Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 The Effect of Wing Walls on Air Velocity Performance in Single-Sided Ventilated Spaces Using CFD 1 15 732215 10.22034/ijumes.2025.2056655.1301 EN Minoo Zidehsaraei Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran 0000-0002-0111-7767 Amena Agharabi Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran 0000-0001-7374-8034 Journal Article 2025 03 26 Natural ventilation in single-sided spaces often suffers from low airflow rates, which can negatively impact indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Wing walls-vertical panels installed adjacent to windows-offer potential for directing and accelerating incoming airflow; however, their optimal design parameters have not been sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to increase the average indoor air velocity in a single-sided ventilated room by incorporating a wing wall. To achieve this, the ventilation performance of several wing wall configurations with varying depths and angles was analyzed to determine the optimal depth, angle, and location. The results show that using two windows with the same total area, instead of a single window, improves both ventilation efficiency and indoor air velocity. Further enhancement was achieved by adding a perpendicular wing wall to one side of each window, which increased airflow and average indoor air velocity. Increasing wing wall depth further improved performance, with the optimal depth equal to the width of the window. Notably, movable wing walls angled at 15°, 22.5°, and 30° outperformed fixed perpendicular wing walls, delivering superior ventilation effectiveness and higher internal air velocity. This study fills a gap in natural ventilation research by simultaneously evaluating wing wall depth and angle, providing practical design guidelines for architects and engineers. Future research should examine the effects of awnings, varied opening types, movable wing walls at different heights in high-rise buildings, smart designs, and their role in cross ventilation.

https://www.ijumes.com/article_732215_be796d963781970994fe919e8796c6ca.pdf

Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 Explanation of Effective Indicators on the Performance of Non-Structural Building Components Against Blast Waves with Emphasis on the Behavior of Glass and Window Frames 16 32 731236 10.22034/ijumes.2025.2072367.1337 EN Mehdi Moharrami Sham Asbi B.Sc., Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran 0000-0003-2334-380X Journal Article 2025 08 21 Over the past twenty years, threats to buildings from explosions have significantly increased. Non-structural components, particularly glass and window-frames, are especially vulnerable to blast loads, yet there is limited agreement on which factors most strongly affect their performance under such extreme conditions. This study seeks to systematically identify and rank the key factors influencing the blast performance of non-structural glazing systems using a multi-round fuzzy Delphi method. The research is analytical with an applied aim and also has a developmental aspect in the context of qualitative modeling. Data were collected through documentary and library sources, complemented by questionnaires and interviews with 15 experts and specialists within a defined statistical population. Core concepts—including non-structural building performance, façade systems, building frames, non-structural connections, and the impact of explosions on buildings-were initially analyzed through content analysis. Based on inductive reasoning and literature review, a preliminary framework of factors was developed. The fuzzy Delphi method was then applied over multiple rounds in a participatory decision-making process to extract, weight, and evaluate these factors. Results show that, based on mean values, layer bonding quality, 4.53; glass layer thickness, 4.36; blast intensity, 4.35; adherence to recognized design standards, 4.32; temperature effect, 4.21; glazing–frame connection, 4.13; barrier presence, 4.09; blast duration, 4.08; interlayer damage mode, 4.07; and the anchorage system, 4.04, are the influential factors in defining the performance index framework of non-structural building components against blast waves. Quantitatively, these factors consistently received high mean scores in the Delphi process, highlighting their critical role in structural integrity, post-fracture behavior, and overall blast resilience of glass and window-frame systems. These findings provide a validated, expert-driven foundation for prioritizing design considerations and developing performance-focused strategies for blast-resistant glazing systems, bridging the gap between theoretical analysis and practical implementation.

https://www.ijumes.com/article_731236_c300a28bd33265f7223256a67c778a6c.pdf

Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 Evaluating Financial and Operational Challenges in the Replacement of Smart Materials in High-Density Projects (Case Study of Mehr Housing in Hamedan) 33 48 728564 10.22034/ijumes.2025.2056755.1304 EN Roya Sadeghi Fereshteh Department of Architecture, Faculty of Dr. Ali Eqbali Sustainable Development, University College of Omran_Toseeh, Hamedan, Iran 0000-0003-2816-5926 Journal Article 2025 04 19 The increasing prevalence of smart materials in construction signifies a pivotal shift towards enhancing building performance and sustainability, particularly in high-density projects where operational complexities abound. This research examines the financial and operational barriers encountered in the replacement of traditional materials with smart alternatives, focusing on the Mehr Housing Project in Hamadan, Iran. Utilizing a mixed-methods methodology, comprising a literature review, questionnaires, and structured interviews with key stakeholders—including contractors, project managers, and industry experts—the study identifies critical challenges, such as high initial costs, resistance from contractors, and a lack of specialized expertise in smart materials. The findings highlight that while the potential benefits of smart materials are substantial, their adoption is stymied by both economic and logistical hurdles. To address these challenges, the study proposes targeted solutions including the introduction of financial incentives to offset initial expenditures and a robust framework for training and capacity building among the workforce. By fostering an environment conducive to the integration of smart materials, this research aims to inform policymakers and practitioners on strategies crucial for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of high-density construction projects. Ultimately, the findings advocate for a transformative approach that aligns technological innovation with project management practices to optimize resource utilization and project outcomes in the built environment.

