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Papers by Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

The rise of urbanisation has led to shifts in the literature and terminology employed by urban an... more The rise of urbanisation has led to shifts in the literature and terminology employed by urban and regional planning experts. Prior to the 20th century, scientists primarily utilised micro-scale concepts such as urban, rural, and occasionally metropolitan to elucidate residential patterns. However, during the 20th century, the growing process of urbanisation resulted in the emergence of various spatial and residential development patterns. The expansion and progress of extended metropolitan regions is a growing phenomenon. Research on extended metropolitan regions is a highly complex research area in regional planning due to the lack of established criteria to determine their formation. The absence of fixed indicators to recognise extended metropolitan regions as a distinct planning scale has contributed to the complexity and unfamiliarity of this phenomenon. Furthermore, their formation can yield both favourable and unfavourable outcomes across various dimensions. For instance, in the economic realm, it can lead to increased access to labours and job creation, as well as increased access to land and affordable housing. However, it can also result in an increase in the poverty rate. In the social sphere, it has the potential to enhance the quality of life in particular area, but it may also lead to a decline in overall quality of life. From an environmental standpoint, it can serve as a platform for addressing regional environmental issues, but it may also contribute to bringing green and open spaces under development. In terms of physical-spatial dynamics, it can promote decentralisation, but it can also lead to centralization. Lastly, in the managerial-institutional domain, it can foster cooperation in addressing common challenges, but it can also exacerbate fragmentation and dispersion of institutions. Neglecting these aspects may result in the negative consequences outweighing the positive ones. This research aims to establish a comprehensive framework for assessing the formation of extended metropolitan regions. The framework has been applied to analyse the extended metropolitan region of Tehran, Alborz, and Qazvin. Observing nocturnal light maps suggests that the Tehran-Alborz-Qazvin boundary is becoming an extended metropolitan region. To achieve the stated objective in this study, an analysis of the theoretical principles concerning extended metropolitan regions, spatial planning, and spatial structure and organisation was conducted. As a result, a set of indicators for measuring the development of extended metropolitan regions was proposed. These indicators were categorised into three groups: morphological, functional, and auxiliary indicators. Subsequently, a proposed analytical framework has been devised to identify the establishment or absence of the extended metropolitan region and to ascertain its level of advancement and progress. The proposed framework incorporates a scoring system that utilises both morphological and functional analysesof spatial organisation. Through the analysis of the given indicators using GIS and Excel software, the study determined that the metropolitan region of Tehran, Alborz, and Qazvin is now in its early stages of development. Indeed, the focal point of the extended metropolitan region remains in Tehran and Alborz provinces. However, the assessments also verify the migration of the extended metropolitan region towards Qazvin.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

The global challenge of providing adequate housing, particularly for low-income groups, is a crit... more The global challenge of providing adequate housing, particularly for low-income groups, is a critical concern for policymakers and urban managers. Housing, as a foundation of the economy, plays a crucial role in societal development. Consequently, ensuring suitable housing not only enhances people's quality of life but also can also stimulate economic growth and sustainable development.
One of the primary reasons for national and local government intervention in the housing market is to facilitate access to housing for low-income groups. Due to financial constraints, even under normal market conditions, low-income groups struggle to access adequate housing.
Despite Iran's laws and various programs emphasizing the provision of housing for low-income groups, government policies have focused on housing production. However, many low-income individuals lack the financial capacity to purchase or build housing, even with subsidies, and even struggle to afford rent.
This research aims to examine housing policies for low-income groups, with a focus on the role of local government, using Tehran City Management as a case study. The study employs a qualitative approach, characterized as descriptive in nature and applied in purpose.
Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the necessary data. Participants included members of the former and current Tehran City Council and Municipality, officials from the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, and urban researchers and experts. Data collection employed purposive sampling and snowball sampling, with the final number reaching 21 interviews upon data saturation.
The collected interview data was analyzed using a three-stage coding framework (open, axial, and selective) and interpreted through content analysis in MAXQDA software.
The findings reveal that the centralized governance structure and the lack of integrated urban management in Iran have rendered social and economic development programs in the housing sector, particularly for low-income groups, ineffective.
Consequently, one of the most significant reasons for the existing housing problems in Iran is the absence of clear and explicit laws and regulations. To improve this situation, a suitable legal framework is needed that clearly delineates the roles and responsibilities of each executive agency in the housing sector. With such a framework, housing policies can be implemented more effectively.
Another issue is the lack of coordination between the national government and municipalities, which has led to the uncontrolled growth of the housing market and increased opportunities for rent-seeking. Under these circumstances, municipalities, instead of focusing on providing housing for low-income groups, prioritize revenue generation through density bonuses.
. Additionally, the utilization of Tehran's inner-city capacities—particularly through the regeneration of deteriorated urban areas—represents a viable strategy for alleviating housing shortages. Empowering local governments with greater authority can enhance the effective use of these capacities and contribute to improving the housing situation, especially in Tehran.
Therefore, to improve the housing situation in Iran, particularly for low-income groups, it is essential to enhance the role of local governments by delegating responsibilities to municipalities and creating a legal framework for this delegation. This would enable the utilization of existing capacities in cities for housing provision, although it would require a specific legal structure, particularly within the framework of integrated management.
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Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

The spatial configuration of courtyards in residential buildings plays a crucial role in outdoor ... more The spatial configuration of courtyards in residential buildings plays a crucial role in outdoor thermal comfort. Courtyards, as passive cooling strategies, have been widely used in warm climates to enhance microclimatic conditions. However, despite growing global concerns about climate change, the role of courtyard placement in architectural design remains largely overlooked. Many designers fail to account for the thermal performance of courtyard layouts, leading to inefficient designs that fail to maximize outdoor comfort. This research underscores the importance of integrating computational simulations and optimization techniques in architectural design for enhancing outdoor thermal comfort.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

consensus. Ultimately, these four components create a two-way framework that enhances the concept... more consensus. Ultimately, these four components create a two-way framework that enhances the conceptual foundations of urban regeneration and increases the operational capacity of cultural landscapes. In doing so, the study underscores the convergence of theory and practice in creating more sustainable and culturally rooted urban development strategies.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

Today, over half of the world's population lives in urban areas, withmany developing countries ex... more Today, over half of the world's population lives in urban areas, withmany developing countries experiencing rapid urbanization, resulting in emergence of metropolitan areas. Each metropolitan area can follow a different growth pattern according to its characteristics and environmental conditions. In Iran, metropolitan areas such as Tehranconfront challenges associated with sprawl development, often at the expense of green lands. Neglecting this phenomenon can lead to spatial fragmentation leading to inefficiency of regional development policies. Tehran metropolitan area, Iran's largest urban center, continually attracts a growing population, necessitating a thorough analysis of its growth dynamics and underlying drivers for effective planning. Therefore, the present study intends to analyze the growth patterns and the driving forces influencing the formation of Tehran and Alborz urban agglomeration by using quantitative research approach and using satellite images and secondary data. The study evaluated the spatial pattern of growth of Tehran urban agglomeration during the years 2000 to 2020 using the SLEUTH model, complemented by logistic regression to identify key drivers. First the land use changes of Tehran urban agglomeration during the last two decades are examined and then, according to the coefficients obtained in the implementation of the calibration of the SLEUTH model, the urban growth pattern is determined. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of driving forces. During the last two decades, the share of urban areas and bare lands in the study area has increased and the area of agricultural lands, grasslands and gardens has decreased. Thus, the biggest change was in the increase in the share of barren land use, where most of the agricultural land and orchards have been converted to other uses. The results of calibration of historical data in the region suggested that road infrastructure and topographical features, particularly slopes, heavily influence Tehran's urban growth patterns. The main pattern of urban growth in the suburban areas of the region has a linear nature and edge expansion due to slope resistance. However, the coefficients of expansion, diffusion and beer show less probability for a new diffusion center and spontaneous growth in this study. Therefore, it can be concluded that the main factor of urban growth in this region is road-based infrastructure. Also, in areas with high topography such as eastern areas and Alborz area, slope has an important role in urban configuration. In the changes of the built areas, the distance from the bare lands, in the changes of the agricultural lands, the distance from the main roads and in the changes of the bare lands, the distance from the agricultural lands have had the most impact.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and UrbanPlanning, 2024

