Principles of Ecological and Biophilic Architecture in the Design of Iranian Residential Complexes in Order to Improve Their Quality
Table 1 - Housing Quality indicators and their criteria
Quality indicator | Criteria |
Physical and spatial | The qualitative examination of housing necessitates a thorough consideration of its physical attributes. These elements extend beyond mere compliance with minimum standards for factors like household density, individual housing density, individual rooms density, and per capita floor area. Given that much of our environmental perception is visually driven, and visual perception is fundamentally rooted in the physical realm, the physical quality of housing holds a significant role. This quality is intimately tied to critical concepts such as identity, vitality, familiarity, and memorability. Essentially, the physical components of housing serve as the framework for life, shaping the landscape in which social interactions unfold. Consequently, enhancing physical quality requires a comprehensive assessment of factors like land size and shape, financial resources, human resources, building materials, technology, and effective management and supervision. |
Structural | Designing and overseeing technical aspects, as well as adhering to engineering standards during the implementation of structures, underscores the importance of a well-conceived structure. The scrutiny involves assessing the resilience of building materials relative to climatic conditions and the production state, employing methods for reinforcement, and ensuring compliance with statutes and regulations. It is imperative to acquaint engineers with contemporary construction techniques, continually updating their knowledge in the realms of design and implementation. Within this framework, the evaluation encompasses the structure itself, the materials used, equipment considerations, maintenance standards, and the cost associated with housing repairs. This comprehensive approach ensures that the technical aspects align with established engineering standards, promoting effective and sustainable structures. |
Functional | Functional quality encompasses various aspects, including the quantity and dimensions of rooms, as well as the appropriateness of housing and its suitability for the needs of family members. Evaluation systems often incorporate an examination of housing from an energy perspective within this category. By taking into account the provision of adequate facilities and services, the overall acceptability of housing improves, contributing to both housing health and, consequently, the well-being of its residents. Prioritizing these factors enhances the functional quality of housing, making it more conducive to a healthy and comfortable living environment. |
Environmental | The assessment of housing is significantly influenced by the residential environment, serving as a pivotal factor in all evaluations. A residence situated in an unsuitable environment is unable to fulfill the secondary needs of its occupants, particularly in terms of environmental quality. Environmental quality encompasses diverse facets of the living environment, spanning the standards of housing facilities, safety, security, access, housing types, and surrounding features, considering aspects such as functionality, visual appeal, and physical characteristics. Urban facilities and infrastructures form an integral part of this evaluation, constituting a broad spectrum of physical elements that facilitate various urban functions. These elements contribute to the composition and formation of urban spaces, playing a crucial role in various aspects of residence, activity, rest, leisure, and, overall, in enhancing the quality of urban life. In essence, the quality of the residential environment and its associated facilities is a cornerstone in determining the overall quality of housing and the urban living experience. |
The human needs | Assessing the quality of housing involves a comprehensive evaluation of satisfaction across various dimensions. These include the physical, functional, social, cultural, identity, aesthetic, security, facilities, equipment, accessibility, and neighbor-related aspects . Satisfaction in these diverse categories forms a critical component of the overall quality assessment of housing. By considering these multifaceted elements, a more nuanced and holistic understanding of the living experience is achieved, encompassing not only the tangible features of the dwelling but also its social and cultural context, ultimately contributing to a more accurate and inclusive measure of housing quality. |