Urban Design
Soran Mansournia; Fariba Gharaei; Bakhtiar Bahrami
Volume 5, Issue 18 , May 2016, , Pages 77-90
Abstract
The primary audience of an urban space is its users; urban spaces are given meaning and can be considered a place by people. Therefore, success of every urban space is related to its responsiveness to users' behavior, user demand and the compatibility of the ‘Environment’ with the ‘Behavior’ ...
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The primary audience of an urban space is its users; urban spaces are given meaning and can be considered a place by people. Therefore, success of every urban space is related to its responsiveness to users' behavior, user demand and the compatibility of the ‘Environment’ with the ‘Behavior’ which lead to friendly urban spaces, maintain its number of users and encourage their presence in that urban space. Thus, a survey of the users of an urban space can be considered a valuable source in planning, management and designing of urban spaces. In order to analyse a public space’s responsiveness, it is considered a useful source to concentrate on user’s behavior which is a first step in this process of Behavior mapping. Behavior mapping utilizes a variety of behavior mapping types in different seasons, different months, different days and different hours of the day so as to obtain a clear vision of the current situation of urban spaces, diverse uses of urban space and measure the coordination of layout (Environment) and content (Behavior). Zrêbar lake Waterfront ambiance, which has a virgin nature, is the most remarkable recreational urban space for the inhabitants in Marivan. Furthermore, it is one of the most attractive destinations in Kurdistan Province for holidaymakers. In this article, behavior mapping was carried out in 36 days, in three seasons of 2015 (Spring, Summer and Autumn) and on all the days of the week in the aforementioned environment. This article briefly reviews the theories and methods of experts in environmental psychology and behavior mapping and categorizes these methods by taking the available facilities into account. Finally, consistent with existing conditions, various types of behavior mapping was applied including Stationary Behavior Mapping, Tracking, Tracing and Territorialization. Therefore, this research stems from fieldwork with a cross-sectional approach that was undertaken to measure responsiveness of the mention environment regarding activities and behaviors that occurred. Evaluation method used consisted of direct observation and presence in the environment. The data and quantitative indicators were analyzed by SPSS and the spatial data was analyzed by GIS. The results obviously indicate that users of Zrêbar lake waterfront are not satisfied with the current situation. Shortage of quality seating and sitting areas, the lack of time spent in the environment by users and also a lack of suitable conditions to support interesting activities and behaviors, ignoring needs of different ages in design (especially children and teenager age groups), lack of opportunity for users to touch the water and do water fights are examples of users dissatisfaction of the present condition and demonstrates that the current situation does not address users’ needs properly.
Urban Design
Hadi Pendar; kamran ZEKAVAT
Volume 5, Issue 17 , February 2016, , Pages 15-28
Abstract
Residential areas are constantly changing. Some of these changes occur in an environment’s evolutionary process over time. Urban design pays particular attention to the process of structural transformation in the residential environments for improving the quality of life; environments that have ...
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Residential areas are constantly changing. Some of these changes occur in an environment’s evolutionary process over time. Urban design pays particular attention to the process of structural transformation in the residential environments for improving the quality of life; environments that have experienced various paces of physical change in the periods of transformation. Therefore, for evaluating environmental qualities, it is necessary to obtain the residents’ assessments of the incongruence and consecutive cycles of buildings construction at different paces. In recent decades, many neighborhoods in Tehran have had substantial physical changes as a result of increasing pace of urban development.
The main question of this research is how people experience the impact of physical changes at different paces and what those criteria are. Other questions examinethe relationship between affective-evaluative narration of residents and adaptation to new condition in low to high rate of changes and the indicators that influence satisfaction of experience of different paces of physical changes in the residential environment. Therefore, understanding cycles of construction at different paces leads to assessing the quality of residential environments using residents’ points of view. The purpose of this theoretical framework is understanding the process of experience and evaluating original inhabitants’ satisfaction rating of the pace of physical changes .
Lack of appropriate theoretical framework for understanding the process of evaluating residents' affective appraisal of physical changes in morphological analysis and quantitation of satisfaction to its inefficiency can be considered as relevant theoretical gaps.
This qualitative study was undertaken as a case study research method and accompanied with morphological methods, semi-structured questionnaire and deep interviews for data gathering.
Based on surveys of residents and comparing its results with morphological studies, three groups of alleys that have had low, medium and high pace of physical changes, as units for the field study were selected. 38 original residents of Niavaran were selected for in depth interviews by a purposive sampling of six streets. Age of mental reconstruction was determined as 20 years.
