Identifying and prioritizing the atmospheric components of living space in architecture using Grounded theory

Subject Areas : Life Space Journal

asma jami ¹ , reza Mirzaei ² , SEYED MOSLEM SEYEDOLHOSSINY ³ , AHMAD HEIDARI ⁴

1 - azad university of birjand
2 - Member of the faculty of Islamic Azad University and International Committee
3 - AZAD UNIVERSITY OF MASHHAD
4 - AZFaculty of Architecture, Azad Birjand University

Received: 2023-01-14 Accepted : 2023-04-25 Published : 2024-05-02

Keywords: Grounded Theory, Christopher Alexander, AArchitectural atmosphere, multisensory architecture, atmospheric components,

Abstract :

Architecture, as both an art and applied science, plays a significant role in shaping human life today. Unfortunately, the architecture of today often falls short, serving merely as a shelter, leaving few users feeling at peace or at ease. The atmosphere of a building, which is the spirit and life of the architecture, is what makes it unique and memorable. Yet, experiencing the atmosphere of architecture and understanding the complex processes that create it can be challenging. it can be difficult to even explain or identify the components that contribute to it.While many studies have investigated the semantic and hermeneutic dimensions of the audience to atmospheric architecture from a phenomenological perspective, this research seeks to develop criteria and tools using a structural method to achieve atmospheric architecture in the process of architectural design. This approach is both practical and developmental, aimed at strengthening the structure of the building.To achieve this goal, Alexander's structure strengthening method is proposed as a guide in creating an atmospheric model. The research method used in this study is grounded theory or database analysis.Through the method of library document studies, relevant sources were examined, and ideas were categorized and clarified with the help of experts. Categories with the highest repetition and quality were identified through in-depth study and consultation with experts. Open coding was performed, resulting in 93 characteristics and 9 codes in the axial coding and 7 categories in the selective coding, based on the opinions of thinkers in the field of the structuralism approach of atmosphere in architectural spaces.The data were coded and selected in MAXQDA 10 software based on the frequency and repetition of the codes. The findings revealed that the atmospheres in architectural buildings result from a combination of structural and physical factors, as well as a set of invisible yet highly impactful concepts or quasi-things that affect the audience's perception based on their senses and abilities. Physical measures were more frequently studied than functional ones in existing atmospheric research, but the most important and frequent indicator was an integrated whole.Atmospheric architecture is characterized by its integration and synergy, which can have optimal effects on well-being, health, and vitality and can ultimately lead to an increase in the quality of life. The grand theory generated concepts and quasi-things such as light, temperature, and sound, and identified creative indicators of the architectural atmosphere in categories such as immediate perception, multi-sensory architecture, participation of subject and object, materials that make up the body, temporality, and corporeality, inducing movement, and an integrated overall structure that is in the relationship between subject and object.One of the most effective ways to actively engage people with their environment is through architecture and multi-sensory design. By creating a specific atmosphere for an architectural space, it is possible to induce a unique character or feeling that makes it memorable and serves a specific purpose. The quality of the atmosphere in a space can create a stronger emotional connection to our environment. A nombness and indifferent environment can have negative effects on both our mental and physical health. Therefore, improving the quality of the built environment, which covers a significant portion of people's lives, is crucial for enhancing their quality of life and social well-being.In summary, architects can use both material-physical tools and immaterial concepts or quasi-things in the design of atmospheric architecture, organizing them into a comprehensive whole called atmosphere. Physical measures have been studied more frequently than functional ones in existing atmospheric research, but the most important and frequent indicator is an integrated whole.From a structural perspective, the architectural atmosphere can be defined as the induction of tone, mood, personality, or a special feeling to an architectural space, making it unique and memorable with a specific purpose. The atmosphere in an architectural space provides special and potential qualities, and a numb environment can negatively impact general mental and physical health. Improving the quality of the built environment, which covers a long period of people's lives, deeply affects the quality of people's lives.However, the atmospheric design method cannot be explained by an algorithm or specific abstract ideas. Rather, it is a synergistic approach of imagination and thinking formed through interaction with the world and physical awareness