Identifying the effective components of social interaction in the residential complex: Synthesis method

A substantial body of research has been conducted on the subject of housing evaluation indicators. Given the extensive nature of the research, the presentation of a unified framework and the evaluation of the aforementioned set of indicators represents a crucial step forward in the field of housing research. This classification provides the most effective indicators for housing design and evaluation for design, planning, and housing research professionals. This article aims to evaluate the indicators of quality in residential complexes, with a particular focus on social interactions as a fundamental aspect of residents’ lives. Consequently, the objective of this study is to assess and review the elements and indicators associated with social interactions in residential complexes. The current research approach is qualitative and is based on the synthesis research methodology, as proposed by Robertash (2007). To conduct a more comprehensive evaluation, it is necessary to consider several key factors, including quality of life in housing, housing satisfaction, housing quality, user satisfaction, resident satisfaction, residential satisfaction, occupant satisfaction, social interaction, social relationship in housing, neighborhood interaction in housing, sociopetal space in housing, and co-presence in housing. The mentioned keywords should be used to search for relevant research and papers. The research community encompasses 290 articles published in reputable scientific journals between 1999 and 2023. The articles address the topics of housing evaluation indicators and social interactions in housing. Papers evaluated based on an evolution checklist must contain a case study or other relevant examples, the purpose of the paper, a description of the research method and the evolution method employed, the findings, and the result. Ultimately, the research sample consisted of 54 scientific research articles that were collected to form a representative sample. In the initial phase of analysis, open codes are placed close to one another, allowing for the overlapping and semantically related items to be re-coded and combined. This process facilitates the extraction of core codes. As a result of this process, the main dimensions and selected codes for social interactions in residential complexes are successfully identified. Data analysis revealed that the interaction components in residential complexes could be classified into seven dimensions and 19 factors. The interaction components are open space (natural features, size and area of public open space, open space per capita), spatial configuration (open space location, integration and enclosure, diversity, audio and visual comfort, balconies, privacy, and path), activities and behavioral settings (e.g., diversity and domains of activity, flexibility and adaptability of space and activity, and furniture and environmental features), aesthetics (e.g., aesthetical aspects, readability, and place attachment), safety and comfort, resident characteristics and culture, and management of residential complexes. The results of the literature review have been used to construct a model that represents the relationship between the main components. This research also focuses on architectural aspects of the residential complex, including open space, spatial configuration, behavioral settings, safety and comfort, and aesthetics, and presents a model.