Research Paper
Farahnaz Gorgij; ahmad hami; Saadollah Alizadeh Ajirlo; Zanyar Samadi-Todar
Abstract
Introduction While most studies on restorative environments have focused on urban green spaces, parks, and gardens, ...
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Introduction While most studies on restorative environments have focused on urban green spaces, parks, and gardens, the role of cemeteries as spiritual and restorative spaces in Iranian cities, particularly within hot and arid climates, has received limited attention. This study aims to investigate the restorative potential of cemeteries and identify the environmental, spiritual, and landscape-related factors influencing visitors’ psychological restoration, using Behesht-e Mohammad Rasoul Allah Cemetery in Zahedan as a case study.MethodologyThe research employed an Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods design. In the qualitative phase, 59 semi-structured interviews were conducted with cemetery visitors, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, the extracted themes were transformed into dichotomous variables and examined using the Chi-square goodness-of-fit test in SPSS.ResultsThe findings revealed that among the components of Attention Restoration Theory (ART), “Being Away” (84.7%; χ² = 28.49, p < 0.001), “Compatibility” (76.3%; χ² = 16.28, p < 0.001), and “Fascination” (74.6%; χ² = 14.25, p < 0.001) had significant effects on visitors’ restorative experiences, whereas “Extent” was not statistically significant (p = 0.091). In addition, four emergent themes were identified, including “Leisure Activities” (83.1%), “Sacralization” (76.3%), “Ritual Expression” (72.9%), and “Altruism” (54.2%), of which the first three were statistically significant (p < 0.001).Discussion and ConclusionThe results indicate that psychological restoration in the studied cemetery is not solely dependent on natural elements. Rather, factors such as silence, solitude, spirituality, reminders of mortality, and reflection on life play a substantial role in enhancing visitors’ psychological restoration.
Research Paper
Parvaneh Sobhani; Afshin Danehkar
Abstract
Introduction Land use changes driven by the expansion of human activities are among the most significant threats to ...
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Introduction Land use changes driven by the expansion of human activities are among the most significant threats to urban areas.MethodologyAccordingly, this study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of land cover/land use (LULC) changes in Tehran Municipality District 22 during 1995–2025 and predicted future change patterns up to 2041 using the integrated Cellular Automata–Markov (CA–Markov) model. LULC maps were produced for 1995 and 2025, and temporal changes in different land-use classes were analyzed. The CA–Markov model was then applied to simulate future land-use changes, and its performance was evaluated using the Kappa coefficient.ResultsThe results indicated that built-up areas exhibited the greatest increase, expanding from 2,572.11 ha in 1995 to 2,827.46 ha in 2025. In contrast, bare areas declined from 2,780.52 ha to 2,391.80 ha during the same period. Water areas and vegetation cover showed increasing trends, whereas agricultural areas continuously decreased throughout the study period. A Kappa coefficient of 0.88 confirmed the high predictive accuracy of the CA–Markov model. According to the simulation results, built-up areas are projected to increase to 2,890.40 ha by 2041, while bare areas are expected to decline to 2,287 ha.Discussion and ConclusionThese findings indicate the continued expansion of built-up areas, increasing pressure on land resources due to population growth and the concentration of economic and urban development activities. Therefore, mitigating the adverse impacts of LULC change requires effective planning, integrated land management, and sustainable resource utilization. The findings provide a scientific basis for decision-making and urban management strategies to support sustainable urban development.
Research Paper
samaneh Dehghan; Hamed Beyti; Farhad Ahmadnejad; ََAzita Balali Oskouei
Abstract
Introduction Designing desirable housing requires accurate knowledge of users and understanding the changes in their ...
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Introduction Designing desirable housing requires accurate knowledge of users and understanding the changes in their needs in social and cultural contexts. One of the effective factors in this field is intergenerational differences that affect the formation of spatial and physical preferences of residents. The aim of this research is to explain the physical preferences of architecture in the field of housing, focusing on the role of intergenerational differences in Urmia city.MethodologyThis study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature and was conducted with a quantitative approach. Data were collected through library studies and field surveys, and the main tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by experts and its reliability was established with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.902. The statistical population includes four generations of Urmia residents (the growing generation, Generation X, Generation Millennial, and Generation Z). The sample size was 384 people who were selected using the stratified-cluster sampling method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software and ANOVA, ANCOVA, and multivariate regression tests.ResultsThe findings show that the internal consistency of the items is favorable and there is a significant difference between generations in physical housing preferences (F=18.74, p<0.01). These differences are especially prominent in the physical-functional and physical-environmental dimensions. Younger generations have a greater tendency towards spatial flexibility, multiple functions, and smartization, and older generations emphasize spatial hierarchy, privacy, and functional separation.Discussion and ConclusionThe results also show that the generation variable still has a significant effect on physical housing preferences even after controlling for socio-economic factors and was identified as the strongest predictor of physical preferences
Research Paper
Mehdi Salehi; Behrouz Salehi; Sima Ferdosian
Abstract
Introduction Excessive migration has become a major social challenge in recent decades. This study aims to identify ...
