Volume 15, Issue 55 (5-2026)
Haft Hesar J Environ Stud 2026, 15(55): 75-92 |
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Ebrahimi A, Habib F, Zabihi H. The Impact of Physical-Environmental Characteristics of Interior Spaces in Newly Built Residential Buildings in Tehran on Residential Satisfaction: A Post-Occupancy Evaluation. Haft Hesar J Environ Stud 2026; 15 (55) :75-92
URL: http://hafthesar.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-2363-en.html
URL: http://hafthesar.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-2363-en.html
Abstract: (296 Views)
Introduction: Residential spaces are intended to provide human tranquility, yet most residential buildings in Tehran do not adequately fulfill this role. Their capacity to support well-being—across psychological, physical, and social dimensions—remains weak. A central reason for this shortcoming is the separation between architects and users, combined with the lack of applied knowledge regarding residents’ feedback on the actual performance of buildings after occupancy. While architectural design features play a critical role in enhancing spatial qualities, they often fail to meet residents’ expectations. Systematic evaluation of these demands can help improve the design process and increase residential satisfaction. Targeted observations indicate that the interior spaces of newly built residential buildings in Tehran represent significant behavioral, social, and cultural environments, yet they are often affected by environment–behavior inconsistencies. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the nature and extent of the influence of environmental–physical characteristics of these spaces on residents’ well-being and satisfaction, using the Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) method.
Methodology: Employing a quantitative approach, the research used case studies, structured questionnaires, and correlation analysis. The case samples consisted of conventional mid-rise residential buildings (5–9 stories) located in four districts of Tehran, selected through purposive clustering and random sampling among newly built stock. The statistical population comprised approximately 100,000 residents, from which a sample of 384 individuals was determined using Cochran’s formula and surveyed randomly.
Results: Descriptive survey statistics revealed that residents are dissatisfied with the socio-cultural aspects of their living environments. Satisfaction with the quality of interior spaces was rated at a moderate level, while satisfaction with architectural design features was rated low. Overall residential satisfaction remained at a marginally acceptable level. Structural equation modeling further confirmed that architectural design features and interior environmental quality exert significant effects on psychological and socio-cultural factors, and ultimately on residential satisfaction. In addition to their direct effects, these two components generate meaningful indirect and mediating influences through psychological and socio-cultural variables. The model’s coefficient of determination (R² = 0.896) indicated strong explanatory power, while the predictive relevance index (Q² = 0.305) reflected high predictive strength.
Discussion: In conclusion, residential satisfaction can be enhanced by integrating four categories of environmental–physical factors into the architectural design process. Attention to these factors can substantially improve the quality of interior spaces in future architectural projects.
Methodology: Employing a quantitative approach, the research used case studies, structured questionnaires, and correlation analysis. The case samples consisted of conventional mid-rise residential buildings (5–9 stories) located in four districts of Tehran, selected through purposive clustering and random sampling among newly built stock. The statistical population comprised approximately 100,000 residents, from which a sample of 384 individuals was determined using Cochran’s formula and surveyed randomly.
Results: Descriptive survey statistics revealed that residents are dissatisfied with the socio-cultural aspects of their living environments. Satisfaction with the quality of interior spaces was rated at a moderate level, while satisfaction with architectural design features was rated low. Overall residential satisfaction remained at a marginally acceptable level. Structural equation modeling further confirmed that architectural design features and interior environmental quality exert significant effects on psychological and socio-cultural factors, and ultimately on residential satisfaction. In addition to their direct effects, these two components generate meaningful indirect and mediating influences through psychological and socio-cultural variables. The model’s coefficient of determination (R² = 0.896) indicated strong explanatory power, while the predictive relevance index (Q² = 0.305) reflected high predictive strength.
Discussion: In conclusion, residential satisfaction can be enhanced by integrating four categories of environmental–physical factors into the architectural design process. Attention to these factors can substantially improve the quality of interior spaces in future architectural projects.
Keywords: Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE), Architectural Design, Newly Built Residential Buildings, Residential Satisfaction
Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2025/10/4 | Revised: 2026/06/17 | Accepted: 2025/11/16 | Published: 2026/06/4 | ePublished: 2026/06/4
Received: 2025/10/4 | Revised: 2026/06/17 | Accepted: 2025/11/16 | Published: 2026/06/4 | ePublished: 2026/06/4
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