Showing 268 results for Type of Study: Research Paper
Nooshin Abbasi, Nima Valibeig,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
One of the most famous historical squares of Iran is the Naghsh-e Jahan Complex, of which many studies have been done about its features and its effects on the urban space of Isfahan. The measurement of the geometric system governing the physical structure of this complex is considered an important part, of which no comprehensive research has ever been conducted. Accordingly, this study, aiming at analyzing the impact of the geometric organization and its order on the structure of the Square, and in particular on the location of its multiple accesses, seeks to evaluate this topic by using the relative measuring system based on the geometric rules as a process for the regularization of the space. The relative measurement system is one of the first ones, resulting in the application of geometry to the physical structure of the city and architecture. Its valuable benefits can be the application of dimensions and sizes with the identified coefficients in the cited plan. The present study is classified in the category of historical research, and descriptive and exploratory methods have been used in the historical research. Also, research on library data has provided the basis for analyzing the geometric structure of the Square and its dependent buildings. The research question can be formulated as follows: What is the relationship between the location of multiple entrances to the Naghsh-e Jahan square and its geometric system? The research findings indicate that the structure of the Naghsh-e Jahan Complex is following a geometric system with relative lengths based on the square shape, so the accesses location and the organization of the peripheral elements have all been subject to the mentioned system. Also, the results emphasize the benefit of a continuous process in planning the structure of the recent urban space, including its components, and considering it based on rational and inferential thinking, which, according to the geometric rules, is forming the hidden and revealed relations between the elements of the Safavid city.
Fatemeh Karimi, Samaneh Jalilisadrabad, Fatemeh Borji,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
The advent of modernity in Iran weakened many structures and practices, including social hangouts in cities; therefore, the public was cynical about this space. While hangouts, as a third-place and public space in a city, promote social capital, vibrant centers, and citizenship education, Tehran Daneshjoo Park, as a public space with an urban scale and physical and social features, can also be considered a hangout for various social groups. The present study seeks to identify hangouts and factors affecting their formation, continuity, or fading in this space. Accordingly, documentaries were investigated via a descriptive-survey method. Then, interviews with space users at different times and with observation instruments such as photography and behavioral mapping were employed. The results showed a hangout for artists and art lovers, vendors, and food vendors, students and young women, people with sexual identity disorders, addicts and drug dealers, and the elderly. Also, functional components such as geographical location, urban theater building, and its architectural type, platforms and stair space structure, water pool, urban furniture, enclosure in space, social components such as the presence of social observers, drug distribution, and street peddler are effective in creating and the continuation of these hangouts. Most of these hangouts are formed as part of open space with a trans-regional scale.
Hassan Akbari, Fatemeh Sadat Hosseini Nezhad,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
The physical-geometric characteristics of buildings have a very important role in the regulation of microclimate conditions and the thermal situation of interior and exterior spaces of buildings. This research aims to investigate the amount of received direct radiation energy of vertical surfaces in buildings and determine the appropriate form, aspect ratio, and orientation of buildings in the cities of Ardabil, Tabriz, Sanandaj, and Hamedan in the Northwest of Iran with cold climate. For this purpose, six polygonal forms (with the same floor area and height) including square, rectangle, hexagon, octagon, hexadecagon (16-sided), and triacontadigon (32-sided) were selected to be examined. Afterward, the specified optimal form(rectangle) was surveyed with the aspect ratios of 1:1.2, 1:1.4, 1:1.6, 1:1.8, 1:2 and in the orientations of 180º, 165º, 150º, 135º, 120º, 105º SE and SW. Using the “Law of Cosines” computational method, the amount of received direct energy on vertical surfaces has been calculated and processed, for different months and during the cold and hot periods of the year. The results of the research show that the appropriate form of the buildings in the studied cities is a rectangle with an east-west orientation. The most suitable aspect ratio for the rectangular form with east-west orientation in the cities of Ardabil, Tabriz, Sanandaj, and Hamedan is 1:1.2. The appropriate orientation for the determined aspect ratio in the studied cities is 165° Southeast.
