Abstract
The value of socio-cultural aspects in the environmental design process and relevant issues are discussed in this paper. In addition, Alexander's Pattern Language theory is derived from human activity, perceptive and behavioural patterns and is associated with the Genius loci. Thus, the researcher considered the possibility of a relationship existing between Pattern Language and the field of Environmental Design (especially the socio-cultural dimension) that would arrive at a correlation model of "A Pattern Language for Environmental Design". The research method was a survey implemented to collect data from 129 MS (related to the Environmental Design field) graduates and students studying at various universities in Tehran. The sampling method was based on stratified random sampling. A 49-item questionnaire was used to collect data and the reliability of all subscales was more than 0.80 estimated by the Cronbach alpha test. Hierarchical Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to analyse data by LISREL 8.72 software. The results of the analysis statistically confirmed the correlation model of "A Pattern Language for Environmental Design". While all correlations between pattern language components and their counterpart indicators were statistically significant, the correlation between the socio-cultural dimension and environmental design was the most powerful relationship in the model. Keywords: Environmental Design; Socio-cultural dimension; Pattern Language; Iran 1. Introduction the connection between these two concepts, which is The various design processes show a lack of one of the main concerns of this study. Limited research specific theoretical approaches and depend entirely on into the theoretical approaches of environmental designers' personal tastes. What can be seen today is design has made this process more difficult since affected by popular trends, fashions, imposed tastes no theory has yet been found to determine such a and people's desires. Every environmental designer or relationship or similar relationships. However, this fact landscape architect has a specific thinking process in has helped this paper to become original. By studying his/her design and environmental patterns (ecological, many dimensions and considering many attempts, physical and cultural) of which holistic and effective the importance of the social and cultural dimensions factors are the most important. Alexander (1979) amongst others (ecological, aesthetic approaches) asks in "The Timeless Way of Building": "How can especially in the environmental and landscape design designers design without connecting to the design fields and the strong connection to Pattern Language context and environment?" The purpose of this theory, the researcher selected the most important and paper is to achieve a correlation model based on "A effective aspect of socio-cultural dimension. Pattern Pattern Language for Environmental Design". In fact, Language theory and the socio-cultural approach are achieving such a model would seem impossible if no especially of high importance to the environmental relationship was found between "Pattern Language" designer. and Environmental Design. It seems that humans are Thus, in this paper, the researchers explore the possibility of an existing association between Alexander's Pattern Language and Environmental Design. As these conditions are important in *Contact Author: Mehdi Khakzand, Assistant Professor of environmental design around the world, and in Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture and Urban addition, landscapes and gardens have always been Studies, Iran University of Science and Technology, known as public places, not separate from man and his Tehran, Iran, P.O. Box: 16846-13114 life, the researcher proposed a correlation model of "A Tel: +98-2177-240-467 Fax: +98-2177-240-468 Pattern Language for Environmental Design". E-mail: mkhakzand@iust.ac.ir ( Received April 13, 2013 ; accepted February 26, 2014 ) Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering/May 2014/302 295 This research is not only a descriptive review of the implications of geometry on a quality without name. key factor of the socio-cultural dimension, but also Alexander (1977) and Salingaros (1999) argue that explores the explicit and implicit factors of pattern natural patterns were the origins for shaping various language. Considering that each place radiates a styles of architecture. Many universal and self- unique sense or, more specifically, owns a unique organised patterns exist in different aspects of our life pattern language, the objective is to establish a pattern and also in our architecture. According to Norberg- language for environmental design. Therefore, the Schulz (1984), each indicator of place has a specific main issue discussed in this paper is the question: identity and has a public and common name which is "What is the relationship between the socio-cultural used in order to distinguish it from others. Alexander approach in Environmental Design and the Pattern defines patterns as particular aspects of the physical Language theory?" After determining a relationship environment that assist a specific experience or between pattern language and the specific aspects of activity: "Every place is introduced with its character environmental design (which was achieved through by certain patterns of events" (Alexander et al., 1977) the meaning and perception of conceptual relations and Norberg-Schulz (1984) indicates that "the art between these fields), researchers were able to discover of place is a totality and complex of various figures this association in another form. Although Alexander's in different scales", but this composition represents main focus was not architecture or urban design, what a specific sense which is the value of