Manifestation of Art in Architecture and Urban Engineering

Significant land-use changes over recent decades have posed serious challenges to the ability of ecosystems to provide essential services. Consequently, it is critical to conduct a more precise assessment of the impacts of these changes on ecosystem services. This study aimed to predict future land-use maps using the Scenario Generator tool in the InVEST software suite. Past and current land-use maps were extracted and analyzed. Furthermore, the Habitat Quality tool within the same software was employed to evaluate the effects of land-use change on habitat quality in the Talar watershed, located in Mazandaran Province, Iran. The findings indicate that unregulated expansion of agricultural lands and residential areas—particularly during the 2024–2044 period—will significantly degrade habitat quality, with the most pronounced effects observed in the northern and eastern parts of the study area. Land degradation has also intensified over this period. The results suggest that human activities aimed at enhancing living standards and meeting the food demands of a growing population have led to the replacement of natural landscapes with agricultural and residential land uses. These changes have resulted in land degradation and a decline in habitat quality for both flora and fauna. If current trends persist, the extinction of native species in the near future is a serious risk. Therefore, it is imperative to adopt comprehensive and evidence-based management strategies to conserve and restore natural habitats—particularly forested areas—to improve ecosystem conditions and safeguard native species that rely on these ecosystems for survival.

Housing, as one of the most fundamental human needs, is considered a crucial criterion for assessing development. It plays an irreplaceable role in quality of life, guaranteeing a calm, secure, comfortable, and convenient environment. This article's main objective is to identify the spatial limiting factors for residential land and to pinpoint the optimal locations for the city's future planning to provide residential land in Nurabad City. This research will determine the overall success of the city's housing planning since the Islamic Revolution. The research is "applied" in its objective and employs a "descriptive-analytical" methodology. The findings indicate that numerous natural features restrict development, including agricultural lands and orchards on the periphery of urban neighborhoods and areas, as well as two significant rivers to the north and south of the city, and several streams scattered alongside agricultural lands and within current urbanized rural textures. Furthermore, the presence of archaeological sites and multiple highlands surrounding the current city limits often preclude construction due to steep slopes. Notable archaeological sites include Tepe Nurabad (with a buffer zone of 550×650 meters), Tepe Mir Jashiri (with a buffer zone of 250×100 meters), and Tepe Bakhtiari (with a buffer zone of 200×200 meters). Additionally, artificial features limiting residential land development include the Qaimiyeh-Dogonbadan 230 kV power transmission line (with a 17-meter buffer zone passing through the city), the Nurabad-Qaimiyeh 66 kV power transmission line (with a 13-meter buffer zone passing through the city), and oil and three gas pipelines (with a buffer zone of approximately 60 meters passing through the city). These effectively render portions of the city's land unusable. Despite these multiple limiting factors for residential land, urban development plans have successfully undertaken appropriate planning for the development of residential spaces, identifying the best locations for future residential expansion. The 259-hectare barren land in District One, located in the east of the city, was designated as the optimal site for the city's residential land development in the approved comprehensive plan of 1996. Moreover, the detailed plan, in its studies and planning, based its planning and design on the approved comprehensive city plan, particularly the 110-hectare preparation project from the total 259 hectares of District One. It has attempted to balance population distribution across the city's neighborhoods by creating attractions in areas adjacent to the central fabric or other neighborhoods through the provision of suitable service spaces and access facilities. This effort has been somewhat successful. Furthermore, dilapidated urban fabric and demolished buildings within the city possess high housing capacity for future urban development. An examination of the housing situation in the city between 1986 and 2011, following the approval of comprehensive and detailed plans, indicates the overall success of housing planning in Nurabad City.

Climate change, as one of the major environmental challenges, has severe impacts on urban infrastructure and city life. This article explores the application of eco-friendly engineering principles in urban design to enhance the resilience of urban spaces against climate change. Using a qualitative content analysis methodology, the study examines theoretical foundations, successful case studies, and identifies the challenges and opportunities of integrating eco-friendly principles into urban planning. The findings reveal that implementing green infrastructure, water recycling, the use of recycled materials, and reducing energy consumption can significantly improve urban quality of life and environmental sustainability. Additionally, key challenges, such as financial and policy constraints, lack of awareness, and executional obstacles, may hinder the effectiveness of these principles. The study proposes recommendations for strengthening international collaboration, expanding specialized training, and developing supportive policies. It also highlights the importance of using smart technologies for resource management and establishing educational platforms for citizens and policymakers. Given the growing significance of climate change, applying eco-friendly principles in urban design not only helps mitigate climate impacts but also serves as a sustainable approach to enhance urban quality of life and livability.