Reza Javadi, Reza Mansoori,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Urban green spaces provide a context where constant association with these spaces can result in reducing the incidence or diminishing the effect of many diseases. Different studies assessed the relationship between using urban green spaces and health benefits considering influential quantitative aspects. This research tries to look differently at this issue by connecting the urban green spaces qualitative aspects and their influence on encouraging individuals to use green spaces more frequently. For this purpose, the present study employs questionnaire-based interviews (no. 336) in two city parks in Urmia, Iran (The City Park and the Coastal Park) to collect the required information for assessing the interviewees’ physical and psychological health levels. The relationships between the hypotheses are later studied using SPSS analytical software. The results showed that relationships were found between using the parks and having better psychological health conditions, but no relationship was found between the duration of physical activity in the park and having better physiological health. The assessment of the obtained data emphasizes the importance of the park characters and features that lead people to engage with specific activities which cause certain health benefits as a result of that activity. The results highlight the importance of developing green infrastructures in today’s urban areas.
Habib Shahhoseini, Mustafa Kamal M.s., Suhardi Maulan, Paniz Mousavi Samimi,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Small Urban Parks (SUP) are vital parts of cities that can enhance the quality of the public environment. Visual Preferences (VP) in SUPs, which consist of diverse stimuli, are affected by multisensory perception, including the combination of auditory, olfactory, and tactile stimuli. However, the relationship between sensory stimuli integration (sound, smell, touch) and people’s VP has been neglected during the design process, which can influence the assessment of an environmental aesthetic and preferences. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate how multisensory can affect the VP of visitors through textual and photo questionnaires. Structural Equations Model and Regression were studied on 394 participants, chosen from 16 SUPs located in different parts of Tabriz, Iran. Results identified the “Human and Natural sounds, Human-Body and Natural smells” as influential factors on visitors’ VP; however, touch stimuli had no significant impact. In this regard, paying attention to the visitors’ experience of Natural Sound-Smell Stimuli and the Human-body Sound-Smell Stimuli are essential in designing SUPs. The outcomes of the current research provide a guideline for city planners and landscape designers regarding the relationship between senses and their practical implications in SUPs in order to promote people’s VP and visitation.
Hosna Varmaghani,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Urban squares reflect urban planning cultures, and also to some extent even a reflection of overall nations’ cultures. Squares are microcosms of urban life, offering excitement and repose, markets and public ceremonies, a place to meet friends and watch the world go by. They have been shaped by popular whims, by topography and architectural fashion. Some grew piecemeal; others were planned at a stroke, as a symbol of power or the foundation stone of a new development. Here in this study effort is made to compare two selected cases from two different cultures, West vs. East - Savanna, Georgia, USA vs. Hamadan, Iran. In this comparison, the indicators of the biophilic city (pedestrian, nature-friendly, accessible and sociable city) have been considered. Descriptive analytical method was used to collect and classify the indicators and space syntax theory was used to analyze and compare the placing pattern of squares in urban contexts. The method of data collection was library and field survey and data analysis tool were UCL Depthmap software. The study of biophilic city in the two studied cities revealed differences and similarities that are effective in increasing theoretical understanding, recognizing anomalies and understanding how indicators work in these two different urban structures and contexts.
Sahebeh Izadpanah, Hamid Majedi, Hossein Zabihi,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
Applying an efficient method for studying and assessing school learning space is a considerable issue in Iran country so the main purpose of this research was to introduce a scale utilizing CFA models. The mixed method was used for extracting architectural variables of the learning environment, via a survey study by distributing the "six factor school building checklist" consisting of six sub-constructs among the sample of 180 accessible volunteer girl students in Gorgan city ( academic year 1397-98). The qualitative study was performed by coding technique to extract some repeated factors for enhancing student achievements from recent research (2017-2022), which includes the effects of green spaces, flexible spaces, daylight, seating arrangement, window view, and outdoor education. According to the quantitative part of current study, all the six factors can describe the "six factor school building checklist" and the model fit was achieved and reported as a very good model fit according to CFI (0.93) and RMSEA (0.045) indexes. The factors hierarchically, social space, interface, massing, way finding, context and finally comfort can determine and describe the main scale. Thirty- three variables among Thirty-eight, can describe the main construct. From the social space factor; the ease of accessibility to the teachers' office, from the interface; students' spatial experience from the main entrance to the classroom, from the massing; variation in the massing for providing interest, from the way finding factor; easily understood circulation for interior routes and finally controlling the destructive noise level from the comfort factor reported with the highest factor loadings.
