I'm a researcher and practitioner of architecture and urban design, passionate about fostering communities through inclusive planning and design. I focus on giving a voice to marginalized groups, especially children, women, and the elderly, in urban design processes.
International Journal of Architectural Engineering and Urban Planning , 2024
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently encounter sensory sensitivities in school... more Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently encounter sensory sensitivities in school settings that diverge from those experienced by adult stakeholders, such as parents, teachers, and professionals. This research examines the disparities and commonalities in spatial preferences between children with mild ASD and adult stakeholders, aiming to utilize these insights to guide the design of autism-friendly educational environments. Employing a two-phase mixed-methods approach comprising interviews and questionnaires, this study engaged 210 participants: 80 children aged 9-18 with ASD (14 in Phase 1 and 64 in Phase 2) and 130 adult stakeholders (32 in Phase 1 and 98 in Phase 2). Thematic analysis conducted in Phase 1 and factor analysis in Phase 2 identified several critical spatial factors, including stability and constancy, a calm and subdued atmosphere, prominent classroom views, spacious learning environments, familiarity and predictability, large classroom windows, and gradual exposure. While there were some areas of overlap with adult perspectives, notable differences highlighted the necessity of incorporating children's viewpoints in school design. Based on this premise, the study introduces an integrated model for designing autism-friendly schools informed by these findings. This model aims to propose strategies for creating learning environments that support the well-being and educational needs of children with ASD.
Public spaces in residential complexes provide a major framework for social interactions. The act... more Public spaces in residential complexes provide a major framework for social interactions. The active presence of people in social interactions raises the sense of community and improves the quality of life by strengthening civic sense. Urban public spaces form the framework for social relationships. This paper emphasizes on social aspects in the residential complex of Pavan in Sanandaj, aims to assess social interactions in its public spaces to identify the strengths and weaknesses, and offer some proposals to improve them. The research methodology is descriptive - analytical and data gathering was done by using a standard questionnaire validated by PPS institution and documentary studies. In this method, first, literature of review helped find the socialization in public spaces and residential complexes. In order to achieve the influential architectural factors in the socialization of public spaces, a survey method was carried out. After conducting field studies, architectural prio...
As public spaces are often designed based on adults’ behavioural patterns and perceptions, childr... more As public spaces are often designed based on adults’ behavioural patterns and perceptions, children’s perceptions and physical needs based on their body size have received less attention in both the design of urban spaces and urban studies. Focusing on the interpretive reproduction theory, this study aims to investigate children’s perceptions of urban spaces. Using behaviour and mental mapping, this paper examines children’s activities in public spaces as well as their mental images of such spaces. Behaviour mapping was conducted over 37 days on the Zrêbar Lake Waterfront in Kurdistan. Sketches drawn by 36 children were then analysed to identify children’s perceptions of the Waterfront. Unlike conventional methods in which children’s demands are determined through caregivers, this study focuses on engagement with children. Results indicate that two main factors of actualised environmental affordances (AEA) and safety-conscious parenting practices (SPP) have a significant influence o...
The recent pandemic-induced change has profoundly transformed our lifestyle and normal chores of ... more The recent pandemic-induced change has profoundly transformed our lifestyle and normal chores of everyday life. We discuss the dramatic changes in home-dwellers life during/after the COVID-19 outbreak in UK urban settlements and the implications for public health and urban planning practice. The discussions indicate the emergence and influence of new urban home life practiced during the restrictions. This fact requires the implementation of integrated planning and regeneration policies permitting housing (re)development that offer minimum spatial qualities and resilience for all home-life activities and residential communities. This should include fostering economic incentives for housing renewal providing direct access to open spaces.
As public spaces are often designed based on adults' behavioural patterns and perceptions, childr... more As public spaces are often designed based on adults' behavioural patterns and perceptions, children's perceptions and physical needs based on their body size have received less attention in both the design of urban spaces and urban studies. Focusing on the interpretive reproduction theory, this study aims to investigate children's perceptions of urban spaces. Using behaviour and mental mapping, this paper examines children's activities in public spaces as well as their mental images of such spaces. Behaviour mapping was conducted over 37 days on the Zrêbar Lake Waterfront in Kurdistan. Sketches drawn by 36 children were then analysed to identify children's perceptions of the Waterfront. Unlike conventional methods in which children's demands are determined through caregivers, this study focuses on engagement with children. Results indicate that two main factors of actualised environmental affordances (AEA) and safety-conscious parenting practices (SPP) have a significant influence on children's freedom of movement (CFM) and consequently children's activities in public spaces.
