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سال بیست و دوم شماره 142 (فررودین 1404)

Problem statement: 

The rapid transformations in the architectural landscape of Bam City following the catastrophic earthquake of 2003 have created a profound gap between modern construction methods and the city’s rich cultural and climatic heritage. Traditional architectural elements, developed over centuries in harmony with the hot and arid climate, have gradually been replaced by modern designs that neglect environmental and cultural values. This study seeks to answer the critical question: What are the opportunities and challenges of integrating bionic architecture with indigenous knowledge in Bam’s historical fabric, and how can ecological design principles be employed to create a sustainable and culturally harmonious environment in this unique climate?

To address this issue, a mixed-methods approach was adopted. Field studies and photographic documentation of historical structures were conducted to meticulously analyze the characteristics of vernacular architecture. Consultations with biologists provided insights into the ecological adaptations of native species. Interviews with ten architects and thirteen residents revealed traditional knowledge and their perceptions of nature-inspired design. Image preprocessing using OpenCV software facilitated geometric and textural analysis, which was subsequently reviewed by three architectural experts. Qualitative data from interviews were coded using Atlas.ti software, extracting themes related to the interplay of bionic principles and indigenous knowledge.

The study highlights the compatibility between Bam’s vernacular architecture and bionic strategies, including passive cooling systems and optimal material efficiency. However, challenges such as the adaptability of modern materials, economic constraints, and earthquake vulnerability were identified as barriers to integration. Addressing these challenges requires the development of hybrid solutions, combining modern and traditional materials, participatory urban planning, and nature-based approaches tailored to Bam’s specific socio-economic and environmental conditions.

Problem statement: 

Investigating the concept of lifestyle as a comprehensive set of activities and living patterns can provide insights into residents’ needs and preferences, informing spatial planning and residential design. Given that women comprise half of any society’s population, understanding their lifestyles is crucial, as it offers perspectives on how the residential environment may impact their physical and mental well-being, contributing to the reduction of gender-based inequalities and the enhancement of their quality of life. However, residential behaviors shaped by women’s lifestyles have rarely been explored in the literature.

This study aims to identify women’s needs and preferences in the semi-public spaces of high-rise gated communities, considering their lifestyle patterns.

Autoethnography was chosen as the research method to explore women’s activity patterns and housing preferences. To analyze the qualitative data, reports were coded, and thematic analysis was employed to extract key themes.

The findings indicate that spatial limitations within apartment units, along with restrictions on time and place for utilizing public spaces outside the building, have created challenges for many activities. Consequently, most women seek a residential environment that supports their social, leisure, professional, and occupational activities. Additionally, key preferences include the management of objects in shared spaces, spatial density management and congestion control, regulation of pet movement, and access to security infrastructure and provisions. As a result, utilizing semi-public spaces to integrate daily life and extend lifestyle beyond the private unit—alongside their role as connective spaces—can enhance the quality of life in these communities at various levels.

Problem statement:

 With increasing environmental concerns and the need to reduce energy consumption, the use of optimization methods for improving building performance has expanded. Since buildings are among the largest energy consumers and greenhouse gas emitters, enhancing their energy efficiency can significantly reduce pollutants and costs. This study examines various optimization methods, including Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimization, to analyze trends and identify effective techniques for improving building energy performance. Which optimization methods play a more effective role in building energy simulation, and how are these methods distributed and utilized in Bibliometric research?

This study aims to identify and analyze widely used and effective optimization methods for improving building energy performance. The present study examines the distribution and frequency of these methods in Bibliometric articles and seeks to identify existing trends and the contribution of each approach to optimizing energy consumption and other aspects of building performance.

Within the framework of a systematic review and to accurately identify optimization methods in building energy, a targeted search was conducted in reputable national and international databases using relevant keywords. After an initial screening and selection of related sources, data analysis was performed using VOS Viewer and bibliometric techniques to extract connections among Bibliometric texts. A conceptual model of effective optimization methods for improving building performance was developed, leading to a comprehensive understanding of their application and impact.

Optimization methods, particularly Genetic Algorithms and Swarm Intelligence, are crucial in enhancing building energy performance. A comprehensive analysis of current trends underscores the necessity of integrating real-world data and intelligent techniques to develop more efficient solutions.