Hadi Keshmiri, Hadi Nikounam Nezami,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
Neighborhood parks are important as spaces of residential neighborhoods where part of the daily interactions of residents take place. Hence, the study of environmental quality of the behavioral settings in which they are formed can be considered a suitable indicator to measure environmental quality with behavioral patterns. In order to intervene or adopt strategies in the design and planning of neighborhood parks, behavioral settings offer appropriate indicators. The present study has a combined strategy (qualitative and case study) with an analytical-descriptive approach. The paper evaluates the quality of behavioral settings in a selected neighborhood park (SEKONJ of Shiraz) in three steps. In the first step, the basics and conceptual framework are discussed and in the next step, two components, namely physical (welfare, recreational facilities, and site features) and social (social interactions) are introduced to measure the quality of the setting in neighborhood parks. In the third step of the research, two tactics of semi-structured interview (40 participants) and behavioral mapping (using filming and observation techniques) are used together to collect data. In addition, in this stage using the components expressed in the second step, the quality of behavioral settings in the selected neighborhood park is analyzed. The results of the findings indicate that there is some synomorphy between the behavioral pattern of “recreation” and the physical environment, but the behavioral pattern of “children's play” is not consistent with the physical milieu. Finally, planning and design guidelines and strategies to improve the environmental quality of neighborhood parks are proposed.
Jamal-E-Din Mahdinejad, Hamidreza Azemati, Seyede Fereshteh Ehsani Oskouei, Zinat Aminifar,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
During the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran, self-quarantine was a measure to slow the spread of this infection. We conducted this cross-sectional study to explore the psychological effects of the home environment while people had to stay at home for a long time. For the survey, 536 individuals took part. Collecting data was via an online questionnaire including three sections: (1) Demographic characteristics and general information; (2) Home environment features and (3) Negative psychological experiences (NPE) considered as (a) feeling of sadness and depression; (b) feeling of stress and anxiety; and, (c) experiencing domestic violence during quarantine. For data analysis, first, some descriptive information about the participants was presented; then, we used a logistic regression model, one of the classification algorithms in machine learning methods to investigate the association of home environment features and NPE during self-quarantine. The results indicate the home environment affects NPE differently among men and women. Generally, the individuals who were more satisfied with their house performance during quarantine, and people considered the light quality of their house as appropriate; besides, residents with less noise disturbance issues had a better mood during this period. Conversely, failure in the possibility of indoor exercising and the feeling of being in a crowded house increased the level of NPE.
Sajjad Osan, Ahmad Hami, Manohar Mariapan,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
Nowadays, global climate change makes urban planners and designers pay more attention to thermal islands to enhance thermal comfort conditions in cities. The present study aims to investigate the effects of evergreen and deciduous tree placement patterns, tree canopy height, and tree canopy diameter on the enhancement of ambient temperature and improvement of thermal comfort conditions. The ENVI-met model was used to replicate the research region and site. It was validated by comparing the outputs of the model with the values from field measurements. Finally, the recommended scenarios were simulated in the model to discover those scenarios with better performance in enhancing outdoor thermal comfort and temperature on days with low temperatures. At low-temperature situations, planting evergreen trees irregularly had a stronger impact on the improvement of thermal comfort (PMV) compared to deciduous trees. Furthermore, in all models, Populus nigra and Platanus showed the worst performance in boosting ambient temperature. Landscape designers and urban planners might use the findings to improve urban green space, construct sustainable cities, and enhance air temperature.