In depth interview questionnaires based on qualitative questions was carried out for data gathering. Analysis of data was performed using phenomenological method. After deploying interviews by theoretical coding method, comparing codes and recognition of the differences and similarities between them, main issues were extracted.
The results shows that while the pace and intensity of change is controlled and context values are stable, the residents have shown sympathy to context identities and nostalgia that is gradually forming in frameworks reference. However, the residents’ sensitivity to high pace and intensity of change gradually reduced. Amongst the residents that have experienced the different intensities of physical change, meaningful observations were made in terms of sensitivity toward the primary shape of living space. It seems residents’ experience of changes at different intensities is influenced by a series of conditions and fields. Highlighting the importance of physical space in understanding and interpreting residents’ experiences of high paced change, causes the physical to convert into a criterion for determining the type and intensity of change.
The theoretical framework for understanding the physical changes creates an opportunity for urban planners and urban designers to write physical policies based on residents’ points of view of process of physical changes from low to high pace.
Because of the qualitative nature of the evaluation which obtains data regarding residents’ experience in different environments , it can be a good basis for meta-analysis studies and can achieve a theoretical framework responsive to the conditions of similar environments in Tehran metropolis.
Urban Design
Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, , Pages 29-38
Abstract
Safety is one of the most fundamental human needs and is a prerequisite for improvement of people’s welfare and health. In Maslow’s pyramid having safety is placed at the second step meaning that after physiological needs, safety is the most important need of human being that ...
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Safety is one of the most fundamental human needs and is a prerequisite for improvement of people’s welfare and health. In Maslow’s pyramid having safety is placed at the second step meaning that after physiological needs, safety is the most important need of human being that causes higher needs to be achieved and on the other hand enables people to attend public spaces. People cannot show up in an urban space without the sense of safety and therefor some dissonance will emerge when a space is vacant of people. The lack of safety is a remarkable reason that makes our public spaces unsuccessful. Thus, safety is essential for social life in public spaces. There are different methods to make a space safe for people but the most important of them are the dispositional approach and positional approach. CPTED is a positional approach effective in increasing safety in a space and aims to prevent the occurrence of crime. This method relies upon the ability to influence offender decisions that precede criminal act by designing the space in an effective way. Urban designers and planners can enhance the qualities of social life through appropriate environmental design suggested by CPTED. Akhoond district in Qazvin is an important district because of its history dating back to the Safavid period and even now many people still live there. Therefore, it is very important to investigate this district in terms ofsecurity. The center of Akhoond district is one of the most traditional spaces in Qazvin city and had been a good place for residents of adjacent districts to communicate with each other in past decades. However, currently the majority of its residents believe that insecurity and social disorders are the most serious difficulties of the district which have resulted in an unpleasant sense of place and loss of its social identity. The center of this district was redesigned in 2008 with the purpose of revival and animation[H1] of place, but security levels are still perilous. This paper first explains the concept of safe urban space and then introduces CPTED and its principals, theorists and studies. This is followed by an analysis of cases designed by CPTED principals. Finally, the case study of this paper,_center of Akhoond district, _ is evaluated according to CPTED strategies through a comparative-descriptive method by observing the space and social behaviours and subsequently some solutions are proposed. Research findings show that in designing the mentioned space the matter of safety has not been considered and consequently led to a high number of criminal acts. Hidden corners, inappropriate activities in and around the space and shortage of efficient surveillance are observed. Therefore, the proposed solution omits the spaces that allow criminals to commit crimes in that district. This way people will live in a safe environment and can use the space without fear.
Urban Design
golrokh kopaie
Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, , Pages 39-50
Abstract
In the increasing development of cities, despite the existence of extensive facilities for children in the present times, no special attention is paid to the effects of the environment on children's creativity. Given the fact that children can go to the playgrounds in city parks independently from age ...