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Introduction Excessive migration has become a major social challenge in recent decades. This study aims to identify the factors significantly associated with migration intention in the rural areas of Darreh Shahr County, Ilam Province, Iran.MethodologyThis applied research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. Data were collected through library research and field surveys using a questionnaire. Based on Cochran’s formula, 385 respondents were selected from 16 villages in Darreh Shahr County through cluster random sampling. The study examined the relationship between migration intention and satisfaction with physical factors, including housing conditions, village structure, and basic village facilities, as well as social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Data were analyzed using SPSS 2025 and SmartPLS 3.ResultsThe findings showed that satisfaction with housing conditions, village physical structure, village facilities, social sustainability, economic sustainability, and environmental sustainability had significant relationships with migration intention. Increased satisfaction with these factors was associated with a lower tendency to migrate. Among these variables, satisfaction with the physical condition of housing had the strongest relationship with migration intention. The proposed model had a coefficient of determination of R2=0.66, indicating that 66% of the variance in migration intention was explained by the independent variables.Discussion and ConclusionThe results highlight the importance of improving physical, social, economic, and environmental conditions in rural areas to reduce migration intention. Strengthening these dimensions can help decrease rural out-migration and support sustainable rural development.
Research Paper
ataollah zarafshan
Abstract
Introduction Amid accelerating urbanization and escalating energy demands in the built environment, enhancing the thermal ...
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Introduction Amid accelerating urbanization and escalating energy demands in the built environment, enhancing the thermal efficiency of building envelopes has become imperative, particularly in climatically challenging regions.MethodologyThis study investigates and optimizes the thermal behavior of external walls in residential buildings within the cold, mountainous context of Bonab, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. The building sector accounts for nearly 40% of Iran’s final energy consumption, with a substantial portion attributed to heating and cooling loads. To address this, a hybrid methodology integrating on-site measurements and dynamic energy simulations - conducted using DesignBuilder - was employed to evaluate various wall assemblies and façade configurations across representative residential structures in Bonab.ResultsThe analysis encompassed multiple wall constructions, including clay brick, lightweight expanded clay aggregate (Leca), and autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), combined with extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation, alongside window-to-wall ratios (WWR) varying between 15% and 45%. Results demonstrate that an AAC–XPS composite wall system delivers optimal thermal performance, achieving a 42% reduction in annual energy consumption relative to conventional clay block walls. Furthermore, a daylight factor between 25% and 35% is identified as the ideal WWR range for Bonab, balancing energy efficiency with sufficient natural illumination. By leveraging localized climatic data and empirical validation.Discussion and ConclusionThis research provides evidence-based, scalable recommendations for architects, building engineers, and urban planners seeking to advance energy-resilient design strategies in cold, highland climates.
Research Paper
parviz soleimani moghadam; Iman Makhdoom
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of good urban governance in reducing social inequalities in the metropolis of Ahvaz using fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making models.MethodologyThe research is applied-theoretical in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical survey in terms of ...
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The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of good urban governance in reducing social inequalities in the metropolis of Ahvaz using fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making models.MethodologyThe research is applied-theoretical in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical survey in terms of method. Data were collected through library and field methods (pairwise comparison questionnaires completed by 10 experts in urban management and university professors). For weighting the main criteria and indicators, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) model with Buckley's geometric mean approach was used. Then, to finalize the ranking of indicators based on their effectiveness in reducing social inequalities, the Fuzzy TOPSIS technique was employed.ResultsThe findings showed that among the three main criteria (governance, urban services, and social justice), the "governance" criterion with a normalized weight of 0.565 has the highest importance. In the Fuzzy AHP weighting stage, the "transparency and access to information" indicator obtained the highest final weight (0.210), but in the final Fuzzy TOPSIS ranking, the "rule of law" indicator with a similarity coefficient of 0.517 ranked first, "accountability" with 0.445 ranked second, and "transparency" with 0.432 ranked third. The results indicate that improving the fundamental principles of governance (rule of law, accountability, and transparency) has a greater impact on reducing social inequalities in Ahvaz than merely developing physical urban services.Discussion and ConclusionAccordingly, it is suggested that the Ahvaz Municipality revise urban laws with an emphasis on transparency and accountability, expand citizenship education, and employ the combined Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS model as a continuous tool in inequality reduction planning.
Research Paper
arefeh aliakbari; Esmaeil aliakbari; Mostafa Taleshi
Abstract
Introduction Mega-commercial complexes, as one of the most significant urban elements, play a crucial role in promoting ...
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Introduction Mega-commercial complexes, as one of the most significant urban elements, play a crucial role in promoting sustainability in metropolitan areas. However, their effective utilization requires a clear understanding of structural–functional dynamics within the context of rapid urban development in iranian metropolises. Mashhad, as a case in point, has experienced accelerated growth in recent decades, resulting in fragmentation of urban land-use systems and subsequent urban unsustainability across local and regional spaces.MethodologyThis study aims to evaluate the role and performance of these commercial complexes in urban sustainability through a structural–functional approach. Methodologically, the research is descriptive–analytical and applied in purpose. After organizing data into urban sustainability components, gis, spss, and the multi-criteria decision-making marcos model were employed for data analysis.ResultsFindings reveal that the structural–functional sustainability of mashhad’s commercial complexes was assessed across six dimensions: physical–spatial, economic, social, cultural–recreational, managerial–political, and environmental. Results indicate that the structural dimension (mean = 2.97) outperforms the functional dimension (mean = 2.60); nevertheless, substantial improvements are required in functional aspects, particularly in energy management, services, and optimal space utilization. Furthermore, the environmental and cultural–recreational dimensions demand strengthening to enhance quality of life and customer attraction. Ranking results using the marcos model identified armitaj complex (fk = 0.825) as the most sustainable.Discussion and ConclusionThese findings highlight that achieving comprehensive sustainability requires simultaneous attention to both structural and functional dimensions.
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