Shahid Beheshti UniversitySoffeh1683-870X35120250321Comparative analysis of the ideas of Alexander, Heidegger and Gadamer about architectureComparative analysis of the ideas of Alexander, Heidegger and Gadamer about architecture52210555710.48308/soffeh.2024.230536.1239FASeyedeh MahsaBagheriPhD, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran0000-0001-7969-1956MahmoodArzhmandAssistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-5117-5391Seyed BehshidHosseiniProfessor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-9522-9892Journal Article20230202Christopher Alexander introduces an interpretation about the architecture in the chapter “Face of God” of “Nature of Order: The Luminous Ground “.On the other hand, philosophers of phenomenology such as Martin Heidegger and Hans-Georg Gadamer also have theories about the interpreting of art-works, including architecture, which seem to be comparable to Alexander's ideas in some respects. This research intends to do a comparative analysis of Alexander's ideas with Heidegger's and Gadamer's ideas about the architecture. This analysis will be done by emphasizing two key concepts of Heidegger's and Gadamer's theories, that is, the concept of uncertainty in interpretation of texts and in author's intention, and concept of the interpreter's mental preinterpretation and subjective knowledge. The research is qualitative and fundamental, and it was conducted using the phenomenological method with a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. The results of the research emphasize the existence of a relationship between Alexander’s interpretation about architecture and the architect's mentality and Heidegger's and Gadamer's ontological theories on art and architecture. The results of examining the concept of uncertainty have shown that there is a closeness between the opinions of these three theorists regarding the existence of a truth behind the artwork and its appearance through architectural works. The results of the investigation of the concept of uncertainty have shown that the meaning of art-works is not definite and fixed for the mentioned philosopher, and according to Alexander, the art-works has a fixed truth. The results of the study of the concept of the interpreter's mental preinterpretation in architecture have also shown that Alexander's thoughts about internal knowledge are related to the architect's mentality and the creation of architecture, and according to Heidegger and Gadamer, internal knowledge, prejudices, and mentality are related to the audience and observer of the architectural work. Also, similarities between the thoughts of these three theorists were seen in the belief in the realization of the principle of unity between the creator and the art-work, and the audience and the art-work.Christopher Alexander introduces an interpretation about the architecture in the chapter “Face of God” of “Nature of Order: The Luminous Ground “.On the other hand, philosophers of phenomenology such as Martin Heidegger and Hans-Georg Gadamer also have theories about the interpreting of art-works, including architecture, which seem to be comparable to Alexander's ideas in some respects. This research intends to do a comparative analysis of Alexander's ideas with Heidegger's and Gadamer's ideas about the architecture. This analysis will be done by emphasizing two key concepts of Heidegger's and Gadamer's theories, that is, the concept of uncertainty in interpretation of texts and in author's intention, and concept of the interpreter's mental preinterpretation and subjective knowledge. The research is qualitative and fundamental, and it was conducted using the phenomenological method with a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. The results of the research emphasize the existence of a relationship between Alexander’s interpretation about architecture and the architect's mentality and Heidegger's and Gadamer's ontological theories on art and architecture. The results of examining the concept of uncertainty have shown that there is a closeness between the opinions of these three theorists regarding the existence of a truth behind the artwork and its appearance through architectural works. The results of the investigation of the concept of uncertainty have shown that the meaning of art-works is not definite and fixed for the mentioned philosopher, and according to Alexander, the art-works has a fixed truth. The results of the study of the concept of the interpreter's mental preinterpretation in architecture have also shown that Alexander's thoughts about internal knowledge are related to the architect's mentality and the creation of architecture, and according to Heidegger and Gadamer, internal knowledge, prejudices, and mentality are related to the audience and observer of the architectural work. Also, similarities between the thoughts of these three theorists were seen in the belief in the realization of the principle of unity between the creator and the art-work, and the audience and the art-work.https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105557_d422c1ccef74ba6c42a5011c76b5f769.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySoffeh1683-870X35120250321The Migration of Architectural Design Education from the Studio to A Virtual Environment; A Review of an Experience in Response to the Covid-19 PandemicThe Migration of Architectural Design Education from the Studio to A Virtual Environment; A Review of an Experience in Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic234010555610.48308/soffeh.2024.229099.1206FAّFarhadShariatradPhD., Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-7483-3142RaminDehbandiPhD Candidate, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20221012Background and objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid transition to virtual learning environments across many disciplines, including architecture, where traditional design studios relied heavily on hands-on learning and face-to-face interaction. The adaptation of these studios to virtual formats highlighted numerous challenges, particularly in ensuring clarity of instruction, maintaining engagement, and adapting media for online use. This research aims to explore and narrate the educational experience of an undergraduate virtual architectural design studio, with the objective of identifying obstacles and determining effective solutions for successful implementation.