Mobility within residential spaces plays a vital role in the perception of architectural landscapes. As individuals move through these environments, they experience time in a way that allows them to briefly encounter new and diverse landscapes, offering a break from their routine and monotonous surroundings. The goal of this research is to explore how various components of mobility can contribute to enhancing the vitality of family life within residential complexes. To achieve this, the study employs a content analysis approach, combining library-based research with field surveys and interviews. The theoretical framework of the study spans the period from 1998 to 2020, focusing on the role of mobility in architectural and urban design. Data collection is primarily based on a content analysis of existing literature, supported by purposive sampling techniques to gather insights from experts and practitioners in the field. The data analysis follows a mixed-method approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain a comprehensive understanding of how mobility affects the liveliness of residential spaces. The research findings indicate that mobility is a significant factor in promoting the vitality of residential complexes. Mobility within these spaces is not simply about physical relocation but is influenced by a combination of physical, behavioral, and semantic (or perceptual) elements that shape the experience of space. According to previous experts in the field, mobility is determined by the interaction of these three components, each contributing in different proportions. The physical component of space, which includes the design, layout, and structural elements of the built environment, contributed 44.25%to the mobility experience. This consists of the configuration of walkways, the scale and proportion of spaces, the availability of green areas, and the overall spatial organization of the complex. These physical elements enable or restrict mobility, guiding how individuals navigate the environment.  The symbolic or semantic component, which refers to the perceptual and emotional aspects of the space, was found to contribute 34.60%. This component is related to the meaning or emotional experience associated with different places within the residential complex. Elements such as lighting, color, textures, and views are essential in shaping people’s perceptions and emotional connections to spaces. This connection influences mobility through these areas, as spaces with positive emotional or sensory experiences encourage more engagement and exploration.
Finally, the behavioral component, which refers to the functional aspects of mobility such as accessibility, safety, and the patterns of human behavior concerning the space, contributed 21.15% to the overall mobility experience. This includes factors like ease of access, the convenience of pathways, the presence of communal spaces, and social interactions within the space. A well-designed residential complex encourages residents to interact with one another and move through spaces in a way that fosters a sense of community and social vitality. However, when the research shifted to field surveys and interviews with current specialists, the findings showed a slight shift in the relative importance of these components. According to these contemporary experts, the semantic (perceptual) components contributed 37.50% to the overall experience of mobility, behavioral components accounted for 35.40%, and physical components represented 27.10%. These findings suggest that, in the eyes of modern practitioners, the emotional and perceptual aspects of space, along with the behavioral functions, are now more important in fostering mobility within residential spaces than the purely physical aspects of the environment. The differences between the two sets of findings highlight an important trend in contemporary design: while physical space remains critical in guiding mobility, the emotional and social qualities of space are increasingly recognized as essential in fostering vibrant, dynamic environments. This shift reflects a broader understanding of residential design, where the emotional and social dimensions of space are seen as central to creating a sense of liveliness and vitality for residents.
Ultimately, the research concludes that all three components—physical, semantic, and behavioral—are equally important in promoting mobility within residential complexes and enhancing the overall vitality of family life. A well-designed residential complex that integrates these elements can foster a more active, engaging, and fulfilling environment for residents. A holistic approach to mobility and space design is essential for promoting sustainable, vibrant communities that enhance the residents’ well-being and quality of life. The study emphasizes the need to account for emotional, perceptual, and social factors in residential design, alongside physical infrastructure, to enhance vitality and connection in urban environments.