Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Associate Professor, Department of Urbanplanning, Pardis Science & technology branch, Islamic Azad University, Pardis, Iran.
2
PhD Student, Department of Architecture, Pardis Science & technology branch, Islamic Azad University, Pardis, Iran.
Abstract
With the growth of urbanization, residential complexes have emerged as the primary method of housing construction. Unlike traditional houses where open spaces were important for connecting with nature and social interactions, in today’s residential complexes, open spaces are mainly allocated to vehicle traffic, and less attention is paid to social life. However, semi-public spaces between buildings, serving as points of activity and secure connection between the inside and outside of the complexes, play a significant role in facilitating pedestrian movement, resident interaction, connection with nature, extending internal functions outwards, increasing public presence, and security. One of the key factors in improving spatial quality is the appropriate combination of enclosed and open spaces. The diverse arrangement of buildings in residential complexes can create different patterns of open spaces and spatial qualities. Spatial configuration effectively structures complexes by establishing coherent spatial relationships, prioritizing user needs, and comfort. This configuration refers to the totality of space, and wherever a relationship exists between two spaces, configuration is present. Important parameters for improving the quality of open spaces include continuity, enclosure, character, ease of movement, legibility, diversity, and adaptability. These qualities can be assessed using qualitative methods such as photography, questionnaires, observation, visual maps, and quantitative methods like Space Syntax. Space Syntax is a tool for discovering spatial structure, whose primary goal is to describe the configuration of space in relation to social, cultural, and economic events. This research evaluates the potential for forming and realizing diverse spatial qualities through accessibility analysis. For this purpose, the layout method, or Space Syntax, was chosen as the main analytical approach.
This theory addresses the visual and motor aspects of humans in the environment, ultimately leading to the creation and formation of architecture. This idea explains the connection between human perception and the design of built spaces. The relationship between structure and function, or more broadly, the existing spatial patterns, makes it possible to use these patterns to study and evaluate space, which is defined by both objective and subjective dimensions. Given the importance of spatial organization in designing residential complexes and the decreased attention to principles shaping spatial structure in recent constructions, this research focuses on six samples of residential complexes in Phase Three of Pardis city. These complexes were selected due to the area’s diversity in design and construction and their relatively recent age. The main objective is to understand better the spatial relationships and existing structures within these complexes and to propose solutions for improving the residents’ quality of life. In this research, an attempt has been made to extract the structure of residential complexes using the Space Syntax method (spatial layout) and to examine their spatial structure according to this approach. As a result, by identifying these relationships and organizing them into a relational model, the study aims to answer these questions:
What is the relationship between spatial structure and the indices of integration, depth, permeability, and transparency in the studied residential complexes?
In which types of layout patterns do the quantitative indicators of Space Syntax theory align more closely with the parameters necessary for enhancing spatial quality?
This study analyzes data by integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative section used data from charts and software to extract valuable results and findings. Subsequently, the qualitative method of logical reasoning was employed for a deeper analysis of these findings. For data collection, various techniques such as library studies, direct observation, field surveys, hand drawings, and computer simulations ensured data accuracy and comprehensiveness. The observation, surveying, and drawing of 6 residential complexes in Phase 3 of Pardis city were selected as case studies based on available documents. By visiting these sites, the positioning of building masses was determined, the existing situation of the residential complexes was compared with maps, and the spatial structure of the case studies was extracted. This research classified residential complexes into four categories based on their form and structure: detached, perimeter, linear, and mixed. Following this classification, the site plans for each group are prepared, and explanatory diagrams for each category are generated separately. The plans are analyzed using the specialized Depthmap software for a more detailed analysis of syntactic indices. This process provides a deeper understanding of the structure and characteristics of each group of complexes.
Research results indicate that complexes with a spatial configuration structure featuring a central open space possess maximum integration, connectivity, and legibility. The ease of visual and physical access, the permeability of spaces, and consequently surveillance, interaction, and security, are highest in these types. Conversely, visual and physical access indices are reduced in complexes composed of scattered individual units and amorphous open spaces. This leads to decreased spatial perception, a lack of presence, and surveillance in many areas with greater access depth, and reduces the security of the central open space.
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