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.
Abbas Azari, Naser Barati, Mona Sedighi,
Volume 33, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
This study endeavors to explore the predicament associated with spaces lacking distinctive character and identity, ultimately resulting in the estrangement of shrines from their peripheral surroundings. Focusing on Mashhad, renowned as the holiest city in Iran and a site of numerous interventions, this research employs it as a case study. The central inquiry revolves around establishing a coherent nexus between the notion of polarity and the intellectual foundations shaping the development of environs surrounding holy shrines. The core objective is to discern the alignment of contemporary advancements around these shrines with their initial conceptual underpinnings. Employing a qualitative approach, this research adopts a descriptive method rooted in the case study framework. The outcomes derived from statistical analysis and the application of space syntax techniques reveal that extensive interventions encircling the shrine of Imam Reza have significantly disrupted the city's connectivity with the shrine. This disruption has led to the displacement of residents, severed emotional ties with the surrounding fabric, and a perceptible attenuation of the sense of place, culminating in the erosion of the genius loci or spirit of place. Furthermore, an examination of the fabric of this separation underscores an anti-Shiite intellectual basis, demonstrating incongruence with the ideal of human communion with "the perfect man." In light of these findings, it is proposed that development initiatives in Islamic cities should prioritize considerations aligned with the intellectual foundations governing city construction. This emphasis is crucial for sustaining the inherent character and spirit of the place amidst developmental endeavors.
Farshad Nourian, Nayereh Dayarian,
Volume 33, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
In spite of the extensive body of research focusing on the concept of "public interest" within the realm of urban planning, there exists a notable dearth in the discourse surrounding the challenges and impediments encountered in actualizing public interest within the context of urban planning and management. The primary objective of this paper is to systematically identify and elucidate the obstacles impeding the realization of public interest within the urban development plans of Iran, offering a theoretical framework to explicate the interrelations among these hindrances. To achieve this goal, an investigation and analysis are conducted on three megamalls situated in Tehran City, serving as representative cases. The principal method employed for data collection is a semi-structured interview, with subsequent analysis carried out through the utilization of Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT). The outcomes of this inquiry reveal a categorization of barriers into five overarching domains: deficiencies within the urban planning system, conflicts of interest, the legalization of transgressions, a passive civil society, and challenges pertaining to public interest. Each of these categories is expounded upon comprehensively, delving into the nuances of their respective implications. Furthermore, a comparative discussion is presented, drawing parallels between our identified categories and analogous research findings on public interest conducted in various other countries.
Sanaz Naghshizadian, Mojtaba Rafieian, Zahra Sadat Saeideh Zarabadi, Hamid Majedi,
Volume 34, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
The acceleration of decision-making processes within urban planning has instigated significant transformations across various facets of cities, encompassing economic, political, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. Consequently, heightened emphasis has been directed towards the cultivation of urban entrepreneurial environments as instrumental mechanisms for enhancing societal decision-making capabilities. Recognizing the pivotal role of this approach in fostering sociocultural and entrepreneurial dynamics within urban settings, the imperative to organize vibrant locales, currently grappling with formidable challenges and deficient planning strategies, has become increasingly pronounced. Aligned with its defined objective, the present study employs the meta-synthesis method to articulate a conceptual model aimed at elucidating the interplay between the "urban regeneration" and "urban entrepreneurial ecosystem" paradigms in the formation of entrepreneurial locales. To ascertain the qualitative criteria and components, the Delphi technique was utilized to validate the criteria derived from the applied quantitative methodology, thereby achieving a more precise validation grounded in expert opinions. Through an in-depth exploration of the core tenets and principles underpinning these two pivotal approaches, the findings of this study culminated in the identification of six components encapsulating the attributes, interdependencies, intervention modalities, constituents, resources, recommendations, perspectives, policies, and conceptual frameworks germane to the synergistic interaction between the aforementioned approaches. Consequently, a comprehensive framework is delineated to facilitate the establishment of entrepreneurial locales through mechanisms such as sociocultural engagements, elevation of societal well-being, sustainable generation of financial resources and employment opportunities, integration of intelligent systems within the societal fabric, and the cultivation of knowledge dissemination and educational initiatives. Moreover, this research underscores fundamental pathways for prospective investigations in this domain, thereby laying the groundwork for future scholarly endeavors.
