Explaining the Discoverability of Space Based on Spatial Structure Indicators: A Case Study: Tabriz Bazaar

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD of Architecture, Department of Architecture Faculty of rchitecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz. Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz,Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

4 Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

The structure of spaces affects how people perceive and experience the complexity of buildings, and the variety of uses makes 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 cues,  information obtained from others, and individual abilities.
 The research method of this study is mixed-method combining quantitative andqualitative appriaches as it begins with the observation of current events in space, identifies the causes and factors, and explains the relationship between the variables.Data was obtained through surveys and field methods by visual questionnaires.Spatial structure indicators were calculated 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 with backward elimination of independent variables. Cronbach's alpha was used for the internal reliability of the questionnaire questions, and the Delphi method was used to assess external validity.
According to the research findings, the main hypothesis is supported, 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 the research question of whether there is a measurable and simple definition for the concept of space discoverability, the answer is negative. This may be due tothe multidimensional nature of discoverability and its distinctionfrom other  spatial structure indicators. For example, space integration is a completely quantitative index and emerges from the spatial structure.
The results indicate that  discoverability depends on several indicators of the space's structure, especially the users field of view.
After identifying  predictor variables affecting the dependent variable (space discoverability), multivariate linear regression was used  to determine the coefficient of determination, thereby generalizing the model.Only independent variables that had a significant relationship with discoverability in the previous stage were included. In this model, the significance of the independent variables was determined atp=0.04 with a confidence level of 95%. Also, the coefficient of determination of 0.65 (above 0.60 is considered explainable; this value is between 0 and 1) indicates that 65 percent of the discoverability variable can be explained by the predictor variables , which is an acceptable percentage for the generalizability of the model.
 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning
Volume 30, Issue 2
November 2025
Pages 73-87

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