<br />Methods: An action research methodology was employed for the study, allowing for iterative reflection and modification based on the experiences of students and tutors. The research spanned five cycles within an undergraduate design studio at Shahid Beheshti University. Each cycle incorporated specific interventions to address challenges in the virtual learning environment, with the quality of student projects being the primary criterion for evaluation. Data collection included detailed session reports, student feedbacks, and analyses of technical and pedagogical challenges encountered throughout the process.<br />Results and conclusion: The study identified three main challenges in the virtual design studio: the lack of clarity in instructional content, the mismatch between traditional studio activities and the virtual environment, and ongoing technical difficulties. Despite these challenges, the research demonstrated that a flexible pedagogical approach, the incorporation of diverse activities, and the use of virtual-environment-friendly media significantly improved student outcomes. While certain traditional activities, such as conceptual design tasks, could be adapted to the virtual setting with minor modifications, others, such as material exploration, were less compatible and sometimes not feasible. The research concludes that while virtual design studios present substantial challenges, they also offer opportunities for innovation in teaching methods. Successful implementation requires careful adaptation of tasks and media, and an ongoing commitment to flexibility and responsiveness to both technological and pedagogical constraints. This study provides insights that can guide the future development of virtual architectural design studios, ensuring their effectiveness in delivering quality education.Background and objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid transition to virtual learning environments across many disciplines, including architecture, where traditional design studios relied heavily on hands-on learning and face-to-face interaction. The adaptation of these studios to virtual formats highlighted numerous challenges, particularly in ensuring clarity of instruction, maintaining engagement, and adapting media for online use. This research aims to explore and narrate the educational experience of an undergraduate virtual architectural design studio, with the objective of identifying obstacles and determining effective solutions for successful implementation.<br />Methods: An action research methodology was employed for the study, allowing for iterative reflection and modification based on the experiences of students and tutors. The research spanned five cycles within an undergraduate design studio at Shahid Beheshti University. Each cycle incorporated specific interventions to address challenges in the virtual learning environment, with the quality of student projects being the primary criterion for evaluation. Data collection included detailed session reports, student feedbacks, and analyses of technical and pedagogical challenges encountered throughout the process.<br />Results and conclusion: The study identified three main challenges in the virtual design studio: the lack of clarity in instructional content, the mismatch between traditional studio activities and the virtual environment, and ongoing technical difficulties. Despite these challenges, the research demonstrated that a flexible pedagogical approach, the incorporation of diverse activities, and the use of virtual-environment-friendly media significantly improved student outcomes. While certain traditional activities, such as conceptual design tasks, could be adapted to the virtual setting with minor modifications, others, such as material exploration, were less compatible and sometimes not feasible. The research concludes that while virtual design studios present substantial challenges, they also offer opportunities for innovation in teaching methods. Successful implementation requires careful adaptation of tasks and media, and an ongoing commitment to flexibility and responsiveness to both technological and pedagogical constraints. This study provides insights that can guide the future development of virtual architectural design studios, ensuring their effectiveness in delivering quality education.https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105556_311776ed96ef6393b4f8746407c84995.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySoffeh1683-870X35120250321Investigating the Content of Doctoral Dissertations in Architecture With a Focus on Housing and NeighborhoodInvestigating the Content of Doctoral Dissertations in Architecture With a Focus on Housing and Neighborhood406010555510.48308/soffeh.2024.223559.1081FAMohammadParvaCorresponding Author, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch, Shiraz, Iran0000-0002-1272-0684HadiNikounam NezamiLecturer, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Apadana Higher Education Institute, Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran0000-0003-3601-268XJournal Article20210906Extensive research and evaluation in the field of housing and neighborhood planning and design has been done so far, which shows the obvious importance and pathological view in this area. From this point of view, Ph.D. dissertations in architecture can be considered as scientific and methodological research that can be used to solve problems and shortcomings in the field of housing and neighborhood; in this regard, the study of the potential of the dissertations in terms of application is considered. The present study uses a combined strategy (correlation and qualitative) with an analytical-descriptive approach and examines the content of doctoral dissertations in architecture in four steps with a focus on