Seyyedeh Dena Barzanjeh Atry, Tareef Hayat Khan, Mohamad Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
This study analyzes the post-globalization reconciliation in architectural ideologies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). UAE experienced an unprecedented boom in urban development starting from the later half of last century mainly due to the unparallel economic growth in their history. This brought in star architects around the world who contributed in designing large scale buildings there. Considered as the globalization in architecture, this trend produced some exceptional stand out buildings boasting of dazzling philosophical back stories. However, after the initial burst, there has been some noticeable evolution in the ideologies. The concept of globalization faced the pressure of localization. There have been a significant number of studies on these new buildings. But they mostly talked either about the philosophies of the star architects or about the mesmerizing architectural and engineering details. Only a few research have been done on the reconciliation and evolution of the ideologies through time. This study attempted to draw attention to certain ideological evolution that have been evident by analyzing certain large scale new buildings. Socio-semiotic theory have been used as the analytic method, by which, hermeneutic interpretation was drawn after investigating the expressive and explicit architectural elements of the buildings. Categorical and purposive sampling have been used to select the precedents. Data was collected through archival records, books, and various electronic resources. After rigorous investigation, this study found several ‘localization’ ideologies significantly reacting to the initial ideology of globalization. This study concludes that though this kind of reaction may not be an unheralded one, however, the grandness of those new buildings has given the ideologies a new dimension. It remains to be an interesting question where this ideological transformation will head to.
Farhad Ahmadnejad, Yaser Shahbazi, Mohsen Mokhtari Keshavar, Mahsa Zendeh Laleh, Sahar Hosseinpour, Neda Khalilikhoo,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
For years, research on daylight in work environments with different climates has been important for researchers to distribute light evenly in the indoor space in order to create a healthy work environment and visual comfort. This study examines the effect of horizontal and vertical shading devices, the depth and distance of louvres on daylight with the aim of increasing DLA (daylight autonomy) for Abrisham tower in Tabriz, Iran. As input parameters the depth of louvres was considered 5 and 15 cm and their distance were considered 150 and 200 cm. Modeling was performed in Rhinoceros software and the Simulation was done in Grasshopper plugin to control the geometric parameters and with the help of ladybug and honeybee plugins. The multi-objective simulation tool, octopus was used to optimizing. Results show that vertical louvers caused more light reduction. Furthermore, the simulation effects of shaders parameter's include depth and distance being examined and analyzed, it seemed that the distance between louvers in this case and in Tabriz is more important variable and moreover, using reflective material or coating on louver’s surface as there are many weeks are overcasting theirs in Tabriz can help and improve internal light autonomy. The optimal cases that were obtained for north façade windows are horizontal louvres with a depth of 5 and a distance of 190 cm and vertical louvres with a depth of 15 cm and a distance 200 cm. In south facade are horizontal louvres with a depth of 13 and a distance of 161 cm and vertical louvres with a depth of 14 cm and a distance of 153 cm.
Sahar Rahimifar, Abbas Tarkashvand, Haniyeh Sanaieian,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
In recent years, optimizing the energy consumption of buildings has become one of the important environmental and economic goals in sustainable architecture and urban planning. A group of factors affecting the energy consumption of buildings is their physical characteristics and form. In this regard, in the present research, the effect of volumetric porosity in high-rise buildings on their energy consumption has been investigated. The purpose of this research is to explain the correlation between the volumetric porosity of a building, as an independent variable, and its cooling and heating load, as a dependent variable, in a high-rise residential complex in Tehran. In this regard, first, a modular-generative model has been created in the Grasshopper plugin of Rhino software, which can create a porosity of 0 to 50% parametrically. Then, the cooling and heating load of each of the produced models in the city of Tehran and on the June 21 (summer solstice) and December 21 (winter solstice) were calculated using the Honeybee plugin, with standard settings. The data obtained from the simulation were entered into the SPSS software environment and the correlation test of the percentage of volume porosity and energy consumption was performed on the two aforementioned dates in Tehran. In order to validate the research method, this process was performed in 3 other climatic zones of Iran and the findings were compared with other studies in this field. The results of this research showed that the increase in porosity, assuming the number of modules is kept constant (the total volume of the building remains constant) and the site coverage ratio - as is common and inevitable in high-rise buildings - have a significant positive correlation with increased energy consumption in high-rise residential buildings in Tehran.
