Compilation of Cognitive-Spatial Modeling Process in Architecture with Emphasis on Computational and Hypothetical Models

Researchers use model and simulation to study mental representations of the environment and gain a precise understanding of the human cognitive system. The complexity of modeling in spatial cognition is, on the one hand, the result of the complexity of the mind and the environment that people understand in different ways, and on the other hand, rooted in the diverse disciplines of cognitive sciences. cognitive-spatial modeling has gotten less attention in architectural studies because of the complexity of the process. Thus, in this field, there is no scientific or comprehensive approach that incorporates the various components of modeling. The purpose of this research is to develop the model of the process of creating two common types of cognitive-spatial models in architecture. The main question is; how to develop a model for the modeling process in spatial cognition that simultaneously relates human, environmental, and time frameworks? The research methodology was logical reasoning, which is accomplished by analyzing the theories of cognitive science and modeling. In the first step, the theoretical and cognitive basics of models are reviewed and two common types of spatial-cognitive modeling are introduced. Then, through logical reasoning and based on temporal, human, and environmental frameworks, a conceptual model for categorizing models is offered to clarify the scientific modeling in spatial cognition studies. Moreover, in the techniques and procedures level, due to the shortcomings of experimental methods in the study of the man-made environment (cost, instrument limitations, social and ethical limitations), behavioral and non-behavioral observation methods are useful measures for the study. Since these approaches cannot directly measure cognition, in order to decrease errors, researchers must employ mixed methods (such as cognitive maps, questionnaires, etc.). These models are made richer by choosing from a wide range of methodological approaches and techniques to cover various aspects of spatial cognition. Finally, a model is introduced for each of the computational and conceptual-hypothetical models, which represents the link between the mentioned frameworks and the modeling process. The findings show that during building cognitive-spatial models, in the choosing theories or the base model and finding the connection between concepts, dealing with temporal, human and mental-environmental components is a priority. Although cognitive studies may support both dynamic and static approaches in this respect, the concept of dynamic systems is more widely recognized in the fields of architecture and urban planning owing to the dynamism of two key variables, i.e., the mind and environment. Additionally, the properties of the individuals and the space under investigation both influences how people know their environment. According to the objectives of the study, the applied model, however, may place greater emphasis on one of the personal or environmental properties when describing how individuals perceive various spaces. Finally, in computational modeling, complex behaviors are simulated through algorithms and the possibility of behavior reproduction is investigated. In conceptual-hypothetical modeling, due to the knowledge of the general public about the environment, deductive-inductive methods that are common in social sciences will be useful.