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Classifying perceptions of living environments in WFH; case study: Ahvaz during COVID-19
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Farshideh Omidvari   , Reza Kheyroddin * |
| Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architectural and Urban Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran. , reza_kheyroddin@iust.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (1699 Views) |
Objective: This study examines how residents of Ahvaz perceive their living environments and which strategies they use to work from home, especially during the pandemic. It aims to identify categories of mental patterns and to propose context-sensitive solutions that respond to the city’s climatic challenges, including dust storms, heatwaves, and floods. The overarching goal is to strengthen the capacity of homes and neighborhoods to support effective remote work while improving everyday quality of life.
Method: A mixed-methods design combined the Q method with the Delphi technique. In the qualitative phase, open-ended interviews with 14 residents and a focused literature review informed the development of the Q statement set and sorting tables. Expert feedback and participant checks refined the items. In the quantitative phase, 51 residents completed Q-sorts that were analyzed through factor analysis to reveal patterned viewpoints. Internal validity was supported by expert and participant review, and external reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.865. The approach enabled a transparent link between subjective perceptions and actionable design insights.
Results: Analysis identified ten categories of mental perceptions shaping work-from-home practices: behavioral, opportunistic, cognitive, demand-driven, interventionist, quality-focused, human-centric, developmental, experiential, and idealistic. Together, these patterns show how routines, preferences, active spatial changes, and expectations of comfort inform daily adaptation. Despite this adaptive effort, the residential environment in Ahvaz offers limited support for remote work. Key gaps include inflexible room layouts, insufficient digital infrastructure, inadequate access to restorative green spaces, and weak opportunities for safe social engagement at the building and neighborhood scales.
Conclusions: Design and policy should align with residents’ perceptions and needs to reduce spatial alienation and increase satisfaction. Priorities include flexible room programming and movable furniture, reliable and affordable connectivity, shading and dust-mitigating envelopes, small green pockets and safe pedestrian links, and programs that encourage low-cost neighborhood social events. These measures can improve the effectiveness of remote work, enhance well-being during disruptions, and build urban resilience against future climate-related challenges. The findings provide a practical framework for architects, housing managers, and local authorities to translate resident mindsets into targeted interventions.
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| Keywords: perception, Covid-19 pandemic, work from home, built environment, Ahvaz, alienation from space, Q method. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1397 kb]
(25 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
سکونتگاههای شهری و روستایی
Received: 2025/01/4 | Accepted: 2025/07/2 | Published: 2025/09/22
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