spatial syntax

The cultural complexes, particularly cultural centers, play a crucial role in enriching the leisure time of teenagers and young people, fostering their awareness, and creating a platform for desirable social behaviors. In addition, these centers play a key role in shaping the cultural identity of young people and fostering a sense of community. They also offer a platform for creative expression, artistic growth, and social engagement, which are all crucial for individual well-being. The effectiveness of architectural design on the configuration and spatial relations of these types of spaces is crucial in optimizing the functional efficiency of these centers. For instance, the space design can significantly influence the way people interact with each other, the physical environment, and the activities and programs offered by the center. Moreover, integrating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems can lessen the building's environmental impact while enhancing indoor comfort and health. Effective design strategies can include using natural light, ventilation, and insulation to reduce energy consumption and create a sense of connection to the outdoors. This approach can also enhance the space's aesthetic appeal, making it more inviting and enjoyable for visitors. By incorporating these strategies into design decisions, architects can create spaces that are not only functional but also sustainable and environmentally friendly. This research aims to investigate the identification of effective components in the spatial dialectic relationship of Tehran's leading culture centers from the second Pahlavi period to the contemporary period. This research aims to provide valuable insights into the evolution of cultural centers in Tehran and identify the key factors that contribute to their success. By analyzing the spatial dialectics of these centers, we can gain a deeper understanding of how architecture can influence the social and cultural dynamics of these spaces. The research method employed in this study is quantitative in terms of the applied developmental goal and relies on a mathematical simulation approach to analyze the physical geometry of the researched buildings. This approach enables a detailed analysis of the spatial relationships between different building components, such as rooms, corridors, and outdoor spaces. Also, it facilitates the identification of patterns and trends in the data that can inform our understanding of how architecture influences human behavior. This comparison is conducted through field observations and space analysis using computer modeling in DephtMapX software. By analyzing real-world data and using computer simulations, we can test different design scenarios and evaluate their effectiveness in achieving specific goals. Besides, this approach allows us to account for factors that may affect human behavior, such as lighting, acoustics, and temperature. During the research, an analysis of three indicators of spatial dialectics–namely, "integration," "connection," and "access"–was conducted on case samples of the research. The results revealed that the element "interconnection" has a homogeneous value and an average of 4.75. This value represents the visibility and openness of the spaces where there is a cultural center in the vicinity. Furthermore, this analysis highlights the importance of creating connections between different spaces within a cultural center, as well as between different centers themselves. Simultaneously, the amount of "connection" and "access" exhibits significant variety, indicating the number of entrances and diverse paths within the structure of the studied architectural space. This variability reflects the need for flexibility and adaptability in architectural design and a willingness to experiment with different layouts and configurations. Analyzing the spatial dialectic relationship and the success in the function of Tehran's well-known cultural centers underscores the necessity of "physical and spatial integration" and diversity of "routes and accesses" as two effective strategies in architecture.By incorporating these strategies into design decisions, architects can create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Architectural design can be further enhanced by incorporating natural elements such as light, water, or plants into the design to create a sense of connection between humans and nature. Additionally, incorporating interactive elements such as art installations or performance spaces can encourage social interaction and community engagement. Paying attention to spatial organization, functional arenas, aesthetic appeal, and strategically placing space-dividing components using transparent materials contributes to overall use, efficiency, and emotional response within architectural spaces. By prioritizing these factors in design decisions, architects can create spaces that are not only functional but also beautiful and engaging. Comprising technology such as digital displays or interactive exhibits can enhance visitor engagement and provide new opportunities for interactive learning experiences. Incorporating flexible seating arrangements or movable furniture can facilitate different types of activities and events within a cultural center. In conclusion, this research aims to provide valuable insights into the evolution of cultural centers in Tehran by analyzing their spatial dialectics relationship over time. The findings highlight the importance of creating connections between different spaces within a cultural center and between different centers themselves. By integrating these strategies into design choices, architects can develop spaces that are both practical and visually appealing.

Different arrangements of blocks in a residential complex create different patterns of open space that enable the occurrence of different potentials in terms of spatial socialization. In this study, four different patterns of arrangement of residential blocks in the city of Shiraz, Iran were selected, including linear, complex, single-element, and complex central patterns. Their spatial structures were analyzed using the spatial syntax theory tools and field and documentary observations, and different aspects of socialization therein were compared.