The investigation of spatial disparities and their characteristics across various geographical re... more The investigation of spatial disparities and their characteristics across various geographical regions has increasingly become a focal point for urban planners in recent years, attracting considerable political attention. The presence of spatial disparities in diverse global regions has resulted in certain regions benefiting from adequate level of public services and socioeconomic prosperity, thereby significantly contributing to national income and production. Conversely, this phenomenon hampers development in other regions, exacerbating the inequality and disparity between various districts. Existing literature indicates that spatial disparity has engendered uneven and unbalanced growth across different regions in Iran. Such disparities have precipitated imbalances within geographical areas, leading to pronounced variations in social, economic, ecological, and physical indicators. Consequently, the primary goal of this article is to identify the components, factors, and indicators that influence spatial disparities and to analyze the relationship between these elements and their distance from regional, provincial, and cluster centers in the Southern Alborz region. This region, recognized as one of Iran's national-regional physical areas, encompasses seven provinces-Semnan, Tehran, Alborz, Qom, Markazi, Qazvin, and Zanjan-and includes 57 districts located within these provinces.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

Problem Statement: The present study examines the use of the geometric pattern of girih in the de... more Problem Statement: The present study examines the use of the geometric pattern of girih in the design of contemporary monuments across Iran. By employing a geometrical approach, this study analyzes how traditional girih patterns are used in contemporary designs through Salingaros' pattern theory. It also explores the creation of new girih patterns based on the structure of traditional girih through geometric transformation in specific case examples. The key research questions are: 1. How have geometric girih patterns been used in the contemporary monuments of Iran during the 1930s and 1940s?, 2. What is the role of girih in forming structuring patterns and shaping the form of memories?, 3. How does the flow of girih geometry transform from traditional to contemporary? Research Methodology: This study presents a method for analyzing, transforming, and reproducing the geometry of traditional patterns. This method is implemented using a mathematical-geometrical model. The paper explores the geometry of Iranian girih as a bridge connecting contemporary architecture and historical architecture. It begins by analyzing the girih pattern and its fundamental unit, then examines how the geometric pattern of Iranian girih is used as a structuring and aesthetic concept in contemporary monuments of Iran. Geometric analysis is used to illustrate the metamorphosis of these patterns based on changes in the critical points of the girih. The methodology integrates logical reasoning with case study research. The findings were analyzed through geometric and mathematical analysis, followed by data interpretation using Excel and SPSS software. Objective: This study aims to explore how girihs were used in contemporary Iranian monuments in the 1940s and 1950s, the geometric techniques employed to modify girih geometry, and how traditional hidden geometry evolved into new forms in practical geometry (building designs and volumes). Another key objective is to investigate the influence of the geometric pattern of girih on the structure and arrangement of contemporary monument forms. Research Background: Theorists such as Ardalan, Bakhtiar, Burkhart, and Nasr have addressed Islamic geometric decorations from a philosophical perspective, while Cromwell and Critchlow have examined them from mathematical and geometric viewpoints (Khwarazmi, 2012: 14). In terms of domestic research, the literature on Islamic girih patterns focuses on the principles of drawing traditional girih, particularly in discussions of their geometric recognition. Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, it is possible to contemporize the pattern of geometric girih. This study demonstrates how the hidden geometry of traditional patterns serves as a connection between the past and present in architecture. It highlights how changing the fundamental points of the smallest component of the girih (the base unit or sub-girih) can alter the overall geometry while maintaining the structural connection of the components.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

collaborations, the negative effects of SBS can be minimized, leading to the creation of living e... more collaborations, the negative effects of SBS can be minimized, leading to the creation of living environments that promote well-being. In conclusion, the research underscores the need for designing residential environments that prioritize mental health. It highlights the critical role of environmental quality in shaping psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and aggression. The results indicate that improving residential spaces should be a priority for architects and urban planners in order to reduce the effects of SBS. An interdisciplinary approach, integrating architecture, urban planning, and mental health expertise, can provide a comprehensive solution to enhance the well-being of residents and create healthier living environments. This study offers valuable insights into the connection between mental health and the built environment and provides actionable recommendations for improving quality of life in residential complexes.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2023

simplistic interpretations of "sample" or "case" and instead aim for methodological and practical... more simplistic interpretations of "sample" or "case" and instead aim for methodological and practical clarity. Both the "sample" and "case" have the potential to play a significant role in any lesson or experience through diverse forms and methods. The results confirm previous findings and highlight persistent weaknesses in this field. Finally, while the distinction and proposed terms did not achieve broad intersubjective agreement or verification, this study constructs a basis for dealing with the difference between "sample" and "case," which can serve as a foundation for future research.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2023

The development of computer use in the field of conceptual design has brought doubts and at the s... more The development of computer use in the field of conceptual design has brought doubts and at the same time concerns regarding the maintaining of the significantrole of hand drawings in the design process. In other words, advances in computer-aided design over time have influenced the attitudes and working methods of contemprory designers in addressing problems. According to some designers of the current generation, computers can now assume the traditional role of hand drawings in the design process. This view contrasts with that of expert designers who assert that hand drawings still retain a special place in the design process. The aim of this research is to address the question of which of the two tools, manual or digital, is more suitable for problem solving in the early stages of design. By reviewing past studies and analyzing texts using content analysis tables, we sought to provide a comparative assessment of the ability of each tool to enhance the cognitive levels of the design process. The results of our work indicate that computer tools, including modeling programs and parametric design, despite their recent advancements in supporting the initial stages of design, do not perform as effectively hand drawings in terms of conceptualization and ease of discovery. This phenomenoncan be attributed to the superior capacity of hand drawings (sketch) in ambiguity as well as the designer's focus on the level of knowledge rather than the level of object production rules or algorithms when utilizing them. However, Computer drawing tools are capable of providing more accurate visualization than hand drawings, which can be advantageous in more structured problems.
This significant finding suggests that the ability of a tool to improve cognitive levels in the conceptual process is not solely dependent on the tool itself, but it is also influenced by a network of constraints (variables) such as the type of problem, the degree of determination and simplicity of the problem, the interactivity of the tool, time constraints, Interpretation (team or individual design), designer's skill, designer's expertise and numerous other factors. These variables were derived from previous studies. In fact, there are variables related to design context that play a crucial role in the development of the design process. A change in any of these constraints can affect the outcomes of the design process. Such a framework criticizes previous studies that have primarily focused onthe influence of the "instrumental ability" variable. Based on this, a model of the impact of intervening variables on the design situation and its relationship with the levels of knowledge was proposed. This hypothesis posits that the selection of drawing tools in the design process is an intelligent and situational decision and it is not feasible to prescribe a universal and absolute guideline for the selection of tools applicable to all situations and processes. This hypothesis can informthe direction of future research design studies, emphasizing that] the impact of limitations should be considered in subsequent empirical investigations

