spatial configuration

Urban and architectural spaces with various functions have platforms for creating sociable places and spaces, which include commercial centers. In the past, commercial centers played a role as traditional markets and today as malls or mega malls in cities for the life of cities and improving the quality of social interactions in addition to their commercial role. Also, it should be mentioned that architectural and urban spaces have an important role and influence in meeting the material and spiritual needs of citizens. On the other hand, the change in the structure of architectural spaces and urban planning has had an effect on the social interactions of citizens, which is one of the basic human needs, and this structural change is based on the theory of spatial configuration, which is based on the relationship between social behavior and the spatial structure of architectural and urban spaces. It is debatable. In the city of Qazvin, the bazaar was formed as one of the old markets of Iran and as the beating heart of this city during the Safavid era, and until now it has played a role as one of the main centers of social interactions in this city. The capabilities of accessibility, connectivity, readability, the combination of empty spaces and the different arrangement of spatial elements in the spatial configuration of this market have improved the quality of social interactions in this market and made it one of the lively public spaces in Qazvin city. Along with the success of traditional markets in forming and strengthening constructive social interactions; In order to respond to contemporary needs, contemporary commercial complexes played a role as one of the commercial spaces alongside the traditional markets.

The current research is based on the nature and scope of the subject in the field of applied-developmental research, and in terms of the method of carrying out descriptive-analytical research. Quantitative analysis is also based on research survey studies based on weighted geographic regression model and normal regression model in examining the relationship between space layout components and the quality of social interactions in traditional and contemporary commercial spaces.

In the traditional market of the city of Qazvin, the components of space layout accounted for 36% of the variance of social interactions, the Alborz commercial complex accounted for 42% of the variance of social interactions, and the Mehrumah complex accounted for 38% of the variance of social interactions, which means that the independent variable that includes space layout, It can explain the amount of changes in the quality of social interactions better and more. Also, on the basis of multivariable regression, the indicators of the space layout of the traditional market are 51%, Alborz commercial complex is 57%, and Mehromah is 52% of the variance of social interactions. Multivariate is more suitable than regression model. In general, the effect of space layout indicators on social interactions is as follows: in the traditional market, the index of interconnectedness, depth, connection, selection, and access have the largest share of influence on social interactions. In the Alborz commercial complex, the indicators of clarity, connection, interconnection, access and control respectively have the most impact on social interaction. Also, in the Mehrumah complex, clarity, coherence, accessibility and connection have the greatest impact on the social interaction of users.

Based on the separation of study spaces, the effect of space layout on the quality of social interactions is as follows:- Traditional commercial spaces: In the traditional market, the index of interconnectedness, depth, connection, choice and access respectively have the largest share of influence on social interactions, and based on the analysis of deepmap maps and spatial features, traditional market rows can be considered as a space that encourages citizens. It can be defined that according to it, access to other spaces of the market is easy and causes spatial coherence in the structure of the market.- Contemporary commercial spaces: in the Alborz commercial complex, the indicators of clarity, connection, interconnectedness, access and control respectively have the most impact on social interaction. Also, in the Mehrumah complex, clarity, coherence, accessibility and connection have the most effective contribution in the social interaction of users, which these components are due to the connection of the floors of the complex by means of a slope and also the presence of community-oriented spaces, such as the provision of art services in the space of the complex. which has a lot of access can be explained. the components of spatial configuration included depth, interconnectedness, access, continuity (connection),clarity,control,choice and perception of space, based on the analysis of each, the perceptual characteristics of users of space can be presented. In response to the main question of the research, considering the architectural structure of study spaces in traditional commercial spaces, depth, connection, choice and access can be considered as effective factors in creating community-oriented spaces. Also, based on the application of studies in contemporary commercial spaces, clarity, interconnectedness, access and connection were considered as effective factors in social interaction.

Among the most significant features of Iranian architecture is the bazaar, a setting with numerous social functions and expressions. The sociological dimensions of this relationship may be examined from the perspective of Zimmel's sociology. The relative absence of research that analyzes the physical space and social dynamics of traditional marketplaces through cognitive mapping techniques and the tenets of spatial sociology highlights the urgency for dedicated scholarly inquiry. The object of this research is to examine and recognize the relationship of space formations to social faces in the atmosphere of the Balouch traditional market of Zahedan,  from the perspective of Zimmel's space Sociology. Therefore, this article seeks to find answers to the following questions: Emphasizing the basics of sociology of space, what is the effectiveness of social forms on the configuration of public spaces? What findings will be obtained from the analysis of the social forms of the place in the space of traditional markets based on cognitive maps? From the perspective of Simmel's sociology, how does the unique index explain the relationship between social forms and the configuration of market spaces. The present study has been carried out bydescriptive-analytical method and field studies with targeted survey, along with library studies. the results of the research indicate that, Social activities and forms that produce a unique social space will lead to identity and continuity of meaning in the space of traditional markets. Therefore, by using these indicators, it is possible to create space self-regulating.

Traditional Iranian houses exhibit unique complexities due to their cultural layers. Family culture and behavioral patterns are the primary factors in shaping the spatial configuration of Iranian houses. The spatial configuration of the house was shaped by the cohabitation of multiple related families living together. These culture and behavioral patterns have influenced the spatial structure in the comparative study of the selected study. The main objective of this research is to analyze how behavioral patterns rooted in culture shape the spatial configuration of an Iranian house, specifically Amini's House in Qazvin. The key question of this research is that what are the defining cultural characteristics in the spatial structure of the Iranian house and how is the impact of each on the spatial configuration of the houses? The research employs a content analysis approach combined with descriptive methods. An interpretive-historical analysis was conducted to explore cultural relationships in this Qajar-era mansion and to identify the factors influencing traditional Iranian family system patterns. Subsequently, the descriptive method was applied to examine the activity systems and spatial organization of this traditional house based on existing sources. Additionally, in-depth interviews and detailed observations were also conducted with the members of Amini family in Qazvin to analyze how kinship relationships, cultural norms, and behavioral patterns influenced the  activity systems and spatial structure of the house. The findings demonstrate a direct relationship between spatial configuration and cultural characteristics, as well as behavioral patterns, all of which reflect a specific and precise cultural framework embedded within the spatial structure of the house.

The issue of sociability in the space of mosque-schools is important in order to increase interactions and scientific advancement of students in scientific debates. In this research, sociability has been investigated in the secondary territories of the mosque-schools of Imam, Mala Abdollah, Hakim, Chaharbagh and Surkhi in Isfahan. This research seeks to answer the question, what is the sociability of the spaces in the secondary territories of Isfahan mosque-schools in the Safavid period with regard to the spatial configuration?

The research is of an applied type and the research method used in this research is a historical interpretation based on a case study and the analysis of the samples is comparative reasoning (part to whole) which is evaluated quantitatively. Presentation of the results has been done using the analysis of statistical data extracted from "E-Graph" software using the "Space Syntax" technique. By quantitatively analyzing the results of explanatory diagrams and graph software, the findings have been extracted and analyzed in the form of logical reasoning.

In order to investigate the sociability of the secondary territories in mosques and schools, among the components of the space syntax, which includes relative depth, spatial order, communication and connectivity, more connectivity, more sociability in the space, and spaces with more depth than characteristic They have privacy.

The analysis of the findings of the research shows that in the studied mosque-schools, the middle space (the courtyard of the mosque-school), which is a secondary territory, has the highest level of sociability among other spaces, and the results also show Among the spaces of the secondary realm in the mentioned mosque-schools, the courtyard of the Chaharbagh mosque-school has the highest level of sociability.

Quantitative and qualitative factors strongly influence human spatial behavior. In addition to the effect of spatial configuration, in the present study, it is assumed that pedestrians’ behavior in the streets is also influenced by evaluative reactions. Nasar’s method, though of course in a different way, was used in the first stage. Users assessed the place based on the type of perception and the presence or absence of attributes of safer places. Nasar’s method was implemented using an online questionnaire designed with web-based software. The result of this project was a group evaluative image that shows preferences and spatial evaluations of users regarding safety when consuming the streets of the city center. The first step was combined with space syntax analysis to consider the street pattern’s syntactic attributes. Syntax space analysis was done using an axial map and considering some syntactic values such as integration, choice, connectivity, and intelligibility. Next, careful observation of the overt spatial behavior was performed to obtain information about space usage patterns using a virtual gate counting technique. The findings indicate that pedestrians’ use of urban open spaces is not only based on the issues related to space syntax but also involves the meaning and evaluative components of the landscape.

