Investigating the Impact of Physical and Functional Structure of In-Between Spaces on Enhancing the Sense of Belonging in Residential Complexes

The "in-between space" refers to the transitional moment that takes shape between two spaces or two different functions. Housing, as one of the most fundamental human needs, should not only serve as a shelter for physical comfort but also provide a foundation for the psychological well-being of its residents. In contemporary Iranian architecture, the quantitative approach to housing has resulted in the creation of spaces that lack coherent planning and adequate physical quality to address the psychological dimensions and enhance users' place attachment. In this context, in-between spaces play a decisive role in promoting the sense of satisfaction and belonging in residential complexes; however, in modern construction projects, less attention is paid to these spaces.
The present study aims to assess the level of satisfaction, sense of belonging, and place attachment among residents by evaluating the physical and functional-activity indicators of in-between spaces in several residential complexes in Tehran. In the first step, data were collected through field observations and event recording in three residential complexes in Tehran. However, since the qualitative evaluation of the weight of the components affecting place attachment cannot be achieved through this method alone, a questionnaire was employed in the next phase. The obtained data were then analyzed using correlation analysis via AMOS22 statistical software to identify significant relationships among the variables influencing the level of place attachment. The findings indicate that the "physical" indicator has the greatest impact on place attachment, followed by the "functional" indicator in second place. Among the variables, "environmental conditions" (as a component of the physical criterion) and "functional diversity" (as a component of the functional criterion) play the most significant role in enhancing the sense of attachment. Therefore, it can be concluded that considering physical and functional criteria in the design of in-between spaces significantly contributes to improving the sense of interaction, privacy, and both physical and psychological comfort of residents.