Extended Abstract



Introduction

1) The design of high-density residential complexes in cities with temperate and humid climates, such as Rasht, encounters multiple challenges, notably the provision of adequate natural light (Azadeh & Abizadeh, 2022). Natural light, as a fundamental element in architectural design, plays a central role in enhancing residents’ quality of life (Alotaibi & Prasad, 2021). Insufficient natural light has significant adverse effects on mental health and well-being, potentially leading to reduced concentration, increased stress, and diminished visual comfort (Brown & Jacobs, 2011). These issues are exacerbated in high-density residential complexes, where high unit density and spatial constraints impede natural light penetration. Artificial lighting alone cannot fully compensate for these deficiencies, as it lacks the biological attributes of natural light, such as circadian rhythm regulation, which positively impacts mental and physical health (Tari et al., 2024).

2) In Rasht, specific climatic conditions, such as frequent cloudy days, make natural light penetration particularly challenging, highlighting the need for tailored architectural solutions (Heidari & Taghipour, 2021). Previous studies have demonstrated that natural light improves mental health, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive productivity, thereby contributing to an improved quality of life (Othman, 2024). However, location-specific studies on light-oriented design in temperate and humid climates are limited. This study aims to investigate the impact of natural light utilization on the quality of life in high-density residential complexes and propose architectural strategies to enhance residents’ health and comfort. It also examines the relationship between residents’ satisfaction with natural light and improvements in their quality of life. The research focuses on practical solutions, such as window designs with appropriate proportions, to optimize daylighting in Rasht’s cloudy climate (Fadaei, 2016). This study provides a framework for light-oriented design that enhances quality of life and promotes environmental sustainability (Mozhni et al., 2020).

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Methodology

4) This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach with a mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods (Mohammad Davoudi & Hojati, 2015). Data were collected through literature reviews and questionnaires. The literature review included scientific resources and peer-reviewed articles on the impact of natural light on mental health, visual comfort, and quality of life, forming the theoretical foundation of the study (Solovyov, 2020). The questionnaire was designed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data, addressing residents’ satisfaction with natural light, its effects on mental health, visual comfort, and cognitive productivity. The study population comprised residents of Phases 1 and 2 of the Silk Township in Rasht, selected as a representative sample of high-density residential complexes in a temperate and humid climate. A total of 96 questionnaires were completed through random sampling. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (Bahrami Roudbari et al., 2014). Analyses included a correlation test to examine the relationship between satisfaction with natural light and quality of life. Open-ended questionnaire responses were qualitatively analyzed to explore residents’ perceptions of natural light. The analytical methods were designed with scientific rigor to ensure valid and generalizable results for similar residential complexes.





Results and Discussion

5) The findings revealed a strong correlation (R=0.71) between satisfaction with natural light and residents’ quality of life (Moudodi Arkhoudi & Mohammadi, 2020). This result confirms that natural light directly influences mental health, stress reduction, and cognitive productivity (Tari et al., 2024). Qualitative analyses indicated that residents in units with better daylighting reported higher levels of visual comfort, reduced fatigue, and increased calmness in their living environment. Conversely, units with inadequate daylighting, particularly during Rasht’s cloudy seasons, were associated with reduced concentration and increased stress (Heidari & Taghipour, 2021).

6) The identified architectural solution was the design of windows with appropriate proportions (Ghoreishi & Sedigh, 2019). This strategy optimizes daylighting in Rasht’s cloudy climate, ensuring sufficient light penetration. By reducing reliance on artificial lighting, this approach lowers energy consumption and enhances environmental sustainability (Alotaibi & Prasad, 2021). The discussion highlights that light-oriented design is a key strategy for improving quality of life in high-density residential complexes. However, the lack of precise local data, such as solar radiation measurements in Rasht, was identified as a limitation, underscoring the need for further research (Fadaei, 2016). These findings emphasize the necessity of revising architectural design standards for cities with temperate and humid climates.

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Conclusion

8) This study provides a framework for light-oriented architectural design in high-density residential complexes, leveraging natural light to enhance residents’ quality of life. The results underscore the positive impact of natural light on mental health, stress reduction, cognitive productivity, and visual comfort. The proposed solution, namely window designs with appropriate proportions, improves daylighting in Rasht’s climate and contributes to environmental sustainability. This framework can serve as a basis for developing design standards in cities with similar climates. The study emphasizes the importance of location-specific design and recommends that future research focus on more practical solutions to further enhance urban residential environments.

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10) Keywords: Natural Light, Quality of Life, High-Density Residential Complex, Architectural Design, Sustainable Architecture