Security is a very important issue in the development and dynamics of urban spaces. One of the areas in which security is considered very important in its development is the economic sector, and bazar security is essential as a clear manifestation of economic activities. The Iranian Bazar is one of the important urban spaces and its economic beating heart, and it consists of different spaces, one of which is the house. In the past, in addition to the location of commercial caravans, sera was also a place for supply and exchange of goods, which today has maintained its function in the bazar. One of the most important factors to improve and enhance spatial security is to understand the structure and spatial understanding of the environment. One of the main methods for measuring the spatial structure of the environment is the concept of spatial configuration. This concept confirms that the spatial structure in a spatial complex has a significant impact on the security of human social activities. Based on this, this research aims to evaluate the spatial security in the historical bazaar buildings of Borujerd with the help of space arrangement theory. The historical Bazar of Borujerd has a rich history, the life of its revival is more than one and a half centuries. The research method is descriptive and analytical with the strategy of space layout. In this way, after formulating the theoretical framework of the research and explaining the security indicators, using Space Syntax software, the space security in the historical bazaar buildings of Borujerd is investigated. The results of this research show that various factors such as: the area of ​​a spatial complex, the number of entrances, the length of the spaces, the possibility of circulation and also the proportions of the courtyard of a complex are involved in measuring the security of a complex.

This research presents a comparative analogy of spatial configuration and isovist in relation to communication between the courtyard and main living spaces in traditional and contemporary houses. It is assumed that in traditional houses main living spaces had deeper relation with the courtyard into contemporary ones. For this purpose, both traditional and contemporary houses were analyzed in space syntax software; UCL Depth Map. The interview method was used to identify any types of activities and their relations with spaces of traditional houses, and finally, indicators of space syntax software were evaluated, so the results were expressed. A comparison of houses shows that the courtyard in today’s houses plays a more passive role than before and has less communication with the main living spaces.  To stay safe from cold winter, in most cases, TANABI room has less physical and visual connection than the rest with the courtyard, which people spend their time in that in traditional houses, but the living room has must physical and visual connection toward the others at contemporary, which shows the attention of contemporary architects to the connection of the main living space (living room) with the courtyard.

The purpose of the current research is to analyze the configuration and spatial organization in the plan of historical schools of Islamic-Iranian architecture and compare it with new schools in terms of interconnectedness, depth (spatial influence), connection and accessibility.

The research method is descriptive-analytical with logical argumentation and deductive reasoning, as well as simulation with the use of Depth-map software. As case studies, Chaharbagh, Sadr Bazar and Sadr Khajo schools have been selected as historical educational buildings with a high arrangement and integration and uniform configuration, and Saadi and Setare Sobh schools with linear organization have been selected as contemporary educational buildings.

In Chaharbagh, Sadr Khajo and Sadr Bazar schools, they have the most spatial influence. The factor of difference in these schools is close to one which shows high spatial integration and the same configuration. We can also mention the connection between open space and education. The yard has the most access and is the heart of the configuration. After that, porches and cells have the least amount of access. In contemporary schools, the connection is less than in traditional schools. It can be seen in the combination of entrance, corridor and classroom spaces.

The analysis of the plans and the outlines of the schools from the past to the present shows the changing factors have a great impact on the of difference and the distance from the case study one, which indicates change in organization, the reduction of spatial integration and uneven configuration.

The psychological restoration is considered one of the important psychological variables among those who refer to urban parks. In Iran, this category has received less attention. Besides, the level of psychological restoration of visitors in different natural environments is not the same. In this research, the rate of psychological restoration in various areas of urban parks are compared and a valid, and indigenous tool to measure the rate of psychological restoration was introduced (Restoration Scale Localized Questionnaire: Rs) in these environments.

