https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/ Soffeh en daily 1 Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106423.html Background and objectives: Form is a multifaceted concept serving as the foundation of a place. Within the semantic spectrum of form, the relationship between appearance (i.e., the objective aspect) and meaning (i.e., the subjective aspect) is considered as presenting a comprehensive interpretation of form. Appearance embodies the meaning of a place. However, the relationship between inside and outside plays a significant role in defining a place. Such a relationship can be understood across three layers: interior and exterior space, human and physical form, and meaning and appearance. The connection between meaning and appearance arises from the interplay between the first two layers. The objective of this research is to achieve a profound understanding of form. This study draws upon the concept of affordance to explore the various interpretations of form in the relationship between appearance and meaning by scrutinising the multilayered interplay between the inside and outside. It is hoped that by introducing affordance, this research contributes to the connection between the human, the physical form, and the environment, particularly at the boundary between inside and outside. The primary question is: How can forms enhance the affordance of a place to foster a deep, multifaceted, and multilayered connection between inside and outside? Previous research has explored the philosophical dimensions and various aspects of form; this study emphasises the theoretical dimension of form in architecture by linking these concepts to place and transitioning from a superficial understanding of form to a more profound conceptualisation. Materials and Methods: The research method is logical argumentation, and the final theoretical model was developed through initial conceptual modelling. For this purpose, the various interpretations of form were presented to the appearance-affordance-meaning model, which serves as a comprehensive representation of these interpretations. The three layers of the relationships between the inside and the outside were then explained and integrated with the initial model. Three levels of affordance were incorporated into this structure, resulting in the development of the conceptual model. Then, the levels of form are explained in detail within the conceptual model. The outcome was presented as a theoretical model that delineates the levels of form to enhance the affordance of place in the relationship between inside and outside. Results and Conclusion: Based on the research findings, the distinction between inside and outside is established at the first level through the formation of boundaries, transitions, and surface in the form. At the second level, the continuity between the inside and the outside is maintained by establishing a territory, a hierarchy of evolution, and a framework for interactions, while at the third level, the interactions between inside and outside are defined by the creation of privacy, a gradual presence, and the representation of identity. The levels in the conceptual model delineate the relationship between meaning and appearance across three levels: physical-environmental, functional-behavioural, and perceptual-semantic. Form can be understood at three levels: spatial limitation, spatial penetration, and spatial representation. In terms of spatial limitation, the predominant direction of forces is from the inside to the outside. Conversely, in spatial representation, the direction is from the outside to the inside. Spatial penetration, on the other hand, involves a bidirectional interaction. The relationship between meaning and appearance influences attitudes toward form through three key concepts: morphology, physiology, and ecology. The relationship between the inside and outside in morphological form is based on visual structures; in physiological form, it relies on both visual structures and behavioural-social frameworks; and in ecological form, sensory perceptions and emotions are integrated into these factors. Ultimately, the internal connections among these levels can enhance the discovery of meaning within the environment, facilitating its generation. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105785.html In Iran, energy consumption in office and government buildings is higher than in other buildings, and the envelope of these buildings, as the first layer in dealing with environmental conditions, is critical to energy efficiency. In addition to providing thermal comfort, the building envelope can reduce energy consumption for heating, cooling, and ventilation. The greatest strategy for a building's envelope is a ventilated façade. A layer of air is placed between the outer layer of the façade and the building's wall, and this gap is naturally or mechanically ventilated. The term "open joint ventilated façade" refers to a type of ventilated facade in which the outer layer is made up of spaced slabs (open joint). Because of the solar chimney effect, these joints allow outside air to enter the chamber and provide natural ventilation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the thermal behavior and air flow in open joint ventilated facades on the southern front of an office building in the hot and dry climates of Isfahan, based on global research on this facade, which is mostly done in Spain and the existence of research weaknesses in Iran. The surface of this type of façade compared to a traditional one, and the thickness of the air layer between the two layers, are independent variables for this purpose. Furthermore, this type of facade was investigated in three different height modes (ground floor, fourth and eighth floor). During the summer and winter solstices, the simulation in this paper was run using the computational fluid dynamics approach using Fluent software. In comparison to other modes, the results showed that 60 percent and 80 percent of the surfaces of open joint ventilated facades on the fourth story with a 6 cm air layer thickness have the best performance in the southern front. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106425.html Background and objectives: Street commercialisation in affluent districts of the citiesoften includes commercialised luxury activities, due to high capital returns. This can be seen as a form of spatial commodification which, inter alia, constrains street users’ access, even mentally. So, streets as public spaces become limited-access spaces just for special (wealthy) groups of society.   Materials and methods: In this research, Fayazi Street (aka Fereshte) is studied due to its prime location in Tehran’s affluent District 1, complete with high-end commercial centres, bank branches, and other luxuries. The effects of commercialisation here have been analysed using the factor analysis method in SPSS software.   