Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)
Quarterly

Analysis of Indicators from the Perspective of Islamic–Iranian Architecture in the Context of Vertical Urban Living (Case Study: Mehr Housing Project, Bijar City)

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

azim Alishaei 1
Yagoob Haghi 2
Banafshah Shahraki Nia 3
Siamak Aslani 4

1 Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Ph.D. Candidate in Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 MSc in Geography and Urban Planning, Zabol, Iran

4 MSc in Applied Climatology,Mohaghegh Ardabili University,Ardabil,Iran.

Abstract
Background and Objective: In the contemporary era, rapid urbanization, land scarcity, and increasing population density have posed significant challenges for urban habitat design. This is particularly evident in Iranian cities, where the legacy of Islamic–Iranian architecture and deep-rooted socio-cultural and spiritual values prevail. Translating traditional horizontal living principles into high-rise structures necessitates precise management of spatial, functional, and social relationships. This study aims to identify the key variables and driving forces influencing the quality of life within the framework of Islamic–Iranian architecture in the context of vertical urban living, using the Mehr Housing project in Bijar as a case study.
Methodology: The research employs a mixed-methods approach (quantitative-qualitative) utilizing the MICMAC (Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification) model. Initially, various indicators and components—including cultural, economic, functional, semantic, psychological, legal, environmental, and spiritual factors—were identified. Subsequently, by mapping their mutual influence and dependency, the key variables and driving forces of the system were determined.
Results and Findings: The results indicate that Islamic–Iranian architecture in vertical urban living acts as an unstable yet dynamic system. The simultaneous realization of identity, meaning, and spatial performance depends on prioritizing specific key variables. Among these, the separation of public and private spaces (C5), the avoidance of luxurious ornamentation (D1), and the sense of place (E1) were identified as high-priority influential indicators, while proper spatial functionality (D2) and social interaction (A4) emerged as the primary driving forces. Managing these components exerts the greatest direct and indirect impact on other indicators, thereby enabling cultural–semantic and functional sustainability in vertical living.The study concludes that focusing on fundamental cultural, semantic, and functional indicators not only enhances the quality of life and sense of identity for residents but also provides a robust framework for the design and policymaking of similar projects, facilitating the reinterpretation of Islamic–Iranian architectural principles in developing urban contexts.

Keywords

Islamic- Iranian Architecture
Vertical Living
Mehr Housing
Bijar City
Subjects
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Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)
Volume 7, Issue 3 - Serial Number 25
Autumn 2026
Pages 570-587

  • Receive Date 05 May 2026
  • Revise Date 10 July 2026
  • Accept Date 16 August 2026
  • First Publish Date 18 August 2026
  • Publish Date 22 November 2026

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