Exploring the Role of Responsiveness to Human Needs in the Sustainability of Residential Architecture in Iran. (Case Study: Qajar Houses in Kashan)

Research Problem: Material needs of humans, such as the need for water, food, air, etc. constitute basic and fundamental requirements, while the need for beauty, cognition, contemplation of phenomena, and etc. fall within the realm of higher-order needs. Not only endeavoring to fulfill human needs is a commonplace and essential pursuit but also attention to the various levels of human needs in architecture is both rational and imperative. In this research, sustainability is conceptualized as the coexistence of vitality and the physical permanence of architectural works. The focus of this study revolves around investigating and analyzing the relationship between responsiveness to different levels of needs and the sustainability of architecture. Clarifying this connection can practically contribute to the development sustainable architecture.
Research Question: How and to What Extent Does Responsiveness to Different Levels of Needs Affect the Sustainability of Residential Architecture in Iran?
Research Method: In this research, the examination of the research components is carried out using library resources and scientific-research articles through a descriptive-analytical approach. To substantiate the hypothesis, a questionnaire is completed, and data is collected within the selected study sample. Statistical analysis is then performed using SPSS and AMOS software. The results are drawn through logical and inductive reasoning methods, contributing to the overall conclusion of the study.
The Most Important Results and Conclusion: An emphasis on the hierarchy of needs proves to be significantly crucial in the creation of sustainable architecture. Among the various levels of needs and their impact on the sustainability of Qajar houses in Kashan, physiological needs take precedence, holding the top position with an average rank of 2.38. Safety needs follow closely behind with an average rank of 3.04, while self-esteem, transcendent, and cognitive needs, with slight variations, occupy subsequent ranks. Based on logical and inductive reasoning, it can be stated that responsiveness to all levels of needs is essential for the sustainability of architectural works. While attention to material needs is highly tangible and significant, addressing higher-level needs such as aesthetic appreciation, a sense of belonging, safety, self-esteem, and self-actualization is also effective for architectural sustainability. Many indicators of sustainability conceptually align with non-material needs. It is crucial to note that numerous historical structures may not be suitable for contemporary material needs. However, due to their effective responsiveness to higher-level needs, they continue to exist and possess suitable sustainability. Meeting human needs in architecture is a logical and essential matter, intertwined with virtues and the pursuit of truth inherent in human innate affairs. In this study, the role of addressing needs in the context of architectural sustainability has been examined and analyzed. Sustainability in architecture, encompassing both physical and spiritual permanence, is reflected through indicators such as attention to human needs, the hierarchy of these needs, fostering a sense of belonging, cultural aspects, spirituality, consideration of aesthetic foundations, innovation, uniqueness, the imperative of respecting nature and maintaining a suitable connection with it, conservation of resources and the environment, the continuity and stability of structures, etc.
In this research, the architectural capabilities in responding to human needs have been initially elucidated using documentary and library resources. Direct responses to material (physical, biological), psychological (safety, sense of belonging, self-esteem), and some intellectual needs (aesthetic considerations) in architecture are explicitly addressed. However, the self-actualization and cognitive needs falling under the category of intellectual needs, as well as the transcendent needs stemming from the spiritual dimensions of human existence, are not directly met in architecture. Instead, the groundwork for addressing these needs is facilitated. Based on the analysis of previous research, it can be concluded that addressing human needs in architecture, particularly fostering a sense of belonging, is one of the key factors contributing to architectural sustainability. In order to substantiate the research hypothesis, the impact of the hierarchy of needs on architectural sustainability in the study sample has been gathered through questionnaires and the opinions of experts. Using a descriptive-analytical method and logical reasoning, it is concluded that there is a significant relationship between responding to the hierarchy of needs and architectural sustainability. According to the statistical analysis results, among the hierarchy of needs in the study sample, physiological needs hold the highest priority with an average rank of 2.38. It can be stated that responding physiological needs has the most significant impact on architectural sustainability. Safety needs, with an average rank of 3.04, are in the second priority, followed by self-esteem, higher-level needs, and cognitive needs with minor differences in subsequent ranks. Therefore, while attention to basic and physical needs is crucial, responding to aesthetic, belongingness, safety, and self-actualization needs also holds great importance in terms of architectural sustainability. It can be asserted that most indicators of sustainability are conceptually related to non-material needs. Analytical results from this study suggest that although many historical buildings may not meet contemporary material needs, they still possess considerable architectural sustainability.