https://www.ijumes.com/article_728564_d947ba0af2b7293f0dc39d14ebd37eae.pdf

Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 Optimizing Building Volume and Solar Access in Isfahan's Urban Texture: A Solar Envelope Approach Using Parametric Design Tools 49 62 731559 10.22034/ijumes.2025.2049602.1285 EN Ahmad Najafi Department of Urban Planning, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran. 0000-0003-4005-636X Ali Goodarzi Department of Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-0370-9053 Ramtin Mortaheb Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran 0000-0002-6909-4741 Journal Article 2025 01 01 This study investigates the application of Solar Envelope methodology integrated with Parametric Design tools to optimize building volume and Direct Solar Access in Isfahan’s urban context. Through comprehensive Environmental Simulation using Rhino/Grasshopper and Ladybug plugins, this research develops an innovative approach to Urban Planning that balances construction density with solar rights. The Energy Optimization analysis demonstrates that the Solar Envelope method achieves a 26.13% increase in buildable volume and 41.11% increase in area compared to current regulations, while enhancing solar energy on adjacent building facades by 2.60%. The study employs Parametric Design workflows to generate and evaluate multiple solardriven alternatives, ensuring Direct Solar Access during critical periods (December 21st, 8 am-4 pm). Comparative analysis Isfahan, Mashhad, and Tabriz validates the climateresponsive nature of the Solar Envelope approach. Results indicate that current Urban Planning regulations inadequately address solar access rights, often leading to violations. The proposed Environmental Simulation methodology offers a robust framework for Energy Optimization in dense urban developments, demonstrating that 100% land occupancy can be achieved while maintaining solar access standards. This research provides critical evidence for updating architectural and Urban Planning laws in Iran to incorporate Solar Envelope principles for sustainable urban development.

https://www.ijumes.com/article_731559_f923cb3121620ee12d08395c0e64dbb7.pdf

Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 Explaining a Model of Indicators Affecting Architecture Students’ Creativity with an Emphasis on Creativity-Based Teaching Methods and Quality of the Physical Learning Environment by Using the Fuzzy Delphi Method 63 83 733448 10.22034/ijumes.2026.2075074.1341 EN Maryam Dehghan Koroki Department of Architecture, Ba.C., Islamic Azad University, Bam, Iran Maliheh Norouzi Department of Architecture, Ba.C., Islamic Azad University, Bam, Iran 0009-0000-1262-0483 Mohsen Qasemi Department of Architecture, Ba.C., Islamic Azad University, Bam, Iran 0000-0002-0512-7321 Journal Article 2025 10 18 Contemporary approaches to architectural education emphasize that creativity emerges from the interaction between the physical learning environment, pedagogical strategies, and students’ experiential engagement. Enhancing creativity-oriented architectural learning requires identifying key indicators that shape this process. This study aims to determine and explain the indicators influencing the creativity of architecture students, with emphasis on creativity-based instruction and the quality of the physical environment. The research is analytical–applied and follows an interpretive methodological paradigm with developmental characteristics. Data were collected through documentary and library studies. Initial conceptual indicators were extracted using content analysis and inductive reasoning based on theoretical foundations and prior research. Subsequently, the Fuzzy Delphi Method was applied, and a 17-item questionnaire was distributed to 15 experts using the snowball sampling technique. Results from the third Delphi round confirm 11 final indicators, among which “representation culture” (mean = 4.41), “digital technologies” (mean = 4.36), and “design thinking” (mean = 4.25) displayed the highest influence. The findings highlight three essential components for improving architectural education: spatial design that supports design thinking, digital representational capabilities, and organizational support mechanisms. Applying these validated indicators can improve studio environments, strengthen creative learning processes, and enhance the quality of architectural outcomes.