Results: Findings show that luxury commercial uses are effective in limiting the use of Fayazi Street. By using the factor analysis method, three factors were extracted, which we call ‘subjective and objective accessibility’, ‘Luxury and controlled consumption spaces’, and ‘location and connections’. These factors have resulted in spatialseizure in favour of the wealthy. Conclusion: This article shows how access to public spaces can gradually be restricted for some social groups. In other words, many less wealthy people have actually found the street uncomfortably unaffordable, and thereby miss the sense of symbolic accessibility of the street, be it behaviour-wise or mentally. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_104623.html Background and objectives: The shortage of adequate housing and its provision has long been recognised as one of the most critical challenges facing urban societies in our country. However, comparatively less attention has been paid to the extent to which the characteristics of built units—particularly their floor area—are affordable for the respective household. This mismatch can exacerbate housing market imbalances, contributing to rising rental prices and an increasing proportion of vacant units within the overall housing stock. In this context, the present study pursues two primary objectives: first, to estimate the affordance of households across income deciles in the cities of Qazvin Province; and second, to assess the degree of alignment between their affordance levels and the floor area of residential units produced during the period 2015–2017.   Materials and Methods: This study adopts a quantitative and analytical–descriptive approach. The average floor area affordable to households, disaggregated by income deciles, was estimated based on their savings rate and financial capacity to access bank credit. These affordability estimates were then compared with the average floor area of residential units produced in the cities of Qazvin Province during the period 2010–2016.   Results and conclusion: The findings indicate a clear mismatch between the floor area of newly produced residential units and the housing affordability of households. Market-driven production has led to an increase in the average unit size, diverging from the economic capacity of most households. Concurrently, rising housing prices have reduced the floor area that households can afford, resulting in a widening affordability gap. Moreover, with the minimum size of market-supplied units being approximately 50 square meters, there is virtually no suitable supply for households in the first three to four income deciles, who, in nearly all cities, can only afford units below this threshold. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106424.html Background and objectives: The Tehran Bazaar has long served as a key economic and spatial element in the city’s historical development. This study investigates the physical and cultural evolution of this Bazaar from its Safavid origins through the early Qajar period. The aim is to reconstruct the extent, structure, and development phases of the bazaar throughout this period and to understand its transformation in relation to broader political and urban changes.   Materials and Methods: This research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach and is based on primary historical sources, including geographical texts, endowment deeds (‘waqf-nāma’s), travelogues, historical maps (notably those by Nāskov, Krusinskī, and Bruezin), and architectural remains. The investigation followed three major steps: 1) gathering and categorising textual and cartographic evidence, 2) cross-analysing maps and documents to identify spatial boundaries and structures, and 3) reconstructing the bazaar’s expansion pattern and evaluating the role of Fatḥ-ʿAlī Shāh’s construction initiatives in its transformation.   Results and conclusion: The study shows that the Safavid-era core of the Tehran Bazaar emerged in the Chāl-Meydān area, among the shrines of Imāmzāda Yahyā, Zayd, Sayyid Nasr al-Dīn, and Sayyid Ismāʿīl. The Safavid bazaar stretched from the Meydān-e Mālforūshhā in the south to a point near what later became the Grand Chahārsūq. Key structures were restoredin the early Qajar period, but the bazaar retained its Safavid spatial layout. Under Fatḥ-ʿAlī Shāh, major extensions—including the construction of the Grand Chahārsūq—expanded the bazaar westwards and northwards, increasing its spatial complexity. Secondary branches such as the Ironmongers’ Bazaar, Tinsmiths’ Bazaar, and Bāzār-e Bēn al-Ḥarameyn were consolidated or newly developed in this period. These transformations reinforced the bazaar’s central role as both an economic engine and an urban form. The study underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and archaeological inquiry to further illuminate the hidden layers of the Tehran Bazaar’s development during the Safavid-Qajar transition. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105616.html Background and objectives: The construction of Iranian identity constitutes a central yet contested issue within contemporary Iranian architectural discourse. Understanding the historical trajectory of Iranian identity discourse and its architectural manifestations is crucial for elucidating current debates. This study focuses on the pre-Islamic Revolution period as a key juncture in the problematisation of Iranian architectural identity. Challenging previous scholarship that often positions the emergence of this issue in the late 1960s or early 1970s and presents a monolithic account primarily driven by people with architectural education and state agendas, this article aims to delineate the genesis of this discursive formation within architectural debates. Furthermore, it seeks to analyse the inherent contradictions and tensions embedded within this conceptualisation. Materials and Methods: Employing a discourse analysis approach, this research investigates the problematisation of Iranian architectural identity in the specified period through the examination of historical textual data. The analysis encompasses the identification of key actors, the institutional contexts within which the discourse unfolded, and the broader socio-political milieu shaping its articulation. The corpus of analysed documents includes texts authored by both architectural and non-architectural agents, published across a range of platforms including specialist architectural journals, general periodicals, and books. Results  & Conclusion: The findings reveal that the call for an architecture embodying a distinct Iranian identity was initially a political demand, emerging within the specific historical conjuncture of the post-1953 coup era. Initially, the intellectual elites demanded it as a reaction against the perceived intensification of Western influence in Iran. For the intellectuals, the discursive construction of Iranian architectural identity centred on the revival of historical architectural elements. However, this formulation faced resistance from modern Iranian architects, who perceived it as a challenge to their professional authority and a potential reinstatement of traditional architectural practices. Consequently, modern architects engaged in a counter-discourse, seeking to deconstruct the proposed formulation and marginalise the possibility of a direct historicist revival, thereby advocating for their own preferred architectural paradigms. This study demonstrates that, in contrast to previous accounts of homogeneity, the discourse on architectural identity during this period was characterised by agonistic struggles between diverse political and intellectual power blocs, as well as contestations between expert and non-expert voices within the field. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105175.html Background and Objectives: Following the rapid growth of urbanization, providing housing for low-income groups is considered one of the most important issues. Most of the projects that have been implemented for this group so far are not at an acceptable level in terms of quality. In affordable residential environments, given the limitations related to the size of residential units, the success of designers depends on prioritizing the needs of users instead of making decisions based on individual preferences. On the other hand, the layout of each space can affect the behavior of its residents. Therefore, paying attention to the system of activities and behavior settings in the housing of low-income groups, especially by considering cultural differences, becomes more necessary. According to previous studies, the factors affecting the organization of behavior settings are divided into two categories: physical-spatial and cultural, with culture influencing the physical-spatial factor. On the other hand, the organization of behavior settings is carried out by identifying the components of the two factors mentioned, first, the components of the physical-spatial environment including spatial layout and fixed and semi-fixed elements, and second, the cultural components including lifestyle, activity system, time of space use and symbolism. The present study aims to identify the physical-spatial characteristics of behavior settings and the relationship between settings in low-income housing, by examining the daily activities of individuals. In this regard, an interconnected network of physical-spatial characteristics of behavior settings based on current patterns of behavior and common activities in low-income housing was presented to better understand the designers in this housing. Materials and Methods: Panjtan neighborhood in Mashhad Municipality Region 4 was selected due to its location at level 4 (out of 5 classified levels of socio-economic status of residents), 10 houses were studied according to their characteristics such as housing type (apartment with shared living space), ownership, land area of ​​80-120 square meters with a maximum width of 7 meters, and at least 20 years of residence. Data collection was carried out through two methods: environmental data collection (in the form of maps, sketches, photos, and videos) and unstructured (in-depth) interviews. Since human activities are organized in time (day, night, weekdays, weekends, etc.), a study of behavior settings was conducted on normal and special week days (weekend and special religious holidays). The components extracted from the seventh house interview were a repetition of the previous components and no new factor was obtained. However, 3 more interviews were conducted to fully and definitively achieve theoretical saturation. In this study, interviews were conducted multiple times with each participant at different times and events over one year to gain a proper understanding of the categories resulting from the data analysis. Data analysis was conducted through the content analysis technique. MAXQDA 2022 software was used to code and categorize the data collected from the interviews. Data coding was carried out in three stages, including open, axial, and selective coding. In the open coding stage, each of the interview statements was placed in a group according to the concept. Then, in the axial coding, common semantic units in the propositions were extracted, and in the selective coding, the main concepts of the semantic units were determined and presented in the form of the main category, which is the physical-spatial characteristic of the behavior setting. Results and Conclusion: In line with the first objective of the study, to identify the physical-spatial characteristics of behavior settings in low-income housing, seven behavior setting groups were identified. Living room (19.7%), reception (19%), yard and roof (18.3%), kitchen (16.5%), home-based work space (11.2%), bedroom (10.4%), and front door area (4.9%), the seven behavior setting groups are identified in order of their importance according to their abundance. The findings show that the living space, with a wide range of behavior settings, including the position of family members (especially the father) to religious ceremonies, is the main center of activities in the house and plays an important role in family interactions and should have the possibility of connecting with the yard or semi-open space. Reception (integrated with living space), as a symbol of the homeowner's dignity, provides the opportunity to create activities such as family gatherings. Maintaining visual privacy in the kitchen space and being spacious are the most important features of this space. Given the living conditions of this group, a space for home-based work that has a proper connection with the living space (especially the kitchen) is one of the most important issues. Studies have shown that behavior settings take on different characteristics due to the type of activity at different times. Therefore, the factor of being time-dependent in bases directly affects their structure. In the studied group, two basic activities, family gatherings and holding religious ceremonies on a weekly, monthly, or special occasions basis, significantly affect the physical-spatial characteristics and how bases are organized. Providing sufficient walls to lean against and arranging spaces to reduce traffic are among the design solutions that will help in the best possible formation of the two mentioned activities. Open and semi-open spaces, if there are the necessary facilities to create comfort, can be converted into living and working spaces in the warm seasons, and living space settings can be transferred to these spaces. The presence of a roofed Balcony (even with a light roof and vegetation) and its connection with the kitchen and cooking space, where the mother can also interact with others while doing work, will lead to the creation of a suitable and usable environment. The results of the research indicate that a small change in the structure of a behavior setting can have a significant impact on the way of life and activities of residents. This work is often done in a simple but intelligent