place and this the researcher is suggesting here is an extension of value is related to spatial Gestalten and Genius loci. Alexander's work to cover designed landscapes as Bell (1999) also argues that patterns which can be well. Considering that so far, little has been said about termed universal, as Alexander (1977) states, are pattern language affecting public landscape such as based on repetition. The relationship between these urban parks and squares, this mission seemed to be all patterns and natural patterns lead us to archetypes or the more challenging. basic patterns which are the result of pattern/process Communication concerning the contemporary feedback. These patterns are man-made and show the environmental design process in Iran, the Pattern domination of man over nature and the environment Language theory and the necessity of considering which causes the destruction of landscape unity. It the socio-cultural aspect as a missing link, shows may be that the importance of these patterns is due to the novelty of a problem that has never been truly the human domination of nature. Scholars think that investigated in any research. Ardalan and Bakhtiar (2000) proceeded to write their great book, "The Sense of Unity", based on recognition 2. Literature Review of the contemporary evolution of Iran and lack of unity 2.1 Pattern Language in current spaces. This paper endeavours to represent Dictionaries and encyclopedias describe the word some of them as a pattern language for environmental "Pattern" as a type of placement order, a type of design in Iran, based on the point of view of experts. plan, a style, a valuable model, a sample as a whole The main aim of this paper is to achieve "A Pattern representative and a common path for an activity, etc. Language for Environmental Design". Firstly, the All the above-mentioned descriptions show the general author presents some definitions in the area of pattern. and universal approaches of such a key word. Most of There are two main approaches concerning the these patterns referred to above, which are found in "pattern" concept and many researchers have made the environment, are not the result of man's planning efforts on this topic, some using the first approach and or design, but are self-organised patterns which are some using both. These two approaches are categorized seen in different scales, shapes, types and in similar below: distribution. Indeed, a pattern is a set of relations ® Physical patterns which lead to principles which can be embodied objectively, using materials ® Eternal or universal patterns related to archetype and geometry (Salingaros, 2007). On the other hand, and cultural patterns. the Pattern Language theory, developed by Alexander The first approach, which is explained in "Form and his colleagues in 1977, is associated with Genius and Fabric in Landscape Architecture" by Dee (2001), loci and space Gestalten (as Norberg-Schulz stated in generally mentions physical principles such as 2000). This theory is an attempt to represent cognition spaces, paths, edges, foci, etc. and by Bell (2004) in and human behavioural patterns and their related "Elements of Visual Design in the Landscape", also architectural typologies. Pattern language seeks to by Ching (2007) in his book "Architecture: Form, identify and design physical elements often present in Space, and Order" (2007) and by Booth (1983) and beautiful, humane environments and therefore helps Jackle (1987). However, Bell (1999) in "Landscape: foster a sense of place (Relph, 1981). Patterns are Perception, Pattern and Process" and Dee (2001) abstract concepts from fundamental environmental discussed archetypes, vernacular patterns and historic factors which make environmental complexities paradigms to some extent. The second approach, which understandable. Alexander was trying to understand has external presentations, is related to (vernacular) the failures of pattern languages and the deeper patterns all over the world. Alexander (1977), Norberg- 296 JAABE vol.13 no.2 May 2014 Mehdi Khakzand Schulz (2000) and Fathy (1973) have discus sed spiritual feelings towards the built environment, even if this subject at a basic level and many authors have its formalistic and visual attractiveness is controversial. explained it in more detail. Alexander has specifically The author invites architects to express values in a called each one (in any location) a "pattern language", daily use context and initially interact with people's a c c o r d i n g t o t h e i r u n i q u e c i r c u m st a n c e s. I n t h i s feelings. Midgley, based on Kant's point of view, context, pattern language gives us the tools, or the argues that a human, exclusive of his independency, is rationale, with which to build a new society base. a member of many groups worldwide and has ethical Just as Seamon (1993) shows the interaction relationships to all of them (Midgley, 1995: 92). Eckbo b e t we e n t h e Pa t t e r n L a n g u a g e t h e o r y a n d a n (1950) under the influence of Gropious and Thanard at ecological approach in an experimental work, it Harvard University started to respond to social issues is now hypothosised that there is an association through environmental design, in his book: "Landscape between this theory and the socio-cultural approach. for Living". Reading and shaping the landscape is not A similar experimental research to Seamon's work a modern phenomenon and humans have learned how can also be carried out. Hsu and Shih (2010) when to modify this around the environment (Taylor, 2003) considering school building design, argue that the type and this is the beginning of environmental design. of perceivable campus architectural design method Cosgrove (1998) and Stefanou (1978) discussed the involves unique creations and can also be rooted in human cognitive and