International Journal of Architectural Engineering and Urban Planning , 2024
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently encounter sensory sensitivities in school... more Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently encounter sensory sensitivities in school settings that diverge from those experienced by adult stakeholders, such as parents, teachers, and professionals. This research examines the disparities and commonalities in spatial preferences between children with mild ASD and adult stakeholders, aiming to utilize these insights to guide the design of autism-friendly educational environments. Employing a two-phase mixed-methods approach comprising interviews and questionnaires, this study engaged 210 participants: 80 children aged 9-18 with ASD (14 in Phase 1 and 64 in Phase 2) and 130 adult stakeholders (32 in Phase 1 and 98 in Phase 2). Thematic analysis conducted in Phase 1 and factor analysis in Phase 2 identified several critical spatial factors, including stability and constancy, a calm and subdued atmosphere, prominent classroom views, spacious learning environments, familiarity and predictability, large classroom windows, and gradual exposure. While there were some areas of overlap with adult perspectives, notable differences highlighted the necessity of incorporating children's viewpoints in school design. Based on this premise, the study introduces an integrated model for designing autism-friendly schools informed by these findings. This model aims to propose strategies for creating learning environments that support the well-being and educational needs of children with ASD.
Public spaces in residential complexes provide a major framework for social interactions. The act... more Public spaces in residential complexes provide a major framework for social interactions. The active presence of people in social interactions raises the sense of community and improves the quality of life by strengthening civic sense. Urban public spaces form the framework for social relationships. This paper emphasizes on social aspects in the residential complex of Pavan in Sanandaj, aims to assess social interactions in its public spaces to identify the strengths and weaknesses, and offer some proposals to improve them. The research methodology is descriptive - analytical and data gathering was done by using a standard questionnaire validated by PPS institution and documentary studies. In this method, first, literature of review helped find the socialization in public spaces and residential complexes. In order to achieve the influential architectural factors in the socialization of public spaces, a survey method was carried out. After conducting field studies, architectural prio...
As public spaces are often designed based on adults’ behavioural patterns and perceptions, childr... more As public spaces are often designed based on adults’ behavioural patterns and perceptions, children’s perceptions and physical needs based on their body size have received less attention in both the design of urban spaces and urban studies. Focusing on the interpretive reproduction theory, this study aims to investigate children’s perceptions of urban spaces. Using behaviour and mental mapping, this paper examines children’s activities in public spaces as well as their mental images of such spaces. Behaviour mapping was conducted over 37 days on the Zrêbar Lake Waterfront in Kurdistan. Sketches drawn by 36 children were then analysed to identify children’s perceptions of the Waterfront. Unlike conventional methods in which children’s demands are determined through caregivers, this study focuses on engagement with children. Results indicate that two main factors of actualised environmental affordances (AEA) and safety-conscious parenting practices (SPP) have a significant influence o...
The recent pandemic-induced change has profoundly transformed our lifestyle and normal chores of ... more The recent pandemic-induced change has profoundly transformed our lifestyle and normal chores of everyday life. We discuss the dramatic changes in home-dwellers life during/after the COVID-19 outbreak in UK urban settlements and the implications for public health and urban planning practice. The discussions indicate the emergence and influence of new urban home life practiced during the restrictions. This fact requires the implementation of integrated planning and regeneration policies permitting housing (re)development that offer minimum spatial qualities and resilience for all home-life activities and residential communities. This should include fostering economic incentives for housing renewal providing direct access to open spaces.
As public spaces are often designed based on adults' behavioural patterns and perceptions, childr... more As public spaces are often designed based on adults' behavioural patterns and perceptions, children's perceptions and physical needs based on their body size have received less attention in both the design of urban spaces and urban studies. Focusing on the interpretive reproduction theory, this study aims to investigate children's perceptions of urban spaces. Using behaviour and mental mapping, this paper examines children's activities in public spaces as well as their mental images of such spaces. Behaviour mapping was conducted over 37 days on the Zrêbar Lake Waterfront in Kurdistan. Sketches drawn by 36 children were then analysed to identify children's perceptions of the Waterfront. Unlike conventional methods in which children's demands are determined through caregivers, this study focuses on engagement with children. Results indicate that two main factors of actualised environmental affordances (AEA) and safety-conscious parenting practices (SPP) have a significant influence on children's freedom of movement (CFM) and consequently children's activities in public spaces.
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Papers by Bakhtiar Bahrami