A Framework of Components Affecting the Perception of Residential Facade: Development and Validation

Abstract

As a fundamental component of the built environment, residential facades play a pivotal role in enhancing environmental quality, shaping urban identity, and steering users’ perceptual experiences. Despite this significance, the literature reveals that while numerous studies have addressed building and residential facades, there remains a critical gap: the absence of a cohesive and comprehensive framework to identify and evaluate the components influencing user perception. This void has significantly challenged the systematic assessment and analysis of residential facades.

Addressing this gap, the present study aims to identify, categorize, and validate the key components influencing user perception of residential facade. To answer the primary research question regarding which components shape the perception of residential facades, a two-phase methodology was adopted. In the first phase, a systematic literature review of credible national and international databases, books, and documents was conducted. Using content analysis, relevant components were extracted from the selected texts and categorized systematically.

In the second phase, a three-round Delphi technique was employed to validate the reliability and validity of the proposed classification. The Delphi results indicated that while a few extracted components were deemed less significant, the vast majority were validated by architecture experts, confirming the conceptual cohesion and validity of the proposed structure. Ultimately, the finalized framework established eleven core components divided into two main categories: nine physical-functional components (geometry, form, materials, color, appendages and ornaments, openings, lighting, vegetation, and entrance) and two cognitive-perceptual components (semantics and emotional response). These findings provide a robust theoretical and practical foundation for developing design guidelines, evaluation criteria, and policy-making in residential architecture.