Papers by Mahdi Torabi
Needless to say that since architecture satisfies the basic needs of humanity, it must be essenti... more Needless to say that since architecture satisfies the basic needs of humanity, it must be essentially conservative. Based on Rokeach’s Concept of Value, “values” are the most important components of belief system. Although Muslims around the world have different observations and understanding of Islam, based on their culture and norms and the politics of their societies all of them believe that there is a clear link between human values and Islamic values. In addition, the conception of human values is quite clear even without specific definitions. Islamic values influence the way Muslim architects conduct the design practices. Different literatures have been reviewed, so far tangible and practical Islamic values have been identified. These factors as Islamic values include “neighborliness, inclusively, equality, fairness, social justice, hospitality, forbearance, broad-mindedness, and so on, capable to make specific lifestyle and activity system. From this activity system the architects would be able to create a design process if a systematic approach to the values can be constructed.
We are surrounded by the colors. The first and the most eye-catching information we collect from ... more We are surrounded by the colors. The first and the most eye-catching information we collect from our living environment is something in color. The noticeable role of this tangible element in our built environment has been affirmed by scholars as well as practitioners. The color in urban context can be seen in different ways. It is able to induce different feelings and conveys variety of functions. This study, regarding the importance of the issue, is going to investigate the roles, functions and scales of the color in urban environment. For the purpose of this study we have read through and covered existing literature and illustrated related pictures. Reviewing the related texts revealed that color has been assigned a role of identity maker in city context. It can significantly improve the aesthetic features of the city and can be applied in different scales from urban details such as windows and walls to streets, squares and districts. So many factors distinguish the colorscape of the cities but the final composition of colors remarkably affects the visitors and residents perceptions towards the place they visit and they live in.
Privacy in design has often been treated as a significant and complex psycho-social phenomenon. I... more Privacy in design has often been treated as a significant and complex psycho-social phenomenon. In housing it has often been recognized as an element of livability and one of the important factors in human satisfaction and comfort. The purpose of this study is to identify factors which effect on perceptions of privacy in housing design. The method which used is review of documents related to our topic and the technique which applied in this way is content analysis. Results shows that privacy structure and effective factors in housing design can be categorized provisionally in terms of privacy within the dwelling, privacy outside the dwelling, and privacy in interior-exterior link of the dwelling.
Diversity of human requirements in his living environment is obvious. Architecture ideal is to re... more Diversity of human requirements in his living environment is obvious. Architecture ideal is to respond such these various requirements. The Architectural Design Process (ADP) which has been defined for this basic purpose aims at fulfilling not only physical and functional but also psychological human necessities. Recent trends in architectural design show that in most of the cases, the focus of ADP has been shifted to the business goals, fancy features and technological capabilities. Even if none of these approaches can be blamed, but what has been lost here is a mere respect to human values. In this regard, paying attention to end-users’ ideas, believes, attitudes and desires, which has been named self-selection in this paper, can be considered as an appropriate method for deriving final users’ values. In fact, User-Centered Design (UCD) is a format of self-selection which focuses on designer’s side. UCD attaches importance to architectural plan as an output. This type of architectural plan tries to adopt with final users’ requests, wishes, feelings, behaviors and life styles. Inspiring from the concept, some different methods have been driven. Designing according to UCD principles and basics contributes architectural plan to be more satisfactory and desirable by the users since they would able to realize their ideas. In addition, this kind of ADP encourages end-users to personalize more eagerly their surrounding built environment. Ultimately, the users would feel more comfortable and convenience in his living space. In this respect, not only designers but also the users share the same amount of satisfaction.
During recent years, because of development of science and arts and also their influences of each... more During recent years, because of development of science and arts and also their influences of each others, all researchers sometimes have to review, explain and introduce a new meanings and definitions of a word or a phrase in their researches. This paper addresses the meanings and definitions of “self-selection”. It is aimed to inspire this concept in architectural design Process which never used. “Content analysis method” has been chosen as a research methodology. It is to follow in two directions: firstly, explaining “meanings of self-selection” based on dictionaries, and secondly, finding “definitions of self-selection” in scientific researches which are related with architectural design Process directly or indirectly. Ultimately, this paper has introduced the concept of self-selection in architectural design process.