housing and neighborhood; the first step examines the research background and the next step analyzes the contents of the dissertations (21 full-texts and 22 abstracts). The period of doctoral dissertations under analysis is from 2000 to 2020, and these dissertations have been completed in Public and Islamic Azad universities in Iran. The third step of the research includes an evaluation of the authors of the dissertations (32 people) in order to complete the second stage. At the final stage, strategies and guidelines are explained. This article points out the importance and impact of doctoral dissertations in architecture. The results of analysis and evaluation indicate that most of the doctoral dissertations examined have significant findings and results that can have practical applications in alignment with the policies applied by the university (as a converter and mediator); Also, the strategies and guidelines are suggested in two dimensions of "application of dissertations and their approach" and "educational and research process in universities" with the aim of application of research findings and their use by decision-makers, planners and designers.Extensive research and evaluation in the field of housing and neighborhood planning and design has been done so far, which shows the obvious importance and pathological view in this area. From this point of view, Ph.D. dissertations in architecture can be considered as scientific and methodological research that can be used to solve problems and shortcomings in the field of housing and neighborhood; in this regard, the study of the potential of the dissertations in terms of application is considered. The present study uses a combined strategy (correlation and qualitative) with an analytical-descriptive approach and examines the content of doctoral dissertations in architecture in four steps with a focus on housing and neighborhood; the first step examines the research background and the next step analyzes the contents of the dissertations (21 full-texts and 22 abstracts). The period of doctoral dissertations under analysis is from 2000 to 2020, and these dissertations have been completed in Public and Islamic Azad universities in Iran. The third step of the research includes an evaluation of the authors of the dissertations (32 people) in order to complete the second stage. At the final stage, strategies and guidelines are explained. This article points out the importance and impact of doctoral dissertations in architecture. The results of analysis and evaluation indicate that most of the doctoral dissertations examined have significant findings and results that can have practical applications in alignment with the policies applied by the university (as a converter and mediator); Also, the strategies and guidelines are suggested in two dimensions of "application of dissertations and their approach" and "educational and research process in universities" with the aim of application of research findings and their use by decision-makers, planners and designers.https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105555_6e992a2f2d780ed3539d443395a5f96d.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySoffeh1683-870X35120250321Meaningful Learning of Structures in Architectural Design
Geometric Understanding and Implementation of Structural Knowledge in Architectural Design Based on of Revised Bloom's TaxonomyMeaningful Learning of Structures in Architectural Design
Geometric Understanding and Implementation of Structural Knowledge in Architectural Design Based on of Revised Bloom's Taxonomy617910555210.48308/soffeh.2022.222413.1051FAFouziehZeinaliPhD, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Yazd University, Yazd, IranNarimanFarahzaAssistant Professor, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Yazd University0000-0002-3779-5607Mohammad RezaHafezyAssociate Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20210620one of the important goals of structural education in the field of architectural engineering is the implementation of structural knowledge in the process of architectural design according to improve the quality and efficiency of architectural designs. Achieving this goal requires educational planning to transfer the learning of structural teachings from the educational position to the architectural design position. The implementation of knowledge is the best point in transfer of learning and means the creation of new procedures for solving unfamiliar problems. According to Bloom's theory, Taxonomy of educational objectives, which is a theory in the field of educational planning, implementation is a level of cognition that is closely related to the cognitive level of creation and design and is based on a combination of proposition, concept and procedure Knowledge dimensions. This research, based on Bloom's theory, has presented a theoretical model of meaningful structural learning versus Rote learning in architectural design. The theoretical model of meaningful structural learning is about structural educational planning in the field of architectural engineering. This model explains the dimensions of process cognition of structure from Remember to Implementation in the process of architectural design, and describes the process of recognizing and knowing the dimensions of the structure in architectural design. Research results show that Propositional, conceptual and procedural knowledge are the dimensions of structural knowledge that are constructed in the process of cognition of structure, and become effective knowledge in design. Another finding of this study is that Geometric understanding of structures is a conceptual knowledge and an intermediate link between structural cognition and architectural design that can be effective in the implementation of structural knowledge in the architectural design process. This research has been done by collecting documentary-library data and logical reasoning method based on Revised Bloom's Taxonomy and theories in the field of design thinking with a cognitive approach.one of the important goals of structural education in the field