Analysis of the Components of Physical Quality as the Missing Link of Social Sustainability in Residential Complexes

In recent decades, the design and construction of residential complexes in many cities have prioritized quantity over quality. This disregard for physical quality has reduced housing to a purely quantitative and market-driven commodity. This approach has, in turn, led to inefficiency in achieving social sustainability and has created a significant gap between the spatial structure and the real, diverse behavioral needs of residents. recent studies in the field of social sustainability in residential complexes have led to the identification of a key indicator called "physical desirability." This indicator, acting as the missing link between the physical and social dimensions of housing, can create a synergistic relationship between the quality of space and the collective behavior of residents. The current research aims to investigate and identify the components of physical desirability, with a focus on systematically analyzing previous studies. the research method for this study is descriptive-analytical, and data were collected through library and documentary sources. the findings show that three fundamental components—legibility, flexibility, and identity—can interact to create a foundation for sustainable housing. Legibility enhances the intelligibility and usability of a space, flexibility allows the environment to adapt to the changing needs of residents, and identity strengthens the emotional and cultural bond between people and their living environment. the results of the research indicate that physical desirability, through these components, acts as an active mediator between the spatial structure and social actions. It directly impacts the strengthening of collective security, the increase of social cohesion, and the sustainability of neighborhood interactions. Ultimately, enhancing physical desirability not only improves the quality of life for residents but can also become an effective strategy for the sustainable regeneration of contemporary residential fabrics.