Journal of Fine Arts: Atchitecture and Urban Planning, 2023

The rapid growth of urbanization and the increasing complexities of urban management have highlig... more The rapid growth of urbanization and the increasing complexities of urban management have highlighted the need for innovative and efficient tools in the field of urban planning and design. Today's urban planning and design community, in the information era, requires novel technology-driven systems to make better decisions and achieve improved results in the shortest possible time. CityEngine, as a city-scale data-driven smart system, offers significant potential for improving the quality of urban planning and design. This applied research aims to introduce and comprehensively analyze CityEngine in the context of urban planning and design, with the Narmak neighborhood of Tehran as a case study. Data were collected using various methods, including document review, field surveys, and spatial data analysis. The findings of the study show that CityEngine can be effectively applied in various aspects of urban planning and design, including: Dynamic 3D visualization of urban space (detailed and comprehensive urban plans, zoning and design control planning, 3D cadastral planning, environmental planning and design, strategic urban planning), real-time reporting of urban data for quantitative analysis, evaluation and management of the urban environment along with providing a communication platform for public participation, and integration with other relevant urban application software. The results of this research demonstrate that CityEngine, as a novel and efficient tool in the field of urban planning and design, can contribute to the creation of smart and sustainable cities. In CityEngine for urban planning and design modeling, the following four main steps are presented in the paper: (1) data preparation and processing (2) Classification of urban elements (3) Creating and defining rules (4) Generating a model and modifying it. It can be comprehensively acknowledged that CityEngine facilitates: the integration of scattered urban data and the creation of a smart two- and three-dimensional database, the reduction and intelligent monitoring of urban violations through the modeling of urban information (zoning regulations, density, etc.), increased speed and less waste of time in planning, designing and managing urban projects, enhanced citizen involvement in addressing urban issues through online sharing of plans, the ability to intelligently model all types of elements and objects in the city, including buildings, streets, vegetation, urban furniture, support for integrated management city through the creation of manageable dashboards and real-time control, access to information on smart 3D urban elements with the ability to view all features in 3D and update information, improved city maps with interactive 3D visualization to help understanding of the urban environment for managers and citizens, production of past, present and future models of cities to observe and compare urban changes, designing city redevelopment scenarios and examining the effects of each in real-time, analyzing the three-dimensional view of the city to accurately assess the effects of urban visual permeability, and conducting city simulation based on real geographic information system (GIS) data to improve 3D city perception making it effective and useful.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2023

The Kabir (Grand) Mosque of Tabriz is one of Iran's valuable architectural buildings. Throughout ... more The Kabir (Grand) Mosque of Tabriz is one of Iran's valuable architectural buildings. Throughout history, it has been the site of official announcements of important events and fatwas from great governments during Tabriz's capital, including Rawadian, Yilian (Seljuqian tributary), Al-Chopan, and Al-Jalair (as local governments), Ilkhans, Turkomans, Safavids, and the Qajar period, where it was the seat of Iran's crown prince. According to historical documents, the formation of this valuable relicdates back to the beginning of Islam, but there are no original historical sources to support this claim. Due to severe earthquakes that occurred during the mosque's lifetime, changes in government, and the change of the mosque's founder, many changes have occurred in its architecture.The Grand (Jame) Mosque of Tabriz has been known as the Great Mosque (Jame Kabir) in old texts since the beginning of the 7th century, and during periods when magnificent mosques were founded by sultans and powerful ministers, such as Alishah Mosque, Rashidiyeh Mosque, Mozaffarieh Mosque (blue mosque complex), and Nasriyeh Mosque, it has always been referred to as the Great MosqueThe area of the bazaar and Jame Mosque has been within the old fortress of Tabriz since ancient times and has always been part of the settled region of the city. During the Safavid and Qajar eras, important government decrees and orders were engraved on stone slates in the handwriting of the most famous calligraphers of the era, on huge marble slabs, and installed in prominent places of the mosque. Therefore, this mosque has been a significant and invaluable place since the ancient times, and its transitions are of considerable importance and indicate the style of each period. Despite this prominence, Tabriz Grand Mosque has not been fully and accurately studied, and its historical periods and shape and structure have not been adequately considered. In the early1970s, the Department of Archaeology conducted excavations in the mosque which resulted in quality documentspublished as an article entitled "Research in Tabriz Jame Bazaar Mosque" by Mr. Vahabzadeh.This valuable report is primarily a description of the images and related items. According to the findings, the mosque has been planned in the form of a seraglio. However, since the city of Tabriz is located on a fault, it has suffered significant

Journal of Fine Arts: Atchitecture and Urban Planning, 2023

and others used the "distancing effect" in their works. Notebly, Brecht theorized his concept in ... more and others used the "distancing effect" in their works. Notebly, Brecht theorized his concept in the twentieth century, yet many of the buildings discussed in this research belong to an earlier historical period. This indicates that many architects have (un)consciously used this concept in their works as they want to invite individuals to think, explore, be active, interpret, and be aware of what they are observing. Ultimately, it can be articulated that the work of architecture plays a more significant role, it is not merely a space to provoke our sensations, but also a universe for deep contemplation and thought.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2023

Over the past sixty years, the mainstream of heritage conservation has been striving to reach a c... more Over the past sixty years, the mainstream of heritage conservation has been striving to reach a consensus and establish an optimal framework-the most effective approach for conservationapplicable in any scenario. It is alleged that this ultimate framework can be depicted in the form of conservation doctrines. In this article, we argue that the roots of this perspective on planning and decision-making for heritage can be traced back to the rationality inspired by enlightenment and rational planning, which is termed "Rational conservation planning (RCP)". The RCP simplifies the decision-making process and proposes universally applicable solutions. As a result, this approach has impeded the ability to effectively address the challenges faced. The primary aim of this article is to illuminate the stagnant state of the current theories of heritage conservation in terms of understanding theoretical challenges: Their perspective on heritage conservation is limited and narrow-minded. In order to address this fundamental issue, the authors pose the question: What is the competing paradigm for this rational view of conservation, and can it offer a better approach for urban heritage conservation? This article reviews the literature, critiques the RCP and suggests a paradigm shift from rational conservation to pragmatic conservation through qualitative research method and abductive reasoning strategy. The proposed pragmatic conceptual model alters the planning context into a complex and uncertain environment. In this scenario, the conservator is not faced with a neutral and non-political backdrop but rather a heavily politicized world characterized by power dynamics. Pragmatic conservation underscores the shift from viewing conservation as an external and objective concept to recognizing it as an internal and intersubjective realm. To explain the relationship between the theoretical framework and the practical conditions, a case study research has been employed, utilizing an information-oriented selection strategy. In this article, the authors have selected a significant case at both the national and global levels: the world heritage site of TCHOGHAZANBIL. A storytelling or narrative-based method, which is well-known in qualitative research, has been used to investigatethis site's planning conflicts. Finally, it has been concluded that unlike the technical issues that the RCP has tried to expand over the years and has widely included them in professional and educational programs, heritage conservation is involved in highly political problems in which power relations play a serious role. The story of TCHOGHAZANBIL examplifies resistance within a dependent, complex, controversial and uncertain context. Resistance in this context is formed and operates based on rules and laws, emotions and initiatives and manifests in the form of negotiations, dialogues, coalitions, strategies and tactics.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2023

