https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/ Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development en daily 1 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_235546.html Today, unexpected economic, environmental, and political events are reproducing urban complexities and pushing urban areas towards an unpredictable future. Only with permanent and dynamic management can we keep pace with these changes. Therefore, changing the approach towards the city organization to respond to current and future challenges is vital. Self-organizing cities are considered a new paradigm in the world's urban planning system, a comprehensive, multidimensional, and complex phenomenon based on a framework of new theories. On the other hand, the problems arising from the dispersion of opinions in the literature on the self-organizing city and the lack of consensus on its theoretical definition are doubled when entering the field of the organizational city. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to explain the paradigmatic foundations governing the self-organizing city. To achieve the aforementioned goal, the meta-analysis method based on the PRISMA model has been used to identify and classify the theoretical and paradigmatic self-organizing city (in the initial search, articles from 1944 to 2024 were considered, and 27 articles were selected for analysis after the final screening). The research findings indicate that self-organization originates from three different theories: distributed structure theory, synergy theory, and autopoietic theory, emphasizing different principles including external and internal orientation of the system, and the philosophical dimensions of the urban self-organization theory are inspired by two critical realist and poststructural ontologies, so that these two epistemological perspectives see it beyond positivism and cause-and-effect relationships, a bridge to connect the non-human world and the human world, a space for planning dynamics that is compatible with unforeseen conditions. Therefore, it can be concluded that urban self-organization is a multi-layered process resulting from the interaction of structural forces, local actions, and identity reproduction, and effective urban planning should focus on facilitating and strengthening these capacities. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_235763.html Rapid urbanization and the intensifying demand for housing in metropolitan regions have, over recent decades, driven substantial transformations in land-use patterns across urban peripheries. Shemiranat County—an environmentally sensitive and strategically significant area situated on the northern fringe of Tehran—represents a clear manifestation of these processes. This study seeks to elucidate the structural, institutional, and discursive mechanisms underlying land-use changes in Tehran’s peri-urban zones—particularly within the Lavasanat region—by uncovering concealed power configurations and proposing reform-oriented strategies aimed at strengthening governance capacity and promoting spatial justice. To this end, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders, experts in land-use and urban planning, and relevant governmental officials, employing a grounded theory research design. Data analysis proceeded through open, axial, and selective coding and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved.The findings indicate that land-use transformations in Lavasanat arise from the interaction of structural, environmental, institutional, and power-driven factors. Structurally, weak legislation, fragmented regulatory oversight, and misaligned institutional mandates among key decision-making bodies function as primary enabling conditions. At the institutional and power interface, the predominance of profit-oriented conceptions of land, the influence exerted by powerful economic actors, and interest-based negotiations between landowners and local officials have significantly accelerated unauthorized land conversions. These dynamics have not only deepened spatial inequities but have also produced notable social harms at the local scale.Overall, the research demonstrates that land-use change on the peripheries of Tehran is shaped less by market forces or demographic pressures than by governance deficiencies and informal power networks. Consequently, any meaningful effort to advance spatial justice and ensure environmental sustainability in peri-metropolitan areas necessitates comprehensive reforms in land governance, enhanced institutional accountability, and a fundamental reconceptualization of land as a public good rather than a speculative asset. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_240617.html In the early 14th century, contact with the West, the evolution of materials and construction techniques, and the presence of educated Western architects in the construction process transformed the structure of the Iranian house. Simultaneously with the change in the government structure and bureaucratic style, the family lifestyle and the role of individuals, especially women, underwent fundamental changes, and gradually villa houses, devoid of historical roots, replaced traditional Iranian houses. In the 1940s, after the construction boom, due to the sale of oil and the flourishing of the ideas of architects educated at the Faculty of Fine Arts, the identity of the Iranian house was redefined in light of the new lifestyle and the evolution of the role of individuals, and found a new connection with its historical roots. The issue and purpose of this research is to examine how the principles of the identity of the Iranian house were redefined based on the evolution of the family system and the role of women in the works of architects of the second Pahlavi dynasty. Accordingly, the research, using a mixed method, in the first step, qualitatively and with library studies, descriptively-analytically examines the principles that give identity to the Iranian house. In the next step, the extracted components from the first step are examined in a comparative manner in the sample population, which includes a purposeful selection of selected houses of architects who graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts. The results of the research indicate the consistency of finding the forgotten principles of the Iranian house with regard to the redefinition of the role of women and the family system in the thoughts of architects who graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts, principles that had been ignored by foreign-educated architects in their dealings with modern global architecture. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_247003.html "Multi-grade classrooms" are a common educational model in rural and sparsely populated areas of Iran, where a single teacher is responsible for teaching multiple grade levels simultaneously. This approach creates numerous challenges in managing the teaching-learning process. The physical characteristics of educational spaces play a crucial role in the quality of this process. In many rural schools, the physical environment of classrooms is unsuitable, inefficient, and lacks minimum educational standards. This research aims to investigate the impact of the physical characteristics of multi-grade classrooms on the quality of educational management from the perspective of the lived experiences of teachers and students, as a case study in rural elementary schools in Yazd Province.This study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach within the framework of interpretive phenomenology. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 23 experienced teachers of these classes and participatory observation in 15 selected schools. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-constructed questionnaire based on qualitative findings was distributed and analyzed among 150 students. Data were analyzed using thematic coding and one-sample T-tests and correlation analysis in SPSS software . The results indicate a significant relationship between physical components and the teaching-learning process. These findings emphasize the impact of creating individual and collective spaces, designing spaces appropriate for children's scale and flexible in form, utilizing variations in levels and walls, and ensuring proper visual supervision for the teacher. The findings highlight the need for greater attention to these elements as vital factors in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. The present study offers an innovative perspective by integrating the viewpoints of users with considerations of the indigenous architecture of Yazd Province, proposing flexible and responsive design models. Its outcomes provide a design-oriented basis for architects, educational planners, to improve the quality of learning environments in rural areas. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_241243.html Mental health is considered one of the most significant issues in contemporary societies. Public spaces such as parks, squares, and social centers play a crucial role in enhancing the mental health of citizens as places for social and cultural interactions. In this regard, factors such as space design, accessibility to facilities, and diversity of activities can significantly impact the improvement of citizens' quality of life and sense of satisfaction. The aim of this research is to evaluate the criteria influencing the mental health of citizens in public spaces from the perspective of future studies in the city of Tabriz. To conduct this research, structured interviews were initially conducted with 25 specialists in relevant fields, and based on their responses, four criteria were extracted as influential criteria comprising 24 components. The data were analyzed using the impact analysis method in the Mic Mac software. Due to rapid social and cultural changes in society, examining these criteria from the perspective of future studies not only identifies challenges and opportunities but also proposes suitable solutions for improving the state of mental health. Based on the results obtained, the performance criteria with components such as accessibility, security, comfort, visual appeal, variety of activities, and mobility were the most influential factors on the mental health of citizens in the public spaces of Tabriz. In other words, this assessment of the factors affecting the mental health of citizens can serve as an effective tool in urban planning and the design of public spaces in Tabriz, which in turn can enhance the quality of life and mental health of Tabriz citizens. Ultimately, attention to these influential criteria on mental health can contribute to the improvement of social welfare and the creation of a healthier and more sustainable communit. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_243989.html Ivān, as one of the prominent elements of vernacular architecture in the traditional buildings of Mazandaran, plays a significant role in spatial organization and the daily interactions of residents. The present research aims to evaluate the relationship between the Ivān and the sense of place attachment from the perspective of housewives living in traditional rural houses of Qaemshahr. Methodologically, the study is applied in purpose and employs a mixed-method approach (qualitative–quantitative). Data were collected through library studies, field observations, and a researcher-designed questionnaire. The statistical population consists of 75 housewives residing in traditional rural houses of Qaemshahr, selected using purposive sampling. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS software. The findings reveal that the Ivān, as a vital spatial element in Mazandaran’s traditional houses, not only moderates climatic conditions, but also functions as an intermediate space between the interior and exterior of the dwelling. It provides a suitable setting for women’s daily activities and social interactions, thereby strengthening their emotional attachment to the home and its surrounding environment. Furthermore, the results highlight that respect for nature, family interaction, and engagement with the outdoor environment through the Ivān play a crucial role in enhancing living quality and spatial identity. Overall, the study demonstrates a direct and significant relationship between the Ivān and the reinforcement of place attachment from the viewpoint of housewives. It emphasizes the need to reconsider vernacular architectural patterns and reinterpret the functional and cultural role of the Ivān in contemporary design, proposing it as a valuable model for improving quality of life, strengthening spatial identity, and achieving sustainable architecture within residential contexts. