Explaining the discoverability of space based on spatial structure indicators Case study: Tabriz Bazaar

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Islamic Art University of Tabriz Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Kurdistan

2 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran

10.22059/jfaup.2025.398192.673097

Abstract

The structure of spaces affects how people perceive and experience the complexity of buildings and the variety of uses make it difficult for space users to discover destinations. The more people know about space, the more likely they are to use the features of that space.

This research deals with the main question; how does the spatial structure of buildings affect their discoverability by users? This research aims to develop the concept of discoverability in architecture and its relationship with spatial structure indicators and users' perceptions. It seeks a model to explain the concept of discoverability through spatial layout indicators and user perception; however, other effective factors include environmental signs, obtaining information from people, and individual abilities.

The research method of this study is mixed in the form of a quantitative-qualitative method since it begins with the observation of current events in space and seeks the causes and factors and the explanation of the relationship between the variables.

The information was obtained through survey and field methods by visual questionnaires. Amounts of spatial structure indicators calculate through spatial layout maps in two formats: visual graph access (isovist) and axial map. The field survey of space users was conducted online and the findings were analyzed using SPSS software and the multiple linear regression method by backward elimination of independent variables. Cronbach's alpha method was used for the internal reliability of the questionnaire questions and the Delphi method was used for the external validity.

According to the research findings, the main hypothesis of this research is proven and discoverability has a significant relationship with indicators derived from the spatial structure such as isovist, isovist area, connection, integration, and entropy in the bazaar of Tabriz. In response to this research question, whether there is a measurable and simple definition for the concept of space discoverability, the answer is negative. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is the multidimensional nature of discoverability and its difference from other indicators of spatial structure. As an example, space integration is a completely quantitative index and emerges from the spatial structure. The results of this research indicate that the subject of discoverability depends on several indicators of the structure of the space, especially the field of view of the users.

After identifying the predictor variables affecting the dependent variable (space discoverability), multivariate linear regression was used again to identify the coefficient of determination in order to generalize the model. The independent variables entered into the model are only those variables that had a significant relationship and influence on discoverability in the previous stage. In this model, the significance of the independent variables was generally determined with a significance level of 0.04 and a confidence level of 95%. Also, the coefficient of determination of 0.65 (above 0.60 is explainable, this value is between 0 and 1) indicates that 65 percent of the discoverability variable can be explained by the predictor variables in the future, which is an acceptable percentage for the generalizability of the model.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 September 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics