The Impact of Behavioral Setting on Physical Form and Place Attachment in University Educational Spaces in Tehran City

Document Type : Research Article (Applied - Development)

Authors

1 Ph.D Candidate in Architecture, Department of Architecture, Professor Hesabi Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tafresh, Iran

2 Assistant Professor in Department of Architecture, Hashtgerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hashtgerd, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor in Department of Architecture, Professor Hesabi Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tafresh, Iran

4 Assistant Professor in Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Ivanki University, Ivanki, Iran.

10.22103/jusg.2025.2165

Abstract

Introduction: University educational spaces, as environments that significantly influence learning, social interactions, and students’ sense of belonging, require optimal design approaches that, through concepts such as behavioral setting, can enhance the physical form and strengthen place attachment. This study aimed to identify and hierarchically structure the components that influence the contextual role of the behavioral setting in improving the quality of university educational spaces.
Data and Method: This study employed a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative). In the qualitative phase, a literature review and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 university professors and experts in university architectural design. The collected data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, leading to the identification of 29 categories and 5 principal indicators. In the quantitative phase, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) was applied to determine the relationships among the components, while the MICMAC technique was used to analyze their driving power and dependence.
Results: The results revealed that five key indicators, including spatial design, social environment, sense of belonging and identity, flexibility, and psychological impact, have the greatest influence on improving the quality of educational spaces. Flexibility and spatial design were identified as the most influential factors, whereas social interactions, sense of place attachment, and psychological effects were found to be dependent variables. The structural model analysis indicated that these factors could be organized hierarchically, with the foundational components exerting influence over the dependent ones.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that to enhance place attachment and improve the physical form of educational spaces, design strategies must prioritize flexibility, interaction, and adaptability to users’ needs. The adoption of participatory design approaches, integration of smart technologies, and reinforcement of social interaction within the university environment are among the proposed strategies for optimizing these spaces. The findings of this study can serve as a foundation for future planning and policy-making in the design and development of university educational environments.

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References

منابع
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Journal of Urban Social Geography
Volume 12, Issue 2 - Serial Number 27
September 2025
Pages 181-198

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 04 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 07 May 2025

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