The Sense of Presence: the Most Desirable Situation for Man’s Relationship with Existence

From early times until nowadays with the issue seriously intensified, many philosophers, reformists and those who investigate the means for prosperity of human beings have introduced “the best” for man in different areas. The best place for living, city or architecture, has been one of the main issues. “The city of God”, “Utopia”, “House of Desired”, “Good city”, “Human architecture” and so on have been the main terms selected for the best place for life, indicated by philosophers, experts, reformists, politicians and others. With attention to the changes in the fields of technology, urban fabric, school of thought, life style and available possibilities, it seems that talking about the best principles for the best place for life, is better than taking about physical attributes. Beside the best principles, the worst attributes should also be introduced. Now, the main question is: what is the best principle and attribute for the appropriate architectural and place for human life? Following this question, the next question should be answered which is: what are the best conditions for human beings? Islamic teachings and Iranian culture that are based on the philosophy of unity demonstrate that the best condition for Man is the sense of presence (and its branches including: the sense of place, the sense of time, the sense of belief, the sense of security and the sense of knowing). Neglect is the main opposite condition for presence. This article endeavors to introduce the best attributes of the built environment for human life according to Islamic Divine teachings. Briefly, the sense of presence together with vigilance and annihilating neglect are the main attributes for the best place for human life.