Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development

Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development

Explaining Spirit-Enriching Components and Indicators in the Formation of Contemporary Residential Architecture: A Case Study of Kermanshah

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Shadi Nastarani 1
Seyedmahmood Moeini 2
Mahdi Shaabanian 3
1 Department of Architecture, Bo.C., Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran
2 Department of Architecture, Mal.C., Islamic Azad University, Malayer, Iran
3 Department of Architecture, Ha.C., Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran
10.22034/aaud.2026.539859.2990
Abstract
Unlike traditional houses, contemporary residential buildings often fail to evoke a sense of nostalgia, vitality, and spiritual enrichment among their residents.This issue can be attributed to the physical,functional, and structural transformations that houses have undergone during the transition from traditional to modern architecture.These transformations have not only affected the spatial quality of residential environments but have also negatively influenced residents’ psychological well-being, depriving domestic spaces of meaning and vitality.Accordingly, this study seeks to identify and explain the spirit-enriching components and indicators involved in the formation of contemporary residential buildings in Kermanshah.The main research question is:What are the spirit-enriching indicators in the formation of contemporary residential buildings in Kermanshah, and how do they contribute to restoring a sense of vitality and spirit for residents?A mixed-methods research design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, was employed.Data were collected using a48-item questionnaire structured around six spirit-enriching components:identity-related, contextual, perceptual–behavioral, social, physical, and cognitive–perceptual components.The statistical sample consisted of384residents of District3of Kermanshah, selected through purposive sampling.The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, and the collected data were analyzed using a one-sample t-test in SPSS.The findings indicate that the design quality of contemporary houses in Kermanshah can be improved by identifying and incorporating six spirit-enriching factors:cognitive–perceptual, physical, contextual, perceptual–behavioral, social, and identity-related factors. Among the identified indicators, memorability, sense of belonging, and place attachment play a central role.Strengthening these indicators by evoking positive memories and recognizing residents’ preferences can enhance their sense of belonging and emotional attachment to the home.Furthermore, the simultaneous consideration of physical, contextual, perceptual–behavioral, social, and identity-related factors throughout the design process can contribute to the creation of spiritually enriching residential environments.Successful architecture, therefore, integrates these components within a framework grounded in identity and culture to create life-enhancing spaces that address residents’ physical, social, identity-related, emotional, and psychological needs.
Keywords
Memorability
Vitality
Residential Housing
Contemporary
Kermanshah
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Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development
Volume 19, Issue 55
Autumn 2026
Pages 77-93

  • Receive Date 07 August 2025
  • Revise Date 28 June 2026
  • Accept Date 30 July 2026