The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

A Comparative Assessment of Resilience and Self-Reliance in Traditional and Contemporary Houses of Bandar Abbas Using the Fuzzy TOPSIS Method

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2025.502960.5754
Volume 22, Issue 149
November 2025
Pages 15-28
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Soha Zakeri 1
Mahnaz Mahmoudi Zarandi 1
Mohammad reza Farzad behtash 2

1 Department of Architecture, NT.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Urban Planning, NT.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Problem statement: Traditional houses in Bandar Abbas—owing to the use of local materials and climate-responsive mechanisms suited to the region’s hot-humid conditions—have long served as exemplars of resilience and self-reliance. By contrast, contemporary constructions predominantly rely on modern technologies and, in some cases, due to misalignment with climatic and socio-cultural contexts, exhibit lower levels of resilience and self-reliance. The application of resilient architectural principles in the design of residential complexes in Bandar Abbas significantly increases residents’ self-reliance.
Research objective: To conduct a comparative evaluation of the levels of resilience and self-reliance in traditional and contemporary houses in Bandar Abbas and to identify the key factors influencing these outcomes.
Research method: First, through semi-structured interviews with experts, the principal components of resilience (urban, physical, environmental, social, and economic) and self-reliance (sustainable, social, and managerial) were identified. Based on these components, questionnaires employing fuzzy scales were designed and distributed among a population of residents and specialists. The collected data were then analyzed using the Fuzzy TOPSIS method to determine each house’s closeness to the ideal solution in terms of resilience and self-reliance. 
Conclusion: Owing to climate-responsive design, the use of local materials, more effective water resource management, and the formation of supportive social spaces, traditional houses generally outperform contemporary houses across most dimensions of resilience and self-reliance. Conversely, some contemporary houses that depend on new technologies face challenges—particularly in social and managerial domains—which is reflected in lower Fuzzy TOPSIS scores. The findings indicate that combining traditional architectural principles with modern innovations not only reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs but also enhances residents’ resilience and self-reliance. Accordingly, it is recommended that future designs incorporate vernacular strategies while placing greater emphasis on participatory and managerial aspects.

Keywords

Resilience
Self-Reliance
Fuzzy TOPSIS Method
Traditional Houses of Bandar Abbas
Contemporary Houses of Bandar Abbas
Vernacular Architecture of Southern Iran
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