In this paper, we first discuss one of the most preliminary needs of human, the desire to follow ... more In this paper, we first discuss one of the most preliminary needs of human, the desire to follow the teaching of one’s religion, which is proved by that fact that there have been different kinds of temples throughout the history. Then, the way that human understands about the creation of the world is studied. We have enriched our paper by reviewing other efforts made by various authors in the world. It is important to note that although priority of selection in order to study past works should be basically with the artistic buildings of famous and well-known architects, our selection criterion is mainly based on the clarity of those examples that can evidently show the highest impressionability. Literature shows that impressionability of architecture of temples, residential building and work places are emphasized based on the religion belief of the people. We believe that the human’s understanding extent and origin are formed according to their culture, norms and values of societies. As the future work, with exact reviewing and then developing of what have been done in the past, we are planning to propose some new practical strategies in order to respond to the other necessary human needs according to religious beliefs.
Based on what Oldenburg stated, a “third place” is a place of “refuge” other than the home or wor... more Based on what Oldenburg stated, a “third place” is a place of “refuge” other than the home or workplace. It provides the opportunity for people to meet old friends or even make new ones where people can regularly visit and commune with their friends, relatives and even strangers. Mehta and Bosson (2010) concentrated on place based characteristics of “third place” and classified four groups, i.e. personalization and permeability (as subjective), and seating and shelter on the street (as objective characteristics). This paper aimed to distinguish third places and their characteristics, which support human scale and social interaction through studying in Meldrum Walk, in which the priority is given to pedestrians and non-traffic activities. In this study determining the way pedestrians perceive these environments, leads us to group all businesses premises as “third place” and “non third place”. “Non-third places” also divided in two groups. Only restaurants grouped under the “third place” category in Meldrum Walk.
Diversity of human requirements in his living environment is obvious. Architecture ideal is to re... more Diversity of human requirements in his living environment is obvious. Architecture ideal is to respond such these diverse requirements. The Architectural Design Process (ADP) which has been defined for this basic purpose aims at fulfilling not only physical and functional but also psychological human needs. Recent trends in architectural design show that in most of the cases, the focus of ADP has been shifted to the business goals, fancy features and technological capabilities. Even if none of these approaches can be blamed, but what has been lost here is a mere respect to human values. In this regard, paying attention to end users’ ideas, believes, attitudes and desires, which has been named self-selection in this research, can be considered as an appropriate method for deriving final users’ values. Reviewing the literature review, demonstrates that End User’s Personalization (EUP) is a closest concept to self-selection, in which both emphasis on the importance of end-users’ values and ideas. In other words, it can be said that personalization is a format of self-selection on end-users’ side. Designing according to EUP principles would lead us to present more efficient, satisfying and desirable product which consequently results in increasing of our output’s appeal for final users.
International Journal of Modern Engineering Research (IJMER), Apr 17, 2014
Presenting the new definition of self-selection in Architectural Design Process (ADP) needs to cl... more Presenting the new definition of self-selection in Architectural Design Process (ADP) needs to clarify the edges of this new concept versus the others, which exist in design area. Referring to conducting content analysis in previous published studies, the general meaning of self-selection is a situation in which user decide to do something for themselves rather than do something that has chosen for them. On the other hand, different users’ and designers’ vision of self-selection make a connection with End User’s Personalization (EUP) and User Centered Design (UCD). Both self-selection and user participation indicate the user decision-making power. Consequently, for earning a high level of user satisfaction, users should allow to contribute partially or totally, in certain decision-making processes, which have normally considered as the typical responsibility of architects. This paper by gathering a close group dissection and using brainstorming method, has attempted to argue the levels and stages of user participation in order to discover and establish the level and stages of self-selection in ADP.
