12913-2. After giving the necessary training to the people, they were asked to walk from Fajr square to Shahid Beheshti Square, focusing on listening and evaluating the soundscape of the route at three station points. The results showed that nature-related sounds like bird songs, wind in the trees, and human sounds like conversations, kids playing sounds were assessed as pleasant, and the traffic-related sounds were assessed negatively. These unpleasant sounds were bus passing, motorcycles, horns, and sirens. In terms of overall soundscape quality, the route from Shariati Intersection to Saat square was evaluated as more eventful, memorable, chaotic, vibrant and pleasant. It seems this part's character and spatial organization have a meaningful effect on the pleasantness of the soundscape. The characteristics that differ from the two other factors are openness, different grades of the enclosure, the quality of porosity of the façade, diversity of the old buildings, sight to the heritage sites and buildings like Alishah Citadel, Saat palace and diversity in land use and functions like cinemas, fast foods and restaurants. When it was asked if the soundscape quality of space is according to your expectations, surprisingly, the majority of respondents answered that yes, and it was because the street is one of the main routes of the city, and it is normal to be chaotic and loud, but they admitted that this loudness shouldn't be related to unpleasant sounds. On the hand, results demonstrated that in similar traffic conditions, the factors affecting the perceptual pleasantness of individuals depend on the following factors: diversity of land use and activity (increasing diversity (spatial contrast) Leads to increased pleasantness, increased open and green space including diverse vegetation, reduced background noise level as well as architectural species of heritage value (the presence of valuable architectural heritage increases overall pleasantness).

The mechanical sound wave tends to propagate freely in space. In the open environment, sound energy decreases over time due to geometric divergence and environmental losses, but in the closed environment, which is defined by architecture; The boundaries of the space create another event on the produced sound and make its features more different. The shape of the mentioned range affects the sound quality and the architectural space in its 6 dimensions is defined as a range in which the sound acquires different qualities in dealing with it. The desired acoustic quality in the construction of mosques is one of the requirements for the design of this space, because the audience interacts with their sense of hearing in the presence and benefit of this place of worship. The desired listener in the architectural space requires the correct knowledge of the architectural components, the shape of the plan and the formal structure are among the most important. The geometric shape of the plan is one of the factors determining how sound is distributed in the architectural space, while the structural geometry and form of the space are also influential. If it is possible to study only some of the variables by proving some parameters in architectural aspects; It can be argued that the effect of the selected factor on the acoustic quality has been investigated. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of plan shape geometry on acoustic quality in the columnar form model of mosques, which can be evaluated in various volumetric classifications. The present study has selected the geometry of the plan as a study variable among the various components of architecture and the elements that form the form such as columns, domes, materials, etc. that is called formal geometry. In order to achieve its goal, 12 different examples of historical mosques in Tabriz that have fixed structure geometry; It has been analyzed in 4 volumetric categories and in three formal categories. The study tool is field measurement and is based on ISO3382 measurement. Background noise, Reverberation time and sound pressure level are the acoustic variables studied. The research results prove that formal geometry dominates the research results and its proof has led to the similarity of quantitative and qualitative acoustic achievements. In other words, it can be said that in the acoustics of mosques, formal geometry is preferable to plan geometry, which determines the acoustic quality of the space. If other examples are designed with similar formal geometry, regardless of the plan geometry in them, similar acoustic behaviors will not be unexpected. However, there are slight differences in the longitudinal geometry of both the quantitative results and the qualitative achievements of the sound camera; Indicates the need to pay attention to the elongation of space in the direction of the Qqibla. Therefore, in general, it can be said that the research achievement states that despite the fact that longitudinal geometry offers a different function, in a more comprehensive view, formal geometry in same material is preferable to plan geometry and its stability has led to homogeneity of acoustical behavior in samples.

Sound is one of the important factors in creating the desired feeling in a mosque and can be used as a sensory inductor to establish a spiritual relationship with God. On the other hand, several architectural factors affect the acoustic quality and therefore sound can be considered as a link between architecture and mosque performance. In order to evaluate the acoustic conditions of the mosque, the present study has measured the two standing and sitting positions in order to simulate the prayer positions. form and volume are the two considered architectural parameters and Background Noise, Reverberation Time and Sound Pressure Level are the three acoustic variables studied and 15 historical mosques of Tabriz have been tested in 4 volumetric and 5 formal categories. The study was cited in ISO 3382 and the measurements were performed with B&K equipment and Acoustic Camera. The results show that the formal classification of the study does not have much effect on the acoustic status and the main differences are due to volume changes. This proves the existence of a specific sound ID for historical mosques in Tabriz, which originates from the executive form of materials. Samples have common structural elements such as arches, protruding walls, corners, decorations such as ‘karbani’, column surface, etc. with the same materials that cause similar acoustic feedback by sound propagation.