Monuments have a history of thousands of years and are usually among the oldest symbols of civili... more Monuments have a history of thousands of years and are usually among the oldest symbols of civilisation in various periods. In the Islamic world, a memorial is created to commemorate a person or an event, which is generally manifested in constructing a tomb, whose wide distribution in the Islamic lands is a testimony to this claim. The building known as "Kakh or Qasr-i Khurshid (Palace of the Sun)” in the city of Kalat in the north of Khurasan Razavi province is an example of this type of architecture. This structure was built on the orders of Nadir Shah Afshar (r.1736-47), although its primary function has always been debated owing to its distinct architecture and decorations. Kalat or Kalat-i Nadiri is known as a natural fortress due to a fence of mountains. So, throughout history, it has always been of interest from a defensive and military point of view. This area received particular attention during the reign of Nadir Shah, and several buildings were erected on his orders. Khurshid monument has always been the focus of researchers in terms of its size and appearance as well as the ambiguity of its function. The octagon includes a series of iwans connected by narrow corridors, creating a series of connected spaces of different scales that encircle the cylinder and are suitable for ambulating around the building. The building generally consists of two volumes: a lofty cylinder and an octagonal. The structure comprises three floors: the basement, the ground, and the first. Previous studies have expressed different opinions about the building’s function. Some consider it a palace, and some believe it was initially built as a tomb, which was later converted into a palace. This study aims to investigate the building's function and main architectural features and determine its place in the history of Iranian architecture. The analysis of the building shows that not only in terms of architecture but also concerning structure, significant measures have been taken for its durability and stability against the risk of earthquakes. The research also shows that the building was not a palace or a tomb, but it was built as a governmental monument with a ceremonial function to commemorate the name of its patron. The research findings show that the Khurshid building is a fusion of Iranian and Indian architecture, which are skillfully linked to perpetuate the name of the building’s patron. The structure characterises the idea of a tomb tower as a monument in a new composition. In this sense, it created a link between the traditions of Iranian architecture and the architecture of the Mughals of India. The wide range of decorations with Indian motifs attests to this claim.
The research was carried out using a descriptive-analytical approach with a historical approach. It is a qualitative study in the field of architectural history. The primary methods of collecting information in this research are library studies and field surveys, and the data analysis method is qualitative.
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Architectural design education depends on the learners and their individual characteristics to ge... more Architectural design education depends on the learners and their individual characteristics to get better results in the design studio. One of these characteristics is Learning Style, which expresses learning preferences and differences between people in learning methods.

One of the common educational activities in the process of architectural design is referring to the precedents and in general concrete experiences as a strategy to increase the practical ability of students. Despite the documented research about the precedents and methods of using the knowledge of architectural precedents as a common activity in the design process, in the body of this educational method, we come across fewer similarities that the learning method of the learner given a deserved place; Prescriptive teaching methods are presented and followed for familiar learners with the same characteristics.

Learners do not act in the same way in dealing with the factors to be learned; Rather, they have different approaches to understanding and processing information. They have different potentials for learning and learn differently in different situations and under various factors; It is not possible to use this shared educational method without knowing the architecture learner and paying attention to their individual differences in the role of the learner and presenting and following up typical educational programs for audiences of the same level with the same characteristics in a coordinated manner. Such a lack causes the education of students to be exposed to the promotion of inefficient teaching methods, originating from theories that consider students to be the only recipients of knowledge, based on Teacher-Centered Education.

On one hand the rapid population growth and increasing demand for housing, and on the other hand ... more On one hand the rapid population growth and increasing demand for housing, and on the other hand the need to reduce the delivery time of construction projects and accelerate capital return, necessitate the transition from traditional construction methods to industrialization. Moving towards industrialization responds to the current demand of the society and it also has a very positive effect on the construction speed, quality and the final cost of the building. It is also capable of increasing the production and establishing a balance between supply and demand. Therefore, by considering the widely expressed advantages of building industrialization and the efforts of governments to take advantage of this, it seems that the effective implementation of this process depends on the identification and application of the effective components in design. Despite manifold empirical studies on these components, the dispersion and lack of a conceptual framework for their classification reveals the necessity of conducting a comprehensive examination in this regard. The purpose of this research is to identify the effective components in the design of prefabricated houses. This paper uses the Sandelowski and Barroso’s Meta-Synthesis to systematic review the sources and analyse all the qualitative data for components identification. By extracting the components and integrating similar cases, a broad classification framework was proposed for categorization of the components into environmental, technical, economic, functional, socio-cultural, aesthetics and climatic groups. Examining the components abundance for internal and external sources has also identified the most frequent ones, which is a guide for designers in prioritizing effective components in the design process. The hierarchies of frequency of groups are almost consistent with each other, and technical, environmental and functional groups have been the most frequent groups among internal and external sources, respectively.

The level of thermal comfort in urban open spaces plays an important role in pedestrian health. R... more The level of thermal comfort in urban open spaces plays an important role in pedestrian health. Residential environments and open spaces of housing units require more comfortable temperatures. Courtyards as microclimate modifiers and common open spaces between urban and architectural scales can be a good passive strategy to increase thermal comfort and reduce energy demand of buildings. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify their temperature balancing effect in the prevailing summer and winter climates. Different urban forms provide different microclimates with different levels of comfort for pedestrians. The effects of urban microclimates on urban air quality and building energy use make them significant at a larger scale. Urban forms, shaped by the typology of buildings and the open space between them, have different impacts at different seasons. They meet the demand for compactness in summer to provide shelter from the sun and openness in winter to provide access to the sun. Therefore, to design a form that provides the best thermal conditions throughout the year, through the design of openings in the open space openings - height and width and position of the opening. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the design of courtyards for microclimatic improvement of outdoor spaces. However, there is still little knowledge about the thermal performance characteristics of courtyards, especially in cold and semi-arid climates.

Complexity in contemporary cities and buildings- especially for newcomers- may affect man-environ... more Complexity in contemporary cities and buildings- especially for newcomers- may affect man-environment relations regarding finding the right path to a destination. For many years, architects and urban designers have dealt with a big concern about wayfinding in outdoor and indoor environments. One may discuss wayfinding for a large network of paths associated solely with cities, but research has found buildings as a challenging context for people to find their ways. Romedi Passini and Paul Arthur (1992) developed theories on wayfinding to indoor environments. Through experimental studies, they found environmental and human attributes affecting wayfinding. Research has categorized the findings into classes as strategies extracted from environmental physical aspects used by people in appropriate situations. This study examines wayfinding in healthcare environments (hospital), which serves many people everyday. Having a wide range of healthcare services, hospitals should provide a diverse set of spaces connecting to each other. In addition, time plays an essential role. So, taking patients to the right destination, paths must work effectively. Looking through the researches on wayfinding and considering results in healthcare environments, we found a lack. Emergency conditions, which may change the findings, were neglected in most researches. So, considering such stressful situations, we designed an experimental research in a hospital in Tehran, Iran. The research had 9 participants (4 men, 5 women) find 3 destinations. Recall that the survey accomplished in pandemic. We selected a hospital from 3 hospitals for its complexity, lots of users, and accessibility to the maps and documents. Participants were requested not to ask others for the address. They should have thought loudly about where they intent to go, why they took a path and which environmental attributes they recorded. To simulate emergency conditions, survey had time limits. The participants had chronometers and should have checked it along the paths. We engaged two persons recording participants’ behavior maps and thoughts. Through a systematic and unsystematic observation, six strategies were examined in all nodes and throughout the paths: straight path, avoiding vertical change, brightest path, wider path, signs, and plenty of probable decision making nodes. Analyses on participants’ wayfinding behavior showed three different interpretations on nodes where people chose strategies to take the paths: a) strategies failed to be ascribed, b) strategies not aligned with the previous findings, and c) strategies aligned with the previous findings. Contrary to the previous results, half of the participants did not take “straight and longer paths” in the potential nodes. The result confirmed people dislike changing floors. Research on how brightness affect wayfinding in hospitals should be repeated since there were no discrepancies on brightness in the paths. In line with previous results, participants’ behavior showed an intention to choose wider paths. They also frequently pointed to the sings- special architectural and functional fixed signs- to find their way. As for the last strategy, participants preferred to have less decision making nodes since conditions had limited time. We concluded that the strategies not aligned with previous findings rooted in the conditions were ignored. Designers could benefit from the findings.