Global Science Publications, 2014
Collective decision making model emerges to be applied in the cases where decision makers are
no... more Collective decision making model emerges to be applied in the cases where decision makers are
not capable to seat in a meeting. Grounded Group Decision Making (GGDM) is unique since collective
decision making aggregated by cross evaluation of decision makers in GGDM process. The GGDM in this
study is applied to validate the uncertainty involved in validation of the interior building layout design
parameter towards energy efficiency and comfort strategies. This problem is applied as illustration of
applicability of GGDM in establishing a benchmark for evaluation of students in energy efficient
architectural design. First a literature review and relevant definition to each interior layout design parameter
is presented. Second, a GGDM validation study conducted amongst twenty lecturers and professional
practitioners (industrial collaborators of university) in Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia. In result of the study four parameters are validated and rated respectively. In implication of
specific result of this study, these are useful for researchers in enhancement of Automated Computer Aided
building Design towards auto evaluation of students drawing in consideration of comfort and energy
efficiency.
Utilizing available daylight in buildings is a crucial issue for reasons of energy-efficiency as ... more Utilizing available daylight in buildings is a crucial issue for reasons of energy-efficiency as well as
improvement of occupant’s health and well-being. Anidolic Daylighting System (ADS) is a type of daylighting
system that provides daylight in areas far from windows. This device concentrates daylight in a collector and
transfers it to duct situated between collector and distributor, which then spreads this daylight to the inside of the
building. The aim of this research is to determine optimum Anidolic duct shape and width which increases daylight
illuminance into the interior of office buildings. The simulation model was designed in Integrated Environmental
Solution IES<VE> software to perform daylight simulation experiments. Therefore, three configurations of designed
duct shape with two duct lengths (12 and 20 meters) were simulated as duct shape variables. Three different duct
width sizes were also evaluated. Results indicated that a rectangular shaped Anidolic with three meter duct width
offers higher illuminance than the other simulated cases. For future study, other parameters can be carried out such
as depth of duct, size of anidolic, collector and distributor of device.
In the field of build environment, one known significant research has been recognized as measurin... more In the field of build environment, one known significant research has been recognized as measuring of the designers and non-designers’ preference and perception. However, the importance of familiarity of respondents to the research subject is usually an issue as well as its effect on respondents’ attitudes. This paper measures the correlation between preference and familiarity to urban sculpture for designers and non-designers. The three variables of physical, symbolism and cognitive features of “urban sculptures” are rated between two groups (familiar and unfamiliar) in designers and non-designers. The results showed that there is no or small correlation between the preference of two groups and familiarity of urban sculptures. Moreover, no strong correlation has been found in physical and symbolism rating in both groups. However, there are medium correlations in the way that familiar respondents rate cognitive properties either for designers or non-designers.
Thesis Chapters by Mahdi Torabi
Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 2018
This research is focusing on the concept of self-selection, a decision-making process grounded in... more This research is focusing on the concept of self-selection, a decision-making process grounded in self-concept, which currently receives less attention in housing provision in Iran. This is an effort to explore new suggestions for improving the level of user satisfaction for future living environments that are designed based on current architectural ideas. Achievement of self-selection is indicated by satisfaction in decision-making process. Therefore, the aim of this research is to enhance general housing satisfaction in Qom, Iran by improving the level of residential satisfaction of public housings through the decision-making process for future designs. The objectives of this research are to investigate the attributes of the residential environment, related to user self-selection of public housings in Qom, and to measure the residential satisfaction level of public housings through various aspects of self-selection. Sequential mixed methods were employed based on post-occupancy evaluation questionnaire, which clarify the level of user satisfaction. The survey questionnaire was administered to a sample (N=109) of Iranian residents who live in the public housing of Mehr Projects in the Pardisan area of Qom. The collected data were processed with IBM SPSS, ANOVA, and Smart-PLS for frequency, t-tests and model testing. The results indicate that the mean score for user residential satisfaction, self-selection and overall quality of future design are above neutral. The findings suggest that the respondents were satisfied with their current experience of living in the apartments. The quality of current state of the building has improved, and the quality of future design needs less improvement. The results can be useful in assisting architects to predict residential satisfaction and subsequently consider the desired level of self-selection in their design process. In conclusion, the significant determinants of user satisfaction by different attributes of self-selection have been highlighted, and the findings show the central position of self-selection in architectural design.
