International Journal of Architectural Engineering & Urban Planning
Volume:22 Issue: 2, Dec 2012

This research aimed at identifying natural organisms and their properties in the technological samples of contemporary architecture. The main questionswere: "Which properties of natural organisms are effective on the technological works of contemporary architecture?" and "How much do they affect?"This descriptive-analytic research was conducted using archival method to access the theoretical literature, and surveying method for collecting the data required. Case studies were selected and analyzed from theinternationally famous technological works made from the sixties (Hi-Tech style) till now. The case studies were divided into two periods, 20th and 21st centuries; 8 works each period. The results indicated that properties such asunity, balance, proportion, hierarchy and efficiency have had most used between properties of natural organisms in technological works of contemporary architecture, and properties such as restorability, reproducibility and developability have been neglected.

Experts have found that natural environment could have positive impacts on patient’s treatment process. The impact of natural environment on mental state and lowering the stress level of the patients is undeniable. In this study, the impacts of natural environment on patient women in Tehran general hospitals were investigated. After conducting a topical study of the issue on hand, using field observation method, opinion of the patient women in a few of Tehran’s general hospitals was asked. Moreover, number of doctors and architects were asked to furnish the study with their opinion on this issue. After analysis of the answers, interesting conclusions on effect of open and green space on patient women were drawn. Based on these findings, designing open green spaces adjoined to the maternity ward could be in a way that encourages social behaviors, personal progress and convenient interaction with others and elevates mental and physical health of the patients.

Respect and reverence for water and trees are institutionalised in many ancient civilisations due to socio-cultural traditions, values and beliefs. In Iranian societies, respect for trees and water, separately and in composite form as gardens, is a well-known cultural value both before and after Islam. Therefore, the first part of this paper explains the value and importance of plants and gardens according to the religious and socio-cultural beliefs of the Iranian people in various historical periods. The paper continues by focussing on the history of the Persian garden city during the Timurid and Safavid dynasties. The straight streets, long-lasting gardens and the water supply of the three capitals of Samarqand, Herat and Isfahan are explained individually according to their historical references. Furthermore, it explained the special idea that has had direct relation with religious believes. In Safavid period designers often used the gardens as parables of Heaven. This idea influenced on urban design and was important in selection of green spaces as composing elements in urban fabrics. Finally, the paper classifies the features of Charbagh Street as an axis of the city of Isfahan, and compares these features with the features of the axes in the cities of Samarqand and Herat. The results of the study compare the design innovations, features and origins of the Charbagh axis of Isfahan, the Safavid garden city, with earlier garden cities of the Timurid period.

Considering the acceptance of culture as the principle predictorof understanding housing elements, including religious and behavioral patterns, is becoming increasingly important. This understanding can be clearly visualized in a city such as Kerman. Kerman is located in South-East of Iran andhas a diverse culture witha residential district in which Muslims, Zoroastrians, and Jews liveside by side in harmony. In this paper, the impact of religious and behavioral patterns on the interactive structure of houses, which belong to the followers of the above mentioned religions, will be explained.The results of this study could be used as a practical guideline and framework by the planners who are organizing approachesfor designing and renovating buildings in these districts. The paper implements a combinationalresearch method using documentation, field study, interviews, observation and logical reasoning in order to discuss the matter of privacy and hospitality and its impacts on formation of the houses. Furthermore, apart from the study of ethnography, the paper demonstratesthe fact that there are at least two impressive layers affecting the traditional architectural housing in Kerman. The first layer is derived from the dominant cultural patterns of privacy; respecting the rights of neighbors and hospitality that are acceptable by all religions.Adhering to these two principles is practical even today. Moreover, the second layer affecting the architectural housing of the Jews and Zoroastrians is derived from their traditions and religious beliefs.

Despite the utilization of several earthquake resistant traditional techniques in Iranian architecture throughout the centuries, the high seismic vulnerability of Iranian vernacular constructions is obvious. One of the latest innovations in building earthquake-proof emergency dwellings, prior to introducing the modern seismic design codes, took place during the successive destructive earthquakes of 1871, 1893 and 1895 in Quchan, located in northeast of Iran. These new shelters withstood shocks successfully during the 1893 and 1895 quakes and were in use for at least the next 30 years. Therefore, this local effort of building earthquake-proof constructions will be introduced in this paper not only as an intangible heritage of the regional knowledge, but also as a successful experience in building earthquake resistant installations. In this article, the process of innovation of these new shelters, their specific earthquake resistant features which did not have any peers in shape in the history of the construction in the region, their evolution and finally extinction is described. Furthermore, the paper comprehensively focuses on describing the capability of these shelters in comparison with similar geometrical forms of construction to indicate how local people chose the best shape alternative based on the following three factors: seismic resistance, ease of built and the amount of spatial similarity with previous local buildings.

Nowadays, with the development of the economy, the demand for energy is increasing rapidly while the energy supply is growing shorter and shorter. Researches indicate that energy consumption in the residential sector counts for the main parts of the total energy consumption. This paper evaluates the effect of building orientation on exposure to the solar radiation in a NESW orientated case of urban residence in semi-arid climate. SW envelope, with an annual exposure of 13.52 percent, only improves the thermal comfort of the house because of its annual climatic radiation trend. For vertical NE surface with insufficient winter radiation exposure of (0 %) and cool summer radiation exposure of (3.38 %), it could be concluded that the NE elevation is suitable and in demand in the summer but not in the winter. Total annual horizontal solar radiation exposure percentage of (83.04%) indicates that huge non- climatic roof radiation is inappropriate and should be omitted. Finally, the effects of solar radiation envelopes on electricity and natural gas consumption were thoroughly discussed.

Isfahan is a historic city that has experienced several urban developments throughout its shining and glorious past. They began in Al-buyid and Seljuq periods, and continued through the Safavid urban evolution in the sixteenth century. Zayande-Rood is an important and effective natural element in the city''s landscape and plan. This article reflects the conclusion of a historic study on revitalization of Zayande- Rood''s riverfront. The interaction of Zayande- Rood, its nature in Isfahan plain and the city in Safavid period is the main scope of this article. Therefore, the historic changes of the natural-historic environment of the river are studied. The documents used in this study are historic texts, foreign and vernacular tourists'' travelogues, and historic maps and pictures from natural – historic environment of the Zayande- Rood River. The conclusion is cognition of: I) Interaction between Zayande- Rood river & Isfahan in Safavid Era, II) Theory of the Safavid development of Isfahan in relation to the river. They provide a theoretical base for planning, conservation and development plans of the city, especially for the Zayande- Rood''s natural-historic environment.