Analyzing How the Contextualization of Infill Buildings Affects Spatial Flexibility in the Historical Fabric of Dezful City

Mohtashamifar, Amin; Azemati, Saeed; Esmaeili, Azam

doi:10.22034/aaud.2024.462586.2890

Analyzing How the Contextualization of Infill Buildings Affects Spatial Flexibility in the Historical Fabric of Dezful City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Amin Mohtashamifar ¹

Saeed Azemati ²

Azam Esmaeili ³

¹ M.A. of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, East Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, East Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author).

³ Assistant Professor, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, East Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/aaud.2024.462586.2890

Abstract

In recent years, vernacular architecture has attracted more attention than in the past. The historical fabrics within contemporary cities present significant challenges for modern cities. New construction often separates historical fabrics, leading to the neglect and devaluation of these areas. The present study aims to examine how the contextualization of infill buildings influences visual coherence and spatial flexibility in the historical fabric of Dezful City. This research employs a mixed-method approach. Initially, components of contextualism that influence visual coherence and spatial flexibility are identified through a literature review focused on vernacular architecture and spatial affordances. Next, open-ended interviews are conducted with experts in architecture, urban planning, and restoration to refine these components and enhance the reliability of the aforementioned concepts. The relationships between the identified variables are analyzed using data collected from a questionnaire. Friedman's test is employed to assess the normality of the data in SPSS 26 software. Additionally, regression analysis is performed using LISREL software, and graphs depicting the coefficients of the research variables are created using Gephi software. The findings indicate a significant relationship between the components that promote visual coherence and spatial flexibility (R=0.96). The regression analysis reveals that lightweight structures (14.93), spatial diversity (15.32), multifunctional spaces (14.76), and building form (14.71) account for a portion of the variance in positive attitudes towards flexibility and visual coherence. The structural equation modeling demonstrates a good fit to the real-world data, confirming the significant impact of contextual components on the flexibility variable.

Keywords

Contextualism

Vernacular Architecture

Spatial Flexibility

Dezful City

Visual Perception

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