Explanation of the physical factors affecting the mental image of residents of high-rise residential buildings

When dealing with a diverse and rich environment, humans record limited information in their minds, and this information forms a comprehensive, albeit inaccurate, mental image of the environment. On the other hand, living in high-rise residential buildings in Iran is always associated with dissatisfactions that a clear mental image in the minds of the residents can reduce these dissatisfactions. Physical factors and psychological factors can play an effective role in the formation of mental image in people. This research aims to identify the physical factors that create a clear mental image in the minds of the residents of high-rise buildings. Therefore, the explanation of the physical factors affecting the mental image of residents of high-rise residential buildings is a research question. The current research is fundamental in terms of its purpose and quantitative in terms of its approach. The research data collection method is a combination of library studies (theoretical) and field studies and a survey based on a questionnaire with closed and semi-open questions. In explaining and analyzing the research, the Echner and Ritchie model is used and the questions of the questionnaire are set based on two dimensions of this model, functional-general and functional-current and experts' opinions. The designed questionnaire was given to all the architects who have an active consulting company in Urmia city and expert professors of the country in the field of mental imagery and architecture, so that in addition to answering, if there is another important factor, they can add it. Then, the questionnaire was given to the residents of high-rise buildings in Urmia city by random sampling method and their answers were analyzed. The results of the research in the functional-general dimension showed that the factors of form characteristics (shape, color, texture and size) and technical safety and view are effective in forming the mental image of residents of high-rise residential buildings. Also, the results of the research in the functional-partial dimension (where all the factors were measured on the parking, access corridors, stairs and elevators, roof, entrance, lobby, pause and rest spaces, yard and interior space of the residential unit) in the order of the factors Technical safety, legibility, light and illumination, visibility and scenery are more effective in forming the mental image of residents of high-rise residential buildings.