Journal of Sustainable Development in Sport Management

Journal of Sustainable Development in Sport Management

Identifying the Factors Affecting Environmental Health in Sports Facilities through an Evidence Based Design Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Department of architecture, Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Architecture, Qo.C., Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.
3 Department of sport management, ST.C., Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The aim of this study is to identify factors affecting the environmental health of sports venues using an evidence-based design approach. The research method was qualitative and based on semi-structured interviews with 12 experts in the field of sports architecture and management who were selected using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using a content analysis approach and based on the six stages of Brown and Clark (2006). The findings showed that the environmental health of sports venues is organized into five main categories including physical and environmental factors, psychological and cognitive, social and cultural, functional and productivity, and managerial and executive. These categories ultimately lead to four macro-outcomes including physical health, mental health, social health, and environmental sustainability. In the physical and environmental dimension, elements such as lighting, ventilation, thermal comfort, and ergonomic design play a key role in reducing injuries and promoting safety. In the psychological and social dimension, designing a relaxing environment, providing privacy, and creating interactive spaces can provide a positive and supportive experience for users. The results also showed that paying attention to functional and management dimensions through observing design standards, utilizing new technologies, stakeholder participation, and sustainable policymaking guarantees the sustainability and long-term use of these places. The innovation of the research lies in providing a comprehensive and integrated framework that can provide scientific and practical guidance for architects, sports managers, and policymakers towards sustainable development and improving the quality of life of sports venue users.
Keywords