Dr. Mojtaba Pour Ahmadi, Elahe Yektan Rostami,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
In the current study, an endeavor is undertaken to formulate specific recommendations for the design of facades pertaining to infill buildings situated in the proximity of valuable urban Qajar residences within the Mazandaran province. The conspicuous lack of such directives within the regulatory framework of this region is noteworthy. The imposition of guidelines pertaining to façade design is imperative to establish visual congruence between contemporary structures and historical Qajar edifices in the urban landscapes of Mazandaran province. The present investigation employs a comprehensive approach, integrating both the interpretive-historical strategy and the logical argumentation strategy. A scrutiny of 30 valuable urban Qajar residences in Mazandaran province is conducted, wherein their distinctive features are systematically classified under eight discernible categories. Subsequently, a conceptual framework is developed by leveraging Semes' design strategies model and drawing inspiration from Groat's theoretical framework. Concurrently, the practicalities inherent in Mazandaran's urban conservation system are taken into consideration. This conceptual framework serves as the foundation for the articulation of facade design recommendations, delineating acceptable design methodologies for its constituent elements. Within this framework, a concerted effort is exerted to advocate conservative strategies for the macro elements of facade design, juxtaposed with latitude for more abstract approaches when addressing the micro elements. It is noteworthy that the intentional opposition approach is deemed unsuitable. Ultimately, drawing upon typological analyses of the compiled samples and adhering to the established framework, a series of recommendations for facade design is proffered. This study serves as a foundational step toward the formulation of design guidelines tailored to the historic districts of Mazandaran.
Mahnoush Shahinrad, Mojtaba Rafieian, Mohammadraza Pourjafar,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
Urban squares are pivotal in 21st-century cities, serving as communal hubs where individuals experience a genuine sense of belonging and community. However, recent redesigns of several squares in Iran have fallen short of expected quality standards. This inadequacy may stem from the prevalent reliance on design ideas shaped by casual observations and designers' personal experiences. While these observations and experiences hold significance, they lack the depth required to comprehend the intricacies of a successful urban square. A profound understanding of the relationship between a space's social and physical aspects and the activities therein necessitates tapping into the community's attitudes toward these spaces. Hence, the central aim of this study is an in-depth exploration of the multi-dimensionality inherent in people/space interaction, considering it as an attitude concept. To accomplish this, a meticulously chosen sample of five urban squares in Tehran serves as the focal point. Employing a 12-item scale, the study seeks to elucidate individuals' interactions with these urban squares and discern the features that resonate most strongly with them. Rigorous testing on a sample of 411 citizens who regularly utilize these Tehran urban squares ensures the scale's reliability and validity. The analysis of the data unveiled three discernible constructs governing individuals' interaction with urban squares, constituting their attitude concept: affective, cognitive, and conative. However, a nuanced hierarchy emerged, with the affective and cognitive constructs assuming higher importance compared to the moderately significant behavioral construct. Additionally, there were moderate correlations observed among these constructs. In the exploration of established psychological models on place, structural equation modeling (SEM) was instrumental. The Higher-Order model emerged as fitting, effectively capturing the intricate interplay between individuals and urban spaces. These findings bear significant implications for the design and management of urban squares. The key takeaway is the necessity of formulating tailored outreach policies and plans that prioritize elements resonating with users on an affective and cognitive level, shifting away from a sole reliance on instrumental responses tied to practical needs
Mahdi Montazerolhodjah, Mojtaba Sharifnejad,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
As one of the pivotal qualitative attributes inherent in urban neighborhoods, the sense of place functions as a crucial link between individuals and spatial settings, endowing locales with distinctive personality and identity. The incorporation of this concept into the framework of new urban developments, devoid of historical precedents, necessitates careful consideration of multifaceted factors, including but not limited to identity, vitality, memorability, sense of belonging, and place attachment. Regrettably, contemporary oversight in the conscientious establishment and cultivation of urban spaces, founded upon the principles of "sense of place" and "place attachment," coupled with a disregard for historical continuities, has given rise to adverse consequences. These consequences encompass the erosion of identity, diminishing residents' sense of connection to their surroundings, diminished social interactions, and a proliferation of various social detriments.
This present study endeavors to delve into the nuanced concept of the sense of place within newly developed urban environments. Specifically, it seeks to discern the factors influencing the genesis and enhancement of this phenomenon within such contexts through an exhaustive examination of three site and services areas situated in the city of Yazd, Iran. Employing a correlational research design, the study leverages statistical tools such as the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Pearson Correlation tests, and stepwise regression analyses to elucidate the intensity and directionality of relationships between dependent and independent variables.
The findings of this investigation reveal that temporal considerations, the sense of belonging, the personal dependence of residents, and identity emerge as paramount variables exhibiting the highest correlation with the advancement of the sense of place in novel urban developments.
Samira Abbasi, Zahra Sadat Saeideh Zarabadi , Hamid Majedi,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
The realization and sustenance of spatial justice within urban environments encounter substantial hurdles arising from the imbalanced expansion of cities and ensuing socioeconomic crises. According to available statistical data on Iranian cities, these crises and challenges have contributed to an escalation in the number of urban inhabitants perceiving a state of impoverishment. Many researchers believe that the indices measuring the development and welfare of a city serve as indicators of its overall quality of life. The objective of this investigation was to examine how the urban quality of life, as facilitated by access to urban services, influences the perception of poverty among urban residents. Considering that objective urban quality of life transforms into subjective urban quality of life through individual perception, and recognizing that the sense of poverty is also a subjective phenomenon, it becomes imperative to explore the interconnection between these two aspects. Initially, the study formulated its conceptual model. Subsequently, the historical district of Shiraz City was chosen as the sample for examination. A structured questionnaire was devised and disseminated among the residents of this specific district. The collected data were subjected to analysis utilizing SPSS 23. The findings revealed that within the residents of the historical district of Shiraz City, the perception of poverty is influenced by three key factors: "employment and economy," "housing," and "recreation and entertainment." Furthermore, the results indicated that proficient urban management, particularly in the provision of urban services, holds substantial potential for alleviating the sensation of urban poverty.
Amir Mohammad Salehabadi, Seyyed Hadi Ghoddusifar, Ali Mohammadpour,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
This paper delves into the reciprocal relationship between Geographic Information System (GIS) and landscape architecture, with a specific focus on the utilization of digital landscape models and visualization for the acquisition of planning knowledge. Rooted in the seminal contributions of Ian McHarg and Jack Dangermond, who were instrumental in pioneering GIS and layer planning in architecture, the study aspires to formulate a novel procedural theory for knowledge acquisition in landscape architecture. The research methodology adopts a theoretical and developmental approach, employing a qualitative systematic review analysis method. The study proposes an innovative approach to planning knowledge acquisition for landscape architects through the utilization of GIS, placing particular emphasis on visual presentations facilitated by digital landscape models and visualization models. The establishment of theoretical foundations is achieved by introducing the hierarchy of data, information, and knowledge, with a specific emphasis on the crucial role of knowledge management systems and decision support systems in the context of landscape architecture. The paper introduces a conceptual model that delineates the subsystems of knowledge management and decision support within the architectural information system. The findings and subsequent discussions underscore the significance of GIS in the acquisition of planning knowledge, emphasizing the cyclic nature of the process involving the creation, development, and experimentation with diverse options to achieve novel landscape architecture compositions. The paper introduces the Digital Visualization Model (DVM) and Digital Landscape Model (DLM) within the GIS framework, elucidating their respective roles in the landscape architecture composition cycle. In conclusion, the paper highlights the potency of GIS in environmental recognition and knowledge acquisition for landscape architects. It identifies three distinct approaches – GIS modeling, GIS analysis, and GIS visual presentation – and elucidates their seamless integration into the landscape planning process. GIS is acknowledged as a transformative force, enriching the formal interpretation of landscape architecture and paving the way for interdisciplinary exploration.
