Fatemeh Mehdizadeh Saradj,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (11-2008)
Abstract
When a specific building is examined and analysed for its architectural merits, it is the visible, superficial aspects, which are considered, for example: aesthetics, function, spatial relationships, and landscape. One of the most important invisible factors that should be considered in the design process is the safety of buildings against natural hazards, particularly against earthquakes. While the provision of earthquake resistance is accomplished through structural means, the architectural designs and decisions play a major role in determining the seismic performance of a building. In other words, the seismic design is a shared architectural and engineering responsibility, which stems from the physical relationship between architectural forms and structural systems. It is economic to incorporate earthquake resistance in the stage of design than to add it later in the structural calculation or strengthening after completion. In addition, a building with proper earthquake-proof design will be more effective against earthquakes than the one with complementary strengthening. This paper will demonstrate that evidence for this lies in many historical buildings, which have withstood earthquakes throughout the hundreds of years without having been reinforced with special material. The fact is that the master builder or Mimar (traditional architect) of historic buildings was simultaneously designing the architecture as well as choosing the suitable form, proportion, and material for the best structural performance.
V. Bigdeli Rad, H. Najafpour, E. Shieh, H. Bigdeli Rad,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (6-2019)
Abstract
A safe neighborhood encourages the residents to lead a more physically active lifestyle. A lack of physical activities elevates the risks of various health condition, most profoundly obesity and cardiovascular diseases. This paper presents the development of a questionnaire aimed at measuring the safety factors associated with physical activeness of the residents in urban Tehran neighborhoods that has been tested and validated through pilot study, industry recognized validity tests, and expert review. The questionnaire has six research constructs linked to five specified research indicators. It is available in both Farsi and English, and back translation has been done by field experts to ensure its accuracy in representing the intended measurement. This questionnaire is expected to assist urban developers and managers in improving the safety condition in urban neighborhoods of Iran to promote physical activeness.