psychological interpretations the "sense structure" of local community history and concerning landscape and reading it. Faizi et al. Alexandrian pattern language. According to Saunders (2009) also state that contemporary landscape reveals (2002), each person has a pattern language in his mind apparent and obvious manifestations of humans and and designs with the rules that exist in his language. their functions. Swaffield (2002: 80-82) believes that So, it would seem that the meaning of an open space, Jellicoe (1987) has a people-friendly approach to a seating area and even a park is different in different landscape, a valuing perspective, in his famous book, cultures. The evidence obtained from the results of the "The Landscape of Man". Tunnard (1948) believes survey adds weight to this argument. that "landscapes should be designed in accordance 2.2 The Socio-cultural Approach and Environmental with human needs" (Tunnard, 1948: 78). Treib also Design emphasises that "landscapes are for people, according As can be seen in this study, the author is trying to to their activities" (Treib, 1993). Even Pye admits, in a extract a unique and local aspect of environmental modern and functional perspective that "environmental design related to the Pattern Language theory in designers such as architects and engineers are that, each place has a unique pattern language. responsible towards their clients and users to produce Environmental Design has various dimensions and functional and safe landscapes" (Pye, 1978: 77). values. Among the most important is the relationship According to some researchers such as Potteiger and between man and environment, what the author terms: Purinton (1998), patterns are mostly referred to as "a socio-cultural approach". mental issues and group memories which they re-tell According to Meinig, each landscape has a secret and and describe as stories. Thompson also believes that studying that secret means discovering the truth about a good environmental design is related to people's a socio-cultural concern (Meinig, 1979:1). Harvey lives and the political and economic conditions they (1990: 135) believes that environment is reflected in live in (Thompson, 2005: 124). In Halprin's works the attitudes and priorities of the entire community. (1970), it can be clearly seen that people are a part Recent studies around urban and suburban landscapes of landscape. He argues that landscape designs need lead to the hypothesis that environmental and social people to become complete (Spirn, 1998). Bell (1999) problems and concerns are inter-linked (Stanners & mentions (cultural) landscape assessment covering Bourdeau, 1995; Bennett, 1996; Phillips, 1998: 29; physical aspects and functional (patterns) and human Höll & Nilsson, 1999: 18). Thrift & Whatmore (2004) aspects. Patterns are fully human-based so that they and also Stephenson (2008: 135) discuss the impacts can be represented in many visual formats. They are of human activities on the natural processes of the not physical, but we can perceive them through our environment. Syamwil (2012) based on Fisher's study sensations (Salingaros, 2007). Each pattern language in 2004, mentioned that, "environmental behaviour tries to adjust humans with their local environment. research shows an architectural discipline that has Barati (2004) underlines culture in space language. been overeager to impose its aesthetic ideologies As in the Alexandrian pattern language, Barati and utopian visions on others, particularly the believes that humans need specific tools to represent most vulnerable among us". He states that, "built space and to transfer spatial data to others and this is environment is produced and reproduced all the time to called "spatial language". Naming components and serve the livelihood of the people". El Husseiny and El environmental factors is a kind of symbolism in any Husseiny (2012) consider Islamic Heritage Experience culture. For example, Rapaport (1998) diagnosed about and other cultural approaches and try to rediscover a 700 different languages, various house patterns and value-oriented architecture that is capable of moving rural shapes in New Guinea. This means that the built JAABE vol.13 no.2 May 2014 Mehdi Khakzand 297 environment such as residential areas (as an important and quantitative) for this study. As there are many part of vernacular culture), has a close relationship references in the mentioned area, the author attempted with language as a specific society and gives special to enhance the research with a qualitative approach meaning and credit to language according to its value and methods including "content analysis" were used. system and worldview According to Alexander (1979), The presented resources are part of the results of this it is still not known how perfect spatial patterns approach. The author used three main approaches (or connect to social patterns. Fathy (1973) states that values) in environmental design: ecology, community design patterns are related to local residents. Jo and and aesthetics. The research has been carried out on Lee (2007) believe that by ignoring the inherent the socio-cultural approach regarding the credentials differences between people, places and things that exist of references in all three mentioned aspects. In the in our world, we run the risk of losing contact with qualitative method, the users (experts) commented on the authentic world. Kanazawa (2002) stressed the the effective factors in environmental design (using importance of creating environments which fulfill more a designated questionnaire). Since they were the best human needs and enhance people's sense of identity in arbiters to assess the quality of space (Genius loci), relation to their living environments. the researchers used them in this poll. According to the poor and limited