An Analysis of the Physical Dimension of the Sense of Place Attachment in Traditional Houses and Contemporary Residential Complexes

mohamad dehghani¹ zahra gholami² zakiye mirshkar³

IOI Code : ABKD-ACAAZZ
Publication : Fourth International Conference on applied researches in civil engineering, architecture and urban planning (icarcau.com)
Abstract :
    A sense of place attachment is a key component of the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral bond between humans and their living environment. In residential architecture, it plays a decisive role in the quality of habitation, resident satisfaction, and the continuity of the relationship between individuals and their homes. Due to rapid urbanization, the proliferation of apartment living, and the replacement of traditional homes with modern residential complexes, many of the physical qualities that foster a sense of attachment, identity, and memorability in living spaces have been diminished. Consequently, this research aims to analyze the physical dimension of place attachment—comparing traditional homes with contemporary residential complexes—by examining how physical and spatial elements contribute to the formation or erosion of residents sense of attachment.In this study, traditional homes and modern residential complexes are compared as two distinct models of habitation.The research findings indicate that the sense of physical attachment is significantly stronger in traditional homes than in modern residential complexes. This superiority is largely attributed to features such as courtyards, *ivans* (porches/verandas), entrance portals, effective natural lighting, a diverse range of door and window shapes and dimensions, facade and interior ornamentation, and the spatial quality of the courtyard. These elements not only address the functional needs of residents but also facilitate the development of an emotional bond between people and place by fostering memory, identity, aesthetic appeal, legibility, and opportunities for interaction with nature. Conversely, while new residential complexes may perform better in certain aspects—such as spatial relationships and layout, accessibility from the living area to other spaces, and the transition from the street into the building—they face challenges in fostering a lasting sense of belonging. This is due to a reduction in physical diversity, the elimination or marginalization of semi-open spaces, the diminishing role of the courtyard, monotonous facades, and a lack of identity-defining ornamentation. Therefore, it can be concluded that re-examining the physical principles of traditional homes and consciously applying them to the design of contemporary residential complexes can play a significant role in enhancing residents sense of belonging. Emphasizing the courtyard, semi-open spaces, natural light, appropriate ornamentation, human scale, spatial diversity, and the connection between interior and exterior spaces are among the most effective strategies for strengthening physical belonging in modern housing.

Keywords : sense of place attachment physical dimension place identity architecture of traditional and residential houses