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In the increasing development of cities, despite the existence of extensive facilities for children in the present times, no special attention is paid to the effects of the environment on children's creativity. Given the fact that children can go to the playgrounds in city parks independently from age 6 and receive the greatest influence from the environment at this time it is necessary to pay more attention to playgrounds for children to improve their creativity. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to carry out an extensive evaluation of the effect of physical components of playgrounds on creativity development in Iranian children aged 6 to 12 years in urban parks. On this basis, two hypotheses are proposed: firstly, the physical features of the playgrounds including physical diversity, physical flexibility, and vitality in city parks are effective in increasing creativity of children and secondly, there are differences among the levels of effect of physical indices of the environment on dimensions of children’s creativity including Originality, Flexibility of thought, Elaboration and Fluency in city parks. In this research, descriptive and analytical methods were used simultaneously. In the literature review of previous studies and theories, the descriptive method was used to achieve recognition of relationships and correlations and for the relationships between variables and indices, analytical methods were employed. The required data from the population sample was collected with the help of survey methods and through closed questionnaires -researcher-made answers- and after classification correlation between the effective variables in this study were obtained by using SPSS and factor analysis. These factors included flexible thinking, diversity of materials, elements of sign, the presence of natural elements, physical flexibility, elaboration, originality and diversity of visual detail. Then, a research model was developed based on relationships between variables with path analysis and help of Smart PLS software program. Finally, to ensure the validity of the results, an image based questionnaire was used and at the same time the children’s behaviour during play was studied . The results show a significant relationship between environmental factors and creativity, each physical factor has different direct and indirect effects on the dimensions of creativity. Factor of diversity (including variety indices in visual components, sign-making and material variety) highly affected most of the factors as well as children’s creativity. Thefactor of vitality caused by presence of natural elements as a mediating factor is affected by the factor of diversity and it has the highest direct effect on creativity factors including innovation and thought flexibility.Flexibility factor elements as a mediating factor is affected by the factor of diversity and has direct effect on thought flexibility. It should be noted that the factor of marking index elements in playgrounds compared to other factors has less effect on creativity development during play. Finally, according to the conducted study, some recommendations and solutions are proposed in the fields of urban planning and landscape design to improve children’s creativity in playgrounds of city parks.
Urban Design
Ameneh Nasr abadi; Mohammad Reza Pourjafar; Ali Akbar Taghvaei
Volume 5, Issue 17 , February 2016, , Pages 41-54
Abstract
Geometrical shape of Chaharbagh axis –one of the main historical axes in Isfahan, Iran, belonging to the Safavid era- has seen much evolution and development over time. Furthermore, it has experienced historical changes consistently over the different periods .The basic structure of Chaharbagh ...
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Geometrical shape of Chaharbagh axis –one of the main historical axes in Isfahan, Iran, belonging to the Safavid era- has seen much evolution and development over time. Furthermore, it has experienced historical changes consistently over the different periods .The basic structure of Chaharbagh Street, the masterpiece of urban design in Isfahan, dating back to the Safavid era, is based on patterns and geometric shapes and forms the main subject of this paper. Studies show that the main focus of Iranian architecture and urbanism is based on aesthetic perspective and Iranians have always placed a great deal of importance on beauty and aesthetics of space and have considered science of geometry as a powerful tool to achieve create balance, harmony, beauty and order in space. Architecture of the Islamic period with their hidden geometry inspired the viewer's eyes to be illuminated with the beauty of existence. In fact, numbers, proportions and patterns were used and connected, the to create the beauty. In addition to the geometric patterns and their related numbers, Islamic architecture applied sacred meanings to the system which played a symbolic role which people comprehended. It seems that, in this case, geometry was used as the way to create level, volume and sacred symbols. Thus, in designing the shapes and forms, Iranian architecture communicates between proportions based on abstract and supernatural principles. Forms expressed with symbolic language is named holy geometry and have remained over time. In the traditional world, geometry is inseparable from the rest of the pythagorean sciences such as arithmetic, music and astronomy. Architecture that was closely linked with geometry was often of holy and important places to manifest of truth.Thus, in the Safavid era, people created a heavenly place through architecture for themselves which paid attention to the beauty and holiness of a place.Iranians were trying to apply proportion in the dimensions of the buildings to reflect the cosmic relations which were included in the golden ratio. Indeed, using the geometric in design as an art form to create shapes, patterns and proportions, reminds us of the importance ofarchitecture in the world.Therefore, in this study the use of geometric measures and seeking transfer sizes (modules) are an important basis for creating aesthetic beauty in the Chaharbagh axis. The method used in this research is descriptive analysis based on the historical literature, books, and maps, extracted forms and geometric proportions of Chaharbagh in the Safavid period. Then, formation of the Chaharbagh was elicited by using the aesthetic value of geometric design. The result of the analysis in this paper indicates that Chaharbagh of the Safavid era communicated comprehensively the material and the spiritual and geometric proportions merge forms to comply with a sense of value Proportions had established a coordinated structure, between the components and totality and show the extreme usage of geometric role in the beautiful Persian architecture.
Urban Design
Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, , Pages 77-91
Abstract
Security is a basic and fundamental human need rights. In other words, security is the essence of survival and the basis of the collective life and the establishment of small communities and cities. It is so significant that Islam clearly stressed its importance. In addition, security has two important ...
