1- Department of Architecture, Qom University, Qom, Iran.
Abstract: (59 Views)
One of the most important dimensions of the human–place relationship is the sense of place attachment, which develops when an individual interacts with an environment and forms meaning and emotional bonds toward it. This study addresses two questions: Which physical and non-physical components influence place attachment in apartment and detached houses? How does the level of attachment compare between these two housing types and by which indicators can they be contrasted? Which components play a more prominent role in each housing pattern?
Following a literature review, nine key indicators were identified and, through field investigation in the Shahid Mahallati Residential Town (District 1, Tehran), were regarded as the most pertinent challenges in the study area. The physical indicators comprised: form and dimensions of elements, spatial configuration and access, materials and finishes, and spatial privacy; the non-physical indicators comprised: meanings and symbols, activity and comfort, social interactions, individual characteristics, and memories and experiences.
The research adopts a survey design. Data were collected via 276 researcher-designed questionnaires; the sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS using independent-samples t tests, Pearson correlation, and multivariate regression.
Findings indicate that in detached houses, physical indicators-particularly form and dimensions of elements and spatial privacy-exert the greatest influence on place attachment, as geometric proportions and hierarchical entry and visual separation between interior spaces ensure flexibility and tranquility. In contrast, in apartment buildings, spatial configuration and access together with quality of materials and finishes play a more prominent role; the simplicity and legibility of internal spatial relationships and the use of modern, high-quality materials reinforce attachment. Regarding non-physical indicators, activity and comfort and memories and experiences are most influential in detached houses, whereas social interactions emerge as the primary factor in apartment living. The indicators meanings and symbols and individual characteristics showed similar effects across both housing types. Overall, results suggest that place attachment in detached houses is more strongly rooted in spatial proportions, hierarchical organization, and mnemonic ties, while in apartments it is more contingent on construction quality and social interaction among residents.
Following a literature review, nine key indicators were identified and, through field investigation in the Shahid Mahallati Residential Town (District 1, Tehran), were regarded as the most pertinent challenges in the study area. The physical indicators comprised: form and dimensions of elements, spatial configuration and access, materials and finishes, and spatial privacy; the non-physical indicators comprised: meanings and symbols, activity and comfort, social interactions, individual characteristics, and memories and experiences.
The research adopts a survey design. Data were collected via 276 researcher-designed questionnaires; the sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS using independent-samples t tests, Pearson correlation, and multivariate regression.
Findings indicate that in detached houses, physical indicators-particularly form and dimensions of elements and spatial privacy-exert the greatest influence on place attachment, as geometric proportions and hierarchical entry and visual separation between interior spaces ensure flexibility and tranquility. In contrast, in apartment buildings, spatial configuration and access together with quality of materials and finishes play a more prominent role; the simplicity and legibility of internal spatial relationships and the use of modern, high-quality materials reinforce attachment. Regarding non-physical indicators, activity and comfort and memories and experiences are most influential in detached houses, whereas social interactions emerge as the primary factor in apartment living. The indicators meanings and symbols and individual characteristics showed similar effects across both housing types. Overall, results suggest that place attachment in detached houses is more strongly rooted in spatial proportions, hierarchical organization, and mnemonic ties, while in apartments it is more contingent on construction quality and social interaction among residents.
Keywords: place attachment, physical and non-physical indicators, detached houses, apartments, residential complex.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Subject- oriented researches in Islamic architecture and urbanism, eg. Spatial-geometrical ideas, symbols and ornaments
Received: 2025/05/9 | Accepted: 2026/04/11
Received: 2025/05/9 | Accepted: 2026/04/11
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
Journal of Researches in Islamic Architecture is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