research in patterns and landscape 3. Research Method areas in Iran, the designers -as users- are the best Before examining the hypothesis and according to references for such a survey. Forty-nine rules out of the literature governing environmental design (and the 253 which Alexander mentioned in his Pattern pattern language), it is expected that Iranian experts Language book were extracted and studied. These will agree with the above conclusions. Though the questions were the most relevant to open space and importance of the socio-cultural dimension is set deep environmental design and as Alexander mentioned within pattern language, one of the most obvious regarding the uniqueness of each pattern language, the features and values in environmental design is author asserts that this is a pattern language exclusively considering man, his past and his view of open space, for Iranian environmental designers. However, these which is what Thompson (2005) argues about the 49 rules were directly related to environmental design community. However, economics or even politics can and each could be a subset of the three dimensions also affect the (environmental) design process, but the (socio-cultural, ecological, and aesthetical). These three dimensions referred to above have been chosen rules have been presented in five categories as the according to their significance to the presented issues subset of the dimensions considering the existing and the essence of pattern language and the importance physical patterns in landscape (water, green space, of the socio-cultural dimension are very clear in etc.) and the presence of human beings (man and Alexander's book (1979:21). As a result, in pattern landscape). They are: Urban Landscape, Landscape language study and the process of environmental and Environmental Factors, Landscape and Human design, the author of this paper discovered a high Factors, Landscape and Green Space and Elements of convergence between the socio-cultural dimension Landscape. The method for extracting these factors in environmental design and pattern language issues. was Delphi (experts answer questions two or more As mentioned in the literature review, the theoretical times). In fact, the researcher extracted these factors model in this study was derived from the Alexander from worldwide and comprehensive Alexandrian theory and the research model has hierarchical rules, which were related to the field of environmental components with specific individual indicators. This design. The experts commented on them in a poll and kind of structure can be investigated using a statistical set a series of results drawn from this analysis. Some method known as structural equation modelling. As Iranian landscape experts completed this task, although the data was gathered using questionnaires by means in the end some questions were eliminated according of offering sketches to respondents, experts judged the to the experts' recognition. The quantitative research importance of the indicators of environmental design method used in this paper began with a survey. It in the selected Alexandrian rules which are related to was carried out on a group of 129 environmental environmental design. Then in order to recognise the design -and related fields- students and graduates of relationship between the components and the indicators universities in Tehran; randomly selected from the judged by experts, structural equation modelling was Landscape and Environmental Design departments used as a powerful means of carrying out a valid and also some Iranian experts living abroad. More investigation. In fact, this inferential method derives than 200 questionnaires were electronically distributed responses and analyses patterns of responses in order among the participants and 129 of them were returned. to reach a correlation model based on experts' opinions. The questionnaire contained 49 questions based on It seems that in order to obtain a "timeless method" for the Likert scale with degrees from 1 to 5. Initially, environmental design, we should access a vernacular the test results of Cronbach's alpha for 32 participants pattern specific to each country, city and even region. indicated desirable coefficient reliability. From the Hence, there is a combined research method (qualitative perspective of data collection design, the research 298 JAABE vol.13 no.2 May 2014 Mehdi Khakzand method is correlation research (variance covariance matrix method) in which a hierarchical factor has been used for analysis. In order to study the validity of the test structure, a factor analysis was used. The research model (correlation model of "A Pattern Language for Environmental Design") was prepared in LISREL 8.72. In this method, the hypotheses on the latent and observed variables were examined and then presented and evaluated as a model of environmental design relationships including all (ecological, socio-cultural, aesthetics) dimensions, besides the aforementioned environmental design approaches with different pattern languages (related to landscape architecture). In this research, inferential statistics was used to extend the results obtained from the expert samples to all Iranian environment experts. This is because our research method is fundamentally a survey method and intends to gather different views on specific theories of pattern language from environmental design experts. In general, this kind of quantitative research method does Fig.1. The Standard Model of Relationships between Variables nothing more than summarize responses in the form of and Model Factors in Hierarchical Analysis a model which shows the network of relationships that All values for lambdas show that all the relationships has been formed in the beliefs of Iranian experts. among the components of pattern language and its indicators are statistically significant (T>2). 