Rana Najjari Nabi, Arsalan Nezhadfard, Jamaloddin Mahdinezhad, Bahram Saleh Sedghpour,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Given that newly constructed commercial complexes and the trend toward luxury are negatively impacting socio-economic structures, it is essential to establish principles for sustainable development, with social considerations being a fundamental aspect. Applying the social elements of sustainable development is especially critical in historical and ancient contexts. As previously mentioned, both new and old commercial buildings often appear as stylish but empty structures devoid of businesses. The concept of public space and community perception is at odds with modern shopping centers, which differ significantly from traditional markets. This disparity arises because many modern shopping centers cater to specific social groups, defined by particular tastes and ages. This article aims to analyze the social aspects of bazaars and identify key sub-indicators of social sustainability to propose suitable solutions for future market designs. Bazaars are vital places with complex and extensive social significance, particularly in Iran. The study’s findings suggest that incorporating sustainable development indicators into urban design can significantly enhance productivity and foster a sense of community in emerging markets. The current study highlighted the impact of various attributes—physical, environmental, cultural, and social—on enhancing the sociability and spatial quality of the area. The study revealed that structural-semantic values, as a cultural feature, have the greatest influence on bazaar socialization, with an effective coefficient of 0.410. Other significant factors include physical attributes (0.381), socio-political-cultural components (0.285), visual exposure (0.264), physical quality (0.235), and social capital (0.255). Finally, the study proposed appropriate solutions, such as establishing access pathways, employing diverse shapes and proportions in design, creating visible depth, ensuring permeability at the margins, varying roof shapes, and revitalizing the marketplace system.