Studying the current Iranian residential building pattern, focusing particular attention on the proportion and arrangement of open and enclosed areas, and making recommendations for creating more sustainable cities

This paper investigates the implications of the new urban pattern of residential buildings in Iran (Borujerd), where rising land prices have altered the proportion and arrangements of open and closed spaces.This recent pattern may have adverse effects on the psychological well-being of the residents and environmental issues.The paper compares this pattern with the traditional Iranian house patterns that featured courtyards as multifunctional open spaces for social and climatic needs.The paper proposes recommendations to enhance the new pattern for urban sustainability.