The strategy of this research was logical reasoning, and its tactic to evaluate the spatial configuration of urban parks was the Space Syntax method. In the space configuration analysis section, using the Space Syntax method, the parameters of connectivity, integration, depth, control, line length, entropy and intelligibility of the entire park bed (and especially in selected points) were analyzed. Moreover, in the section of measuring the mental state of citizens referring to urban parks, standardized and localized RS (restoration scale: The main output of the present research is also the introduction of this localized standard questionnaire in Persian language), and finally using statistical analysis to express the relationship between the spatial classification and psychological restoration of citizens (In fact, the park consists of two main geometric and organic parts, and in a number of points of both parts, the state of configuration variables and psychological restoration of citizens using a localized questionnaire was calculated and investigated).

The results of this research showed that the parameters of connectivity, integration, entropy, control, line length and intelligibility in geometric part are more favorable than organic part, but the depth of organic part is more than geometric part. The results of the mean comparison test also showed that the variables of depth and intelligibility have significant differences between the two geometric textures, but no significant difference was observed between the other parameters of the spatial configuration in the two textures. In addition, the results of the mean comparison test show that the depth of the geometric texture is lower than the depth of the organic range, but the intelligibility of the geometric texture is higher than the organic texture. Also, the analysis of relationship between spatial configuration and restoration due to the coefficient of determination showed that 46.8% of the changes in (psychological) restoration variable are related to spatial configuration variables and the restoration changes are mostly related to depth, control and entropy variables. The results of investigating the effect of spatial configuration variables on each dimension of mental (psychological) restoration also showed that 38.9 percent of the changes in the emotional dimension are related to spatial configuration variables, and this relationship is generally significant, more detailed analyzes of this parameter prove it that the relationship between intelligibility and line length variables was not significant and these variables did not have the ability to predict the restoration variable and the restoration changes are mostly related to connectivity, depth, control and entropy variables. Also, 38.3% of cognitive dimension changes are related to spatial configuration variables, and this relationship is significant. More detailed analysis of this parameter also revealed that the relationship between connectivity, control, intelligibility and line length variables was not significant and these variables could not predict the restoration variable, and the restoration changes are mostly related to the depth and entropy variables. In addition, 43.5 percent of the changes in the behavioral dimension are related to spatial configuration variables, and this relationship is significant, more detailed analyzes of this parameter also show that the relationship between connectivity, control, intelligibility and line length variables was not significant and these variables could not predict the restoration variable, and the restoration changes are mostly related to the depth and entropy variables.

Based on the findings of this research (and supplementary studies), the design of parks with secluded and uncrowded spaces, and minimal disorder in the layout (in terms of spatial aspects), which minimize visual (and motor) control and permeability, is recommended for the improvement of the spatial configuration of city parks. This is proposed to enhance the mental health of park visitors. This suggestion is directed towards researchers, decision-makers, and urban planners and designers in urban design and landscape.

Problem statement: 

To increase the efficiency of the social function of the public space, urban researchers have listed many features in various conceptual models. It seems that these qualitative characteristics can be categorized under the configuration of space to converge the concepts and to evaluate them quantitatively.

 There is a cause-and-effect relationship between the qualitative factors that influence the ability of a space to shape public urban life. These factors can be evaluated through quantitative and qualitative methods. This research tries to put the necessary factors that increase the quality of the space in a more comprehensive category and evaluate them through the integration of the above methods.

The present study is applied research in terms of purpose. It used a descriptive-analytical method. First, qualitative variables effective in constructing and forming public spaces were identified and categorized by reviewing the literature. The factor of accessibility was identified as a common factor that all theoreticians have emphasized. This factor was considered to be the basis of using the space syntax method. The space syntax evaluated the qualitative characteristics of the space at the macro level. Then the results were discussed using logical reasoning.

The findings of the research showed that the analysis of spatial qualities can be defined in a two-step process: first, in an initial evaluation, the public space is analyzed at the macro level through axial maps based on the level of accessibility and mobility, which is the basis and foundation of spatial qualities. In the second stage, to measure how the space is experienced by the users, a micro-scale investigation should be done on the site by referring to analytical techniques such as questionnaires, mapping, surveys, etc.