Providing lighting to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.) in the city of Mashhad in Iran is one o... more Providing lighting to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.) in the city of Mashhad in Iran is one of the requirements that has been the concern of the custodians and caretakers of the holy shrine of Razavi in all historical periods from the beginning of the formation of the holy shrine until now. Many endowments and financial and administrative documents from the Safavid period have remained. Many of these documents are related to how the Holy Shrine was illuminated in the Safavid period. The number of endowments and financial and administrative documents related to lighting from the Safavid period onward shows the importance of providing it in the Razavi shrine.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

The rise of urbanisation has led to shifts in the literature and terminology employed by urban an... more The rise of urbanisation has led to shifts in the literature and terminology employed by urban and regional planning experts. Prior to the 20th century, scientists primarily utilised micro-scale concepts such as urban, rural, and occasionally metropolitan to elucidate residential patterns. However, during the 20th century, the growing process of urbanisation resulted in the emergence of various spatial and residential development patterns. The expansion and progress of extended metropolitan regions is a growing phenomenon. Research on extended metropolitan regions is a highly complex research area in regional planning due to the lack of established criteria to determine their formation. The absence of fixed indicators to recognise extended metropolitan regions as a distinct planning scale has contributed to the complexity and unfamiliarity of this phenomenon. Furthermore, their formation can yield both favourable and unfavourable outcomes across various dimensions. For instance, in the economic realm, it can lead to increased access to labours and job creation, as well as increased access to land and affordable housing. However, it can also result in an increase in the poverty rate. In the social sphere, it has the potential to enhance the quality of life in particular area, but it may also lead to a decline in overall quality of life. From an environmental standpoint, it can serve as a platform for addressing regional environmental issues, but it may also contribute to bringing green and open spaces under development. In terms of physical-spatial dynamics, it can promote decentralisation, but it can also lead to centralization. Lastly, in the managerial-institutional domain, it can foster cooperation in addressing common challenges, but it can also exacerbate fragmentation and dispersion of institutions. Neglecting these aspects may result in the negative consequences outweighing the positive ones. This research aims to establish a comprehensive framework for assessing the formation of extended metropolitan regions. The framework has been applied to analyse the extended metropolitan region of Tehran, Alborz, and Qazvin. Observing nocturnal light maps suggests that the Tehran-Alborz-Qazvin boundary is becoming an extended metropolitan region. To achieve the stated objective in this study, an analysis of the theoretical principles concerning extended metropolitan regions, spatial planning, and spatial structure and organisation was conducted. As a result, a set of indicators for measuring the development of extended metropolitan regions was proposed. These indicators were categorised into three groups: morphological, functional, and auxiliary indicators. Subsequently, a proposed analytical framework has been devised to identify the establishment or absence of the extended metropolitan region and to ascertain its level of advancement and progress. The proposed framework incorporates a scoring system that utilises both morphological and functional analysesof spatial organisation. Through the analysis of the given indicators using GIS and Excel software, the study determined that the metropolitan region of Tehran, Alborz, and Qazvin is now in its early stages of development. Indeed, the focal point of the extended metropolitan region remains in Tehran and Alborz provinces. However, the assessments also verify the migration of the extended metropolitan region towards Qazvin.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

The global challenge of providing adequate housing, particularly for low-income groups, is a crit... more The global challenge of providing adequate housing, particularly for low-income groups, is a critical concern for policymakers and urban managers. Housing, as a foundation of the economy, plays a crucial role in societal development. Consequently, ensuring suitable housing not only enhances people's quality of life but also can also stimulate economic growth and sustainable development.
One of the primary reasons for national and local government intervention in the housing market is to facilitate access to housing for low-income groups. Due to financial constraints, even under normal market conditions, low-income groups struggle to access adequate housing.
Despite Iran's laws and various programs emphasizing the provision of housing for low-income groups, government policies have focused on housing production. However, many low-income individuals lack the financial capacity to purchase or build housing, even with subsidies, and even struggle to afford rent.
This research aims to examine housing policies for low-income groups, with a focus on the role of local government, using Tehran City Management as a case study. The study employs a qualitative approach, characterized as descriptive in nature and applied in purpose.
Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the necessary data. Participants included members of the former and current Tehran City Council and Municipality, officials from the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, and urban researchers and experts. Data collection employed purposive sampling and snowball sampling, with the final number reaching 21 interviews upon data saturation.
The collected interview data was analyzed using a three-stage coding framework (open, axial, and selective) and interpreted through content analysis in MAXQDA software.
The findings reveal that the centralized governance structure and the lack of integrated urban management in Iran have rendered social and economic development programs in the housing sector, particularly for low-income groups, ineffective.
Consequently, one of the most significant reasons for the existing housing problems in Iran is the absence of clear and explicit laws and regulations. To improve this situation, a suitable legal framework is needed that clearly delineates the roles and responsibilities of each executive agency in the housing sector. With such a framework, housing policies can be implemented more effectively.
Another issue is the lack of coordination between the national government and municipalities, which has led to the uncontrolled growth of the housing market and increased opportunities for rent-seeking. Under these circumstances, municipalities, instead of focusing on providing housing for low-income groups, prioritize revenue generation through density bonuses.
. Additionally, the utilization of Tehran's inner-city capacities—particularly through the regeneration of deteriorated urban areas—represents a viable strategy for alleviating housing shortages. Empowering local governments with greater authority can enhance the effective use of these capacities and contribute to improving the housing situation, especially in Tehran.
Therefore, to improve the housing situation in Iran, particularly for low-income groups, it is essential to enhance the role of local governments by delegating responsibilities to municipalities and creating a legal framework for this delegation. This would enable the utilization of existing capacities in cities for housing provision, although it would require a specific legal structure, particularly within the framework of integrated management.
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Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

The spatial configuration of courtyards in residential buildings plays a crucial role in outdoor ... more The spatial configuration of courtyards in residential buildings plays a crucial role in outdoor thermal comfort. Courtyards, as passive cooling strategies, have been widely used in warm climates to enhance microclimatic conditions. However, despite growing global concerns about climate change, the role of courtyard placement in architectural design remains largely overlooked. Many designers fail to account for the thermal performance of courtyard layouts, leading to inefficient designs that fail to maximize outdoor comfort. This research underscores the importance of integrating computational simulations and optimization techniques in architectural design for enhancing outdoor thermal comfort.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

consensus. Ultimately, these four components create a two-way framework that enhances the concept... more consensus. Ultimately, these four components create a two-way framework that enhances the conceptual foundations of urban regeneration and increases the operational capacity of cultural landscapes. In doing so, the study underscores the convergence of theory and practice in creating more sustainable and culturally rooted urban development strategies.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

Today, over half of the world's population lives in urban areas, withmany developing countries ex... more Today, over half of the world's population lives in urban areas, withmany developing countries experiencing rapid urbanization, resulting in emergence of metropolitan areas. Each metropolitan area can follow a different growth pattern according to its characteristics and environmental conditions. In Iran, metropolitan areas such as Tehranconfront challenges associated with sprawl development, often at the expense of green lands. Neglecting this phenomenon can lead to spatial fragmentation leading to inefficiency of regional development policies. Tehran metropolitan area, Iran's largest urban center, continually attracts a growing population, necessitating a thorough analysis of its growth dynamics and underlying drivers for effective planning. Therefore, the present study intends to analyze the growth patterns and the driving forces influencing the formation of Tehran and Alborz urban agglomeration by using quantitative research approach and using satellite images and secondary data. The study evaluated the spatial pattern of growth of Tehran urban agglomeration during the years 2000 to 2020 using the SLEUTH model, complemented by logistic regression to identify key drivers. First the land use changes of Tehran urban agglomeration during the last two decades are examined and then, according to the coefficients obtained in the implementation of the calibration of the SLEUTH model, the urban growth pattern is determined. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of driving forces. During the last two decades, the share of urban areas and bare lands in the study area has increased and the area of agricultural lands, grasslands and gardens has decreased. Thus, the biggest change was in the increase in the share of barren land use, where most of the agricultural land and orchards have been converted to other uses. The results of calibration of historical data in the region suggested that road infrastructure and topographical features, particularly slopes, heavily influence Tehran's urban growth patterns. The main pattern of urban growth in the suburban areas of the region has a linear nature and edge expansion due to slope resistance. However, the coefficients of expansion, diffusion and beer show less probability for a new diffusion center and spontaneous growth in this study. Therefore, it can be concluded that the main factor of urban growth in this region is road-based infrastructure. Also, in areas with high topography such as eastern areas and Alborz area, slope has an important role in urban configuration. In the changes of the built areas, the distance from the bare lands, in the changes of the agricultural lands, the distance from the main roads and in the changes of the bare lands, the distance from the agricultural lands have had the most impact.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and UrbanPlanning, 2024

