Motaleate Shahri

Urban Planning

The Evaluation of Urban Development Plans Based on Interconnectedness and Connectivity Principle using AHP Model Case Study: Imam Ali Square Revitalization Plan in Isfahan

m e; e z

Volume 3, Issue 11 , August 2014, , Pages 19-36

Abstract

In this article, factors influencing the integrity of the historic fabric of urban development projects are studied. Integration is one of the main features of the historic fabric of cities with hot and dry climates which is influenced by urban development projects. Reviewing theoretical and empirical ... Read More In this article, factors influencing the integrity of the historic fabric of urban development projects are studied. Integration is one of the main features of the historic fabric of cities with hot and dry climates which is influenced by urban development projects. Reviewing theoretical and empirical literature revealed that integration criteria is classified under five categories that include unification, interconnectedness and connectivity, porosity, authenticity and vulnerability. To investigate the effects of urban development plans on these criteria, the Revitalization of Imam Ali Square project, as one of the most important projects concerning the regeneration of the integrity of the historic fabric, was selected. This project was implemented in the crowded area of central Isfahan. The square dates back to eight hundred years ago. The open space of the square has been occupied since almost two hundred years ago, and just recently authorities decided to revitalize it. After introducing and surveying the case study area, the effects of the revitalization project on Imam Ali Square were examined based on the twenty-one sub-criteria of connectivity and interconnectedness of which information existed. Linkage and connectivity of access network, linkage and connectivity of landuses and functions, linkage and connectivity through revitalization of ancient buildings and ruins, linkage and connectivity of mass and space, linkage and connectivity of urban spaces walls and linkage and connectivity through the density are the six main criteria of interconnedtedness and connectivity principle. An analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to evaluate the project. In this research, the way AHP was carried out differed from the general way it is carried out in urban planning. That is because in the general use of AHP, several alternative plans exist whereas in this survey only one plan or option existed. Evaluating one plan by AHP needs three hypothetical alternatives. The plan can be compared with an acceptable hypothetical alternative, a desirable hypothetical alternative and an ideal hypothetical alternative. The overall result of the evaluation shows that the regeneration of Imam Ali Square is at an acceptable level. After comparing the hypothetical state of the present plan with the various criteria, the results indicate that the main criteria of interconnectedness and connectivity is far from the ideal state. Thus, although the physical-spatial criteria of integration are reasonable, it must be revised with an emphasis on process and flexibility in order to achieve better integration. The conclusion also shows how AHP can be used as a quantitive tool for evaluating qualitative criteria by assuming other alternatives. Possible solutions for reintegration of historic fabrics through revitalization plans include active participation of local community, urban design and transportation solutions of main access paths and streets for decreasing car speed, determination of urban design guidelines regarding quantity and quality of building new paths and widening existing paths in the peripheral areas of urban spaces. In addition to these guidelines, other solutions for the reintegration of urban historic fabrics are gradual development of street networks, flexibility of revitalization plans, small scale development and avoiding large scale ruins and demolitions, and paying attention to the current community needs and desires.

Urban Design

Reorganizing Circulation System in Urban Neighborhoods Fabric with analyzing street connectivity based on New Urbanism movement with Space Syntax technique (Case Study: Kashmar)

s l; h b

Volume 3, Issue 9 , February 2014, , Pages 3-16

Abstract

The central historic area of the city has the highest social, economic, cultural and religious interactions. Over time, with the development of the city and the growing use of cars in urban areas, problems have emerged in pedestrian and driver circulation systems. In this regard, New Urbanism movement ... Read More The central historic area of the city has the highest social, economic, cultural and religious interactions. Over time, with the development of the city and the growing use of cars in urban areas, problems have emerged in pedestrian and driver circulation systems. In this regard, New Urbanism movement is the answer to suburban sprawl and inner – city decline. Based on new urbanism principles, street network connectivity is a key characteristic of a sustainable street network. The objective of this research is to develop a method for understanding and analyzing the structure of street networks with the connectivity principle of New Urbanism movement and the use of Space Syntax method. For the analysis, GIS software was used. In this research, central historic area of the city of Kashmar was selected as a case study. Over time, traffic problems in pedestrian and driver circulation systems in this area have emerged leading to congestion and disorder on city streets at peak hours. Spatial structure and street network of the city was identified and analyzed with space syntax technique. The results indicate that the inner neighborhoods of the central historic area of Kashmar, despite their proximity to the most integrated and accessible streets, has failed to connect with the new structure of the city. In other words, the connectivity of local streets with the entire street network in central neighborhoods is low and accessibility and permeability into central historic neighborhood of the city is not easy. Moreover, based on new urbanism approach and previous research, a wide range of measures of street network connectivity is defined and described. Evaluating street network connectivity of the study area of Kashmar indicates that connectivity is relatively good but driver connectivity is lower. A comparative analysis of connectivity results based on the results of space syntax technique on the one hand and local field observations on the other show that considering street network as the entire spatial structure of the city using the space syntax technique will produce results closer to reality. In other words, it is important to consider the old and historical areas with the entire urban system. Finally, in regards to the traffic problems in the central area of Kashmar, we can conclude that connectivity is only one factor affecting network performance and efficiency for pedestrians and drivers; other factors such as promoting walking are also effective and should be incorporated into the quantitative measures of connectivity.

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Keywords = connectivity

The Evaluation of Urban Development Plans Based on Interconnectedness and Connectivity Principle using AHP Model Case Study: Imam Ali Square Revitalization Plan in Isfahan

Abstract

Reorganizing Circulation System in Urban Neighborhoods Fabric with analyzing street connectivity based on New Urbanism movement with Space Syntax technique (Case Study: Kashmar)

Abstract