https://www.ijumes.com/article_733448_673c4cb199ec528034a3feeb4d6f554e.pdf

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

Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 Making Modern Schools Sustainable Through Socio-Cultural Sustainability Principles of Safavid-Era Schools in Isfahan 98 120 727076 10.22034/ijumes.2025.2054495.1295 EN Mohsen Owraei Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Technical and Engineering , Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran 0009-0005-1100-5389 Mehran Karahmadi Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Technical and Engineering , Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran 0000-0002-5563-9560 Journal Article 2025 03 01 The contemporary educational system faces a significant challenge regarding the erosion of cultural identity and a disconnect from indigenous architectural heritage in the design of educational spaces. This crisis, particularly evident in schools which are the main hubs of social and cultural interaction for the youth, underscores the urgent need to revise design approaches and move towards socio-culturally sustainable architecture.The primary objective of this research is to identify and analyze the identity-forming architectural elements and socio-cultural sustainability principles within the historical Safavid-era schools of Isfahan, and to propose practical strategies to inspire the design of contemporary schools aimed at preserving and enhancing their cultural identity. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach and a comparative analysis method. Data were collected through library studies, examination of historical and architectural documents, and field observations of nine selected Safavid-era schools. Their architectural elements, physical structures, and socio-cultural characteristics were analyzed in relation to socio-cultural sustainability indicators. The findings shows that Safavid-era schools in Isfahan, through the intelligent use of elements such as the central courtyard as a hub for interactions and a reflector of cultural values, iwans as transitional and identity-rich spaces, hujras emphasizing privacy and concentration, as well as artistic decorations and the use of indigenous materials, successfully embodied a set of key socio-cultural sustainability principles. These principles are identifiable across three interconnected layers physical, social, and cultural. The results reveled that historical Safavid-era schools offer a successful and reliable model for achieving socio-cultural sustainability in educational spaces. Based on the findings, strategies such as designing multi-purpose and dynamic green courtyards, creating interactive iwans, integrating indigenous and contemporary arts in decorations, designing flexible and culturally responsive learning spaces, and utilizing sustainable local materials are proposed for modern schools. This approach can significantly contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural identity in contemporary schools. Future research could explore the application of these principles in other urban contexts or evaluate the performance of schools designed based on these strategies.

https://www.ijumes.com/article_727076_1295fa54f2f9cd1047432087baca9e95.pdf

Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 Socio-Economic Aspects Influencing the Formation of Low-Cost Housing Architecture after Iran's Islamic Revolution in Kerman Using the AHP-ANP Model 121 143 733958 10.22034/ijumes.2026.2030180.1216 EN Elham Shahhosseini Department of Architecture, Ke.C., Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran Mahdiyeh Moeini Department of Architecture, Ke.C., Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran Reza Afhami Department of Art Studies, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2024 05 27 low-income groups in developing countries, where residential units constitute a major share of household wealth. In post-revolutionary Iran, rapid population growth, economic instability, and large-scale public housing programs have intensified challenges related to the formation and quality of low-cost housing. Despite extensive governmental interventions, many low-cost housing projects have failed to adequately respond to the socio-economic conditions of their residents. Therefore, this study aims to identify and prioritize the socio-economic factors influencing the formation of low-cost housing architecture after Iran’s Islamic Revolution, with a specific focus on the Mehr Housing project in Kerman city. The research adopts a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach and employs integrated fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making models, including the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Analytic Network Process. Data were collected through literature review, expert interviews, and structured questionnaires completed by professionals involved in housing projects. The models were used to determine the relative importance of main criteria and sub-criteria, as well as their internal causal relationships. The findings indicate that contractual indicators play the most critical role in shaping low-cost housing architecture, followed by financial and economic indicators, and technical and technological indicators. Administrative and systematic indicators ranked lowest but were found to have indirect mediating effects. Among sub-criteria, issues such as poor contract management, lack of coordination among contractors, and unfamiliarity of project stakeholders with implementation methods showed the highest influence.The study concludes that low-cost housing should be understood as a complex socio-economic system rather than a purely technical or cost-driven product. Addressing contractual inefficiencies and stabilizing financial mechanisms are essential for improving the quality and sustainability of low-cost housing in Iran.

https://www.ijumes.com/article_733958_f00f8ca6a522a1419e184ba6f7ec1c3c.pdf

Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 Urban growth Model Based on the Spatial-Functional Structure of Isfahan (Case Study: District 9) 144 160 728644 10.22034/ijumes.2025.2055479.1296 EN Abbas Pakdel Department of Geography, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran 0000-0002-9214-9894 Ahmad Khademolhoseiny Department of Geography, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran 0000-0002-0021-5541 Hamid Saberi Department of Geography, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran 0000-0002-6013-5287 Hojat Mahkoei Department of Geography, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran 0000-0002-7085-1834 Journal Article 2025 03 09 Rapid urbanization and the uneven distribution of services and infrastructure of the District 9 in Isfahan have created challenges such as spatial inequality, reduced quality of life, and environmental degradation. This research aims to develop an optimal model for improving the functional structure of District 9 in Isfahan. Utilizing economic, socio-cultural, physical, urban services, and environmental factors, this study analyzes the current situation from the perspectives of both citizens and experts. To achieve this objective, the research employs citizens and expert’s questionnaires. Data was collected through Likert scale and analyzed using SPSS and Amos software. The results indicate that citizens emphasize access to shopping centers and green spaces, while experts prioritize attracting investment and improving sustainable infrastructure. Public transportation and citizen participation were identified as key factors in both groups. However, new technologies and the adaptation of services for the disabled were given lower priority. Citizens perceived urban services and the environment as having the greatest impact, and the economic dimension as the least, whereas experts evaluated economics as the most critical factor in sustainable development. The findings underscore the need for urban planning to integrate the daily needs of citizens with the long-term vision of experts. This research provides a model for balanced development that includes improving the distribution of services, enhancing environmental infrastructure, and strengthening economic factors, which can be applied to other urban areas.

