Architecture and Urban Development (IJAUD)

Housing is a fundamental human need, yet rapid urbanization and macroeconomic instability have intensified affordability pressures for low-income groups in Iran. This study employs a grounded theory (GT) qualitative design, based on expert interviews, to evaluate the effectiveness of major state-led initiatives, including the National Housing Plan, the Mehr Housing Project, and the Worker Housing Project. GT enables concepts and categories to emerge inductively from empirical evidence, providing a context-specific understanding of policy dynamics. Findings indicate persistent structural deficiencies: weak site selection, inadequate infrastructure and services, limited stakeholder participation, and insufficient attention to macroeconomic conditions. These shortcomings, together with the spatial concentration of disadvantaged groups, have undermined policy outcomes. In a comparative perspective, participatory models backed by sustainable finance and clear governance, such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), used in several developed countries, contrast with Iran's centralized approach. The study contributes to the housing policy literature by integrating interview-based evidence with international frameworks and by highlighting the need for multi-sectoral, transparent, and financially resilient strategies. Policy implications include strengthening inter-agency coordination and municipal roles, adopting mixed financing mechanisms, integrating infrastructure and services at the planning stage, and designing dispersion and inclusion measures to reduce socio-spatial segregation.

Architectural education is one of the most complex forms of education, as it does not rely on predetermined answers; instead, students are expected to propose unique and appropriate solutions through their own creativity. Adopting an appropriate design methodology to clarify the design process is among the most critical factors that enhance students’ design quality in architectural studios. Various techniques have emerged worldwide to foster creativity, and their application as design approaches can significantly contribute to the effectiveness of architectural education studios. Among these, the TRIZ theory and the critical thinking approach have proven to be effective architectural design methodologies in the context of architectural education. This study examines and compares these two perspectives, analyzing the results of architectural education through the lens of each. The research employs a descriptive–analytical approach, with data collected through library studies using relevant books, scholarly articles, and documentary data, complemented by the Delphi technique. To this end, in-depth interviews were conducted with professors and experts. Sampling was conducted using the snowball technique, and the study reached a total of 20 interviews, determined by theoretical saturation. Findings indicate that the design process differs significantly depending on which of these two approaches is applied. From the 17 criteria extracted through document analysis and the Delphi study, several similarities and differences emerged. Among the most prominent differences are the approaches to problem definition, assessment methods, and evaluation criteria. A noteworthy point is the substantial influence of the student’s personality in determining which method they can engage with most effectively.

Contemporary housing architecture faces a growing crisis of meaning, as designs increasingly prioritize functional efficiency, visual spectacle, and market value over deeper human needs for belonging and poetic dwelling—a mode of inhabitation that transcends mere utility to foster existential connection through sensory richness, cultural memory, and emotional resonance. This study addresses this critical gap by developing the Poetic Dwelling Experience Framework (PDEF), a comprehensive model that identifies four essential dimensions of meaningful dwelling: spatial phenomenology (the lived experience of space), sensory interaction (multisensory engagement), cultural contextuality (connection to memory and tradition), and emotional topography (affective atmospheres). Through an interpretive, phenomenological methodology, the research analyzes seminal works by architects, including Zumthor, Ando, and Murcutt, demonstrating how their designs embody these poetic dimensions. The findings reveal that truly meaningful domestic spaces emerge not from formal innovation alone, but from careful attention to sensory richness, temporal rhythms, cultural narratives, and emotional resonance. The PDEF offers both a theoretical lens for understanding dwelling and a practical tool for designers seeking to create housing that nurtures human flourishing. In an era of mass-produced, alienating urban environments, this framework provides a vital pathway for recentering architecture around the profound, often overlooked needs for rootedness, intimacy, and poetic imagination in our everyday spaces.

Iran is one of the most hazard-prone and vulnerable countries to disasters, with recurrent earthquakes causing severe human and economic losses. Yet, recovery has often been shaped by emergency-driven decisions, inadequate documentation, and weak institutional memory. The 1990 Rudbar-Manjil earthquake, the first major disaster to occur after the Islamic Revolution, marked a turning point in disaster management and reconstruction history. While significant, most existing studies have centered on official perspectives, overlooking the lived experiences of affected populations and practitioners. This study addresses that gap by revisiting the earthquake through oral history to preserve intangible heritage and extract lessons for future recovery. Using a qualitative approach, 63 semi-structured interviews were conducted with officials, decision-makers, and residents between July 2021 and February 2022. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to identify participants until data saturation was achieved. Transcriptions were systematically coded and thematically analyzed. This process produced a multi-perspective narrative of recovery, revealing both achievements and enduring challenges across institutional, social, and community dimensions. The Rudbar–Manjil case shows that durable disaster recovery depends on preparedness, effective governance, and community engagement. Preparedness requires pre-disaster frameworks and a process-oriented approach linking response and recovery. Strong governance relies on streamlined, transparent institutions, inter-agency coordination, and systematic information management. Embedding risk reduction throughout recovery ensures sustainability. Ultimately, community involvement is crucial: striking a balance between local participation and technical oversight enhances legitimacy and resilience. Addressing technical, institutional, and social dimensions together creates more effective and enduring recovery outcomes.