of architectural engineering is the implementation of structural knowledge in the process of architectural design according to improve the quality and efficiency of architectural designs. Achieving this goal requires educational planning to transfer the learning of structural teachings from the educational position to the architectural design position. The implementation of knowledge is the best point in transfer of learning and means the creation of new procedures for solving unfamiliar problems. According to Bloom's theory, Taxonomy of educational objectives, which is a theory in the field of educational planning, implementation is a level of cognition that is closely related to the cognitive level of creation and design and is based on a combination of proposition, concept and procedure Knowledge dimensions. This research, based on Bloom's theory, has presented a theoretical model of meaningful structural learning versus Rote learning in architectural design. The theoretical model of meaningful structural learning is about structural educational planning in the field of architectural engineering. This model explains the dimensions of process cognition of structure from Remember to Implementation in the process of architectural design, and describes the process of recognizing and knowing the dimensions of the structure in architectural design. Research results show that Propositional, conceptual and procedural knowledge are the dimensions of structural knowledge that are constructed in the process of cognition of structure, and become effective knowledge in design. Another finding of this study is that Geometric understanding of structures is a conceptual knowledge and an intermediate link between structural cognition and architectural design that can be effective in the implementation of structural knowledge in the architectural design process. This research has been done by collecting documentary-library data and logical reasoning method based on Revised Bloom's Taxonomy and theories in the field of design thinking with a cognitive approach.https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105552_622820a0b4beffd7a201ce2b26f58fa4.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySoffeh1683-870X35120250321The Influential Factors on the Enhancement of Social Interaction in Socially Mixed Housing (Case study: The residential complex of Kavir Neighborhood in Yazd)The Influential Factors on the Enhancement of Social Interaction in Socially Mixed Housing (Case study: The residential complex of Kavir Neighborhood in Yazd)8110410555410.48308/soffeh.2023.223184.1068FAParniaAziniM.Sc. Student in Architecture, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Kent State University, Ohio, USASeyed-AbbasYazdanfarAssociate Professor, School of Architecture & Environmental Design, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-0719-6961SaeidNorouzian-MalekiAssociate Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-4963-7814Journal Article20210906Since the late 20th century, novel policies of urban design in developed countries have altered toward the implementation of social mix policies and the development of mixed-income housing, aiming to address problems associated with the concentration of disadvantaged people in social housing such as the high rate of crime, anti-social behaviors, etc. However, an ongoing problem of social mix policies has always been the limited social interaction across social classes or income levels, so the deprived individuals fail to benefit from such interaction. The aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting the enhancement of social interactions between different social classes in socially mixed developments. A mixed research method has been adopted in this study; data gathering has been done through library studies, and a survey method has been conducted to test the research hypothesis. The residential complex of the Kavir Neighborhood in the city of Yazd, Iran, was chosen as the case study, and accordingly, all features have been examined in relation to their impacts on the social interaction. 37 out of 52 residential units were selected using a simple randomization procedure, and the samples were provided with a self-administered questionnaire. In the next step, data analysis was performed with the SPSS, and the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed by experts and Cronbach's alpha test respectively (α= 0.82). After analysis of the data, we have found some individual characteristics of residents including gender, marriage status, religion, ownership status, and the duration of residency to be significantly correlated with the social interactions (type, scale, and homogenization). Moreover, a positive significant correlation was observed between the social interaction and variables including participation in management decisions, participation in group activities (p<0.01), spatial proximity (p<0.05), community facilities, sense of belonging, management policies, and regulations (p<0.1). In conclusion, if the proposed income deciles and socio-demographic characteristics of residents in mixed-income housing are appropriately selected, it is bound to enhance the social interaction of a community to achieve balanced, viable, and sustainable development.Since the late 20th century, novel policies of urban design in developed countries have altered toward the implementation of social mix policies and the development of mixed-income housing, aiming to address problems associated with the concentration of disadvantaged people in social housing such as the high rate of crime, anti-social behaviors, etc. However, an ongoing problem of social mix policies has always been the limited social interaction across social classes or income levels, so the deprived individuals fail to benefit from such interaction. The aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting the enhancement of social interactions between different social classes in socially mixed developments. A mixed research method has been adopted in this study; data gathering has been done through library studies, and a survey method has been conducted to test the research hypothesis. The residential complex of the Kavir Neighborhood in the city of Yazd, Iran, was chosen as the case study, and accordingly, all features have been examined in relation to their impacts on the social interaction. 