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Security is a basic and fundamental human need rights. In other words, security is the essence of survival and the basis of the collective life and the establishment of small communities and cities. It is so significant that Islam clearly stressed its importance. In addition, security has two important aspects which are the objective and subjective (the feeling and perception of security) aspects. One of the factors affecting the feeling and perception of safety and security is the personal and individual characteristics. Based on this issue, women (who are among the most vulnerable groups) were chosen as the target group of this research. As urban areas are the bed and place of the city interactions, they should be able to provide the safety and security of the users. If one area is unsafe or unsecure, people do not spend much of their time in that area and this causes the loss of liveliness and turns that area into a dead and inactive one. Women inability in using the urban areas only because such areas are insecure is somewhat against the principles of social justice due to which being able to use the urban areas with safety and security is one of the basic rights of the citizens. Obviously, the first step for making urban spaces secure and safe is recognizing the contributing factors on fear of crime. A noticeable proportion of these factors is related to the environmental attributes on the grounds that some physical characteristics may make the space ready and suitable for criminal acts and encourage the offenders for offences. In regards the effect of the environment specifications on people’s behavior, feeling and perception, in this study, finding the environmental effective specifications on women’s feeling and perception of safety and security is investigated. In fact, this research aims to obtain the answer to the question of what qualified urban space specifications lead to a sense of security and safety by women. First, existing literature of the research topic and the related hypotheses was studied and then the conceptual framework of the research (environmental effective specifications on women’s feeling and perception of security) was developed. Thereafter, the mentioned framework in the area of Makhsus and Salamat neighborhoods (as the case study area of this research) was experimented on. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods were applied through such techniques as field surveys, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and questionnaires. In addition, different statistical methods were applied in order to analyze the data The findings of the research illustrate an obvious relationship between the form, activity and meaning of environment with women’s feeling and perception of security in urban areas. In other words, the confusion and chaos in each one of these 3 parameters can cause a level of anxiety, stress or fear in women.
Urban Design
Nima Ostovar; Mostafa behzadfar; bahador zamani; mahmood ghale noee
Volume 4, Issue 16 , November 2015, , Pages 39-54
Abstract
By design, some features of physical spaces can affect people’s image of time. Reviewing the literature shows a correlation between physical dimension of space and users’ time image; a number of place variables, affecting the duration estimation of time that also causes some environmental ...
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By design, some features of physical spaces can affect people’s image of time. Reviewing the literature shows a correlation between physical dimension of space and users’ time image; a number of place variables, affecting the duration estimation of time that also causes some environmental norms affecting the sense of place. Although, in urban design studies psychological and perceptional aspects of time image is neglected and there is no codified framework to study that, the present study aims to investigate the role of environmental elements in building and supporting the image of time. To achieve this aim, based on reviewing the related literature, a theoretical framework defined that includes some main variables: Time-quantitative variables, dynamic-time features, non-temporal variables, and normative variables. To approach a practical structure in study, "Naghsh-e-Jahan Square" as a case was studied using a mixed research method including storytelling for data collection and AHP for quantitative analysis. In one hand, a “semi-structure interview” technique employed that the analysis of interviews indicated a structure of temporal concepts in people's description of their daily life in "Naghsh-e-Jahan Square". On the other hand, quantifying norms and environmental elements (according to non-temporal variables) was conducted. AHP technique was used to compare the quantified environmental norms, with the impact level of environmental elements that concluded from Fuzzy questionnaires. The result indicates that square manifests different qualitative concepts in different times. Each one of these concepts are along with evidences as dynamic-time features and also quantitative & qualitative factors.
Urban Design
salman vahdat
Volume 4, Issue 15 , August 2015, , Pages 17-36
Abstract
Cities landscapes are exposed to observer judgments. However, the important thing point the public perception and reading of urban landscapes by urban space users. Since there is a variety of comments and opinions regarding city issues and the urban landscape and its priorities, and decision making ...
