Journal of Urban Studies on Space and Place

Abstract Extended Abstarct
Introduction
Contemporary cities face escalating risks from natural hazards and human-induced threats owing to rapid population growth, infrastructural complexity, and spatial densification (Rezaie Narimisa et al., 2019). Enhancing urban resilience has therefore emerged as an urgent imperative. Within this context, passive defense—a non-confrontational strategy aimed at vulnerability reduction and improvement of absorption, response, and recovery capacities—offers a robust framework for threat mitigation at the neighborhood scale (Ghajari et al., 2018).
As the primary organizational units of urban fabric, neighborhoods constitute critical arenas for implementing passive defense measures. Public and strategic facilities located within them are frequently primary targets during crises; consequently, reducing neighborhood-level vulnerabilities substantially strengthens societal defensive capacity. Accordingly, this study examines neighborhood resilience in Qom City, Iran, through the lens of passive defense, addressing three principal research questions:
· How do neighborhood spatial indicators (green space provision, building density, and distance from strategic centers) exert direct and indirect influences on shelter design criteria and overall neighborhood resilience?
· Which shelter design criteria do experts regard as most critical to neighborhood resilience, and how are these criteria hierarchically ranked?
· How does the prioritization of shelter design criteria differ according to shelter function (public, hospital, command), and what are the implications for resilience planning?

Theoretical Framework
The neighborhood represents a multifaceted construct in urban studies, encompassing social, perceptual, physical, functional, and political dimensions. Internationally, neighborhoods are typically conceptualized as spatially bounded areas possessing distinct identity and providing daily services within convenient walking distance. In the Iranian context, official guidelines define neighborhoods as units containing 700–1,250 households accessible within a 4–5-minute pedestrian radius and anchored by mosques, schools, parks, and local commercial facilities.
Beyond demographic and service thresholds, collective identity, social interaction, spatial legibility, environmental quality, and physical continuity are pivotal to neighborhood cohesion. The neighborhood scale is particularly salient for passive defense and resilience planning, as it aligns with citizens’ lived experience and hosts essential infrastructure and population concentrations. Core passive defense principles—appropriate site selection, concealment and camouflage, emergency circulation networks, structural reinforcement, and multifunctional space design—are most effectively operationalized at this level. Moreover, neighborhood resilience extends beyond technical parameters to incorporate social capital, access to open space, environmental quality, and service coordination. Within this integrated perspective, shelter design emerges as a vital nexus of technical, spatial, and socio-functional considerations, yielding safe and adaptable refuges during crises.

Methodology
This applied investigation adopted a descriptive–analytical design. Data were collected through documentary review, field observation, expert questionnaires, and geospatial analysis. The study area comprised Qom City, with three representative neighborhoods (Pardisan, Emam, and Shahrak-e Qods) selected via cluster sampling. Expert judgment was elicited from 12 specialists in architecture and passive defense using structured questionnaires. Quantitative analysis and structural equation modeling were performed using SPSS 26 and AMOS 24 software.

Results and Discussion
Expert assessments, validated by the Friedman rank test, established structural resistance and emergency evacuation routes as the preeminent shelter design criteria (highest mean ranks). Spatial indicators significantly moderated these criteria: green space provision and greater distance from strategic centers correlated positively with structural resistance and accessibility, whereas elevated building density exhibited inverse relationships.
Criterion prioritization varied markedly by shelter typology. Emergency routes emerged as the dominant consideration for hospital shelters, reflecting the imperative of rapid patient evacuation and ambulance access. Conversely, concealment and camouflage assumed primary importance for command centers to minimize detection risk. Structural resistance and strategic location, however, retained universal salience across all functional categories.
Structural equation modeling confirmed that neighborhood resilience is shaped through both direct pathways (safety-oriented design criteria and favorable physical attributes) and indirect pathways mediated by design criteria. Hierarchical cluster analysis delineated three neighborhood typologies: (1) planned resilient neighborhoods exhibiting optimal spatial characteristics and high design compliance; (2) dense vulnerable neighborhoods constrained by excessive building density and limited open space; and (3) location-dependent neighborhoods whose resilience hinged predominantly on proximity to or distance from strategic assets. These typologies facilitate targeted, context-specific interventions.
The results affirm the necessity of a systemic approach that integrates shelter design standards with neighborhood physical planning, acknowledges functional differentiation, and leverages spatial analytics to strengthen urban resilience.

Conclusion
This investigation demonstrates that structural resistance and emergency evacuation routes constitute the cornerstone shelter design criteria for enhancing neighborhood resilience, followed by strategic location and concealment measures. Neighborhood spatial characteristics—green space provision, building density, and distance from strategic centers—exert significant direct and indirect effects on criterion fulfillment and resilience outcomes. Furthermore, functional specialization markedly influences criterion hierarchy, with hospital shelters prioritizing circulation efficiency and command facilities emphasizing concealment.
Ultimately, achieving robust urban resilience necessitates the systematic integration of shelter design with neighborhood-scale spatial planning, explicit consideration of shelter function, and adoption of differentiated, evidence-based strategies tailored to local physical and strategic conditions. Such an approach will facilitate the development of resilient, adaptive urban shelter networks capable of withstanding contemporary threats.