way by residents in their daily lives. Therefore, in environmental design, simple solutions can be achieved by understanding the needs and expectations of residents rather than providing complex solutions. The present study, by examining behavior settings in a group of residents over a year, provides a practical image of behavior settings to guide designers toward the right direction in design. Such work should be done in real-life environments and researchers should have direct, intimate, and long-term contact with individuals. This issue creates a limitation in generalizing the research results to other residential environments (with different conditions and populations). https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105576.html Background and objectives: Much of the research in the discipline of landscape history has consistently sought evidence of a form of embedded wisdom underlying human interventions in the ecosystem. However, the specific characteristics of the wisdom itself and the methods for studying it in a historical context have received less attention. Our contemporary understanding of how human has interacted with the natural environment throughout history will remain incomplete and unrealistic without a thorough grasp of this wisdom and a holistic way to study it. The purpose of this research is to introduce the term "eco-oriented wisdom", wisdom about human and ecosystem interaction in a historical context, and to develop a framework for its study using the two concepts of "traditional ecological knowledge" and "ecological wisdom" . The current research has no background in terms of putting together the two concepts of traditional ecological knowledge and ecological wisdom, using components of each, to explain the new concept of ecological wisdom. Methods: The method of this research is content analysis of texts. Researches in the two areas of traditional ecological knowledge and ecological wisdom were collected, screened, and freely and axially coded. From the analysis of axial codes and determining their relationship, a conceptual framework for the study of ecological wisdom was developed.Results and conclusion: The three levels of “worldview”, “interaction” and “knowledge”, with the particular importance of worldview in influencing the other two levels, must be considered to understand ecological wisdom in a historical context. In this worldview, the culture-nature dichotomy gives way to integration and humans are understood as part of the ecosystem. Interaction is the process of decision-making and subsequent action that leads to the creation of a landscape; therefore, under worldview, the examination of knowledge based on observation and experience, and the characteristics of the landscape, forms the conceptual framework for examining ecological wisdom. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105578.html Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings is a complex process. The multiple influencing factors and actors play a role in the decision-making process. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors influencing this process. So, we use a meta-synthesis approach based on a systematic literature review. The systematic review of national and international sources started with 473 articles and ended with the final results of 60 articles. We organized the extracted codes as 56 indicators and seven main dimensions, including heritage dimensions, physical dimensions, functional dimensions, economic dimensions, socio-cultural dimensions, dimensions related to management and regulations, and environmental dimensions. The indicators identified in different dimensions were divided into conditions (current situation) and consequences (desired situation). Among the influential factors in the literature, conservation of the building values, measuring the spatial and structural affordance of the existing fabric, economic benefits, especially job creation and financial self-sustainability, increasing public awareness and socio-cultural benefits, and existing rules and regulations are known as highly cited indicators. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105814.html Background and Objectives: The critical role of women in post-disaster housing reconstruction has been well-documented; however, this role is often overlooked in disaster studies, particularly in Iran. This study aims to systematically analyze existing research and examine the role and agency of women in post-disaster housing reconstruction.Methodology: This study systematically reviewed Persian-language articles, master’s dissertations, and doctoral theses from the field of disaster management and reconstruction at Shahid Beheshti University. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants. The systematic review process included defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, identifying data sources, employing a search strategy, and coding and analyzing the data.Findings: The results indicate that while most studies focus on women’s vulnerabilities, participation, and empowerment, the concept of “women’s agency,” which refers to their proactive efforts to address pre- and post-disaster conditions, has received minimal attention. Analysis of instances of women’s agency highlights interventions such as enhancing privacy, creating livelihood-oriented spaces, improving housing safety, and designing emergency spaces.Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasize the need to integrate the concept of women’s agency into policies and programs for post-disaster housing reconstruction. This approach can contribute to developing more resilience reconstruction processes in disaster management. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105856.html Between 1941 and 1949, the portal of the Darb Kushk in Isfahan was transferred to the grounds of Chehel Sotoon garden as a result of urban road development. Subsequently, a new portal, closely resembling the original, was erected near its initial site on Tayyeb Street. Although these two portals exhibit considerable similarities in their architectural form and decorative elements, minor variations are discernible in the brick Muqarnas patterns they feature. This situation gives rise to uncertainty, as it is not evident which of these two Muqarnas designs reflects the genuine Muqarnas of the Darb Kushk portal. Moreover, the few surviving historical photographs of the portal indicate that its original Muqarnas design diverges from both of the Muqarnas in question. The current study aims to clarify the distinctions between the original Muqarnas and the two reconstructed Muqarnas associated with the Darb Kushk portal by relying on historical visual records and, where feasible, reinterpret the original Muqarnas design. The research data were gathered through library-based investigations, scrutiny of historical records, and fieldwork encompassing site documentation, photographic capture, and the application of Agisoft software to generate a three-dimensional point cloud model, from which an orthomosaic image was derived. The analysis was conducted by employing a comparative approach to the arrangement of structural elements and the principles of planar geometry. The research concludes that neither of the two Muqarnas linked to the Darb Kushk portal corresponds to the historical Muqarnas of the structure. Having delineated the differences between the two Muqarnas (namely, the Muqarnas of the Darb Kushk portal at Chehel Sotoon Garden and the Muqarnas of the Darb Kushk portal on Tayyeb Street) and the historical Muqarnas of the Darb Kushk in Isfahan, the study has formulated an approximate reconstruction of the historical Muqarnas design for the portal in question, based on the configuration of components across each tier as observed in the visual evidence. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105879.html Based on the philosophical ideas of Deleuze and Guattari, this research challenges Manuel Delanda's theory of assemblage, asserting that it overlooks its philosophical roots and contains distortions. The objective is twofold: firstly, to establish a structured and comprehensive framework that encompasses the multitude of concepts within this philosophy, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of the city; and secondly, to reevaluate the theory itself by introducing a new perspective on assemblage. This research adopts a qualitative approach within an emancipatory and relational paradigm. It endeavors to uncover hidden meanings within the text's argument, drawing on extensive studies from primary and secondary sources. To achieve this, the research introduces the concept of orgiastic representation as a novel method derived from the assemblage theory, presenting a deeper and alternative semantic approach. The culmination of this study is reflected in the final argument, which asserts that the theory of assemblage is a systematic framework. It posits that the city is an entity comprised of two intertwined realities: "virtual" and "actual." Furthermore, the city is portrayed as a self-determined actor, occupying a liminal space with multiple functions and effects. The analysis's theoretical logic ultimately brings us to the inference that the city serves as a methodological realm for researchers, thinkers, designers, planners, and city managers who tackle stability within the volatile nature of its semantic structures. The concept of assemblage, encompassing theory and method, enables us to perceive the city as an abstract spatial apparatus that possesses unique cognitive abilities and generates a multitude of historical, spatial, conceptual, and ontological outcomes. By facilitating a middle-threshold space and enabling the assembly of diverse data, this abstract spatial apparatus has the potential to yield numerous accomplishments within the realm of the city and urban studies. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_105957.html The present study aims at explaining the aspects of cognitive and functional association between the variables of two theoretical structures, i.e., the emergence of life between buildings and the indicators of quality of public spaces. It then determined the impact size of the variables of the physical structure of the public space effectiveness on the emergence of life between buildings and its indicators in Honarmandan Park. The study used a systemic and functional analysis in terms of strategies. In terms of strategy, this study considers the cognitive and functional association between public spaces and the Collective of life, and in terms of methodology, it is descriptive-analytical research of urban space and socio-cultural functions. The setting understudy is Honarmandan Park and the Iran-Shahr neighborhood in District 6 of Tehran, Iran. The study had two main variables; the quality of public spaces as the predictor variable and the Life between buildings as the dependent variable. Since the variables and indicators of the study were extracted top-down from theoretical foundations, it was a kind of deductive reasoning and there were causal relations between the research variables. finding of the study on the theoretical model of the urban vitality variable in Honarmandan park revealed a strong and positive correlation with Optional activity, Diversity function, Actionability, Inclusiveness, and Attendance. On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between the vitality variable and indicators of Urban form and social activities. According to the results of this research, it can be said that if the public space is viewed as a system, then if a part of this system has a problem, that part has the ability to influence the whole system to some extent, but the other components can improve their performance, and remove that part from the overall circuit and even fix it. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106025.html Background and objectives: Synagogues are among the most significant religious spaces in Judaism. In most cases, their dedicatory inscriptions are written in Hebrew, the official and liturgical language of Jewish communities worldwide. In the city of Isfahan, which has a deep-rooted Jewish heritage, 18 synagogues are currently preserved, 11 of which contain inscriptions. In addition to Hebrew inscriptions, the presence of inscriptions in Judeo-Persian—a form of Persian written in Hebrew script used by Jewish communities in Persian-speaking regions—further enhances their historical and cultural importance. These inscriptions exhibit both linguistic and material diversity, being executed through various methods such as stone carving, tilework, wood engraving, mural painting on plaster, and handwritten manuscripts. Despite their significance, no independent research has yet been conducted on the reading and analysis of inscriptions in synagogues of Iranian Jews. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study is to document and interpret these inscriptions, with a specific focus on extracting historical information about the construction and renovation dates, names of patrons and custodians, and the motivations behind the establishment or endowment of synagogues in Isfahan. In addition, two tile inscriptions from demolished synagogues of Isfahan—currently preserved in museums abroad—are examined due to their historical age and distinctive decorative and epigraphic styles.Materials and Methods: This research is based on the documentation of 17 Hebrew and Judeo-Persian inscriptions during field visits to synagogues in Isfahan, along with interviews conducted with religious leaders of Iran’s Jewish community and experts in Hebrew and Judeo-Persian epigraphy, in order to obtain accurate translations and contextual interpretations.Results and conclusion: The findings of this study include the identification and accurate Persian translation of Hebrew and Judeo-Persian inscriptions from Isfahan’s synagogues, as well as the decoding of Hebrew acronyms (rashei teivot) found within the texts. The research also reveals the names of the synagogues’ founders and antiquity contributing to the documentation of the historical background of synagogue construction in Isfahan. The oldest known inscription dates back to the Abbasid Caliphate, while the remaining inscriptions—based on their decorative features or inscribed dates—span a historical range that includes the Timurid, Safavid, Qajar, and Pahlavi eras. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106227.html Background and objectives: Residential satisfaction has become a key focus for architects and designers in recent decades, as it offers valuable insights into the quality of residential environments. However, there remain many inconsistencies and unanswered questions in this field. This article addresses all influential aspects from the perspective of designers and builders of residential buildings in the city of Ilam by identifying subjective factors affecting the conceptual model of satisfaction through a different approach and methodology, specifically using Q methodology.Methods: This study is exploratory in nature, practical in its aims, and employs a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative methods are utilized during the discourse analysis phase, while quantitative methods are employed during the Q-factor analysis phase. The research employs a mixed methodology, gathering opinions through qualitative means and identifying mental patterns using quantitative methods. The statistical population includes architects and designers of residential complexes, totaling around 83 individuals. For this study, a selected sample of 16 senior architectural professionals from Ilam was chosen, to whom Q statements were distributed, and interviews based on Q methodology were conducted.Results and conclusions: Out of 94 proposed statements from the study's statistical population, 43 final statements were identified based on the experts' opinions and relevant literature, and they were then prioritized in a Q card sorting table according to the participants' feedback. Eventually, based on the findings and results of the Q-factor analysis, five different mental patterns were identified, listed in order of importance: optimizing energy consumption, suitable views and landscapes, utilizing natural light and open space, heating and cooling systems, and thermal comfort. The Q methodology helps identify patterns in professional attitudes toward housing design. Understanding these patterns can guide policies and design guidelines suited to various climates and cultures. Ultimately, designers’ mental patterns directly affect design quality and satisfaction in residential complexes. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106228.html The process of landscape design, as a creative and value-oriented act, emerges from the dynamic interaction between intuitive and rational mechanisms within the context of complex and multidimensional problems. This study, drawing on Jonathan Haidt’s Social Intuitionist Model, seeks to explain the role of emotions and designers’ values in design decision-making. Haidt, in his critique of rationalist approaches, emphasizes the primacy of emotion-driven intuitive orientations and the secondary construction of reasoning in moral judgments.Adopting a theoretical approach and through conceptual and comparative analysis between selected perspectives in landscape design and Haidt’s theory, a conceptual model is proposed based on the components of intuitive orientation, intuitive selection, rational orientation, rational justification, and reflection-in-action. This model demonstrates that many seemingly rational decisions made by designers are rooted in emotion- and value-based intuitive orientations, with reasoning often constructed retrospectively as justification.Such mechanisms can be reconsidered through the cultivation of reflection-in-action. The proposed model, by revealing hidden dimensions of designers’ decision-making processes, provides a ground for critical thinking in the design process and for greater attention to values and reflective skills_particularly in design education. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106270.html Iran boasts numerous historical and culturally significant villages that serve as living testaments to the traditions and lifestyles of bygone eras. Before implementing any interventions or protective measures, it is imperative to possess accurate knowledge about these villages. With Iran's diverse cultural landscape of historical villages, understanding their significance and categorizing their value types is essential for effective planning, decision-making, and preservation efforts.Superficial understanding and disregard for the values of these villages frequently exacerbate the threats to their preservation and integrity. Hence, a thorough understanding of their values is indispensable for any protection-oriented interventions.In contemporary conservation discourse, the focus has shifted from questioning the existence or value of historical sites to defining and measuring their significance. Identifying and assessing these values and establishing criteria for evaluation are crucial steps in determining their importance and type. Values serve as the guiding principles for discerning what aspects of a historical site are significant and should be prioritized in conservation efforts.To elucidate the concept of value within the context of villages and rural areas, it is essential to consult various sources, including charters, statements, and the perspectives of theorists specializing in rural heritage. By synthesizing these insights, researchers aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the key values and components associated with rural heritage.Key research questions include defining the concept of value in the context of villages, identifying critical components according to charters and theorists, and delineating effective criteria and indicators for identifying valuable villages. Through a methodical approach combining library research and qualitative analysis, researchers have compiled a classification system for evaluating villages based on both physical and metaphysical dimensions.The research process involved analyzing 88 charters and the viewpoints of theorists, resulting in the identification of 18 key components and 44 values. Subsequent analysis led to the extraction of 49 criteria indicators and 103 measurement indicators, categorized into physical and metaphysical criteria. These criteria encompass various aspects such as establishment, spatial organization, social-cultural dynamics, economic-political factors, and environmental considerations. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106705.html Background and Objectives: With the rapid expansion of computational capabilities in architectural design, the integration of geometry, structural analysis, and digital fabrication has become a central factor in the generation of innovative shell forms. Geometry serves as the shared language between architecture and engineering, providing the foundation for organizing forces, defining form, and enhancing performance. Historically, from timber structures and Gothic cathedrals to twentieth-century concrete shells and geodesic domes, geometry has played a decisive role in shaping both aesthetics and efficiency. The emergence of computational design introduced algorithms, parametric modeling, and digital simulation, enabling the creation of complex, adaptive, and responsive forms. Within this context, developable shells have gained particular attention due to their geometric efficiency, adaptability, and ease of fabrication. Their ability to unfold into planar surfaces without distortion makes them highly suitable for digital fabrication and modular construction. The present study aims to identify and analyze the key geometric components involved in computational design and to examine how their interconnections contribute to the optimization of developable shell structures.Materials and Methods: The research was conducted in two phases. First, a descriptive–analytical approach combined with a systematic literature review was used to extract theoretical foundations and identify principal geometric components relevant to computational design. Sources from recent decades in computational architecture, structural geometry, and shell design were examined to construct a conceptual model illustrating the relationships among points, lines, surfaces, and parametric rules. In the second phase, the conceptual model was validated through practical application. Two case studies were developed: a conical developable shell and a tangential developable shell, both modeled in the Rhino–Grasshopper environment. The workflow included defining base points, generating ruling lines, refining geometry through parametric adjustments, and subdividing surfaces into panels suitable for fabrication. Structural performance under applied loads was analyzed using the Karamba plugin, allowing evaluation of stress distribution, deformation patterns, and overall efficiency. This methodological framework enabled simultaneous consideration of geometric feasibility and structural behavior, ensuring that theoretical insights were tested against practical design scenarios.Results and Conclusion: The findings highlight the decisive role of geometric component arrangement in determining feasibility, constructability, and structural optimization of developable shells. Variations in the definition and interconnection of points, lines, and surfaces produced significant differences in both appearance and efficiency. The case studies demonstrated that careful parametric refinement and panel subdivision enhance fabrication simplicity while maintaining structural integrity. Moreover, computational tools facilitated exploration of multiple design alternatives, enabling informed decision-making in selecting appropriate shell geometries. The study concludes that a deep understanding of geometric components, combined with advanced computational techniques, provides architects and engineers with a robust framework for designing shells that are aesthetically compelling, structurally efficient, and practically realizable. Ultimately, the research underscores the inseparable relationship between geometry and structure in computational design and suggests that systematic exploration of geometric components can significantly contribute to the evolution of innovative and adaptable architectural forms. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106717.html Background and Objectives: All architects' efforts in creating a work aim to provide Ideal architecture. However, findings indicate that behind every benevolent and visionary architectural solution, there may also be hidden harms. One overlooked and concealed dimension of these harms, which is the main subject of this article, is phobia. Although phobias have been diagnosed in a wide range of individuals, architectural literature and design projects have not paid sufficient attention to this type of disability, which has no visible physical impairment. Phobias are associated with a wide range of triggers, but an examination of evidence from various sciences reveals that contemporary architectural necessities can, in some cases, be the origin of certain phobias, and these forced encounters with phobia-inducing factors in space will pave the way for problems.Materials and Methods: The present research attempts to discover the relationship between architectural design attachments and phobia by reviewing and understanding the nature of specific phobias with the help of documents and studies from various sciences, in order to identify the phobias that most interact with architecture. The methodological focus of this article is on explaining the correspondence between psychological phobias and architectural concepts in the two fields of psychology and architecture. In this research, theoretical literature has been combined with specialized interviews (with experts in architecture and environmental psychologists) and the analysis of autobiographies. Through scoring based on the Likert scale and thematic analysis, the most relevant phobias to architectural attachments have been identified and defined.Results and Conclusion:The results show that architecture can, in some cases, generate phobia within itself, and due to the constant human engagement with architectural spaces, the influence/receptiveness of phobias to design codes such as environmental configuration, environmental qualities, physical elements, and human-social factors is prominently observed in cognitive-emotional and sensory-motor aspects. he study classifies eleven phobias—Enochlophobia (fear of crowds), Acrophobia (fear of heights), Nyctophobia (fear of darkness), Claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), Agoraphobia (fear of wide-open spaces), Chromophobia/Chromatophobia (fear of colors), Pyrophobia (fear of fire), Trypophobia (fear of clustered patterns), Sciophobia (fear of shadows), Acousticophobia (fear of sounds), and Numerophobia (fear of numbers)—as “place-based phobias”, as their triggers are directly tied to spatial characteristics.Consequently, it is essential for architects to first become aware of the latent potential for phobia-inducing hazard in their works to subsequently integrate preventive and corrective strategies into the design process. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106738.html Background and objectives: Colors have always played a prominent role in symbolism and the conveyance of aesthetic concepts in Iranian architecture. Despite numerous studies in this field, the primary focus of previous research has been on interior spaces and decorative elements such as stained-glass windows (Orosi), while systematic investigation of color in exterior facades—as an element reflecting aesthetic taste, social identity, and the status of owners—has received less attention. During the Qajar period, with the increasing focus on residential architecture, facades gained greater importance. This research was conducted with the aim of monitoring color selection methods and analyzing the extent and priority of color presence in the main facades of Qajar-era houses in Tabriz. Tabriz was selected due to its status as the crown prince's residence during the Qajar period and its possession of a rich and suitable collection of such buildings. The main research question is: Which color has the greatest presence in the facades of Qajar houses in Tabriz? Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method, gathering information through library and field research. The statistical population consisted of 74 main facades of Qajar houses in Tabriz. By applying criteria of integrity and authenticity, 20 facades were selected as the final sample. Color data was captured using digital tools, including the Color Grab software, under controlled lighting conditions. The Munsell Color System served as the basis for color classification, and engineering and image processing software were used to draw the facades, assign colors, and perform quantitative calculations of colored surfaces. Results and Conclusion: The findings indicate that the color white, with an average of 57.40% of the total facade surfaces, accounts for the largest share. Following this, the colors red (22.27%), gray (8.82%), yellow (7.43%), blue (2.45%), green (0.98%), and purple (0.65%) are ranked in descending order. Data analysis also reveals that surfaces with naturally colored materials (74.81%) significantly outnumber painted surfaces (25.19%). The results confirm the predominance of whiteness in the exterior facades, which stands in meaningful contrast to the red-dominated interior spaces (particularly the Howz-khaneh). Factors such as the use of vernacular materials, climatic considerations, influence from emerging architectural styles, and the aesthetic taste of the residents played effective roles in formulating and selecting the color palette for the appearance of these buildings. Whiteness not only symbolized the well-being and affluence of the inhabitants but also provided a background for visual harmony and the showcasing of colorful decorative elements. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106922.html Background and objectives: Various studies have been conducted in search of the formation process in traditional architecture. Some have focused on massing around the yard, spatial structure and location of functions, types of decorations, etc. But the design of spaces inside a building mass has received less attention. In this article, a kind of geometric system is introduced in the architecture of Iranian houses, which, after massing, is the generator of its spaces. The geometric system introduced in this article shapes the architectural space and determines some of its qualities.The question of this research is how to divide a building mass on one side of the yard and create architectural spaces. It seems that the load-bearing structure and its orientation in relation to the yard is one of the key factors affecting the geometric structure of the building, which in the next stages, determines the composition of the spaces, their orientation, the method of lighting, the relation to the yard, the formal characteristics, etc.Materials and methods: To check the above hypothesis, in addition to considering the theoretical texts, many examples of Qajar period houses have been studied. The structure of the buildings, which is based on the load-bearing wall, has been examined through the architectural plan and according to the direction of the roof load distribution. Then the qualities resulting from the mentioned geometric system, which can be understood in the human experience of the building, have been described through logical argumentation. Finally, the qualities are compared and categorized.Results and conclusion: Two types of such geometric systems are introduced in this article. The houses of the first type, which is the dominant type throughout Iran, have a multi-layered and permeable geometric structure, including elements such as Iwan and Orosi, and have more transparent facades. In the houses of the second type, the spatial separation between the closed space of a room and the open space of the yard is more distinct. The transparency of the courtyard walls is less, but the structural geometric system of these buildings has made it possible to create Satavand and Shanashil. https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_106923.html Stakeholders of cultural heritage and their social relations play a prominent role in their recognition and conservation. Therefore, the attitude of these stakeholders also has a direct impact on this matter. Based on this, the current research aim to compare the attitude of "owners of historical houses revivaled to residential use in Yazd" and "cultural heritage experts" in relation to the revitalization process; In such a way that with this comparison, the commonalities and differences of the attitudes of these stakeholders are identified for planning in revitalization.This research is based on the grounded theory approach for qualitative attitude measurement mixed with comparative comparison; using semi-structured questioning. Owners of historical houses to residential use and experts of the cultural heritage department. Two groups of stakeholders have been considered in this research; Owners of historical houses revitalized to residential use and experts of the cultural heritage department. Results and conclusion: The findings of this research have been obtained according to the questions raised in 6 main axes, which are: 1- Definition of revitalization 2- Goal and expectation of revitalization 3- Challenges of revitalization 4- Proposal for revitalization 5- Persons responsible for revitalization 6- Proposed participatory system for revitalization. The result of the research shows that in the 3 main axes "definition of revitalization", "goal and expectation of revitalization" and "challenges of revitalization", the divergence of attitudes and In the 3 main axes of "proposal for revitalization", "persons responsible for revitalization" and "participatory system proposed for revitalization", the convergence of attitudes can be seen in the two stakeholder groups. With this comparative comparison, finally, 7 suggestions have been presented to improve the quality of the revitalization process and reduce the conflict between stakeholders in revitalization: 1-Education of the owners, 2- Application of support mechanisms for capital return, 3- Increasing the efficiency of the cultural heritage administration, 4- Improving the infrastructure of the historical fabric, 5- Supporting the presence of natives, 6- Acceptance of duty in the first place by the government and in the second place by the people, 7-Participation of the involved organs under the leadership of the Cultural Heritage Department.