Urban Design Discourse

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

Urban Design Discourse

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 26 April 2026

  • Receive Date 14 February 2026
  • Revise Date 21 April 2026
  • Accept Date 26 April 2026
  • First Publish Date 26 April 2026
  • Publish Date 26 April 2026

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