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Cities landscapes are exposed to observer judgments. However, the important thing point the public perception and reading of urban landscapes by urban space users. Since there is a variety of comments and opinions regarding city issues and the urban landscape and its priorities, and decision making should converge in order to cover all aspects of priorities, in this study an attempt has been made to explain the effective dimensions and factors of reading street landscapes. Furthermore, priorities of each of the sites were studied from the perspective of citizens in order to improve the quality of urban spaces in Hamadan. A qualitative research methodology was used; in terms of the study objectives applied research was used and in terms of the techniques employed, field observations and library study was usedto develop a conceptual model associated with reading the elements and aspects in terms of urban spaces. Finally, to examine and analyze the conceptual framework, expert questionnaires using the software Super Decision and the Network Analysis Process Model was analysed to give suitable answers to the following questions of the study: 1- What are the dimensions and components of reading street landscapes? 2- How do priority indicators and criteria affect the landscape of urban streets components according to experts? 3- According to what order are priorities and central streets of Hamedan organized based on parameters mentioned by? Based on the research, reading components of street landscapes can be both objective and subjective and three dimensions are presented: aesthetic (objective - subjective), semantic (perception, functional) and activity. In addition, 59 indicators were classified. Prioritizing landscape reading components in of Hamedan city streets based on citizens' viewpoints are shown below Bu-Ali Sina Street is first and has a weighting of (0.246) for quality readings of street landscape view and Shohada Street is last with a weight of (0.099). In this regard and in order to improve the urban landscape loci recommendations, such as improving street visual order, organization of walls and ancient buildings, paving the way for the presence of street art and graphics, defining and developing signs physically and semantically which isdesirable for promoting citizens’ reading of the spaces provided, can be studied. Based on the analysis and findings of the research, design and urban landscape management officials need to act in such a way as to maintain the initial values of urban design issues when making changes and new developments. Changes and new developments in urban spaces should be based on the social values and culture of the society and the target audience’s perspectives (citizens) to promote the values of leadership and guide the quality and quantity of space.
Urban Design
neda khaziri afravi
Volume 4, Issue 15 , August 2015, , Pages 69-82
Abstract
Security is one of the factors improving the quality of urban spaces. Desirable and functional design of constructed space leads to reduction of crime and increase of urban space quality. A secure urban space encourages appropriate activities and limits inappropriate activities; hence, these urban spaces ...
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Security is one of the factors improving the quality of urban spaces. Desirable and functional design of constructed space leads to reduction of crime and increase of urban space quality. A secure urban space encourages appropriate activities and limits inappropriate activities; hence, these urban spaces as well as their type will affect the rate of occurrence of crime and violence in the city. By increasing the presence and supervision of citizens, the level of social interaction in urban spaces increases and security would therefore be added to the environment as well. One of the main aims of creating security is promotion of quality in the field of urban spaces. Desirable and functional design of constructed spaces leads to an increase in the number of citizens present which results in a fall in crime rates and a rise in sidewalk quality. An urban physical structure aimed at creating interaction between humans and the environment is the latest approach for dealing with reduction of urban crimes in the form of physical and social dimensions. The impact of this approach is more evident in the formation of the framework and thus social functions and trends. The purpose of this study is the improvement of urban sidewalk quality in order to increase environmental security. Investigation of pedestrian security with a physical approach to the environment as well as the use of sidewalks by citizens is essential and necessary. In this regard, Golestan Boulevard in the city of Ahvaz, despite regional and trans-regional performance levels, suffers from lack of interaction and consequently lack of quality and security. Therefore, it is important to increase the presence of people in the urban flow of the city .The research method employed in this study is descriptive- correlation which has been extracted using a theoretical framework. Thus, after the division of space into three sequences and in accordance with the space criteria of each sequence described, the data matrix was drawn. After physical and functional analysis based on existing urban flows, the presence of people in this area was measured. For quantifying the amount of presence in the spaces, LOS or level of service was used. Accordingly, after collecting information regarding the presence of car users and pedestrians in the area by encoding the information, the amount of time spent in the urban space based on function and subsequent supervision by car users and pedestrians within the framework and micro and macro functions, was analyzed. Data collection was undertaken via interviews and field observations. The results of the compiled information based on the effects of one component of space (flow) on the other components (physical and functional), was reviewed which showed that the greater presence of people would improve urban space quality. Finally, factors increasing space security are presented.
Urban Design
Mina Kashani Hamedani
Volume 4, Issue 14 , May 2015, , Pages 19-30
Abstract
Urban space is the context in which the activities and different perception of users take place; but various users such as different age groups have dissimilar perceptions of environment. It seems that the built environment and particularly urban space as the product of work of urban planners, urban ...
