Left open spaces\u2014light shafts in Iran and side setbacks in Japan: a socio-spatial approach to study awareness in open spaces in urban residential blocks

Amir Shojai,Kaveh Fattahi

doi:10.1186/s40410-021-00131-4

Abstract

This article addresses an urban design issue at a micro-urban design level; the spaces between buildings on neighboring blocks or the side yards, how such spaces they are used, and their social impact on residents. A socio-psychological approach was taken into studying arrangements of these open spaces in contemporary residential zones in—side setback spaces in Japan, and backyards and light shafts in Iran in terms of their similarities and differences. The research involves development policies and interviews with residents in buildings where such conditions prevail, in two different contexts—Shiraz, Iran and Sapporo, Japan, two cities comparative in their size and densities for their cultural differences might have on their social responses. Seventy-two respondents in Shiraz District 6 were recruited by Shiraz University architecture students and in Japan, 75 responses were collected in Central Ward, Sapporo, from various groups of residents. Majority of the windows to side setbacks in Sapporo had matte glasses; therefore, privacy concerns were not among residents. Lack of maintenance in inner courtyards was a major concern for Iranians and they see side setbacks as a challenge to their and safety, however providing opportunities for neighborly atmosphere, if the windows have matte glasses and provided with guards. It argues that contacts are not controlled are perceived the same in two different cultures; however, the arrangement of open spaces play a role in light reception and ventilation in Japanese example.

Highlights

This article addresses a design issue at a micro-urban design level; the spaces between buildings on neighbouring plots, how they are used, and what is their social impact on residents
This research proposes the following questions: How do side yards and setback areas and their distribution within or surrounding residential blocks contribute to neighborly relation and residential satisfaction? And what are the relationships between their objective qualities and perceived qualities? What kind of side yards would raise its potential as a communal space?
4.03 2.83 1.55 11.52 8.08 4.42 of the Iranian respondents’ answers suggest that significant numbers of respondents see side setback areas as an opportunity for providing neighborly ties and intimacy, and at the same time stating that having windows towards these spaces makes them more visible and more likely to be kept cleaner (Table 4) (Fig. 4)

Summary

Introduction

This article addresses a design issue at a micro-urban design level; the spaces between buildings on neighbouring plots, how they are used, and what is their social impact on residents.

Results

Conclusion