The investigation of spatial disparities and their characteristics across various geographical re... more The investigation of spatial disparities and their characteristics across various geographical regions has increasingly become a focal point for urban planners in recent years, attracting considerable political attention. The presence of spatial disparities in diverse global regions has resulted in certain regions benefiting from adequate level of public services and socioeconomic prosperity, thereby significantly contributing to national income and production. Conversely, this phenomenon hampers development in other regions, exacerbating the inequality and disparity between various districts. Existing literature indicates that spatial disparity has engendered uneven and unbalanced growth across different regions in Iran. Such disparities have precipitated imbalances within geographical areas, leading to pronounced variations in social, economic, ecological, and physical indicators. Consequently, the primary goal of this article is to identify the components, factors, and indicators that influence spatial disparities and to analyze the relationship between these elements and their distance from regional, provincial, and cluster centers in the Southern Alborz region. This region, recognized as one of Iran's national-regional physical areas, encompasses seven provinces-Semnan, Tehran, Alborz, Qom, Markazi, Qazvin, and Zanjan-and includes 57 districts located within these provinces.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

Problem Statement: The present study examines the use of the geometric pattern of girih in the de... more Problem Statement: The present study examines the use of the geometric pattern of girih in the design of contemporary monuments across Iran. By employing a geometrical approach, this study analyzes how traditional girih patterns are used in contemporary designs through Salingaros' pattern theory. It also explores the creation of new girih patterns based on the structure of traditional girih through geometric transformation in specific case examples. The key research questions are: 1. How have geometric girih patterns been used in the contemporary monuments of Iran during the 1930s and 1940s?, 2. What is the role of girih in forming structuring patterns and shaping the form of memories?, 3. How does the flow of girih geometry transform from traditional to contemporary? Research Methodology: This study presents a method for analyzing, transforming, and reproducing the geometry of traditional patterns. This method is implemented using a mathematical-geometrical model. The paper explores the geometry of Iranian girih as a bridge connecting contemporary architecture and historical architecture. It begins by analyzing the girih pattern and its fundamental unit, then examines how the geometric pattern of Iranian girih is used as a structuring and aesthetic concept in contemporary monuments of Iran. Geometric analysis is used to illustrate the metamorphosis of these patterns based on changes in the critical points of the girih. The methodology integrates logical reasoning with case study research. The findings were analyzed through geometric and mathematical analysis, followed by data interpretation using Excel and SPSS software. Objective: This study aims to explore how girihs were used in contemporary Iranian monuments in the 1940s and 1950s, the geometric techniques employed to modify girih geometry, and how traditional hidden geometry evolved into new forms in practical geometry (building designs and volumes). Another key objective is to investigate the influence of the geometric pattern of girih on the structure and arrangement of contemporary monument forms. Research Background: Theorists such as Ardalan, Bakhtiar, Burkhart, and Nasr have addressed Islamic geometric decorations from a philosophical perspective, while Cromwell and Critchlow have examined them from mathematical and geometric viewpoints (Khwarazmi, 2012: 14). In terms of domestic research, the literature on Islamic girih patterns focuses on the principles of drawing traditional girih, particularly in discussions of their geometric recognition. Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, it is possible to contemporize the pattern of geometric girih. This study demonstrates how the hidden geometry of traditional patterns serves as a connection between the past and present in architecture. It highlights how changing the fundamental points of the smallest component of the girih (the base unit or sub-girih) can alter the overall geometry while maintaining the structural connection of the components.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024

collaborations, the negative effects of SBS can be minimized, leading to the creation of living e... more collaborations, the negative effects of SBS can be minimized, leading to the creation of living environments that promote well-being. In conclusion, the research underscores the need for designing residential environments that prioritize mental health. It highlights the critical role of environmental quality in shaping psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and aggression. The results indicate that improving residential spaces should be a priority for architects and urban planners in order to reduce the effects of SBS. An interdisciplinary approach, integrating architecture, urban planning, and mental health expertise, can provide a comprehensive solution to enhance the well-being of residents and create healthier living environments. This study offers valuable insights into the connection between mental health and the built environment and provides actionable recommendations for improving quality of life in residential complexes.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2023

simplistic interpretations of "sample" or "case" and instead aim for methodological and practical... more simplistic interpretations of "sample" or "case" and instead aim for methodological and practical clarity. Both the "sample" and "case" have the potential to play a significant role in any lesson or experience through diverse forms and methods. The results confirm previous findings and highlight persistent weaknesses in this field. Finally, while the distinction and proposed terms did not achieve broad intersubjective agreement or verification, this study constructs a basis for dealing with the difference between "sample" and "case," which can serve as a foundation for future research.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2023

The development of computer use in the field of conceptual design has brought doubts and at the s... more The development of computer use in the field of conceptual design has brought doubts and at the same time concerns regarding the maintaining of the significantrole of hand drawings in the design process. In other words, advances in computer-aided design over time have influenced the attitudes and working methods of contemprory designers in addressing problems. According to some designers of the current generation, computers can now assume the traditional role of hand drawings in the design process. This view contrasts with that of expert designers who assert that hand drawings still retain a special place in the design process. The aim of this research is to address the question of which of the two tools, manual or digital, is more suitable for problem solving in the early stages of design. By reviewing past studies and analyzing texts using content analysis tables, we sought to provide a comparative assessment of the ability of each tool to enhance the cognitive levels of the design process. The results of our work indicate that computer tools, including modeling programs and parametric design, despite their recent advancements in supporting the initial stages of design, do not perform as effectively hand drawings in terms of conceptualization and ease of discovery. This phenomenoncan be attributed to the superior capacity of hand drawings (sketch) in ambiguity as well as the designer's focus on the level of knowledge rather than the level of object production rules or algorithms when utilizing them. However, Computer drawing tools are capable of providing more accurate visualization than hand drawings, which can be advantageous in more structured problems.
This significant finding suggests that the ability of a tool to improve cognitive levels in the conceptual process is not solely dependent on the tool itself, but it is also influenced by a network of constraints (variables) such as the type of problem, the degree of determination and simplicity of the problem, the interactivity of the tool, time constraints, Interpretation (team or individual design), designer's skill, designer's expertise and numerous other factors. These variables were derived from previous studies. In fact, there are variables related to design context that play a crucial role in the development of the design process. A change in any of these constraints can affect the outcomes of the design process. Such a framework criticizes previous studies that have primarily focused onthe influence of the "instrumental ability" variable. Based on this, a model of the impact of intervening variables on the design situation and its relationship with the levels of knowledge was proposed. This hypothesis posits that the selection of drawing tools in the design process is an intelligent and situational decision and it is not feasible to prescribe a universal and absolute guideline for the selection of tools applicable to all situations and processes. This hypothesis can informthe direction of future research design studies, emphasizing that] the impact of limitations should be considered in subsequent empirical investigations