4. Data Analysis The ecological, socio-cultural and aesthetical factors In order to reach the analytical model of "A of the pattern language specifications (in environmental Pattern Language for Environmental Design", design) can be affirmed. All lambda coefficients are hierarchical factor analysis was applied. Before statistically significant. This shows that almost all running hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis, micro scales of the test can measure the components of normality, linearity and hemodestesity were checked. the above factors and all relationships are significant The final correlation model of "A Pattern Language (see Table 2.). For the three main components of for Environmental Design" based on hierarchical the pattern language model we can see that socio- confirmatory factor analysis was reached as shown cultural and aesthetical dimensions (λ=0.85, λ=0.81) in the following correlation model as Fig.1. This have a stronger impact compared to the ecological model is the standardised lambda coefficient for the dimension (λ=0.68). This means that socio-cultural and final model and was achieved after multi-stage model aesthetical (in second degree) dimensions can represent modifications. Standardised values show the effect of pattern language components better than the ecological variation in each indicator for the one unit change in dimension. the component. Table 1. Values of Hierarchical Confirmatory Factor Analysis and the Results for Model Variables Titles of relations Correlation Lambda Latent between Coefficient Standard T Significant Coefficient Observed variables standard Result variables observed (Lambda error value level representation value and latent estimation) variables Socio-cultural dimension in Socio_ur 0.24 0.52 0.02 7.89 P<0/01 0.27 Approved urban landscape with Socio Socio-cultural dimension in Socio_en landscape and environmental 0.61 0.74 0.1 5.87 P<0/01 0.55 Approved with Socio effects Socio-cultural dimension in Socio_hu 0.23 0.56 0.03 6.03 P<0/01 0.31 Approved landscape - human relationship with Socio Socio-cultural dimension in Socio_pl 0.61 0.85 0.09 6.23 P<0/01 0.71 Approved landscape and green space with Socio Socio-cultural dimension in Socio_el 0.49 0.75 0.09 5.42 P<0/01 0.56 Approved landscape and elements relation with Socio JAABE vol.13 no.2 May 2014 Mehdi Khakzand 299 Socio-cultural dimension Table 2. Values and Signs of Fitting for the "A Pattern Language for Environmental Design" Correlation Model Icon title Icon description Value Acceptable domain Result 2 2 df/χ Chi square divided to 1.2 2df</χ Model confirmation degrees of freedom p-value Significance level 0.09 P > 0.05 Model confirmation RMSEA Root Mean Square 0.044 RMSEA < 0.09 Model confirmation Error of Approximation GFI Goodness of Fit Index 0.93 GFI >0.9 Model confirmation AGFI Adjusted Goodness of 0.85 AGFI > 0.85 Model confirmation Fit Index NFI Normed Fit Index 0.97 NFI >0.9 Model confirmation CFI Comparative Fit Index 0.98 CFI >0.9 Model confirmation The goodness of fit results for the final correlation ® Design of spaces for public living, gathering and model are presented in Table 2. The results of this meeting points analysis confirm that the socio-cultural component is ® Design of suitable private and public spaces with more essential than others, as evaluated in the Pattern proportional areas Language theory in the literature review. ® Design of high quality pedestrian spaces By studying the relationship between socio-cultural 5. Discussion factors and environmental design in the correlation In response to questions about green spaces, most model developed by the LISREL software, besides respondents think that the aesthetic dimension is a logical analysis of literature review, it was seen very important in such spaces and this point indicates that the strongest correlation between the hidden and architects' lack of consideration concerning the seen variables was between the environmental design ecological dimension. On the other hand, ecology (from variable and the socio-cultural dimension with the a scientific perspective) does not have an important correlation coefficient of 85%, whilst the weakest effect in relation to space and this seems logical. Thus, relationship was also between the environmental it is expected that the socio-cultural dimension should design variable and the ecological dimension with the possess the highest level of significance (according coefficient of 27%. to pattern language) and this was, in fact, true. This finding possibly indicates that Iranian designers have 6. Conclusion thought less about the other dimensions of ecological One of the most important outcomes of this paper designs compared to designers in the West. As briefly was to outline the significance of human culture and mentioned, it can be claimed that pattern language social values. By developing this approach and based is also based on socio-cultural aspects and emanates on the real elements in creating identity patterns, such from people and the spirit of space. Assuming the as society and climate changes, a unique applicable relationship of the pattern language and the socio- solution can be introduced to environmental designers, cultural dimension of environmental design, it can anywhere. In this research, many participants believed be said that theories have their origin in thoughts and that the socio-cultural dimension is very important ideas and the architectural theories emanating from in devising high quality public spaces for public them is termed "Pattern Language" theory. All the communication. At first glance, this judgement might indicated examples demonstrate a strong relationship seem very natural and simple, but the fact is that between patterns in the space and pattern language and among 