Open spaces play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and supporting the mental well-being of older adults. This study examines both physical and non-physical differences in the open spaces of residential complexes designed according to two distinct patterns—mixed and linear—and investigates how these differences relate to the mental health of elderly residents. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys. The study focused on two case examples in Isfahan: the Moshtagh Farhangian Residential Complex (a mixed pattern) and the Aftab Twin Towers (a linear pattern). The results show that several physical factors—such as accessibility to pedestrian and bicycle paths, environmental quality, safety of open spaces, and the presence of natural elements like greenery and water features—and non-physical factors—such as social interaction, individual and group participation, physical activity, and perceived security—have a significant impact on the mental health of elderly residents. However, the importance and effect of these factors differ between the two design patterns. Mixed-layout complexes offer better access, stronger social ties, and superior environmental quality than linear designs, which often suffer from repetitive layouts and poor indoor-outdoor integration, despite their visual appeal. Effectiveness depends on open space placement. These insights can help architects and urban planners design residential complexes that are more functional and supportive of the well-being of older adults.

Adaptive shading devices offer architects a range of opportunities. These devices not only contribute to unique features and characteristics in building envelopes but, with appropriate design and principled implementation, also enhance visual conditions in interior spaces by providing sufficient levels of daylighting and improving visual comfort. Additionally, they reduce lighting energy consumption in buildings. This study examines four types of adaptive shading systems designed to optimize daylighting and visual comfort. Using a multi-objective optimization approach, various configurations of these systems are examined within the context of a reference office model to achieve a balance between the discussed objectives. For each season, the design alternatives with the highest fitness scores are identified. The findings highlight the relative advantages of horizontal louvers and horizontal sun-breakers over other shading devices. These two adaptive systems provide the reference model with satisfactory daylighting levels (i.e., ). Furthermore, regarding glare reduction, full visual comfort is achieved in spring and summer. In fall and winter, when sunlight entering through the southern façade is likely to produce glare, visual comfort is improved by approximately 43% compared to the base case.

This study aims to present an Indigenous model for recreating inefficient urban textures, with an emphasis on social sustainability, in Region 2 of Rafsanjan. The research method employs a qualitative approach and content analysis, which involves identifying basic, organizing, and overarching themes. The DEMATEL technique was used to determine the causal relationships between the indicators. Findings revealed five themes: physical-spatial regeneration, social sustainability, economic-social regeneration, preservation of local identity and heritage, and participatory governance, comprising a total of 49 indicators. The results of the DEMATEL analysis indicate complex and multi-layered relationships between different dimensions of regeneration, such that the state of deterioration of the fabric and the quality of existing materials, as primary influencing factors, have a direct impact on other physical and social indicators. Enhancing neighborhood ties and building local social networks strengthens solidarity, encourages resident participation, and fosters social oversight and ownership of spaces. Preserving traditional architecture, vernacular features, and local symbols supports cultural continuity, residents' sense of belonging, and neighborhood identity. The proposed model follows a systemic and integrated approach that extends physical interventions to include social, cultural, economic, and managerial aspects. Economic factors, including generating local employment and developing small businesses, contribute to equitable benefit distribution, residential stability, and long-term socio-economic sustainability. Furthermore, the model offers a practical framework for sustainable urban regeneration. Its adaptability also makes it applicable to other cities with similar socio-spatial conditions, providing a pathway to integrate physical renewal with social cohesion and cultural continuity.

The uncontrolled growth of tall buildings in contemporary cities has caused numerous visual and psychological issues for urban citizens. This study's framework examined the combined effect of architectural and vegetation variations on the scape of tall buildings and the oppression imposed on citizens. The architectural changes of the tall building included form (rectangular, stepped and pyramidal), gap (in single building (without gap, small and large gap) and between buildings (middle, sides and middle and sides)), console (1, 2, 2,5, 3, 3.5 and 4 m), and setback (1, 2 and 3 m) of the building from the base. Vegetation changes also included the distribution of different tree species on the façade and the positioning of the trees within each species. To assess the impact of architectural and vegetation changes on oppression, the method was based on the framework for assessing the oppressiveness of tall buildings and people's opinions. In conclusion, vegetation demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in perceived oppression compared to architectural modifications. The results of examining the architectural scenarios showed that as the pyramidal form of the building increased and the gap between the single tall building (or between tall buildings) widened, citizen-imposed oppression decreased. Also, as the console of a tall building decreased to less than 2.5 m and the setback increased to more than 2 m, the oppression decreased significantly. Also, the results showed that using concentrated and horizontal vegetation at the base and shaft of tall buildings has effectively reduced oppression (Compared to other vegetation change scenarios).