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Urban space is the context in which the activities and different perception of users take place; but various users such as different age groups have dissimilar perceptions of environment. It seems that the built environment and particularly urban space as the product of work of urban planners, urban designers and architects, does not necessarily consider the real variety of users and through this fact, aesthetic aspect of urban environment does not fulfill their needs fairly. Overlapping of the two domains of environmental psychology and urban aesthetics on the one hand and the diverse psychological characteristics in different age groups on the other hand confirm the necessity of this research. The need for studying urban aesthetics is re-affirmed also from a statistical point of view. In 2010 demographics, out of seven billion of the world’s population, approximately 1.2 billion were children between the ages of 5 and 14. This figure is approximately 17.4 percent of the total world population or one-fifth. The same statistics is shown in Iran where there were roughly 11 million children (5-14 age range) from the total population of 74 million in 2010 which is approximately 15 percent and or one-sixth of the total population. These official statistics are demonstrate the importance children in different fields generally and especially in urban design and urban aesthetic. Studying urban aesthetics from the viewpoint of particular users of urban space like children with different psychological characteristics leads to an introduction to urban aesthetics which is trying to find the answer to the research question. The objective is to identify the aesthetic preferences of children in their surrounding environment, especially in urban spaces. However, there were some limits in this study; the most important limiting factor was the lack of detailed information regarding the social and cultural environment of the statistical sample which could explain differences in children’s points of views. Thus, examining urban spaces from an aesthetic perspective is important because their users have different aesthetic perceptions and urban spaces are not necessarily responsive for all kinds of users. This research answers the following questions: which environmental aesthetic preferences can be recognized in different groups of children and adults, and what are the priorities of related variables in different groups. There are two major approaches to the study of aesthetics, empirical and philosophical. This research is based on the empirical approach according to the importance of visual aspects in urban design. This research has studied the signification of three groups conforming to Santayana’s classification of environmental aesthetics which consists of three categories of emotional, formal and symbolic. The research is applied and descriptive-analytic. Data was collected from library study based on documentary research as well as field observations and children’s drawings. Based on Cochran's C test, 750 effective questionnaires were dispensed in Isfahan city which is the figure for the statistical population. The results were analyzed by Likert-Scale and SPSS software. The findings indicate certain differences exist between the various age groups in their preferences of aesthetic priority and in the importance of formal variables from the viewpoint of children. Of the three mentioned categories of environmental aesthetics, the formal category was most frequently preferred by children.
Urban Design
. .
Volume 4, Issue 14 , May 2015, , Pages 47-60
Abstract
The main objectives of urban designers is the creation of responsible urban space for all social groups by understanding the qualities and spatial needs in the city to operate in such a way as to promote environmental quality and create a suitable base for urban life. The basic function of the city lies ...
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The main objectives of urban designers is the creation of responsible urban space for all social groups by understanding the qualities and spatial needs in the city to operate in such a way as to promote environmental quality and create a suitable base for urban life. The basic function of the city lies in the abundance of community activities and public areas of the city, a place to display the different social lives of individuals and social groups, including women. Urban space does not only have a physical dimension but also social and symbolic aspects that are particularly relevant to the social construction of gender relations. Public space is where gender roles are carved, codified and fractured. Inevitably, gender causes differences. These differences appear in the needs, activities and subsequent behavior. Furthermore, any behavior needs its physical setting. Thus, creating the appropriate urban spaces that could be responsive to the needs of women and the relationship between the environment and their activities will affect conditions and rate of use of available urban spaces. This article describes how to design urban spaces with the aim of promoting women's needs in daily life and adresses their interests and experiences in the public domain. Since women’s major place of presence and activity has traditionally been in or near the home, neighborhood open space is chosen as a relevant case study. First, a literature review was conducted concerning gender and urban space, women’s activities and behavioral patterns approach, and on the basis of this theoretical framework, the research hypotheses are developed. The research emphasizes on socio-cultural and behavioral factors. The specific goal of this research was to identify criteria that affect the factors affecting women’s activities in urban spaces. For this purpose, the criteria that were extracted from the studies including physical conditions, safety and security, activity time and location, accessability, sociability and population absorption were tested. Finally, behaviors and activities in urban place were analyzed by examining women's experience of public spaces. Both descriptive and analytical research methods were used in this research along with index technique for studying the criteria. The research methodology included a review of the principles and experiences, conceptualization, extraction of the criteria that were applied in the form of a questionnaire (Likert scale) to determine the sample size and statistically analyze a neighborhood called Poonak District (20 m Golestan Street), Tehran, Iran in 2009. The sample population consisted of 90 middle-class women over 18 years of age. Finally, the recommended strategies in urban design are outlined. Thr results indicate that an increase in safety and security, time of activity, and sociability in urban areas lead to an increase in women’s activities. Furthermore, recommendations were provided for addressing changes to research and practice in order to better reflect and accommodate diverse experiences of public space.
Urban Design
mozaffar abbaszadeh; Asghar mohammad Moradi; elnaz soltanahmadi
Volume 4, Issue 14 , May 2015, , Pages 77-90
Abstract
Historical, cultural and tourism potentials especially in the central and historical urban areas as centers of attraction, the ability and possibility of dynamism and vitality of the urban fabrics could possibly attract tourists in the form of "cultural tourism". In this context, policy makers should ...