Problem statement: 

In hot and arid regions such as Kerman, vernacular architectural design plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal thermal conditions and long-term comfort for residents amid increasing temperature fluctuations. Given this significance, assessing the impact of enclosed and semi-open spaces in Kerman’s traditional buildings from the perspectives of thermal environment and adaptive thermal behavior is of high importance.

This study aims to comprehensively examine the influence of enclosed and semi-open spaces in Kerman’s vernacular buildings on thermal environment, thermal adaptation behaviors, and residents’ thermal responses in a hot and arid climate.

Utilizing advanced statistical methods, this research gathered and analyzed data from a year-long field study. The assessments included environmental measurements in both enclosed and semi-open spaces and the determination of thermal comfort indices based on existing standards.

Findings indicate a significant difference in the thermal environments of enclosed and semi-open spaces, leading to varied thermal comfort conditions at different times of the day. Furthermore, residents’ thermal adaptation behaviors are closely linked to the spatial configuration of buildings. Notable findings include differences in neutral temperature, acceptable temperature (80% satisfaction), and preferred temperature, measured at 1.1°C and 0.9°C (neutral temperature), 2.2°C and 2.7°C (acceptable temperature), and 1.6°C (preferred temperature) during transitional seasons and summer, respectively. The results confirm that the thermal diversity present in Kerman’s vernacular buildings significantly impacts adaptive thermal behaviors and residents’ comfort levels. The smart design of enclosed and semi-open spaces, by offering distinct thermal conditions, enhances thermal adaptation and improves overall comfort, emphasizing the critical role of vernacular architecture in adapting to hot and arid climates.

Problem statement: 

Light is the primary parameter in establishing a visual relationship between humans and their surroundings. Without it, many of our daily activities would not be possible in modern conditions. Studies indicate that daylight conditions in various indoor spaces influence the emotional responses of occupants. Since people today spend most of their time at home and in indoor environments, and they have both physical and psychological needs for daylight, architects must have the necessary knowledge about daylight and its relationship with emotional responses. However, studies in this field are limited, and existing research has been conducted in different geographic latitudes with varying lighting qualities.

This study aims to identify the key daylight factors affecting the emotional responses of residents in Tabriz city, examining the influence of gender, age, and housing type. Additionally, it explores the impact of window orientation and dimensions on residents’ emotional responses.

This study employed a survey research method and image processing of a sample residential unit in Tabriz using the Revit software in a simulated environment. The standardized Pratt and Russell questionnaire was used for assessment. Demographic characteristics, experimental conditions, and participant perceptions were then analyzed.

Results indicate that two factors—window size and orientation—significantly impact residents’ emotional responses. In the north and east orientations, increasing window size generally enhances residents’ vitality. However, in the south orientation, increasing window size tends to reduce overall vitality. Additionally, there is a minor significant relationship between gender, age, and emotional responses to daylight. The type of housing does not affect emotional responses to daylight.

Problem statement: 

Persian painting (Miniature) is one of the rich sources of Iranian art and Islamic civilization, with the Safavid period being the most brilliant era in Islamic art. Studying the works of this period is important for recognizing cultural and identity background of Iran and its influences on Islamic art. The “Haft Awrang “ by Ibrahim Mirza, known as Jami Freer, is the last outstanding illustrated manuscript (muraqqa) with royal standards, created under the patronage of Sultan Ibrahim Mirza during the Safavid priod. This manuscript was created amidst political and social changes during the reign of Shah Tahmasp and limitations imposed on the support of art and artists. It seems to have been created in a free region, away from the prevailing transformations and ideologies of its time.

This research, through a historical and discursive perspective and by study the contextual and social-cultural factors, aims to investigate the factors influencing the formation of Ibrahim Mirza’s “ Haft Awrang “ manuscript based on the discourse analysis approach within the theoretical framework of Norman Fairclough in three levels: description, interpretation, and explanation and is developmental in objective.

This research is descriptive-historical-analytical in terms of purposes, relying on historical review and information obtained from the social and political contexts of the time when Ibrahim Mirza’s manuscript was formed. The research method of analysis is qualitative.

By historically examining the contextual and social factors in the formation of the manuscript and analyzing them within Norman Fairclough’s framework, it was found that Ibrahim Mirza, due to his political position, royal relations, and different worldview, played a central role in the creation of this work. Additionally, the political and religious changes in the Safavid ruling power influenced the themes, images, and content of the manuscript, resulting in an artistic work with distinct characteristics compared to its time.