Architecture and Urban Development (IJAUD)

This paper reviews 70 scholarly studies to explore and organize key methodologies in architectural design research through a systematic lens. It is grounded on three widely used frameworks: Frayling's research into, through, and for design; Cross's typology of design knowledge as epistemological, praxeological, and phenomenological; and Buchanan's basic, applied, and clinical research model. The study employed a structured review procedure, following PRISMA guidelines, to evaluate articles from 1982 to 2023 in major scholarly databases. A shared set of strategies and methods was also developed for each type of design research. The proposed conceptual framework—derived from the timing of the research intervention (pre-, through-, or post-design)—provided a more distinct charting of the research landscape. It revealed prevalent clusters of design research practice, each shaped by unique pairs of epistemological emphasis and methodological stance. Based on past studies, this research developed a further typology known as research through design (II), an expansion of the three earlier categories. By offering a distinct and understandable classification, the article aims to assist architecture students, instructors, and novice researchers in selecting the most suitable research approaches. The conclusions enhance the clarity of architectural education and help position design research as a central component of both academic study and professional practice.

In the metropolis of Ahvaz, contemporary housing plays a significant role in shaping and enhancing its residents' cultural and social identity. This research employed a questionnaire as the data collection tool. A total of 16 questions were designed for the identity questionnaire, centered around two main components: social and cultural. Additionally, 34 questions were provided to residents of various regions in Ahvaz, covering eight primary components: cultural, structural, functional-executive, physical-spatial, operational, experiential-aesthetic, environmental, and social-political, to distinguish between the internal and external housing components. The analysis of correlation coefficients and regression between contemporary housing variables and the urban identity of Ahvaz reveals a strong positive correlation between these two variables. This indicates that as the level of industrialization of buildings increases, urban identity indicators also rise across different areas of Ahvaz. The final weight of the housing and contemporary identity components was calculated using the Shannon entropy method. The results indicate that different components hold varying importance and influence in different domains. In cultural identity, the social system plays a more prominent role, while in social identity, religion is more significant. Regarding housing, functional and environmental aspects are more important, focusing on efficiency and sustainability in housing design. This analysis can be helpful for policymakers, designers, and planners to understand better the importance of various components in identity and housing.

Escalating urban heat island effects and rising energy demands in Iran's hot, dry climate pose a serious challenge for educational buildings, where high occupant density intensifies cooling needs and operational costs. This research addresses the urgency of adopting cool roof technologies—such as reflective coatings, green roofs, high-albedo materials, and radiative cooling roofs—to mitigate extreme indoor temperatures, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance student and staff well-being. Drawing on empirical data, simulation models, and a comprehensive literature review, we employ a weighted-scoring framework that evaluates each technology's thermal performance, energy savings, cost factors, durability, and environmental impact. Findings reveal that while radiative cooling roofs offer the greatest potential for reducing cooling loads (up to 30–40%) and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, they demand more advanced materials and higher initial investment. Green roofs yield substantial insulation and environmental benefits, but are limited by water scarcity and elevated setup costs. Conversely, reflective coatings and high-albedo materials strike a balance between effectiveness and affordability, making them viable for retrofits in budget-constrained educational facilities. The results underscore the need for context-specific solutions that consider local climate, water resources, building typology, and policy incentives. By clarifying the strengths and trade-offs of each cool roof approach, this study provides actionable guidance for architects, policymakers, and school administrators seeking sustainable and cost-effective interventions. Future research should focus on long-term performance monitoring, integrating complementary passive strategies (e.g., shading, natural ventilation), and developing localized materials tailored to resource-limited contexts.

This study aims to enhance the quality of higher education by introducing a model of a competent professor in Iran’s higher education system. Among the elements of the education system, the teacher element is the most important one, so professors and teachers are the underlying agents for the renewal of pedagogy. It is hoped that the lack of effective position of man in traditional education of architecture is removed in contemporary architecture education by investigating the human component, profound vision, and principles that architect masters acquired when they were solving the problems ruling the implementation of the building, creating a relationship between new building and teaching these principles in details and accurately to their students. To achieve this, a qualitative study employing a content analysis approach was conducted. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were used to collect data. The main question of this study is whether students of Selected universities in Iran can identify the characteristics of a competent professor. The information indicates that the averages of the total dimensions of human existence, cognitive dimension, wisdom dimension, and skill dimension were reported as 3.605, 3.701, 4.097, and 3.017, respectively. It can be seen that the average score for the total score, as well as the average score for the cognitive dimension, was above average. The average score for the wisdom dimension was desirable and excellent, while the average score for the skill dimension was poor.