Journal of Fine Arts: Atchitecture and Urban Planning, 2023

The rapid growth of urbanization and the increasing complexities of urban management have highlig... more The rapid growth of urbanization and the increasing complexities of urban management have highlighted the need for innovative and efficient tools in the field of urban planning and design. Today's urban planning and design community, in the information era, requires novel technology-driven systems to make better decisions and achieve improved results in the shortest possible time. CityEngine, as a city-scale data-driven smart system, offers significant potential for improving the quality of urban planning and design. This applied research aims to introduce and comprehensively analyze CityEngine in the context of urban planning and design, with the Narmak neighborhood of Tehran as a case study. Data were collected using various methods, including document review, field surveys, and spatial data analysis. The findings of the study show that CityEngine can be effectively applied in various aspects of urban planning and design, including: Dynamic 3D visualization of urban space (detailed and comprehensive urban plans, zoning and design control planning, 3D cadastral planning, environmental planning and design, strategic urban planning), real-time reporting of urban data for quantitative analysis, evaluation and management of the urban environment along with providing a communication platform for public participation, and integration with other relevant urban application software. The results of this research demonstrate that CityEngine, as a novel and efficient tool in the field of urban planning and design, can contribute to the creation of smart and sustainable cities. In CityEngine for urban planning and design modeling, the following four main steps are presented in the paper: (1) data preparation and processing (2) Classification of urban elements (3) Creating and defining rules (4) Generating a model and modifying it. It can be comprehensively acknowledged that CityEngine facilitates: the integration of scattered urban data and the creation of a smart two- and three-dimensional database, the reduction and intelligent monitoring of urban violations through the modeling of urban information (zoning regulations, density, etc.), increased speed and less waste of time in planning, designing and managing urban projects, enhanced citizen involvement in addressing urban issues through online sharing of plans, the ability to intelligently model all types of elements and objects in the city, including buildings, streets, vegetation, urban furniture, support for integrated management city through the creation of manageable dashboards and real-time control, access to information on smart 3D urban elements with the ability to view all features in 3D and update information, improved city maps with interactive 3D visualization to help understanding of the urban environment for managers and citizens, production of past, present and future models of cities to observe and compare urban changes, designing city redevelopment scenarios and examining the effects of each in real-time, analyzing the three-dimensional view of the city to accurately assess the effects of urban visual permeability, and conducting city simulation based on real geographic information system (GIS) data to improve 3D city perception making it effective and useful.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2023

The Kabir (Grand) Mosque of Tabriz is one of Iran's valuable architectural buildings. Throughout ... more The Kabir (Grand) Mosque of Tabriz is one of Iran's valuable architectural buildings. Throughout history, it has been the site of official announcements of important events and fatwas from great governments during Tabriz's capital, including Rawadian, Yilian (Seljuqian tributary), Al-Chopan, and Al-Jalair (as local governments), Ilkhans, Turkomans, Safavids, and the Qajar period, where it was the seat of Iran's crown prince. According to historical documents, the formation of this valuable relicdates back to the beginning of Islam, but there are no original historical sources to support this claim. Due to severe earthquakes that occurred during the mosque's lifetime, changes in government, and the change of the mosque's founder, many changes have occurred in its architecture.The Grand (Jame) Mosque of Tabriz has been known as the Great Mosque (Jame Kabir) in old texts since the beginning of the 7th century, and during periods when magnificent mosques were founded by sultans and powerful ministers, such as Alishah Mosque, Rashidiyeh Mosque, Mozaffarieh Mosque (blue mosque complex), and Nasriyeh Mosque, it has always been referred to as the Great MosqueThe area of the bazaar and Jame Mosque has been within the old fortress of Tabriz since ancient times and has always been part of the settled region of the city. During the Safavid and Qajar eras, important government decrees and orders were engraved on stone slates in the handwriting of the most famous calligraphers of the era, on huge marble slabs, and installed in prominent places of the mosque. Therefore, this mosque has been a significant and invaluable place since the ancient times, and its transitions are of considerable importance and indicate the style of each period. Despite this prominence, Tabriz Grand Mosque has not been fully and accurately studied, and its historical periods and shape and structure have not been adequately considered. In the early1970s, the Department of Archaeology conducted excavations in the mosque which resulted in quality documentspublished as an article entitled "Research in Tabriz Jame Bazaar Mosque" by Mr. Vahabzadeh.This valuable report is primarily a description of the images and related items. According to the findings, the mosque has been planned in the form of a seraglio. However, since the city of Tabriz is located on a fault, it has suffered significant

Journal of Fine Arts: Atchitecture and Urban Planning, 2023

and others used the "distancing effect" in their works. Notebly, Brecht theorized his concept in ... more and others used the "distancing effect" in their works. Notebly, Brecht theorized his concept in the twentieth century, yet many of the buildings discussed in this research belong to an earlier historical period. This indicates that many architects have (un)consciously used this concept in their works as they want to invite individuals to think, explore, be active, interpret, and be aware of what they are observing. Ultimately, it can be articulated that the work of architecture plays a more significant role, it is not merely a space to provoke our sensations, but also a universe for deep contemplation and thought.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2023

Over the past sixty years, the mainstream of heritage conservation has been striving to reach a c... more Over the past sixty years, the mainstream of heritage conservation has been striving to reach a consensus and establish an optimal framework-the most effective approach for conservationapplicable in any scenario. It is alleged that this ultimate framework can be depicted in the form of conservation doctrines. In this article, we argue that the roots of this perspective on planning and decision-making for heritage can be traced back to the rationality inspired by enlightenment and rational planning, which is termed "Rational conservation planning (RCP)". The RCP simplifies the decision-making process and proposes universally applicable solutions. As a result, this approach has impeded the ability to effectively address the challenges faced. The primary aim of this article is to illuminate the stagnant state of the current theories of heritage conservation in terms of understanding theoretical challenges: Their perspective on heritage conservation is limited and narrow-minded. In order to address this fundamental issue, the authors pose the question: What is the competing paradigm for this rational view of conservation, and can it offer a better approach for urban heritage conservation? This article reviews the literature, critiques the RCP and suggests a paradigm shift from rational conservation to pragmatic conservation through qualitative research method and abductive reasoning strategy. The proposed pragmatic conceptual model alters the planning context into a complex and uncertain environment. In this scenario, the conservator is not faced with a neutral and non-political backdrop but rather a heavily politicized world characterized by power dynamics. Pragmatic conservation underscores the shift from viewing conservation as an external and objective concept to recognizing it as an internal and intersubjective realm. To explain the relationship between the theoretical framework and the practical conditions, a case study research has been employed, utilizing an information-oriented selection strategy. In this article, the authors have selected a significant case at both the national and global levels: the world heritage site of TCHOGHAZANBIL. A storytelling or narrative-based method, which is well-known in qualitative research, has been used to investigatethis site's planning conflicts. Finally, it has been concluded that unlike the technical issues that the RCP has tried to expand over the years and has widely included them in professional and educational programs, heritage conservation is involved in highly political problems in which power relations play a serious role. The story of TCHOGHAZANBIL examplifies resistance within a dependent, complex, controversial and uncertain context. Resistance in this context is formed and operates based on rules and laws, emotions and initiatives and manifests in the form of negotiations, dialogues, coalitions, strategies and tactics.