The increase in size and population and the spatial elements of cities has caused physical-spatial complications in cities, so that it is hardly possible to understand urban relations and to know the main structure of cities and their morphology based on the analysis of all the city components. Analyzing the spatial structure of cities needs methods that can respond to these complexities. Among the theories and methods that study the structure and configuration of urban space is the theory of space syntax. Spatial integration as a spatial value in the analysis of the spatial structure of cities is a concept developed based on the method of space syntax. In this article, using the spatial structure analysis method, the existing spatial structure of Bandar Abbas city has been explored as a case study. The research carried out shows that the growth and expansion of the city in different directions and the expansion of the physical extent of the city has caused many changes in the spatial configuration of city, which is necessary for effective methods and techniques in solving the problems. One of these methods is the method of space syntax, the use of which will be very effective in understanding the complexities of the physical structure of city and the pathology of the spatial structure of localities. Just as the improvement of underdeveloped urban neighborhoods, without an accurate understanding of the spatial structure of the neighborhoods in relation to the structure of the metropolis, will cause the project to fail, the ability to be lost, and the neighborhood to become more isolated, the analysis shows that it is not possible to Revival of spatial structure and separation of all tissues suggested a solution; Because the problem of some of these tissues is not internal and is the result of the lack of proper structural connection between the tissue and the city. Therefore, it is necessary to know the structure and spatial organization of urban tissues in relation to the structure of cities, and the use of space layout method in the analysis and predictions of designers will be useful.

Despite sporadic critiques of the philosophical and mathematical foundations of space syntax theory and the ongoing debate over its application, it has become a powerful conceptual tool for analyzing the environment. The main issue of the present study is the answer to the questions: What are the characteristics of the spatial organization of contemporary housing in Shiraz and how do these characteristics affect its functional efficiency? In this regard, identifying the composition of the space by studying architectural plans is one of the important resources. For this purpose, 384 residential plans were taken and the patterns of the spatial arrangement of housing were identified in terms of spatial and formal (with two aspects of central and axial arrangement). Then, 15 samples of each model were analyzed by software and their justified graphs were presented. In the third stage, the final analysis was performed based on the variables (integration and depth) and relative difference factor. The results of the analysis performed in this study prove the positive relationship between the spatial configuration pattern and the level of functional efficiency of contemporary housing arrangements through an analytical comparison method. The investigations of the present research showed that with the existence of dividing spaces and intermediate nodes, a bush structure, and with the functional sequence of spaces, a syntactic tree structure is formed. In terms of space analysis, an important aspect of space syntax theory believes that logically and mathematically, the arrangement of spaces can affect the functional efficiency of the space. According to the obtained data, it can be concluded that the layout of central houses is considered quantitatively and statistically more efficient. Accordingly, if participatory behaviors and high social interactions are considered, central systems that have more nodes and more spatial loops, less depth, and higher integration, support more participatory behaviors that This feature is well compatible with the Iranian family culture.

Problem statement:

 Space syntax refers to a set of theories and techniques concerned with understanding spatial configuration and its impact on the formation of social relations in architecture and urban environments. The present study investigated cases of contemporary housing in Isfahan to explore the overall structure of contemporary housing and examine whether space syntax analyses have managed to play an influential role in understanding the relationship between spatial configuration and behavioral patterns. It also manifests the spatial-social structure of contemporary housing in Isfahan. It would appear that space syntax has been generally quite effective in understanding the relationship between built space and residents’ behaviors; however, the vital role of each space’s unique attributes cannot be overlooked.

 Research objective:

The present study seeks to investigate the capabilities of space syntax in predicting social interactions based on a space syntax analysis of contemporary housing.

To achieve research goals, five cases of single-unit dwellings constructed over the recent decade were examined through justified graphs and VGA analysis. Interviews with dwellers were then held to develop behavioral pattern maps based on the components of interaction establishment. These maps were later compared through logical reasoning, based on which the manner of interaction establishment between space configuration and individuals’ interaction in the formation of the contemporary housing’s spatial-social system was compiled.

Space syntax analysis at a general and macro scale can prove beneficial in setting boundaries and forming behaviors based on the interactions between the components of contemporary housing. However, its efficiency declines at a smaller scale when the audience develops a closer relationship with space components, in which case environmental analyses become more effective.

Problem statement: 

In the last hundred years, the houses of Najafabad in Isfahan, Iran changed from a central courtyard to four forms of the central hall, a riding-pedestrian hall, and the private and apartment hall during modernization. So far, no research has been conducted on this developmental history to introduce the past and its changes and inform contemporary researchers and designers about the background and history of house design in this city.

