Motaleate Shahri

Urban Design

Effective criteria on the formation of women’s image from favorable urban space (Case study: Tehran City)

Azin Hajiahmadi Hamedani; h m; l j

Volume 7, Issue 28 , November 2018, , Pages 3-16

https://doi.org/10.34785/J011.2018.012

Abstract

Evaluation of every environment’s image is not just the result of impressions made by its external attributes on the mind of the observer. It is, however, created by the imagination of the observer. A city is lodged by a wide variety of people whose evaluation of the images they form in their mind ... Read More Evaluation of every environment’s image is not just the result of impressions made by its external attributes on the mind of the observer. It is, however, created by the imagination of the observer. A city is lodged by a wide variety of people whose evaluation of the images they form in their mind is critical. The desirability of urban environments for various social strata, especially for women, depends on the relationship between human beings and the environment as well as their priorities and preferences. The distinctive characteristics of women in terms of feelings, sensation and evaluation of the environment should not be preferred over one anonther. To achieve a realistic and true viewpoint, it is impossible to ignore the interests and preferences of the citizens in relation to their living place. Since the relationship between an individual and their surrounding environment is formed in various levels such as the individual (e.g. feeling, perception, values, mental experiences, etc.) and social level (e.g. various social groups or the ones which are similar in terms of age and sex), it is better to examine the characteristics of various groups and social strata on the same level. The interpretations and mental images and meanings formed by women are unique depending on their values, priorities and experiences. There are some factors affecting the recognition of pleasantness attributes in urban space in women’s view, inducing what attracts women’s attention in the environments, how they are memorized, their mental image and their evaluation of the percieved space and the environmental preferences in selecting a desirable location. This article examines the factors affecting women mental image in order to allow the creation of a favorable environment from the perspective of this social group. It evaluates the preferences of their space. What is important is to identify and assess the main criteria for women in determining the optimum location with respect to the meaning derived from evaluated images. The aim of this research was to improve desirability of the environment from the perspective of women as well as their right to choose and evaluate the image of public spaces of Tehran. The research method is based on the techniques developed by Jack L. Nasar. In Nasar’s study, a phenomenological hermeneutic approach is used to describe the connotations and emotions image representation of women in the experience of urban spaces desirable / undesirable and nature of development of the city of Tehran. For this purpose, 15 in-depth interviews were conducted through purposive sampling. Interviews were recorded and the obtained data was written in the form of tables. Repeatability analysis was performed on the data. The results indicate that the optimal site selected through women’s mental image of highly desirable locations is associated with the concepts of freedom, justice, place dignity, socio-cultural prestige, historical identity, beauty, being stylish and full of details, quiet and cozy, vast but with privacy, green, happy mood and health.

Urban Design

Assessing Visual-Spatial Perception of the Imam Hussein Square

A M; n n

Volume 3, Issue 11 , August 2014, , Pages 75-84

Abstract

Taking into consideration the aesthetic aspect of a physical environment is to deal with the sense of sight which leads to a cognitive-perceptual link of urban spaces for users of space. In analyzing the environmental aspects of visual themes, factors affecting perception of space, mechanisms of ... Read More Taking into consideration the aesthetic aspect of a physical environment is to deal with the sense of sight which leads to a cognitive-perceptual link of urban spaces for users of space. In analyzing the environmental aspects of visual themes, factors affecting perception of space, mechanisms of the visual system, social and environmental characteristics play a significant role. Thus, this article analyses the visual quality of the newly designed “Imam Hussein Square” and its effect on observers' perceptions, based on parameters that simultaneously monitor both visual and perceptual aspects as a coherent goal. In fact, the strategic role and location of Imam Hussein Square, which was built for the purpose of holding religious, cultural and folkloric ceremonies, calls for providing a well decorated and equipped space for users and so must have capacity of relating to space and users of space in a desirable manner. Thus, the main question of this paper is whether the design of this new cultural-folkloric plaza has established a good relationship with the citizens of the area and is in accordance with the visual and cognitive capacity of its users both in terms of physical space and visually. It further seeks to ask whether its visual-aesthetic components affect users’ cognitive image. Given the nature of the research, the Square was qualitatively surveyed by concepts of “visual perception theories, on the bases of elements of visual organization and the four features of perception". Thus, the authors surveyed the visual quality of Imam Hussein Square based on qualitative method to obtain the assessment goals and data was gathered through observations and interviews. Observation was carried out in the Square at randomly selected times (ordinary days or special events) over a period of 5 months and the visual information gathered was based on elements of visual organization (spatial, structural, regulation) such as sketch, elevation, detailed or panoramic images. In-depth semi-structural interviews based on four perceptual aspects (cognition, emotion, interpretation and evaluation) was undertaken with 24 citizen users of the Imam Hussein Square until saturation point (repeated data) was reached. In conclusion, the researchers found that the most significant incapability of the square`s design is that it is incapable of preparing meaningful communication between its additional elements and context and on another level, between people and the physical environment despite having a pre-determined scheme, special character, and accepted visual characteristics. This fact impacts spatial visual perceptions and results in misunderstanding of space. Therefore, the interactions between the visual and perception features affect other aspects of newly designed squares, such as presence and participation in events. Indeed, the quality of an urban place can be improved by improving its visual quality and positive impact on citizens' perceptions and understanding of an urban space. In other words, because the act of envisioning means receiving meaningful organized elements, the most important duty of an urban designer at that location (The Imam Hussein Square) is coordinating an appropriate relationship between visual and perceptual factors and creating a meaningful place for people according to context.

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Keywords = Environmental perception

Effective criteria on the formation of women’s image from favorable urban space (Case study: Tehran City)

Abstract

Assessing Visual-Spatial Perception of the Imam Hussein Square

Abstract