Analysis of the Relationship between Biophilic Architecture and Social Interactions in the Fabric of Traditional Neighborhoods and Its Impact on Collective Life

Toofan, Sahar; Shiroyeh Zad, Behnam

doi:10.48311/udd.2026.119325.82823

Analysis of the Relationship between Biophilic Architecture and Social Interactions in the Fabric of Traditional Neighborhoods and Its Impact on Collective Life

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Sahar Toofan ¹

Behnam Shiroyeh Zad ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran.

² PhD Candidate in Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran.

10.48311/udd.2026.119325.82823

Abstract

Objective: Feyzabad neighborhood in Kermanshah, a Qajar-era historical fabric, exemplifies biophilic architecture and social interactions. This study analyzed their relationship and impact on collective life.

Method: A mixed quantitative-qualitative approach was applied. 200 residents completed a researcher-made questionnaire (15 items, Cronbach's alpha 0.83). Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-tests, Pearson correlation, and factor loading. Qualitative interviews with 20 residents were analyzed using the Colaizzi method.

Findings: Biophilic components survived unevenly. "Direct nature presence" scored highest (mean 4.11), while "natural patterns in passages and courtyards" scored lowest (mean 2.97). Socially, "territoriality and belonging" ranked highest (72% positive), and "presence in semi-public spaces" lowest (62% negative). Pearson correlation showed biophilic architecture (0.89) and social interactions (0.83) have strong relationships with collective life. Both hypotheses were confirmed.

Conclusion: Despite dilapidation, Feyzabad holds potential for community-oriented regeneration through collective memory (factor loading 0.83) and natural elements. Biophilic architecture and social interactions have a mutually reinforcing relationship, with biophilic qualities being key to regenerating collective life in historical neighborhoods.

Keywords

: Biophilic Architecture

Social Interactions

Collective Life

Traditional Neighborhoods

Feyzabad Kermanshah

Subjects