49 questions (each with three dimensions) most design socio-cultural dimension. Alexander (1977), deem this point necessary and is a confirmation of the Norberg-schulz (2000), Fathy (1973), Salingaros necessity of considering the socio-cultural dimension (2000), Bell (1999) and even Dee (2001), all discussed in landscape and environmental design. According the quality of space and most of them defined pattern to the findings, many of the respondents believe that as cultural forms based on historical and vernacular the socio-cultural dimension is of high importance aspects. In the following items, reports of the choices when designing spaces for encouraging the elderly to of selected dimensions by respondents (based on the communicate with one another. On the other hand, the highest percentages of descriptive statistics in the respondents believe that the socio-cultural dimension socio-cultural dimension (5 out of 19)) can be seen: is very important for considering open spaces for ® Definition of independent areas from functional the improvement or thriving of social activities. As terms pattern language is rooted in the sense of place and ® Design of spaces for spiritual improvement and human nature, the relationship between this theory and internal relationships the socio-cultural approach is rationally acceptable, 300 JAABE vol.13 no.2 May 2014 Mehdi Khakzand moreover, computer results confirm the relationship Environmental between the socio-cultural, ecological, and aesthetic Design dimensions with the pattern language features (in environmental design). Almost all micro scales of the test can measure the above factor components and Socio- cultural Ecological Aesthetics show that all relationships are significant. Respondents only pay attention to the ecologic dimension in six Urban Urban Urban questions. It is interesting that in answers to questions landscape landscape landscape about green spaces, most respondents' opinions indicated the high importance of the aesthetic approach Landscape & Landscape & Landscape & to such spaces. This shows that Iranian environmental environmental environmental environmental designers do not pay much attention to the ecologic effects effects effects dimension of context. Environment Environment Environment and user and user and user Environment & Environment & Environment & green space green space green space Environment & Environment & Environment & elements elements elements Fig.3. Final Correlation Model It is intended to show "a Pattern Language for Fi g.2. Pa t t e rn L a ngua ge s Ba se d on Di ffe re nt Ve rna c ul a r Environmental Design" in the form of a model, as can Structures in Iran (Left: Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan, Iran. be seen in Fig.3. However, since this research only Right: Ghadamgah- Neishabour, Iran; the places Alexander (1979) presented in his book) studies certain dimensions of environmental design and, as Alexander says, these languages are infinite, The results of the hierarchic confirmatory factor only one in a thousand is presented here. On the other analysis and the results for a correlation model of a hand, the title "Pattern Language" can be given to this pattern language for environmental design show the paper since it has been seen that the socio-cultural validity of this correlation model, as stated in the dimension possessed the highest value among other discussion section and also, the appropriate and correct dimensions in environmental design and this brings quantities. All the results are acceptable and there are us closer to the spirit of the space and its functional significant and meaningful relationships between the outlooks. The highest convergence in the answers can three dimensions of environmental design especially be seen in the following statements: the socio-cultural dimension and all pattern language The socio-cultural dimension for devising qualified features are in accordance with the following figure. public spaces for establishing social communications The results of the hierarchic factor analysis show that The socio-cultural dimension for designing spaces pattern language features are related to the socio- for connecting old people to each other and others cultural dimension (λ=0.85), aesthetic dimension (λ= The socio-cultural dimension for considering open 0.81) and ecological dimension (λ= 0.68). The strongest spaces for progression of social activities and most meaningful relationship exists between As can be concluded from the pattern language the socio-cultural dimension and environmental approach, framing environments are by definition, design, which has been the focus of this paper. Also, vernacular, they are created in an integral manner and the importance of the socio-cultural dimension in evolve within a defined locality, a vernacular aspect environmental design and emphasis on pattern language which evolves locally but is driven by outside forces, for space has been challenged and emphasised. provides a potent opportunity to explore tensions In general, it can be said that the important issue and meanings embodied in the forms and styles that in this research (and specifically in the socio-cultural environmental designers and landscape architects dimension) is the special attention of environmental employ in design. designers to human factors and man's presence. The amount of people/users have been counted and considered in environmental design and as it was obtained through the deductive statistical analysis from LISREL, the socio-cultural dimension was the most important in the opinion of respondents. 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Journal
Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
– Taylor & Francis
Published: May 1, 2014
Keywords: Environmental Design; Socio-cultural dimension; Pattern Language; Iran