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_243937.html The expansion of urban areas and the spread of coastal cities along the water’s edge have led to significant social and environmental issues in these regions. As a result, creating coastal walkways that serve as a connection between urban spaces and the natural elements of the shoreline, based on user priorities and preferences (Space users), seems essential. The goal is to create an environment that maximizes social interaction while encouraging public participation in the environmental aspects of the coastline.This study aims to identify and rank the social and environmental factors that improve the quality of coastal walkways, ultimately enhancing users' environmental experiences. The research is qualitative, employing a descriptive-analytical and survey-based approach. Data collection involved both foundational information from library sources, articles, and journals, as well as a questionnaire designed using the semantic differential technique in a dual-pair format. A total of 120 questionnaires were used for data analysis, and the results were ranked using SPSS software with one-sample t-tests, Friedman tests, and component response percentages. According to the findings, soundscape, water quality, and beach quality ranked first among environmental factors, followed by vegetation and climatic comfort in second place, and coastal pollution control in third. From a social perspective, the highest-ranked factors based on user preferences were physical elements (such as spatial fluidity and flexibility, space and function separation, accessibility, urban furniture quality, and the sense of space) and recreational elements (such as water sports and beach play areas). Cultural elements (like local music spaces and beach festivals) and safety and security (including nighttime scenery and appropriate lighting) ranked second, while service-commercial spaces were ranked third. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_244236.html The present study examines the intersection of two complex and multi-layered concepts: the Right to the City and urban regeneration policies. The Right to the City seeks to create a foundation for sustainable urban regeneration by emphasizing citizens’ rights to participate in decision-making processes, influence and control urban environments, and exercise collective power from the bottom up. Accordingly, understanding the conceptual components of this right and its theoretical and practical implications for urban regeneration policies is essential.This research adopts a fundamental–applied approach and is based on documentary and library data. To assess the extent to which Iranian scholarship on the Right to the City has addressed its theoretical and practical application in urban regeneration policies, 87 Persian-language sources published between 2014 and 2015 were analyzed using a systematic review methodology combined with qualitative and quantitative content analysis.The findings indicate that existing studies can be classified into six main thematic categories: urban spaces, urban management, social groups, urban policymaking, conceptualization, and target areas of regeneration. While the literature demonstrates a relative richness in theoretical discussions surrounding the Right to the City, there is a clear and significant gap between academic knowledge production and its translation into policymaking processes and practical implementation in urban regeneration initiatives. Notably, none of the reviewed studies have directly or systematically examined upstream policy documents or operational regeneration plans in Iran through the lens of the Right to the City discourse. This gap can be attributed to a combination of structural, procedural, and discursive barriers that hinder the effective integration of this concept into practice. The study highlights the necessity of revising urban regeneration documents and encourages future research to adopt more practice-oriented and policy-focused approaches. Such efforts are crucial for advancing spatial justice and realizing the Right to the City for all urban residents,. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_244726.html Rentier capitalist economy in religious cities such as Mashhad, through the exploitation of pilgrimage flows and monopolistic resources without creating productive value, transforms urban structures and the nature of place, turning the identity of lived places into a profitable commodity. The theoretical framework of this research rests on three fundamental human-centered pillars: the concept of dwelling, power-space, and the theory of spatial production, mediated by built form. Examining multiple dimensions reveals that the role of built form in rent-seeking of religious places has been neglected. The problem-oriented focus of this research is understanding the mechanisms through which rentier capitalist economy affects the nature of place. The main question is: How does rentier capitalist economy, through the mediation of built form, transform the human nature of places? The research methodology is based on an interpretive-critical paradigm with a human-centered orientation, seeking to integrate discourse analysis and critical discourse analysis through a qualitative approach and bricolage technique. Data were collected from document review and in-depth interviews with 12 participants, then integrated and analyzed through three-stage grounded theory coding and bricolage technique. The coding findings from 12 interviews yielded 1578 codes, which were organized into 12 subcategories. Actor-network mapping identified 9 active actors, the core category of "systematic destruction of collective identity through rentier networking and social control" was discovered, and the central phenomenon of "commodification of the nature of place" was produced, in which driving forces overcome local resistances with a balance coefficient of 0.51. This ratio indicates that destructive forces operate twice as powerfully as reconstructive forces. The theoretical contribution of this research demonstrates that rentier capitalist economy, through the mediation of built form, drives the nature of place toward commodification, destruction, and identity change, but triple resistance forces (political, narrative, interpretive) retain the potential for reconstruction. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_245698.html This article aims to explore the historic houses of the city of Taft and extract their architectural patterns. The research method is typology. Field investigations reveal that, at first glance, the historic houses of Taft can be categorized into two main groups: natural–conventional houses and stylistic houses, with this study focusing on the latter. Within this category, based on the overall scheme or image conveyed by their spatial organization and physical elements, four distinct types were identified: Talardār (hall-based), Shekam-darideh, Soffeh-dār, and Kushki.The Talardār houses derive their identity from a central Talar (hall) located on the main axis of the house, representing the prevalent and customary construction pattern in Taft. Due to their spatial flexibility, these houses allowed architects considerable freedom in design and were adaptable to various sites and situations. In the Soffeh-dār and Shekam-derideh types, the central iwan or the recessed structure is symmetrically located on the main façade, governed by a distinct structural order. These two types were less common in Taft and typically associated with more affluent residences. The Kushki type, on the other hand, was characterized by an extroverted layout, designed at the center of large gardens, with a central Howz-khaneh (pool house) forming the axis of symmetry.In conclusion, the results of this study confirm that diverse cultural, environmental, and social factors collectively influenced the emergence of local architectural types and their application across different contexts. Furthermore, alongside indigenous building traditions, “migrant types” also found their way into Taft. Upon their introduction, these migrant types underwent two levels of adaptation—basic and preliminary changes, as well as more complex secondary modifications—to harmonize with the people and natural environment of the region. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_246295.html Agriculture and animal husbandry were the mainstays of the Iranian economy until the end of the Qajar period, and many of their systems can be identified across the geographical extent of Iran. In this manner of them is the agricultural heritage of Ghoshchi in west azerbayjan province, which included elements such as gardens, agricultural lands, canals, and historical towers. The components of this system had functional and physical continuity until previous decades, but now, in the course of urban and rural development, they have lost their function and are in the process of decay. So the research problem is the lack of sufficient knowledge about this system and its components and the need to obtain more information in this field. This article aims to take a general look at the agricultural heritage system of Ghoshchi and to examine in detail the historical towers as one of its important and hidden components. For this purpose, two questions are raised about the characteristics of historical towers and their functional role. The aim of the research is to better understand and introduce the agricultural heritage of Ghoshchi city, and to achieve this goal, a descriptive-analytical method has been used.The findings have shown that historical towers, as part of the agricultural heritage of Ghoshchi, were formed by the local community due to the lack of stability and security during the Qajar period and have played an active role in the village from a biological and livelihood perspective. This article examines them based on qualities such as function, location, ownership, geometry, structure, and construction period, and considers them to be divisible into two types: observation and cultivation. They require documentation and registration on the national register of historic Places and have a meaningful connection to the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_246424.html Along with climate change, urbanization growth, excessive energy consumption, and concerns about the depletion of its resources are some of the challenges that have been addressed in scientific and research communities in the form of "resilient energy" after the urban resilience approach was explained in the last two decades. In this context, explaining the relationship between urban form and resilient energy is one of the topics that has received attention in recent years. A review of recent articles in this field provides a comprehensive understanding of the effective indicators of form on resilient energy, and by analyzing the course and trend of influential research in this subject area, it clarifies the path of future research. This study aims to explain the most important indicators, methods, and trends in research in the field of urban form and resilient energy by systematically reviewing previous research, especially in the last decade. For this purpose, while advancing the search process in the Scopus scientific database and obtaining 413 primary studies, using the Prism framework and after going through three stages of screening, 31 articles were selected for review and analysis. The selected articles were analyzed in terms of publication time course, geographical origin of the research, common conceptual areas and keywords, methodology, scale, and indicators under study. The research findings, while explaining the most important indicators affecting the field of urban form on energy resilience at macro, medium, and micro scales, categorized and analyzed methodological approaches in this field, and explained the flow trends of research in the discussion layer. These findings can be applied both in scientific circles to formulate research plans for graduate students and faculty members, and in professional circles to formulate development and review plans, as well as to set urban rules and regulations.