Physical strategies of female dormitories about different types of behavioral settings during and after the pandemic in Isfahan city (Case Study: Dormitories of Islamic Azad University and University of Technology)

The global COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally challenged the architectural paradigms of high density living, particularly within student dormitories, where the risks of viral transmission and psychological distress are most acute. This study investigates physical and behavioral strategies to optimize female student dormitories in Isfahan (Islamic Azad University and Isfahan University of Technology) for both pandemic and post pandemic resilience. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates literature reviews, field observations, 26 qualitative student interviews, and a quantitative survey of 57 architectural experts. Field findings reveal that a lack of high quality communal spaces forces students to conduct most activities within their sleeping quarters, increasing biological risk and social isolation. Quantitative analysis (ANOVA and Friedman tests) identifies rectangular room geometries and separated bed layouts as superior for maintaining social distancing and enhancing personal privacy. Furthermore, back-to-back study desk arrangements were found to significantly improve academic focus and spatial efficiency. The study proposes a resilient design model centered on flexible architecture, enhanced natural ventilation, and the implementation of barrier partitions (integrating storage and study units) between beds to define individual territories. By harmonizing behavioral settings with physical interventions, this research provides an adaptable framework for designing safer, more justifiable, and human centered residential environments capable of enduring future health crises.