Aliakbar Salaripour, Reza Kashani, Zahra Seif Reihani,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
This research assesses the determinants influencing the efficacy of a particular locale, specifically comparing a National Park endowed with historical significance, globally recognized, with another site, an Artificial Lake serving as a contemporary and burgeoning urban space, both situated in Gonbad-e Qabus, Golestan, Iran. The methodology employed involves a comparative study to gauge their respective levels of desirability. The primary objective of this investigation is to identify the factors contributing to the success of the Artificial Lake, despite its relatively limited historical attributes, in contrast to the National Garden, acknowledged as a world heritage site. Additionally, the identified challenges within these spaces are addressed, and solutions are proposed with active citizen participation. The research introduces novelty by concurrently investigating factors influencing the success of public spaces and comparing two categories - historical and contemporary. The sample size (n=383) was determined using Cochran’s formula, comprising 184 male cases (48%) and 199 female cases (52%). Internal consistency of the questionnaire was confirmed through Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Employing a descriptive-analytic approach, data analysis utilized SPSS software (one-sample t-test) and LISREL software (second-order confirmatory factor analysis). The findings reveal a total success score of 82.63 for the Lakeside and 72.47 for the National Garden. Notably, the "safety and security" component in both spaces received the lowest satisfaction and quality scores. Conclusively, 81.2% of citizens express a preference for the Lakeside over the National Garden for their recreational activities.
Samaneh Jalilisadrabad, Anahita Tabaeian, Shaghayegh Parhizgar,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
The significance of urban streets lies in their role as the fundamental structure and framework of a city. Streets acquire extraordinary power as they endure the passage of time, accumulating special meanings and memories. This inherent strength is so influential that proper organization and utilization of existing streets can render the construction of new ones unnecessary. Valiasr, spanning 18 kilometers, stands as the longest street in Tehran and the Middle East. Beginning at the railway square in the south of Tehran at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level, it extends to Tajrish square in the north, reaching an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. The street boasts wide sidewalks, a sizable pond, and a line of ancient plane trees, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Originating during the Qajar era (1785-1925), various segments of Valiasr were constructed to link the capital with city gates. In the early Pahlavi period (1925-1979), it was further developed to connect summer palaces to the city. The street's design, implemented without strict adherence to existing buildings, aimed to establish a direct connection between the north and south of Tehran. During this era, significant government and public structures, royal residences, and palaces were constructed along both sides of Valiasr in adherence to established construction regulations from 1928. This period also witnessed the construction of cultural buildings, public parks, gardens, universities, and medical centers. Following the Islamic Revolution of Iran (1979), Valiasr Street evolved into one of Tehran's traditional shopping centers and promenades, reflecting the city's dynamic cultural shifts. Each historical period of Iran has profoundly impacted Valiasr Street, shaping it into a symbol of Tehran's historical and cultural evolution. To delve into the changing trends and meanings associated with Valiasr Street from 1925 to the present, a comprehensive approach was adopted. A total of 100 street users, encompassing residents, pedestrians, traders, and various stakeholders, were interviewed on-site within the study area. Subsequent to these interviews, a meticulous analysis of the gathered data was conducted, facilitating the synthesis and preparation of a comprehensive diagram. The findings reveal that a multitude of factors, including functional, economic, social, political, and cultural elements, have contributed to the evolving mental imagery associated with Valiasr Street across distinct epochs. In its early existence until 1925, the perceptual influence of the observer led to Valiasr Street being conceived as a narrow garden alley nestled among the Qajar city gardens. Transitioning into the period between 1925 and 1979, the passage of time transformed its role into a communication route connecting newly constructed palaces. Moreover, the increasing influence of temporal dynamics, coupled with cultural and social components, elevated Valiasr Street into the consciousness of the populace, turning it into a cherished urban space among the residents of Tehran. The period from 1979 until the present marks a notable phase in the urban life of Valiasr Street. Following a period of stagnation, the street has undergone a revitalization, and the impact of all four meaning-forming components, with a particular emphasis on the temporal aspect, has led to its designation as a cultural heritage site of the city of Tehran in 2011. This recognition culminated in its inclusion in the list of national heritage sites.