By examining the modern cities of Iran with a historical background, it is evident how the changes in city structure over the past few decades have impacted the lives of individuals in society. Among these Iranian cities, the city of Shiraz is notable. The historical background of the city of Shiraz dates back to the sixth century BC. Over time, due to natural and governmental factors, the city's structural patterns have undergone significant changes, each unique in its time, with specific positive and negative spatial effects resulting from its type of spatial organization. This research aims to examine the transformations in spatial configuration within urban spaces over time and to identify patterns and qualitative and quantitative characteristics that affect these transformations, with a particular focus on the reorganization of the general disorganization in the structure of Shiraz City. The methodology of this research is based on documenting the evolutionary process, incorporating logical reasoning. Additionally, relevant materials and maps have been obtained through observation, field surveys, and library studies, which the authors have redrawn for clarity. Subsequently, the maps were analyzed and evaluated using UCL Depth Map, a specialized software for spatial syntax, and the results are presented. The findings and analyses conducted in this research indicate that the historical transformations of spatial configuration have deteriorated the historical context of Shiraz due to its physical expansion, reducing the quality of its urban environment.

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator in evaluating the quality of healthcare services and plays a crucial role in the healing process and patients' perception of the healthcare system. Evidence-Based Design (EBD) is a scientific approach that uses empirical data to optimize healthcare environments. The goals of this research are to promote the principles of designing healthcare centers using an evidence-based approach, thereby improving the quality of space, enhancing patient satisfaction, and accelerating the recovery process. The research method is based on patient-centered principles, aligning with analytical-descriptive research that incorporates field observations, library studies, and data collection through questionnaires from 65 patients hospitalized at Kasra Hospital. These data are analyzed to provide a suitable solution for the design. Data analysis is conducted using the regression and correlation methods. The software used is ASPECT and SPSS 26. According to the obtained results, threshold rate of 6, the average factors of views (3.646), nature and outdoors (3.472), comfort and control (3.913), Legibility of place (3.900), facilities (3.079) and staff (3.594) means that the patients in the hospital are relatively satisfied with the aforementioned factors and the average of privacy and participation (2.769) and interior design (2.896) indicating low satisfaction with the mentioned factors. This study confirms that implementing evidence-based design principles in hospital environments significantly enhances the patient experience, increases satisfaction, and accelerates the healing process.

Structural design extends beyond merely creating forms to withstand forces; it incorporates various technical and non-technical elements within architectural design. The true value of structural knowledge emerges during the design process when these elements are thoroughly understood. Achieving this understanding necessitates the provision of diverse types of structural knowledge capable of informing design and analysis. Additionally, by exploring various structural design methodologies, two principal types of cognition — "geometric" and "numerical" — can significantly help designers navigate the complex requirements of structural design. This research aims to investigate the different forms of structured knowledge relevant to architectural design, ultimately addressing the central question of how geometric and numerical comprehension of structures contributes to the architectural design process. The research employs a descriptive-analytical method with a comparative study approach. It begins by defining and detailing the characteristics of geometric and numerical cognition within the design framework, subsequently elucidating their interrelationship in architectural design. Findings suggest that geometric and numerical cognitions of structures, articulated through distinct languages, correspond to various roles in designing mechanical and spatial aspects, as well as different levels of structural comprehension at various design stages. Geometric cognition, due to its linguistic proximity to the design step, has the capability to examine and apply structural knowledge from the initial stages of form design to its actual construction phase. On the other hand, numerical cognition primarily focuses on the detailed examination of the mechanical and load-bearing aspects of the structure in its analytical step.

A house is the origin of many bitter and sweet experiences and the place for the formation of people's personality and identity. One of the wonders of creation is the presence of different needs in men and women. Hence, designers and architects need to review architectural design to create mental comfort in houses, which consist of two different genders. This study aimed to investigate gender differences and their impacts on residential spaces to provide suggestions for better housing designs. For this, primary concepts about gender were first raised, and then relevant theories were examined to describe the interaction of the concept of gender in a residential space. In the end, the feasibility of appropriate designs, which help promote the quality of a residential environment, was measured. The study methodology was qualitative, which described a desirable housing space. According to questionnaire analyses and a survey of 20 men and women, it was concluded that women tended to focus on details and kitchens, whereas men valued living rooms and halls. In sum, it was critical to separate public spaces from private spaces and to give characters to spaces. The goal of this study was to investigate the factors that affect desirable housing spaces and residential-architectural criteria in giving gender to spaces. Findings revealed gender differences stemming from cultural, social, and historical aspects; therefore, people's genders, along with other factors such as age, tastes, and needs, should be considered in designing spaces.