There are numerous affecting indices on the quality of urban soundscape and sonic comfort is the most important among them. There are several components involved in the acoustic behavior of places, the most important of which are the form, materials and volume of the space. How these characteristics affect the acoustic behavior of the Sarâs of Tabriz Grand Bazaar and consequently its effect on the sonic comfort and quality of the soundscapes of these spaces is the issue that the present study addresses. The quality of the soundscape depends to a large extent on the sonic comfort, which is directly related to the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of the space. Sonic comfort is directly related to the Sound Pressure Level as well as acoustic behavior of the area and intensive sound produced by the sound sources. Basic affecting components on the acoustic behavior of an area are: parametric features, form, and volume of the area. In this regard, the Sound Pressure Level as a basic component in this research in the studied spaces has been measured. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how the mentioned indices are affecting acoustic behavior of Sarâs of Grand Bazaar of Tabriz as well as sonic comfort of the Sarâs. Three Sarâs with large, medium and small volume of Tabriz Bazaar Sarâs were selected as the case studies. These spaces are Middle Haj Hossein Sarâ with high volume, Old Haj Hossein Sarâ with medium volume and Mirza Mohammad Sarâ with low volume. Volume difference of the three khans is the same. Volume of small Sarâ is 6000 cubic meter smaller than that of the middle Sarâ; also, the large Sarâ is the same amount larger than that of the middle one. In each Sarâ, five points have been selected to measure the Sound Pressure Level. These five points are the four axial points and a central point that are designated as the focal points of the measurement. At each of the five points, one-minute shots were taken with an Acoustic Camera. One of the outputs of the acoustic camera is the Spectrum Diagram. This diagram shows the Sound Pressure Level by frequency. In addition to the spectrum diagram, the acoustic camera provides output Sound Pressure Level values by frequency in tabular form. Using the precise details of the Sound Pressure Level at each point of measurement, the average values of the Sound Pressure Level in the three modes of minimum, middle and maximum were calculated. The result of these mean values was then plotted for each Sarâ in the form of a graph. According to the comparative study of the diagram, it was concluded that although parametric indices were different acoustic behavior of the three Sarâs were the same. The acoustical behaviors of all three Sarâs of Mirza Mohammad, Middle and Old Haj Hossein have been to weaken the sound waves, especially the bass sounds. Also, all measured SPL values are in the range of human hearing and sonic comfort. In other words, the traditional architectural and urban design that has led to the creation of Tabriz Bazaar, in addition to paying attention to the visual and spatial components, is also effective in providing sonic comfort.

Soundscape is a subfield of urban studies that deals with the quality of sound heard and perceived in urban spaces. Numerous characteristics affect the quality of urban space soundscapes, and the acoustic behavior of the space is thus an influential factor which depends on its environmental characteristics. The acoustic behavior of the space indicates that the physical body of any environment amplifies or attenuates sound waves in the face of sound. As the environment body intensifies sound once created in space, sound waves stay in the environment longer, and increase sound intensity. Conversely, when the acoustic behavior of space attenuates, sound waves are destroyed in space shortly after created by sound sources. In this case, the intensity of the sound heard in the environment can be relatively stable, provided that the audio sources are constant.

The amount of time it takes sound to drop to 60 decibels after created by a sound source is called Reverberation Time (RT), which is measured in seconds. In soundscape studies, Sound Pressure Level (SPL) is also a physical component in decibels, which is used to measure sound loudness. Thus, Sound Pressure Level and Reverberation Time are two components that can specify the acoustic behavior of a space. In addition to acoustic assessments, soundscape studies address how people perceive the sounds around them and how desirable and pleasant they are. In fact, acoustic measurements are a tool that can help to create the desired soundscape, because sonic comfort depends to a large extent on the SPL. However, what greatly matters in soundscape studies is the perceptual loudness and subjective sonic comfort. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the factors affecting these subjective components. The perceptual quality of urban soundscape is specified through subjective assessments.

This research discussed the effect of environmental features on the acoustic behavior of Rasteh-Bazaars, in Tabriz Grand Bazaar, and on the quality of the soundscape therein. Based on the objective evaluations, the acoustic behavior of the Rasteh-Bazaars and the factors affecting it were specified, and the desirability of the Rasteh-Bazaars soundscape was clarified using subjective evaluations. Objective assessments were made to specify the acoustic behavior of the Rasteh-Bazaars based on the measurements of SPL and RT. The B&K 2260 set of equipment and ACAM100 acoustic camera were used to measure RT and SPL. Both of these values were evaluated in frequency spectra. Subjective assessments were made based on a descriptive soundscape questionnaire, where a total of 165 people answered the questions. The questionnaire assessed sound loudness, sonic comfort, sound preferences, and soundscape descriptors through the Likert scale. Based on the results, it could be found how the people present in the Rasteh-Bazaars of Tabriz Bazaar felt about and perceived the space soundscapes.

