Contextual Architecture and Urbanism Design Studies

Abstract The relationship between cinema and the city provides a valuable framework for understanding the cultural dimensions of modern urban society. Urban spaces, as cinematic settings, play a crucial role in conveying temporal, cultural, historical, and social contexts, shaping the audience’s perception of the city. This study adopts a descriptive–exploratory approach to examine how Iranian cinema represents urban spaces and the nature of these representations in internationally acclaimed films. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The research samples were purposefully selected from award-winning Iranian films screened at three major international film festivals—Cannes, Berlin, and Venice—due to their significant role in shaping the global image of Iranian cinema and urban life.
The primary objective of this research is to explain the image of Iranian cities and urban spaces constructed in the minds of international audiences through these films. The study seeks to identify dominant spatial patterns, visual narratives, and thematic emphases in the cinematic portrayal of the city. The findings reveal that urban spaces depicted in most films are predominantly limited to circulation-oriented environments such as streets, roads, and transitional spaces, while lacking diverse environmental qualities and vibrant urban life. Moreover, the overall representation of the city is largely focused on social and cultural problems, resulting in a fragmented and often pessimistic urban image.
From a visual and perceptual perspective, these cinematic representations show limited capacity to convey a strong sense of place or foster emotional attachment to the urban environment. The study argues that recognizing the strengths and shortcomings of such representations can assist urban designers, planners, and filmmakers in enhancing the quality of urban spaces and contributing to the development of a more identity-oriented and culturally expressive portrayal of Iranian cities in cinema

Abstract The rapid population growth and high urban density in Tehran have led to a decline in spatial quality and the weakening of local identity in contemporary architecture. Meanwhile, social changes, the diversity of family structures, and the need for multifunctional spaces have highlighted the necessity of rethinking approaches to urban housing design. The aim of this research is not merely to examine contextualism and flexibility as separate approaches, but rather to explore their synergistic relationship within the architectural design of urban housing in Iran. It seeks to demonstrate that integrating the principles of contextual design with the capacities of spatial flexibility can lead to a sustainable and identity-based model for apartment design in urban environments.

This study adopts a qualitative research method and a design-based approach. First, theoretical foundations related to both concepts were collected through a comprehensive literature review. Then, a proposed residential apartment design—developed by the researcher—was selected and analyzed as a case study. The evaluation criteria included climatic adaptability, physical coherence, spatial reconfigurability, and cultural continuity.

The findings indicate that employing design patterns such as a regular modular grid, a fixed service core, movable partitions, and semi-open terraces enhances spatial flexibility while maintaining strong connections with the urban fabric and local materials. The integration of contextual principles with flexible design strategies not only improves functional sustainability and livability but also provides a framework for preserving and regenerating local identity within the contemporary context. Accordingly, flexibility can be regarded as the practical manifestation of contextualism—a design approach that balances stability and change, offering a sustainable paradigm for urban housing design in Tehran and similar metropolitan contexts.

Abstract Central courtyards are key elements of traditional desert architecture and play an important role in improving the microclimate as well as enhancing thermal and visual comfort. Although numerous studies have examined the role of central courtyards in improving either thermal comfort or daylight performance, most research tends to focus on one of these aspects, with fewer studies analyzing both dimensions simultaneously. Against this backdrop, the present study investigates how the geometry and orientation of central courtyards influence energy consumption and visual comfort in residential buildings located in semi-arid and desert climates.
To achieve this, ten historical houses from the Safavid and Qajar periods in the city of Toon were simulated, evaluating two courtyard orientations northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast alongside various courtyard proportions (1:1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, and 1:1.4). The results indicate that square courtyards (1:1) with northeast–southwest orientation exhibit the lowest energy consumption. In terms of daylighting, elongated courtyards (1:1.4) provide up to 92% annual daylight sufficiency at the 300 lux level; however, based on direct sunlight exposure and glare-control autonomy indices, they also increase the likelihood of glare. Overall, orientation has a greater impact on energy consumption than on daylight performance, with northeast–southwest houses outperforming those with northwest–southeast orientation. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing courtyard proportions and orientation to enhance energy efficiency and visual comfort in contemporary desert housing design.