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning, 2023

Monuments have a history of thousands of years and are usually among the oldest symbols of civili... more Monuments have a history of thousands of years and are usually among the oldest symbols of civilisation in various periods. In the Islamic world, a memorial is created to commemorate a person or an event, which is generally manifested in constructing a tomb, whose wide distribution in the Islamic lands is a testimony to this claim. The building known as "Kakh or Qasr-i Khurshid (Palace of the Sun)” in the city of Kalat in the north of Khurasan Razavi province is an example of this type of architecture. This structure was built on the orders of Nadir Shah Afshar (r.1736-47), although its primary function has always been debated owing to its distinct architecture and decorations. Kalat or Kalat-i Nadiri is known as a natural fortress due to a fence of mountains. So, throughout history, it has always been of interest from a defensive and military point of view. This area received particular attention during the reign of Nadir Shah, and several buildings were erected on his orders. Khurshid monument has always been the focus of researchers in terms of its size and appearance as well as the ambiguity of its function. The octagon includes a series of iwans connected by narrow corridors, creating a series of connected spaces of different scales that encircle the cylinder and are suitable for ambulating around the building. The building generally consists of two volumes: a lofty cylinder and an octagonal. The structure comprises three floors: the basement, the ground, and the first. Previous studies have expressed different opinions about the building’s function. Some consider it a palace, and some believe it was initially built as a tomb, which was later converted into a palace. This study aims to investigate the building's function and main architectural features and determine its place in the history of Iranian architecture. The analysis of the building shows that not only in terms of architecture but also concerning structure, significant measures have been taken for its durability and stability against the risk of earthquakes. The research also shows that the building was not a palace or a tomb, but it was built as a governmental monument with a ceremonial function to commemorate the name of its patron. The research findings show that the Khurshid building is a fusion of Iranian and Indian architecture, which are skillfully linked to perpetuate the name of the building’s patron. The structure characterises the idea of a tomb tower as a monument in a new composition. In this sense, it created a link between the traditions of Iranian architecture and the architecture of the Mughals of India. The wide range of decorations with Indian motifs attests to this claim.
The research was carried out using a descriptive-analytical approach with a historical approach. It is a qualitative study in the field of architectural history. The primary methods of collecting information in this research are library studies and field surveys, and the data analysis method is qualitative.
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Architectural design education depends on the learners and their individual characteristics to ge... more Architectural design education depends on the learners and their individual characteristics to get better results in the design studio. One of these characteristics is Learning Style, which expresses learning preferences and differences between people in learning methods.

One of the common educational activities in the process of architectural design is referring to the precedents and in general concrete experiences as a strategy to increase the practical ability of students. Despite the documented research about the precedents and methods of using the knowledge of architectural precedents as a common activity in the design process, in the body of this educational method, we come across fewer similarities that the learning method of the learner given a deserved place; Prescriptive teaching methods are presented and followed for familiar learners with the same characteristics.

Learners do not act in the same way in dealing with the factors to be learned; Rather, they have different approaches to understanding and processing information. They have different potentials for learning and learn differently in different situations and under various factors; It is not possible to use this shared educational method without knowing the architecture learner and paying attention to their individual differences in the role of the learner and presenting and following up typical educational programs for audiences of the same level with the same characteristics in a coordinated manner. Such a lack causes the education of students to be exposed to the promotion of inefficient teaching methods, originating from theories that consider students to be the only recipients of knowledge, based on Teacher-Centered Education.

On one hand the rapid population growth and increasing demand for housing, and on the other hand ... more On one hand the rapid population growth and increasing demand for housing, and on the other hand the need to reduce the delivery time of construction projects and accelerate capital return, necessitate the transition from traditional construction methods to industrialization. Moving towards industrialization responds to the current demand of the society and it also has a very positive effect on the construction speed, quality and the final cost of the building. It is also capable of increasing the production and establishing a balance between supply and demand. Therefore, by considering the widely expressed advantages of building industrialization and the efforts of governments to take advantage of this, it seems that the effective implementation of this process depends on the identification and application of the effective components in design. Despite manifold empirical studies on these components, the dispersion and lack of a conceptual framework for their classification reveals the necessity of conducting a comprehensive examination in this regard. The purpose of this research is to identify the effective components in the design of prefabricated houses. This paper uses the Sandelowski and Barroso’s Meta-Synthesis to systematic review the sources and analyse all the qualitative data for components identification. By extracting the components and integrating similar cases, a broad classification framework was proposed for categorization of the components into environmental, technical, economic, functional, socio-cultural, aesthetics and climatic groups. Examining the components abundance for internal and external sources has also identified the most frequent ones, which is a guide for designers in prioritizing effective components in the design process. The hierarchies of frequency of groups are almost consistent with each other, and technical, environmental and functional groups have been the most frequent groups among internal and external sources, respectively.

The level of thermal comfort in urban open spaces plays an important role in pedestrian health. R... more The level of thermal comfort in urban open spaces plays an important role in pedestrian health. Residential environments and open spaces of housing units require more comfortable temperatures. Courtyards as microclimate modifiers and common open spaces between urban and architectural scales can be a good passive strategy to increase thermal comfort and reduce energy demand of buildings. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify their temperature balancing effect in the prevailing summer and winter climates. Different urban forms provide different microclimates with different levels of comfort for pedestrians. The effects of urban microclimates on urban air quality and building energy use make them significant at a larger scale. Urban forms, shaped by the typology of buildings and the open space between them, have different impacts at different seasons. They meet the demand for compactness in summer to provide shelter from the sun and openness in winter to provide access to the sun. Therefore, to design a form that provides the best thermal conditions throughout the year, through the design of openings in the open space openings - height and width and position of the opening. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the design of courtyards for microclimatic improvement of outdoor spaces. However, there is still little knowledge about the thermal performance characteristics of courtyards, especially in cold and semi-arid climates.

Complexity in contemporary cities and buildings- especially for newcomers- may affect man-environ... more Complexity in contemporary cities and buildings- especially for newcomers- may affect man-environment relations regarding finding the right path to a destination. For many years, architects and urban designers have dealt with a big concern about wayfinding in outdoor and indoor environments. One may discuss wayfinding for a large network of paths associated solely with cities, but research has found buildings as a challenging context for people to find their ways. Romedi Passini and Paul Arthur (1992) developed theories on wayfinding to indoor environments. Through experimental studies, they found environmental and human attributes affecting wayfinding. Research has categorized the findings into classes as strategies extracted from environmental physical aspects used by people in appropriate situations. This study examines wayfinding in healthcare environments (hospital), which serves many people everyday. Having a wide range of healthcare services, hospitals should provide a diverse set of spaces connecting to each other. In addition, time plays an essential role. So, taking patients to the right destination, paths must work effectively. Looking through the researches on wayfinding and considering results in healthcare environments, we found a lack. Emergency conditions, which may change the findings, were neglected in most researches. So, considering such stressful situations, we designed an experimental research in a hospital in Tehran, Iran. The research had 9 participants (4 men, 5 women) find 3 destinations. Recall that the survey accomplished in pandemic. We selected a hospital from 3 hospitals for its complexity, lots of users, and accessibility to the maps and documents. Participants were requested not to ask others for the address. They should have thought loudly about where they intent to go, why they took a path and which environmental attributes they recorded. To simulate emergency conditions, survey had time limits. The participants had chronometers and should have checked it along the paths. We engaged two persons recording participants’ behavior maps and thoughts. Through a systematic and unsystematic observation, six strategies were examined in all nodes and throughout the paths: straight path, avoiding vertical change, brightest path, wider path, signs, and plenty of probable decision making nodes. Analyses on participants’ wayfinding behavior showed three different interpretations on nodes where people chose strategies to take the paths: a) strategies failed to be ascribed, b) strategies not aligned with the previous findings, and c) strategies aligned with the previous findings. Contrary to the previous results, half of the participants did not take “straight and longer paths” in the potential nodes. The result confirmed people dislike changing floors. Research on how brightness affect wayfinding in hospitals should be repeated since there were no discrepancies on brightness in the paths. In line with previous results, participants’ behavior showed an intention to choose wider paths. They also frequently pointed to the sings- special architectural and functional fixed signs- to find their way. As for the last strategy, participants preferred to have less decision making nodes since conditions had limited time. We concluded that the strategies not aligned with previous findings rooted in the conditions were ignored. Designers could benefit from the findings.

Providing lighting to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.) in the city of Mashhad in Iran is one o... more Providing lighting to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.) in the city of Mashhad in Iran is one of the requirements that has been the concern of the custodians and caretakers of the holy shrine of Razavi in all historical periods from the beginning of the formation of the holy shrine until now. Many endowments and financial and administrative documents from the Safavid period have remained. Many of these documents are related to how the Holy Shrine was illuminated in the Safavid period. The number of endowments and financial and administrative documents related to lighting from the Safavid period onward shows the importance of providing it in the Razavi shrine.