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Papers by Mahdi Torabi
not capable to seat in a meeting. Grounded Group Decision Making (GGDM) is unique since collective
decision making aggregated by cross evaluation of decision makers in GGDM process. The GGDM in this
study is applied to validate the uncertainty involved in validation of the interior building layout design
parameter towards energy efficiency and comfort strategies. This problem is applied as illustration of
applicability of GGDM in establishing a benchmark for evaluation of students in energy efficient
architectural design. First a literature review and relevant definition to each interior layout design parameter
is presented. Second, a GGDM validation study conducted amongst twenty lecturers and professional
practitioners (industrial collaborators of university) in Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia. In result of the study four parameters are validated and rated respectively. In implication of
specific result of this study, these are useful for researchers in enhancement of Automated Computer Aided
building Design towards auto evaluation of students drawing in consideration of comfort and energy
efficiency.
improvement of occupant’s health and well-being. Anidolic Daylighting System (ADS) is a type of daylighting
system that provides daylight in areas far from windows. This device concentrates daylight in a collector and
transfers it to duct situated between collector and distributor, which then spreads this daylight to the inside of the
building. The aim of this research is to determine optimum Anidolic duct shape and width which increases daylight
illuminance into the interior of office buildings. The simulation model was designed in Integrated Environmental
Solution IES<VE> software to perform daylight simulation experiments. Therefore, three configurations of designed
duct shape with two duct lengths (12 and 20 meters) were simulated as duct shape variables. Three different duct
width sizes were also evaluated. Results indicated that a rectangular shaped Anidolic with three meter duct width
offers higher illuminance than the other simulated cases. For future study, other parameters can be carried out such
as depth of duct, size of anidolic, collector and distributor of device.
Thesis Chapters by Mahdi Torabi
not capable to seat in a meeting. Grounded Group Decision Making (GGDM) is unique since collective
decision making aggregated by cross evaluation of decision makers in GGDM process. The GGDM in this
study is applied to validate the uncertainty involved in validation of the interior building layout design
parameter towards energy efficiency and comfort strategies. This problem is applied as illustration of
applicability of GGDM in establishing a benchmark for evaluation of students in energy efficient
architectural design. First a literature review and relevant definition to each interior layout design parameter
is presented. Second, a GGDM validation study conducted amongst twenty lecturers and professional
practitioners (industrial collaborators of university) in Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia. In result of the study four parameters are validated and rated respectively. In implication of
specific result of this study, these are useful for researchers in enhancement of Automated Computer Aided
building Design towards auto evaluation of students drawing in consideration of comfort and energy
efficiency.
improvement of occupant’s health and well-being. Anidolic Daylighting System (ADS) is a type of daylighting
system that provides daylight in areas far from windows. This device concentrates daylight in a collector and
transfers it to duct situated between collector and distributor, which then spreads this daylight to the inside of the
building. The aim of this research is to determine optimum Anidolic duct shape and width which increases daylight
illuminance into the interior of office buildings. The simulation model was designed in Integrated Environmental
Solution IES<VE> software to perform daylight simulation experiments. Therefore, three configurations of designed
duct shape with two duct lengths (12 and 20 meters) were simulated as duct shape variables. Three different duct
width sizes were also evaluated. Results indicated that a rectangular shaped Anidolic with three meter duct width
offers higher illuminance than the other simulated cases. For future study, other parameters can be carried out such
as depth of duct, size of anidolic, collector and distributor of device.