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Historical, cultural and tourism potentials especially in the central and historical urban areas as centers of attraction, the ability and possibility of dynamism and vitality of the urban fabrics could possibly attract tourists in the form of "cultural tourism". In this context, policy makers should note that regardless of economic profitability and touristic aspect of cultural heritage, it could be the basis of research and educational activities free from advertising, economic and service-oriented point of views. In this situation, tourism can be an important factor for the conservation of cultural heritage that stimulates the revival of local values and cultural patterns that are in the process of being destroyed.
Urmia, as a historic city, has undergone many changes in structure and fabric during different periods of history which has had an effect on urban space. Some of the elements that have had an important role in the evolution of the city should be valued as objects of historical and cultural identity of the city which must be protected against current urban development plans and the results of modernism; more attention must be paid to maintaining the flow of life and prevent their physical and functional degradation. Therefore, this study tries to address the role of cultural tourism in depicting the urban and architectural heritage values and investigates the type of values that must be evaluated and maintained to develop cultural tourism. In addition, this study attempts to determine the appropriate scope and limitation of cultural tourism in Urmia. In this regard, using descriptive method and library study, the issues and concepts related to cultural heritage tourism and the necessity of paying attention to its values are examined. After exploring the different viewpoints in the field of cultural heritage, different values including emotional, cultural-historical, scientific, practical, architectural and urban heritage values are explained. Hence, a specialized team of elite experts and those involved in the field of cultural heritage and tourism was formed to assign numerical values to some heritage sites within the city of Urmia by using the analytical network process (ANP). The inconsistency rate of 0.05 indicates acceptable consistency and accuracy of calculations and the results of prioritization given by the model. Results indicate that the priority values in the three main elements of the structure of Urmia city including Jame-mosque, the historic Bazaar, and Eyalat Square are, in the order mentioned, emotional, cultural-historical, scientific and practical values which also define the limit and axis of cultural tourism. Thus, depicting the values and paying attention to them can be the basis for decisions related to the field of tourism and cultural heritage. Moreover, by prioritizing intervention in cultural tourism projects based on architectural heritage and urban location recognition capabilities, one can make a significant impact on the preservation and restoration of the historical identity of the city. This research has attempted to explain the importance of identifying urban and architecture heritage values. A new categorization of values are provided based on the needs of tourists, service-provider society, the heritage site, prioritization of values proportionate to the hierarchy of values perceived by the tourist, which should be illustrated by the provider society, and a recognition of architectural and urban capabilities. Furthermore, the relationship between the three variables of tourist, the provider society, and heritage sites are presented. It was determined that prioritization and application of present values in heritage sites within cities can have a very effective role in determining the place and boundaries of cultural tourism and conservation of urban and architectural heritage sites.
Urban Design
m f; f m; m r; m a
Volume 4, Issue 13 , February 2015, , Pages 5-16
Abstract
Apart from providing homes for native wildlife, parks have many values. The last few decades of the 20th century have seen a rapid change in approaches towards nature in the urban environment, which reflects more familiarity with nature amongst the general public and landscape professionals. Benefits ...
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Apart from providing homes for native wildlife, parks have many values. The last few decades of the 20th century have seen a rapid change in approaches towards nature in the urban environment, which reflects more familiarity with nature amongst the general public and landscape professionals. Benefits and values of contact with nature have been investigated by environmental psychologists. It can be said that such contact is necessary for human health and existence of natural and open spaces have many psychological and aesthetic benefits. Evidence regarding the influence of nature on the health and well-being of individuals and communities has emerged from a number of traditional disciplines such as psychology and in recent fields of research like recreation and leisure. Although much emphasis has been put on urban nature from different perspectives and on preferences of urban natural areas in comparison to built-up areas, studies focusing on perception and preferences of different forms of nature are rather scarce. For increasing use of urban green spaces, it is better that these spaces be designed based on the public’s preferences and needs. There is proof which show that some people do not respond to natural landscapes in urban areas, and view them as messy, worthless or even frightening, and prefer formal and designed landscapes. This research paper examines public attitudes towards urban naturalistic in contrast to designed landscapes. Public opinions was evaluated using site-based questionnaire and random sampling in natural and designed spaces (Lale and Daneshjoo Parks, respectively) and these two methods were then compared. The survey sites should be in the same area and approximately similar in size in order to eliminate possible effect of population differences, distance, and size on perceptions and preferences. Following site selection, a questionnaire was designed to measure public perception and preferences of contrasting landscapes. The questionnaires were conducted on a face-to-face basis with 200 park users (100 per site) at the survey sites. In the next stage, researchers asked them to classify 16 photos of different parks with varied landscape characteristics into 5 groups (very elegant, beautiful, simple, ugly, very ugly). Results demonstrated that the study population did not have a clear understanding of natural and organic design patterns, prefered regular and plaid patterns for urban green spaces and derived more benefits and values from them. Laleh and Daneshjoo Park were appraised as more attractive and safer, respectively. It can be concluded that peace and quiet, safety, nature observation, experiencing seasonal changes and social interactions are rated higher in designed parks (Daneshjoo) and other factors such as contact with nature and being beneficial for wildlife are superior in natural parks (Laleh). Furthermore, natural parks are more effective in creating excitement and sense of freedom in users. On the other hand, designed parks (Daneshjoo) are more calming and have more positive effect such as relief from stress and sense of renewal. Recognizing public perception of landscape design styles and paying attention to their preferences and needs in green spaces can help landscape designers in designing such places and enhancing their use.