37 out of 52 residential units were selected using a simple randomization procedure, and the samples were provided with a self-administered questionnaire. In the next step, data analysis was performed with the SPSS, and the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed by experts and Cronbach's alpha test respectively (α= 0.82). After analysis of the data, we have found some individual characteristics of residents including gender, marriage status, religion, ownership status, and the duration of residency to be significantly correlated with the social interactions (type, scale, and homogenization). Moreover, a positive significant correlation was observed between the social interaction and variables including participation in management decisions, participation in group activities (p<0.01), spatial proximity (p<0.05), community facilities, sense of belonging, management policies, and regulations (p<0.1). In conclusion, if the proposed income deciles and socio-demographic characteristics of residents in mixed-income housing are appropriately selected, it is bound to enhance the social interaction of a community to achieve balanced, viable, and sustainable development.https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105554_c8c0e921c4a587897e56a8a102dd7777.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySoffeh1683-870X35120250321Evaluation of «awareness- analysis- action» of urban and regional development plans of Isfahan in facing the effects of climate changeEvaluation of «awareness- analysis- action» of urban and regional development plans of Isfahan in facing the effects of climate change10512710555810.48308/soffeh.2024.233563.1297FAZahraMahvash MohammadiMSc, aculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran0009-0002-1475-0147NaserBarakpourProfessor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-2941-9812Journal Article20231025Climate change is one of the most important challenges that humanity is facing in the 21st century, and as a potential threat, it has affected man-made and natural environments. As a result of climate change, cities may face serious problems in providing even the most basic services to their residents. According to various researches, climate change is happening in wide areas of the world, including Iran. The most natural hazards that have occurred in Isfahan province include drought and water scarcity, land subsidence, air pollution caused by the phenomenon of dust caused by climate change, and have brought economic, social and environmental problems. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt and reduce the effects and risks of climate change through political interventions at all levels of spatial planning. Using quantitative and qualitative content analysis method, 31 indicators in 10 dimensions and also in three components according to the analytical (A-A-A) approach have evaluated six urban and regional development plans in Isfahan in facing the effects of climate change. Three-point coding guidelines were used for scoring, and Friedman's non-parametric statistical test was used in SPSS software to rank them. The results of the research show that the Isfahan metropolitan area plan with 70.97%, the fourth five-year plan of the Isfahan Municipality with 57.26% and the spatial development of Isfahan province with 46.77% had the lowest exposure to the effects of climate change. Finally, the general evaluation of the development plans has shown that according to the analytical approach (A-A-A), they have a very low level of awareness, an average level of analytical ability and a limited action response to integrate issues and effects related to climate change at the local level. Therefore, the role of Isfahan development plans to seriously integrate climate change issues with other issues is still limited.Climate change is one of the most important challenges that humanity is facing in the 21st century, and as a potential threat, it has affected man-made and natural environments. As a result of climate change, cities may face serious problems in providing even the most basic services to their residents. According to various researches, climate change is happening in wide areas of the world, including Iran. The most natural hazards that have occurred in Isfahan province include drought and water scarcity, land subsidence, air pollution caused by the phenomenon of dust caused by climate change, and have brought economic, social and environmental problems. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt and reduce the effects and risks of climate change through political interventions at all levels of spatial planning. Using quantitative and qualitative content analysis method, 31 indicators in 10 dimensions and also in three components according to the analytical (A-A-A) approach have evaluated six urban and regional development plans in Isfahan in facing the effects of climate change. Three-point coding guidelines were used for scoring, and Friedman's non-parametric statistical test was used in SPSS software to rank them. The results of the research show that the Isfahan metropolitan area plan with 70.97%, the fourth five-year plan of the Isfahan Municipality with 57.26% and the spatial development of Isfahan province with 46.77% had the lowest exposure to the effects of climate change. Finally, the general evaluation of the development plans has shown that according to the analytical approach (A-A-A), they have a very low level of awareness, an average level of analytical ability and a limited action response to integrate issues and effects related to climate change at the local level. Therefore, the role of Isfahan development plans to seriously integrate climate change issues with other issues is still limited.https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105558_47b1cfd1beb87a1e62dff829f3016933.pdf