Abstract For over a century, architects in the Islamic world have grappled with the dual dilemma of preserving tradition versus fully embracing modernity. However, the influence of Muslim intellectual reformists on the thought and practice of these architects remains largely unexplored. The advent of modernity, accompanied by an identity crisis and the accelerated decline of Muslim societies, prompted a revivalist response from both Muslim communities and intellectuals. These responses, both in theory (intellectual discourse) and practice (architecture), can be categorized into three overarching discourses: (1) a return to tradition, (2) adherence to modernity, and (3) a synthesis of tradition and modernity.

What has been termed the revivalist movement, the Islamic Renaissance, or the Neo-Mu‘tazilite trend focuses on an intrinsic synthesis between tradition and modernity, advocating integration as a middle ground between these two poles. This paper examines the impact of these discourses on the thinking and methodologies of leading contemporary architects in the Islamic world. By conducting a historical analysis of major design approaches through a comparative study of the theoretical foundations of contemporary architects and the ideas of Muslim reformists, the paper aims to offer new insights.

Furthermore, through an examination of revivalist architects and their architectural responses to the intersection of tradition and modernity—following Nasser Rabbat’s tripartite classification of (1) Orientalism, (2) Nationalism, and (3) Neo-Islamic—the study argues that, while valuable, this classification appears broad, particularly in the nationalist category. The present discussion seeks to refine and update this framework in light of contemporary Muslim reformist thought.

Abstract Regionalism, over its extensive presence in the field of architecture, has adopted various approaches, transitioning from form-historical methodologies that emphasized identity towards climatic-phenomenological perspectives. This shift has replaced stylistic, formal, and aesthetic discussions with a focus on social, cultural, ecological issues, and human connections. In the years leading up to the end of the twentieth century and continuing to the present day, regional architectural theory has undergone considerable development and diversification from various perspectives, becoming increasingly aligned with its functional applications. The research explores the theoretical foundations of the subject by examining the perspectives offered by scholars, particularly Alexander Tzonis, Liane Lefaivre, Lewis Mumford, and Kenneth Frampton. It will delve into various forms of regionalism and their different approaches, along with relevant examples, culminating in the presentation of a theoretical model of regionalism perspectives.Therefore, using the method of qualitative content analysis based on the logic of inductive reasoning, from the textual data and architectural experiences mentioned in the research, move and by extracting the hidden concepts in it, gradually reach more abstract levels of regionalism in architecture.The results of studies and analyses of the views of experts and instances of contemporary architecture indicate that today's regionalism approaches aim to mitigate previous dogmatic and restrictive ideologies while enhancing environmental perspectives and leveraging the benefits of sustainable development.

Abstract The impact of the built environment on humans has been a longstanding focus of research. This study delves into the profound influence of architectural elements on environmental restorativeness and its subsequent impact on user well-being and mental health, as viewed through the lens of neuroscience. Employing a qualitative approach, the research involved a thorough analysis of literature and theoretical foundations related to environmental restorativeness, architectural components, and the environmental effects on mental health. Four primary theories pertinent to this topic—Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), Attention Restoration Theory (ART), Prospect-Refuge Theory (PRT), and Arousal Theory—served as the study's foundational frameworks, from which relevant architectural elements were extracted. Findings indicate that both physical and conceptual environmental components significantly influence restorativeness. These components can be categorized into two primary levels and one foreground level, with corresponding architectural elements identified in the research. Ultimately, this study presents a theoretical model for designing restorative environments that facilitate the restoration of psychological capabilities and user well-being, reducing stress, enhancing focus, and promoting self-actualization during active engagement with the restorative environment. This framework can be applied in architectural design to enhance the psychological well-being of individuals.

