Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 Analyzing Visual Quality in Residential Block Layouts Using Parametric Modeling in Grasshopper 84 97 734066 10.22034/ijumes.2025.2065488.1317 EN Alireza Goodarzi Ardakani Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yas.,C., Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, Iran 0009-0006-9430-1788 Yaghowb Peyvastehgar Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yas.,C., Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, Iran 0009-0006-9430-1788 Aliakbar Heidari Department of Architecture, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, Yasouj University, Yasouj ,Iran 0000-0002-9077-2308 Ali Mehboodi Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yas.,C., Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, Iran 0000-0002-7261-9051 Journal Article 2025 07 10 Visual quality is a fundamental component of contemporary residential design, influencing privacy, spatial perception, daylighting, and the psychological well-being of residents. Key visual factors such as views toward surrounding landscapes, inter-visibility between housing units, and visual access to semi-private open spaces play a decisive role in shaping the residential experience. Nevertheless, the effects of different residential block configurations on these visual parameters have not been sufficiently examined. This study investigates three visual criteria-view toward surrounding landscapes, inter-visibility between residential units, and visual access to semi-private open spaces—across five common residential block layouts: linear, detached, mixed, perimeter, and central configurations. A standardized 2×1-meter window on the southern façade of a representative unit was used for evaluation across five floors. Parametric simulations were performed in Grasshopper using the Ladybug and Honeybee plugins to assess sightlines, visibility angles, and visual overlap patterns. The findings show that building orientation, spatial distance, and window alignment have significant impacts on visual performance. More open forms such as detached and perimeter layouts provide broader landscape views, enhanced daylight access, and greater spatial openness. In contrast, denser configurations like central and mixed layouts exhibit increased window-to-window visibility and weaker visual connection to open spaces. Overall, the results highlight the importance of spatial configuration in improving visual comfort and residential quality. These insights can support the development of design guidelines and urban planning policies aimed at enhancing visual performance and the overall livability of residential environments. https://www.ijumes.com/article_734066_719027e4d6dd3885094219681099e573.pdf