The findings demonstrated that spaces such as Rasteh-Bazaars, which are identical in form and material, exhibited consistent acoustic behavior. If accompanied by physical changes such as ones in the space axis and spatial integration as cavities, this homogeneity could change the acoustic behavior and the heard sound. This finding could add a new concept called homogeneous spaces to the field of soundscape design. This means that homogeneous urban paths can be designed so that the soundscape is perceived almost uniformly along them, and diversity and distinction can be provided through physical changes in the urban soundscape that can be perceived during movement. The findings also indicated that sonic comfort did not necessarily increase as sound intensity decreased. Even in tranquil urban spaces with low SPLs, the tranquility and quality of the soundscape decreased as the phenomenon of difference in SPL occurred. This important finding demonstrated that a new component called urban soundscape clarity should be evaluated in the study of soundscapes in tranquil urban spaces to investigate the occurrence of difference in SPL in tranquil urban spaces.

Based on the comparison of the objective and subjective findings of the research, it was found that it was not sufficient for provision of sonic comfort to simply follow the standard values of SPL and RT. This is because the phenomenon of difference in SPL could have a negative effect on environmental and sonic calmness, as mentioned earlier, in a silent space. The subjective perception of the soundscape depended on factors other than the physical quantity of the sound. In fact, the values of SPL and RT, which indicate the acoustic behavior of the space, could not serve as the sole basis for assessment of the quality of the soundscape although somehow involved in people’s perceptions thereof. The environmental characteristics and qualities of spaces, such as lighting and congestion and supplied goods appeal at the Rasteh-Bazaar were found to have direct effects on the favorability of the soundscape.AcknowledgmentThis article was extracted from Bita Shafaei’s doctoral thesis under the supervision of Dr. Abbas Ghaffari and Dr. Morteza Mirgholami at Tabriz Islamic Art University.

The urban soundscape is a new branch in the field of urban studies, which is related to various sciences, including acoustics. Soundscape is the perceptual quality of the heard sounds. Its desirability is clarified by subjective assessment. In fact, studies in this field seek to explain how people feel about the sounds they hear in urban spaces and how they perceive it as a whole. Numerous factors affect the desirability of the soundscape. The frequency and reason for the presence of people in urban spaces are among the factors affecting the quality of the urban soundscapes. Because different groups of people have different feelings and mentalities towards the urban sound landscape; therefore, necessary measures should be considered in planning and designing the urban soundscape for diverse groups. In the present study, the effect of this issue on the advantage of the soundscape of Tabriz Bazaar has been studied. Based on the frequency and reason for the presence in Tabriz Bazaar, three categories of people can be distinguished like Bazaar merchants, citizens of Tabriz, and tourists. Bazaar merchants are present in space every day for a long time to perform essential activities. The citizens in Tabriz periodically go to Bazaar for optional work. Finally, tourists probably visit Tabriz Bazaar a limited number of times for optional and social activities. This study aims to discover the possible correlation between frequency and reason for the presence in Tabriz Bazaar and the desirability of its soundscape. This is followed by determining the quality of sound perception of each mentioned categories and what factors affect it. To clarify how different people, perceive the soundscape of Bazaar, a questionnaire was used in which 384 people from three groups were tested. The hours allocated for answering questions are the peak times of the presence of people in the Bazaar, which are the busiest and noisiest hours of the day. Spearman correlation between the proposed components is calculated and is statistically significant. Findings indicate that the higher the exposure to the soundscape, the less pleasant it is. On the other hand, people consider sounds pleasant or unpleasant, depending on the purpose for which they are present in Tabriz Bazaar and how often they visit. Therefore, Bazaar merchants clearly understand the soundscape of the market more unpleasantly than others. Tourists find it more pleasant than others due to their peace of mind and short exposure to the soundscape of Bazaar. For the citizens in Tabriz, the soundscape of the Bazaar is acceptable and has a median status between merchants and tourists. Considering the tourists' satisfaction with the soundscape of Tabriz Bazaar, by presenting strategies, it is possible to increase the memorability of the soundscape of Tabriz Bazaar and provide a platform for tourism development through the attractions of "Bazaar sound". The spaces of Tabriz Bazaar are quiet and comfortable in terms of sound, and the most important factor that reduces the sonic comfort and hurts the desirability of its soundscape is the sudden occurrence of sounds with differences in SPL.