Abstract “Vernacular architecture” is a term coined in the nineteenth century to refer to a set of building traditions outside of conventional building patterns, often created by formally trained architects. This type of architecture, which shapes most of the environments ever created, has always had a significant impact on the architectural practice of formal architects. In recent decades, scholars have recommended moving from reductionist and ideological approaches to more problem-oriented and conceptual methods and theory-building in relation to vernacular environments in order to benefit from vernacular traditions in solving complex problems of contemporary environments. Within this framework, the present study aims to examine some of the fundamental concepts of the field of vernacular architecture studies and to identify vernacular housing patterns in a known vernacular settlement. Thus, in the first step of the research, the definitions of “vernacular architecture” and “pattern” have been examined using the method of documentary study and logical reasoning. In the second step, using the "case study" method (an embedded single-case study), 21 vernacular dwellings in the Kang village (located in Torqeba Shandiz County, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran) were purposefully selected and documented as the research's "units of analysis". In the third step, by analyzing some of the data from the research database, placement patterns of the vernacular dwellings in relation to its natural terrain were extracted and reported. These patterns include the "orientation", the "Spatial Organization in Storeys", the "access" and the "Vertical Circulation", which are presented and discussed at the end of the article.

Abstract Throughout history, there has been a deep and intertwined relationship between structures, materials, and architecture. This relationship has evolved significantly with the advancement of modern technologies and new materials that have transformed architectural practices around the world. This article examines the aesthetic criteria of construction technologies in contemporary architecture, focusing on the impact of new technologies on the expression of aesthetics and architectural forms. This study was conducted with an analytical-descriptive method. Through library studies and case studies in contemporary architecture, the role of advanced technologies and modern materials in the evolution of architectural aesthetics has been analyzed. The findings show that new technologies and modern materials play a significant role in shaping new architectural forms and designs. These developments allow architects to be more creative and innovative. Concepts such as movement, dynamism, variability, and adaptation to environmental conditions have become key elements in the aesthetics of contemporary architecture. The use of movable components and the externalization of functional elements not only increase the efficiency of buildings, but also help create a play of light and shadow and emphasize aesthetic aspects. The combination of new construction technologies and modern materials with aesthetic principles has led to the transformation of contemporary architecture. This transformation is a reflection of the spirit of the times and the needs of today's society. By taking advantage of these possibilities, architects are able to create buildings that keep pace with technological advances and provide users with a rich and dynamic spatial experience.

Abstract Teaching architectural design is related to teaching skills that teach a person through strategies in the field of practical knowledge, including reference to examples and records of architecture. Every action is based on types of tacit and explicit knowledge, and tacit knowledge has a bodily root to be recorded in memory through bodily memory. Since human senses participate in his bodily perceptions and affect his judgment; As a result of the stimulation of sensory evidence, a person mentally simulates or embodies that evidence through mirror neurons in the nervous system. Therefore, the architect can deal with similar situations according to the patterns of the design situation that he learned through experience. The research aimed to improve architecture education through the strategy of referring to architectural examples, and sought to answer the question, "How can one arrive at the presentation of design situation models from personal experiences?". In this regard, the qualitative research was conducted in two stages. In the theoretical exploration stage, the research was done in a descriptive-analytical way, collecting library information, and then in the practical exploration stage, it was exploratory, with the phenomenological method through semistructured interviews based on three central questions, until theoretical saturation was reached. Qualitative analysis of the text of the interviews was done using the Max Van Manen method and coding was done using the Creswell method.

Abstract this research delves into the profound influence of aesthetics in articulating boundaries and transitional spaces within the fragmented micro-zones that lie along the edges of cities. It examines how these aesthetic qualities shape the personal experience of movement through such liminal environments. At the heart of the study lies a central question: in what ways, and through which spatial dimensions, do aesthetic elements inform an individual's perception and lived experience of navigating urban edges?
The case study focuses on the urban edge developed within the grounds of the Rey Cement Factory in Tehran. By engaging in a thorough review of existing theories, scholarly works, and previous studies, the research constructs a conceptual model and theoretical framework for analyzing these complex spatial conditions.
The findings reveal that visual element—such as lighting, color palettes, shifts in elevation, tactile materials, artistic forms, and spatial proportions—can serve as vital mediators among disjointed and ambiguous micro-spaces. These components contribute significantly to feelings of safety, serenity, and belonging, while also leaving a lasting imprint on the emotional and psychological states of individuals within these spaces.
Ultimately, this study emphasizes the transformative power of aesthetic design in redefining marginal urban areas. It suggests that when thoughtfully applied, aesthetic strategies can convert neglected or undefined edges into cohesive, emotionally resonant environments that enrich the experience of urban movement and interaction. As such, the integration of sensory and aesthetic dimensions in urban design is not merely decorative but essential to creating humane, meaningful public realms.