كمند مجيدي

The transformation of residential patterns an‎d the rapid expansion of urbanization in recent decades have resulted in social fragmentation, increased energy consumption, an‎d a decline in urban environmental quality. Among various approaches, the neighborhood unit—as one of the fundamental concepts in urban design—can serve as a framework for revitalizing social interactions, improving spatial organization, an‎d enhancing energy efficiency at the neighborhood scale. This study, titled “Neighborhood Unit Design with an Energy Efficiency Approach in Amir Kabir New Town,” aims to reinterpret the role of the neighborhood unit in shaping a sustainable, climate-responsive residential model. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, integrating descriptive–analytical analysis, bioclimatic an‎d three-dimensional simulations (ENVI-met), an‎d qualitative field studies including questionnaires an‎d interviews. The theoretical framework first examines classical an‎d contemporary perspectives on neighborhood planning an‎d classifies neighborhood typologies—such as connected, cellular, linear, courtyard, an‎d superblock forms—to explore the relationship between spatial configuration, street network typology, an‎d socio-environmental performance. Based on this synthesis, a set of design indicators was developed across three dimensions: physical–spatial, socio–cultural, an‎d energy efficiency. These indicators were then localized for the context of Amir Kabir New Town. Thermal comfort variables—air temperature, Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT), Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), an‎d Predicted Mean Vote (PMV)—were measured within the existing fabric an‎d compared to the proposed design model. Simultaneously, residents’ sense of belonging, local identity, satisfaction with public spaces, an‎d social participation were assessed through structured questionnaires an‎d semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that the current neighborhood structures in Amir Kabir, particularly in national housing projects, lack spatial cohesion, lan‎d-use diversity, an‎d climatic responsiveness. In contrast, the proposed model—based on a central neighborhood core, hierarchical spatial organization, green corridors, wind-permeable streets, an‎d optimized building orientation—achieved noticeable reductions in ambient temperature, enhanced thermal comfort, an‎d strengthened social cohesion. Ultimately, the “Cultural–Climatic Neighborhood with a Socio-Identity Approach” was identified as the most effective design scenario, integrating Iranian–Islamic spatial principles with energy-efficient urban form. The study concludes that achieving energy-efficient neighborhoods depends not only on technological interventions but also on the redefinition of spatial structures an‎d the revival of sustainable social relationships, offering a localized model for the development of Iran’s new towns.

واحد همسايگي , انرژي كارايي , طراحي اقليمي , شهر جديد اميركبير , هويت محلي , پايداري اجتماعي

neighbordhood units , energy efficiency , climate-responsive design , Amirkabir new town , local identity , social sustainability

Kamand Majidi

Dr.Mehran Alalhesabi