Conceptual Modeling of the Impact of Architectural Components on Enhancing Students’ Visual Intelligence (A Case Study of Girls’ Primary Schools in Tehran)
Subject Areas : City architect
Negar Zahra Ghani
1
*
,
حمید ماجدی
2
,
Farah Habib
3
1 -
2 - دانشیار/ دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد علوم و تحقیقات
3 - Department of Urban Development, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Visual intelligence, educational space design, Architectural components, Multiple intelligences theory, Elementary school students, Conceptual model,
Abstract :
The present study seeks to develop a conceptual model that explains the role of architectural components in enhancing visual intelligence among elementary school girls. Considering that physical environments carry multi-layered meanings and exert sensory-cognitive influences on users—consciously or unconsciously—the spatial experiences of children can play a fundamental role in their cognitive and perceptual development. Based on the theory of multiple intelligences, visual-spatial intelligence is one of the primary and most effective modes of learning for children. Thus, designing educational spaces in a way that stimulates and strengthens this type of intelligence is an essential task in contemporary educational architecture.
This applied research follows a descriptive-survey method. Architectural components were identified through theoretical studies and expert validation and categorized into four domains: physiological, spatial, behavioral, and psychological. A structured questionnaire was then developed and distributed among 380 architects and elementary school teachers. Data were analyzed using LISREL software. The findings revealed significant correlations between architectural components and various dimensions of visual intelligence, including spatial visualization, problem-solving, focus, learning facilitation, and creativity. Ultimately, the proposed conceptual model may serve as both a theoretical and practical framework for designing educational environments aimed at nurturing students’ visual intelligence
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