https://www.ijumes.com/article_728644_5507c2d560ec10901c972907d565f4a0.pdf

Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 Typological Analysis of Informal Settlements for Developing Climate-Responsive Architectural Indicators: An Integrated Fuzzy Delphi–FAHP Approach 161 180 734855 10.22034/ijumes.2026.2079165.1350 EN Aliaskar Jamshidi Zardak Department of Architecture, Shi.C., Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran 0009-0004-8335-0782 Mohammad Parva Department of Architecture, Shi.C., Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran 0000-0002-1272-0684 Khosro Movahed Department of Architecture, Shi.C., Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran 0000-0003-0609-1815 Journal Article 2025 11 28 Rapid urbanization and the expansion of informal settlements have intensified the need for analytical frameworks that move beyond descriptive approaches toward operational architectural evaluation. This study aims to formulate and prioritize architectural indicators for informal settlements through an analytical typological approach that integrates expert consensus with multi-criteria decision-making. The research adopts a mixed-methods analytical design grounded in a pragmatic paradigm, combining theoretical review with empirical evaluation. Initially, key architectural dimensions, Form, Space, Materials, and Spatial Organization, were extracted through literature-based typological analysis. Primary data were then collected from a purposively selected panel of architects, urban planners, and academic specialists using structured Likert-scale questionnaires. A four-round Fuzzy Delphi process was applied to refine and validate influential factors, followed by the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to determine the relative weight of final indicators. The findings demonstrate a progressive convergence of expert consensus, resulting in five prioritized indicators: Physical Stability, Spatial Legibility, Physical Safety, Social Interaction, and Functional Accessibility. Among these, Physical Stability achieved the highest weight, highlighting its foundational role in improving informal settlement environments, while socio-spatial factors such as Social Interaction emphasized the importance of human-centered design. The integrated Delphi–FAHP framework reveals that architectural upgrading strategies in informal contexts require a balanced synthesis of structural resilience, spatial clarity, safety, and accessibility rather than isolated technical interventions. Overall, the study contributes a structured and climate-responsive analytical model that bridges typological understanding with quantitative prioritization, offering practical guidance for architects, planners, and policymakers engaged in the sustainable transformation of informal settlements.

https://www.ijumes.com/article_734855_c6a7c2f7d193de5d0cfb110186288495.pdf

Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 6 4 2025 10 01 Prioritizing Architectural Design Strategies for an International Conference Center Based on Social Sustainability and Islamic Interfaith Convergence Using the SWOT–QSPM Approach 181 194 735603 10.22034/ijumes.2025.735603 EN Mostafa Hadavand Mirzaei Department of Art and Architecture, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Alireza Moshabaki Isfahani Department of Art and Architecture, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran 0009-0008-9949-9185 Journal Article 2025 05 03 Contemporary public architecture plays an important role in promoting social cohesion, cultural identity, and intercultural communication in urban environments. International conference centers, as multifunctional public institutions, can facilitate social interaction and Islamic interfaith dialogue when designed through socially sustainable architectural approaches. However, many contemporary public buildings lack an integrated framework that simultaneously addresses architectural quality, social sustainability, and cultural convergence. Therefore, this study aims to develop and prioritize architectural design strategies for an international conference center with an emphasis on social sustainability and interreligious convergence, considering Abbas Abad area in Tehran as the case study. The research adopts an applied, descriptive–analytical methodology. Data were collected through literature review, documentary studies, and expert evaluations. Internal and external factors affecting the architectural design process were identified using the SWOT framework, and strategic priorities were ranked through the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matri . The findings reveal that the “Integrated Management for Design Project Management” strategy achieved the highest attractiveness score among the proposed strategies. The results indicate that integrated management enhances coordination between spatial, social, cultural, and functional dimensions and improves the overall quality of architectural decision-making. Furthermore, socially sustainable architectural environments can strengthen public participation, reinforce collective identity, and improve intercultural and interreligious interaction. The study concludes that integrating strategic planning tools with architectural design processes provides an effective framework for creating socially responsive public spaces and offers a practical model for architects and urban designers in developing culturally sustainable public institutions.

https://www.ijumes.com/article_735603_4a6831f7072599eb96b74c08322dd03f.pdf