This study aims to evaluate the developmental history of the architecture of Najafabad houses over the last hundred years and compare these houses based on the space syntax technique.

In the present descriptive and analytical study,  the developmental history of houses was evaluated from the point of view of spatial configuration, in several categories with several indicators using library studies, field observations, and simulation with the specialized software of syntax and space, and behavioral patterns were analyzed in spatial categories of entrance space, motion path, and privacy with navigable depth index, the internal organization of main spaces with interconnectedness index and spaces of pause, motion, and spatial hierarchy with depth index. In addition, entrance space, motion path, and privacy with navigable depth index, the internal organization of main spaces with interconnection index, and spaces of pause, motion, and spatial hierarchy with depth index were investigated. SPSS software version 20 was used to prove the numerical results based on inferential statistics methods such as Pearson correlation test.

Based on the results, the spatial configuration of the houses changed over time and privacy decreased. There was a direct statistical correlation between integration, depth, and navigable depth of common spaces in all periods. A gradual change was evident in the relationship between the courtyard and the building and its role from active to passive, reducing privacy at the entrance, identifying multi-functional vertical communication routes, reducing hierarchy in horizontal routes, increasing the number of organizing elements, and changing the organization from central to linear. The results can be effective for researchers and contemporary housing designers to reflect on the spatial qualities of contemporary housing to reduce the above deficiencies.

Space Syntax is a structuralist research approach to architecture that makes it possible to understand and interpret the social organization in built environments by studying the phenotype (structure) and understanding the genotype (function). The architectural remains from the past are important indicators in archaeological sites and the most significant findings in applying the space syntax approach. There is little information on the extent to which prehistoric buildings are capable of providing spatial configuration and social organization or the extent to which the space syntax approach can identify, perceive and interpret them in prehistoric and early historic structures and sites. Previous studies, with a few exceptions, have considered the use of the space syntax approach not in prehistoric houses or population areas but the later and contemporary eras. The present paper aims to use the space syntax method, along with observation tools, field studies, documentary investigations, and A-GRAPH and Depth Map software to perform an analytical comparison of spatial configuration and social organization in buildings1 (II and III periods) and 20 (IV period) of Shahr-i-Sokhta. The study examines the indicators of Depth, Relative Asymmetry, Integration, Control Value, and Space Type in terms of communication, access, privacy, and publicity to answer the following two questions: 1. what are the differences in the pattern of spatial configuration in buildings 1 and 20 of Shahr-i-Sokhta? 2. What is the relationship between their spatial configuration and social organization? The analytical-comparative study of buildings 1 and 20 of Shahr-i-Sokhta clearly shows that building 1 has more depth and consequently a higher degree of privacy, which can belong to the aristocrats or a person with high social status. However, building 20 has more movement, integration, and connectivity; thus, it cannot be considered only a completely private building, and it may have been a more public building.

Problem statement: 

The stereotomic theory is one of the oldest theories and is intellectually inconsistent with the tectonic theory. Thus, to regularly read architecture from this perspective, which results in reasoned critiques to improve the quality, first, it is required to classify implicit concepts related to the aforementioned theory to achieve its approaches. The important challenges of this research are aligning this theory with the conditions of contemporary architecture to analyze architecture through its lens and to explain how architectural components are influenced by the approaches of this theory. The results of this study can serve as a basis for reading architectural works and determining the contribution of architectural components to the acceptance of the designs framed by this theory.

Research objectivs: 

This research aims to demonstrate how the approaches of the stereotomic theory affect the components of contemporary architecture and how the components react to the above theory.

The present study is qualitative. It was carried out on qualitative variables using library studies, deductive thinking, and interpretive analysis. The analyses were performed using Maxqda n’s coding method in Max Kyoda software.

The results of the present study indicate the direct effect of architectural style and the low effect of the construction period on the being influenced by the body and architectural space by the approaches of the stereotomic theory. The components of materials, elements, structures, and construction in the architectural design process are mainly subconsciously influenced by the approaches of the mentioned theory. The structural component in the role of behavior is the most influenced by the approaches of the stereotomic theory, and the spatial body in neo-modern and technology-based architecture is the least influenced by the approaches of the theory.