 Theoretical foundations

1- Sociability of the architectural space:Socialization in a public space is based on people’s need for a sense of social belonging and interaction with each other, which can be realized in a supportive social space along with provision of physical comfort, territory claim, sense of ownership, and reception of justice in space.2- Factors affecting socialization in the open spaces in a residential complexAmong the factors affecting socialization, physical factors (pertaining to spatial order) that affect the sociability of open spaces in residential complexes were studied and analyzed.3- Physical components affecting socialization3-1- Type of spatial organizationHierarchyThe concept of hierarchy denotes a set of features and phenomena that cause different spaces to be classified or ordered in a spatial configuration.AccessibilityThe issue of accessibility can be examined in two ways: physical access and visual access.3-2- Locations of spaces and types of access to them One of the most important factors that affect the sociability of different spaces is their locations in the context of a site and the way in which people access them. TransparencyTransparency means the possibility of visual connection of different spaces with each other, and is an important factor in the provision of a feeling of peace and security in the environment.3-3- Form, geometry, dimensions, and proportions of the space:  The morphological characteristics of space specify its appearance, and have a direct impact on people’s mood in interaction with space and their desire to attend it, as measured by the following two factors.Spatial diversity:Spatial diversity is associated with a variety of concepts that are related both to the uses and to the formal diversity of spaces.Percentages of open and closed spaces:It is very important to consider the proportionality of open and closed spaces and the visible skyline.

In this research, spatial organization was evaluated using the indicators of hierarchy and accessibility. The tools of connection, relative connection, and depth were used in the space syntax technique. The locations of the spaces and the types of access to them were evaluated using the two indicators of spatial location and transparency, the subject of spatial location was examined using the tools of communication, relative link, and depth, and the transparency indicator was assessed using the tools of vision control and obstruction.

- It was observed that the least spatial depth was formed in the central layout, leaving the open spaces in the center of the complex with greater sociability.
- Where the playing space was located in the middle of the entrance area of a mixed complex, it occupied the largest viewing area, thereby increasing sociability.
- Mixed and central spaces exhibited the highest degree of interconnection, minimum separation, and maximum accessibility of the open space due to the type of arrangement of their blocks.
- Central and mixed spaces provided greater vision control and transparency despite their great spatial diversity and the possibility of mutual view of the spaces.
- In the examination of the indicator of spatial diversity, as observed, the presence of a skyline with a wider field of view and a sense of open space increased the sociability of the public space.

- Improper placement of spaces in the site of a residential complex will leave them less appealing and desirable to the community.
- If a space is relatively deep in terms of access, it will hardly be welcomed.
- Variety in the arrangement of blocks can increase sociability in the open air, because it increases the variety of space on the plan.
- An open space will enjoy greater sociability if it meets everyone’s needs. Children and families should be free to respond to their basic needs in these spaces.
- By establishing a balance between the percentages of open and closed spaces, we can help increase sociability. A visible skyline and consideration of the height of the blocks increase a person’s motivation to be outdoors.
- Greater sociability is required to create less visual depth and more communication and interconnectedness.
The following suggestions are made about the design of a complex:- tendency to design residential complexes of the mixed and central types
- inclusion of playing spaces that are more connected and more frequently used
- development of spaces suitable for sitting with a focus on provision of the right shade or the possibility of sunbathing and applying maximum transparency and accessibility
- creation of a playing space in a lower hierarchy with the possibility of providing maximum transparency and communication
- creation and development of semi-open common spaces on the floors of a residential complex, such as social balconies, and consideration of the availability of public, private, and semipublic spaces
- recognition that residents of a complex who have better observed the indicators of physical quality will find their living environment more favorable in the same conditions of the neighborhood.

Acknowledgment

This article is taken from the first author's doctoral dissertation entitled "Compilation of Shiraz apartment housing schemas with emphasis on indicators of optimal physical quality" which is being conducted at the Islamic Azad University of Shiraz.

