Analysis of Semantic Distinctions Affected by "Void" in Public Physical Spaces

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. in Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.

2 Professor of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author).

3 Assistant Professor of Architecture, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.

10.22034/aaud.2020.237770.2247

Abstract

The presence of in-between elements in architecture is effective in the coexistence of its components. Between spaces are used with invisible structures to clarify and gradually reduce the material. These spaces are called “void”. The current study aims to evaluate the effects of each component of the void on social interactions in the architecture. The main research question is to what extent can the presence of the ‘void’ in different uses change the social components of space? In other words, are the effects of void on the users’ behavior the same in all uses? The main research objective is to identify the social indicators of the ‘void’ in public spaces and determine its facilitating or inhibiting effect on individuals’ social interactions. The present study is mixed method research carried out through survey and purposeful sampling, and after extracting the components, the theoretical framework was explicated. The research procedure included two phases of the initial survey in 5 different administrative, medical, educational, hotel, and commercial uses, and the main survey in 3 educational, hotel, and commercial uses. The required data are collected by the use of questionnaires and interviews, and the obtained results are analyzed by the software. The findings indicate the significant effects of physical and semantic components of the void on people’s social interactions. In the initial survey, the findings showed asociality in the administrative building and somewhat neutral effectiveness in medical use, while the main survey indicates the sociability effect of the ‘void’ on the behavior in the commercial, hotel, and university buildings. The research concludes that the ‘void’ plays a connecting and separating role at the same time, in the architectural space. The effectiveness of the social relationships and interactions in a space with ‘void’ depends on the extent the people are affected by the environment, use type, activity, and their purpose of being present in the places.

Keywords

References

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Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development
Volume 15, Issue 39
September 2022
Pages 89-102

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 July 2020
  • Revise Date: 23 October 2020
  • Accept Date: 31 October 2020

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