This study examines the application of ergonomic principles in urban public space design and its effects on user experience and social interactions. The aim is to analyze how innovative ergonomic models can enhance urban quality of life and user satisfaction within public spaces. Findings indicate that ergonomic designs not only improve physical comfort and reduce fatigue but also increase social interactions and strengthen users' sense of place attachment. Using semi-structured interviews with public space users in Tehran and qualitative data analysis, this research explores the impact of ergonomic furniture, easy accessibility, and multifunctional spaces, demonstrating how these factors contribute to creating dynamic and engaging environments. The study concludes with recommendations for future ergonomic designs, including addressing diverse user needs, implementing smart technologies in public spaces, and incorporating flexible designs. Additionally, suggestions for future research include investigating the effects of ergonomics on users' mental and physical well-being and adapting ergonomic principles to different cultural and climatic contexts.

This study examines the role of Islamic art principles in enhancing cultural identity and place attachment in urban space design. The use of key elements of Islamic art, such as structured geometry, specific colors, repetitive patterns, and cultural symbols in architecture and urban design, not only beautifies spaces but also fosters a spiritual and emotional bond between citizens and their surroundings, strengthening their sense of place attachment. Findings reveal that using geometry and symmetry in the design of mosques and public squares promotes a sense of order and harmony among individuals, providing spaces for social and cultural interactions. Additionally, the use of calming colors like blue and green, commonly found in Islamic art, enhances the sense of attachment and spiritual connection. Analysis of symbols and repetitive patterns shows that these elements contribute to cultural identity reinforcement by creating a sense of continuity and stability in public spaces, fostering a deeper bond with local values. This research proposes design strategies based on Islamic art principles to create meaningful and identity-driven urban spaces that align not only with physical needs but also with the cultural and spiritual requirements of individuals. This approach offers an effective solution to address globalization challenges and preserve cultural and social values in Islamic cities.

This article examines the impact of semi-open spaces on social interactions in modern cities. The primary aim of this research is to identify and analyze the factors in semi-open space design that can enhance social interactions and improve urban quality of life. This qualitative study utilizes direct observations, semi-structured interviews, and content analysis. Findings indicate that semi-open spaces, by providing a welcoming environment, facilitate social interactions and play a significant role in reducing social isolation. Key factors identified for improving the quality of social interactions include access to natural elements, appropriate lighting, available amenities, and privacy preservation. Additionally, the role of cultural and social values in influencing the use and level of social interactions in semi-open spaces is emphasized, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive design. Practical recommendations for urban designers and architects are offered, along with suggestions for future studies on the influence of amenity types and cross-cultural comparisons of semi-open space usage.

This study analyzes the aesthetics and functionality of urban public spaces based on environmental psychology principles, examining the importance of designing these spaces to enhance users' quality of life and mental well-being. Urban public spaces serve as hubs for social interactions and reinforce place attachment, and improving their design can positively impact user behavior and emotions. This review study explores relevant literature to provide a theoretical framework and conceptual model for analyzing such spaces. The findings reveal that incorporating visual elements like lighting, color, and artistic forms in public space design can strengthen feelings of security, tranquility, and place attachment, while also fostering social interactions. Moreover, the results indicate that blending environmental psychology and aesthetics in public space design can reduce stress and improve urban quality of life. This study addresses existing limitations and provides recommendations for future research, including conducting field studies and investigating the effects of varied designs on different age groups. Aimed at establishing a practical model for urban designers and planners, this study demonstrates how well-designed public spaces can promote community cohesion and enhance social connections.

This article explores the role of movable structures in interior design through the lens of smart architecture, analyzing their impact on efficiency, flexibility, and user experience within interior spaces. This review-based study reveals that movable structures, with their capacity for immediate spatial adjustments, allow users to modify their environment according to daily functional and aesthetic needs. Findings indicate that this type of interior design, especially beneficial in small and multifunctional spaces, not only enhances spatial efficiency and reduces structural costs but also contributes to improved quality of life and a heightened sense of belonging among users. The study also addresses practical challenges in implementing smart architecture in interior design, identifying issues such as high costs, technical complexity, and maintenance requirements. By analyzing these challenges and offering recommendations, this paper aids designers and architects in finding more effective solutions for integrating movable and smart structures. Lastly, this research emphasizes the fundamental role of smart architecture in the future of interior design, providing suggestions for further studies to advance smart, sustainable, and eco-friendly technologies. These findings serve as a valuable resource for architects and researchers aiming to enhance efficiency, energy savings, and user experience within interior spaces.