Man is intrinsically a social being whose surrounding space constitutes his social relations. The extent to which the environment affects man’s performance has always been a major concern for environmental designers. Marketplaces are highly important in this regard as thriving, bustling public places. The urban space combines social relations and the structural context, which meets man’s collective functions and conveys a semantic load. It is not made simply for being seen and walked through, as it also helps form social relations among various people in the community. The urban space involves the pleasure and enjoyment of various social groups and their active, continued social presence therein. The marketplace structure has served as the heart of Islamic-era cities in the attempt to meet man’s basic needs, including economic, religious, social, and tourism-pilgrimage needs. It provides a good example for investigation of the reasons for high social interaction and how these interactions are affected by the architectural context. This article seeks to answer the following questions:How does structure impact the social interactions in the historical bazaar of the city of Tabriz, Iran?
How does the bazaar structure contribute to the improvement of social interactions in Saray-e-Amir?
How does the bazaar structure reduce social interactions in Saray-e-Dodari? 

 Theoretical Framework 

This research aims to identify the structural components affecting the interactions in the marketplace and investigate the role of Tabriz’s bazaar as a living, dynamic example of traditional Iranian marketplaces in the interactions occurring there. A review of the literature indicates that Space Syntax can help examine these issues, and an investigation of the components obtained from previous research may serve to help investigate the relevant factors. The components include permeability, flexibility, accessibility in the space syntax, flooring, furniture, spaces for stopping and sitting, visibility, etc. These are structural factors affecting social interactions, which can be investigated with various spatial techniques. As suggested in the literature, the term syntax bears contextual meanings; in other words, it is defined in association with relevant terms. If a building is considered as an object composed of a spatial-communication system, this system will be represented by a plan that manifests the function of syntax in the architectural space. 

 This research uses both descriptive-analytical and survey methods to investigate social interactions and the effects of structure thereon. Upon specification of the components of the marketplace space syntax and social interactions, the study investigates the impacts of the marketplace on the interactions. It provides a comparative examination of various activities of a set using particular space syntax (depth map) software to select and control the three components of permeability, accessibility, and flexibility in the form of integration. Then, the study uses a questionnaire to examine the effects of the structure on the interactions in the marketplace. In this method, each of the components extracted from previous research is investigated separately in the two bazaar spaces using a valid, reliable questionnaire. As mentioned above, the bazaars include Saray-e-Amir and Saray-e-Dodari, which differ in terms of function and geometric characteristics, and experience different interactions. 

Research findings on space syntax suggest that the extent of each selection, integration, and relationship component in Saray-e-Dodari covers a broader spectrum than those in Saray-e-Amir, demonstrating the greater relationship between the former bazaar and other parts of the marketplace. This relationship is poorer in the latter bazaar. This is because Saray-e-Amir is situated at the beginning of the marketplace, while Saray-e-Dodari is located in the middle between various parts. It is demonstrated that the higher the rates of relationship, selection, and interaction in Saray-e-Dodari, the greater the spatial accessibility, permeability, and flexibility. The questionnaire results based on the space users’ views also indicate higher social interaction rates in Saray-e-Amir than in Saray-e-Dodari. 

It is concluded based on the results that the three components of relationship, interaction, and control, which constitute factors improving social interactions from a space syntax perspective, directly impact accessibility, permeability, and flexibility. An investigation of all the three main components of space syntax suggests that centralized spaces and entrances impact the improvement of traffic, concentration of the users, centrality of these two in the decrease in user attraction, and creation of reclusive spaces for social interactions. Furthermore, a review of the structural factors indicates the positive effects of appropriate flooring, visibility, readability, and use of natural elements on the extent of social interactions, as the components of appropriate furniture, accessibility, and pause space differ in the two bazaars, which indicates the changing level of interaction there.

One of the most critical cultural concepts in traditional housing is the separation of public and private spaces. Given that Iran’s traditional introverted houses are based on the spatial structure in four prevalent patterns, two sides of construction (two different masses), two sides of construction (two masses perpendicular to each other), three sides of construction and four sides of construction; The purpose of this study is investigating the effect of these patterns on the separation of private and public spaces in Qajar houses. The research method in this research is quantitative-qualitative. And the tools used to analyze homes is mathematical of space syntax. In the qualitative section, based on library studies, research literature was collected. And in a quantitative part, after selecting 8 Qajar houses from these four models. First, the justified graph of the samples was extracted by the A-Graph software. The rate of separation of public and private spaces in the examples, by space syntax tools, average relative depth, step depth, correlation, relative symmetry and connection and control Was calculated. The results of the research show that the rate of separation of public and private spaces in the model of the four sides of the construction and then the three sides of the construction has been done more .than the patterns of the two sides of the construction