Abstract Extended Abstract Journal of Urban Studies on Space and Place Vol.10, No 38, Spring 2026, 23-53 | https://jspr.jdisf.ac.ir/ ISSN: 3060-6985 | EISSN: 3060-7094 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22034/jspr.2026.2074427.1189 مقاله پژوهشی Received: 2025/ 10/ 12 Revised: 2025/ 12/ 21 Accepted: 2026/ 04/ 19 Published:2026/ 06/ 27 Evaluating The Mental Differences Between Men And Women In The Process Of Creating/Promoting Spiritual Feelings When Encountering Religious Places (Case Study: Mosques In Yasouj City) Introduction In the contemporary era, marked by significant transformations in lifestyle, cultural diversity, and the growing complexities of urban spaces, the nature of individuals' engagement and interaction with religious environments has undergone noticeable changes. This evolution is particularly crucial when considering the ways in which a sense of spirituality is cultivated or enhanced within religious spaces, specifically among women and men. Empirical findings alongside various research studies indicate that individuals’ spiritual connection to mosques can be influenced by an array of factors. These factors encompass physical characteristics, such as the architectural design of the dome or mihrab, the strategic use of lighting, and sensory attributes, including scents, sounds, color schemes, and the materials used in the mosque's construction. Furthermore, socio-cultural dimensions play a significant role, involving community engagement, intergenerational connections, and the facilitation of human interactions within the mosque environment. While numerous studies have explored the role of mosques in fostering social and spiritual interactions, there remains a notable gap in comprehensive research addressing these three dimensions (physical, sensory, and cultural) through the lens of gender differences. This raises an essential question: Which architectural elements and features exert the most profound influence on individuals' spiritual experiences in mosques? Additionally, does the extent of this influence vary significantly between women and men, or are these impacts distributed equally across genders? Theoretical framework The differences in environmental perception between women and men are significant and encompass various dimensions influenced by factors such as socialization, cognitive processing, and ideological frameworks. Numerous studies have highlighted that women generally exhibit stronger attitudes and behaviors concerning environmental protection and awareness compared to men. Women tend to demonstrate a heightened sensitivity toward their surroundings, often focusing intensely on the finer details of their immediate environment. This inclination makes them more likely to carefully evaluate specific aspects of a space, whereas men are generally observed to approach spatial interpretation with a broader and more comprehensive perspective. These notable distinctions in how individuals perceive their environment underline the importance of incorporating such considerations into architectural design practices. By doing so, designers can effectively engage the senses and attention of all users. Furthermore, women and men hold varied perceptions of the quality of interior environments, which further emphasizes the necessity of adaptable and inclusive spatial designs tailored to meet diverse needs. Methodology The research methodology was conducted in two phases: an initial descriptive-analytical approach, followed by a survey-based method. A structured questionnaire was employed to gather data, comprising 31 indicators related to physical, sensory, and socio-cultural components in mosque architecture. Each indicator was assessed using a nine-point Likert scale ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." The questionnaire’s content validity was confirmed prior to implementation by five specialists in architecture with expertise in environmental psychology. Its reliability was also verified by calculating the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The study population consisted of worshippers and individuals participating in cultural activities at mosques in Yasuj city. The final sample size included 282 respondents, evenly distributed between genders, with 141 men and 141 women. Participants' ages ranged from 21 to 71 years, with the highest frequency observed in the 43–59 age group. Sampling was carried out using a purposeful and convenience-based method to ensure representation across various gender and age demographics among mosque users. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. The questionnaire’s reliability was evaluated again using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, while its validity was established through content review by experts. To identify the factor structure of the questionnaire, exploratory factor analysis with the Varimax rotation method was applied. Additionally, an independent t-test was conducted to examine significant differences between gender groups regarding the influence levels of the indicators. Furthermore, a one-sample t-test was utilized to assess the significance of indicator means against hypothetical values. Statistical descriptions including mean values, standard deviation, and frequency percentages were presented during the analysis process. Result and discussion The present study aimed to explore mental and psychological differences between women and men in the process of fostering and enhancing spiritual feelings within mosque architecture, yielding noteworthy findings. The results indicate that sensory components have the most significant impact on individuals' spiritual experiences. This influence is particularly pronounced among women, who exhibit greater sensitivity to these factors. Elements such as natural light, appealing acoustics, pleasant fragrances, and soothing colors play a crucial role in creating a spiritually uplifting environment for women. These characteristics align with women's heightened sensitivity to environmental details and sensory stimuli, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging, psychological tranquility, and spiritual upliftment. Conversely, men tend to be more influenced by structural and architectural elements. Features such as grand domes, tall minarets, intricately designed mihrabs, and the effective utilization of human-scale proportions in spatial design are among the aspects that capture men's attention. These architectural elements, emphasizing divine order and unity, effectively contribute to enhancing men's focus and spiritual experience. Conclusion The thoughtful design of mosques can deeply enrich the spiritual experience of worshippers, especially when practical recommendations are applied. Sensory elements play a crucial role, with features like natural lighting, calming acoustics, harmonious color schemes, and soothing fragrances such as incense and rosewater enhancing the atmosphere. Attention to traditional architectural details, like domes, mihrabs, and human-scaled minarets, combined with designs that promote unity and focus, further elevates the space. Equally important are cultural and social considerations. Spaces dedicated to dialogue, religious education, and community activities foster a sense of belonging and collective spirituality. For women, creating private and serene areas ensures a more focused and tranquil worship experience. Balancing sensory, architectural, and social dimensions in mosque design creates an environment that meets the diverse needs of all attendees. Such holistic approaches provide a deeply immersive and sustainable spiritual experience for everyone.