Najma Esmailpoor, Fateme Foroughinasab, Fatemah Esmaeilpoor,
Volume 34, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Statement of problem: due to the weakened social life and residence function in historical fabrics, they have absorbed attention as the social and identity heart of the city. A part of each city's identity is composed of narratives concerning the roots, influential figures, as well as prominent processes and activities, most of which have occurred in historical centers. Preserving and reinforcing the historical fabric of Yazd requires a comprehensive multidimensional approach, requiring the recognition of the previous socio-economic structures of the fabric, and valuing it once more as a part of the solution. Therefore, the present study aimed to find an answer to the question of what lessons can be gained from the social relation narratives of economic activities and professions in historical fabrics of Yazd and how they can be used in the regeneration of the neighborhoods. The purpose of the study was to find lessons from the social relation narratives and economic activities and professions of the fabric and to show how these narratives can be used in the planning of different regeneration approaches of historical fabrics. The research was conducted using an interpretive paradigm with a qualitative approach, historical methodology, and narrative. According to the results, a feature that has distinguished Yazd city from other cities in Iran is that the people from different religions have peacefully lived together; followers of all religions have contributed to making valuable physical elements. Moreover, women from different religions have been involved in architectural activities. The neighborhoods were socially connected. The elders were the leading social figures in each neighborhood, who were volunteers in public affairs, including the creation of neighborhood facilities and services, as well as helping the poor and people in need, and played a prominent role in the economic, social, and management activities of the neighborhood. Today, any act to reconstruct the historical neighborhoods needs to be based on “reinforcing social life and the resident’s behavioral systems” and “the use of popular management, revival and improvement of the elders in the neighborhoods, and reviving the old professions to their modern versions and according to the needs of the time as a manifestation of economic and social empowerment of the historical fabrics”. At the end, the study presented how “narratives” can be used for “planning” in different approaches of regenerating the historical fabrics.
Narges Soltani, Parvin Partovi, Daryoush Moradi Chadegani,
Volume 34, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Preserving the Natural Environmental Cultural Heritage (NECH) and improving the urban Quality of Life (QOL) are crucial urban planning issues that play critical roles in cities. The modernization and expansion of cities due to population growth, lifestyle changes, and improved quality of life are inevitable movements in developing and developed countries. Although the new progression has brought many opportunities concerning socio-economic aspects, it has also caused some challenges for urban planning, particularly in conserving cultural heritage. It reaches a point where it is possible to visualize the link between heritage conservation and sustainability, which will enhance the development of future cities. The present study investigates how the NECH and QOL have evolved to be implemented in urban strategic planning to upgrade the NECH and QOL values. The research time scope covers 1920, when the first use of “standard of living” (before QOL) was proposed, until 2023. By reviewing and analyzing texts and documents of historical transformation of the NECH and QOL, tracing and overlying common fields of the NECH and QOL concepts (historical-structural analysis and comparative analysis), and organizing sequential cause and effect relations between milestones and evidence of NECH and QOL historical transformations (timeline diagram), the authors explained the strategic planning approach to support the (NECH and QOL) using the adaptive analysis method and extracting both substantive and procedural components for urban spatial, strategic planning process. The research results presented an urban spatial strategic planning model according to the NECH and QOL components (substantial and procedural). Due to the nature of urban spatial strategic planning (focus on uncertainty in planning; probability of planning process; need to expand the scope of planning in the broader political, social, economic, and environmental fields; focus on paying attention to diverse shareholders; and ability to support urban planning models based on description, analysis, and prescription); a cyclical-continual steps (1) assessing the current situation, (2) problem finding, (3) cause and effect problem analysis, (4) producing a final statement of significant issues and goals, (5) presenting decision options and suggestions (problem-solving), and (6) sharing strategic planning related to cultural and natural heritage among key shareholders and residents, with special content in each step, configured. The achievement of this spatial strategic planning model is bridging between the quality of life and the natural environment cultural heritage concepts and applying its principles of substance and procedure adapted to local conditions in such a way that the capacities of the natural environment heritage of the cities are coextensive with upgrading the resident’s quality of life.