A STUDY ON VISUAL QUALITY INDEXES IN RESIDENTIAL COMPLEXES THROUGH SPACE SYNTAX WITH A PERCEPTUAL AND BEHAVIORAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This work aims to measure the impact of different spatial arrangements in residential blocks to improve the indicators of comfort, visual quality, and daylight distribution in residential complexes. The effect of various variables on the layout of residential complexes in Iran as a case study is considered by a combination of desk work and field survey, Depthmap software, Isovist tool, Relux software, and statistical analysis. The typology and classification of these residential complexes via Formic analysis, based on a quantitative method have been done. Then, the obtained layouts have been homogenized by the "normalization" method to prevent the impact of around inconsistent urban space as an intervening factor. In the next step, the visual quality indicators of the layouts include the Connectivity index, the Maximum Radial Line, and the Visual Mean Depth using the Isovist tool as well as Illuminance and Uniformity rate indices have been carried through Relux software. The results show that the physical-spatial arrangements of each layout of residential complexes are effective elements in the uniform distribution of daylight and improving the space’s visual quality. Furthermore, the correlation between Isovist indicators (indicating the visual quality of layouts) and daylight variables are seen. Among the nine studied layouts, singular layouts provide an acceptable space in terms of visual quality indicators and daylight. Indeed, singular layout B is known as the optimal layout. This research can also lead to the development of optimal architectural designs among students and architects in educational and research centers.