Urban Design
a l; b z
Volume 4, Issue 13 , February 2015, , Pages 43-56
Abstract
City and Urban Environments in addition to visual effects have other significant features that can stimulate the senses, excite feelings and form memories. In the past, qualities from sensory stimulants like the smell of fresh bread, spices and aromas, the sound of wagon wheels and rataplan of horses’ ...
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City and Urban Environments in addition to visual effects have other significant features that can stimulate the senses, excite feelings and form memories. In the past, qualities from sensory stimulants like the smell of fresh bread, spices and aromas, the sound of wagon wheels and rataplan of horses’ hooves, coppersmith’s hammer tapping in historic neighborhoods and bazaars enlivened the spirits of urban spaces. This sensescape is extinct nowadays in the lifeless body of modern cities affected by the smell of smoke, the sound of cars and blighted urban modernity. Because of the predominance of vision in the process of perception, perceptions caused by other sensory stimuli including sounds, smells, tastes, touch and time are often underestimated by designers and planners nowadays despite their important role in improving urban spaces and creating memorable spaces. One way of improving the quality of urban spaces is increasing the sensory richness of the designed environment by making use of all the senses in order to create attraction and increase inclusion. Furthermore, this will create possibilities of activities for all levels of social strata, age, sex, and people with disabilities in perception and senses, such as the blind, the deaf and the disabled. This paper presents a theoretical concept of the ensescape approach in addition to considering its application in improving the quality of the urban environment. This research is case study based and was carried out using correlation strategy. Aligholiagha spine has long been one of the most historic and active community centers of Isfahan because of its material elements like the market, mosque and baths, lively and dynamic environment, and relative responsiveness to the needs and senses of different residents. However, today it is to some extent losing these qualities. The methods used in this study are a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. In this paper, the criteria for improving quality of local spine was extracted at four levels using the sensescape approach. The questionnaire was designed based on the four-level criteria (indicators) and adjusted according to the 7-range Likert scale. The quality of the components were also evaluated in Aligholiagha spine using field observation techniques, behavioral mapping, senswalking and soundwalking studies, interviews and photography. Technical analysis was based on Hierarchical multiple regression analysis. A total number of 96 questionnaires were completed among residents, shopkeepers and visitors, according to the Cochran formula and based on random sampling technique. Senswalking studies were carried out on 12 people including 4 local residents, 2 market shopkeepers, 4 visitors, one blind person and one deaf person. Next, the average quality of the specified area was calculated to the moderate range by the sensescape approach after performing statistical analysis using SPSS21 software. Finally, sensescape factors were ranked based on the relative importance associated with the quality of Aligholiagha local spine. The research findings showed a significant relationship between the components of sensescape and the local spine quality standards. Based on effectiveness of sensescape components on spine qualities, the importance of sense of time indicator is greater than the other indicators; this was followed by tactilescape, smellscape, tastescape, soundscape and visual landscape in order mentioned.
Urban Design
a l; ا س
Volume 3, Issue 11 , August 2014, , Pages 3-18
Abstract
Nowadays, a faster pace of changes and transformations in different phenomena such people's lifestyles has meant changes in their thinking and needs also. Since people’s lifestyles are more oriented toward isolation, it is more important to reflect at their lives collectively. People's need for ...
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Nowadays, a faster pace of changes and transformations in different phenomena such people's lifestyles has meant changes in their thinking and needs also. Since people’s lifestyles are more oriented toward isolation, it is more important to reflect at their lives collectively. People's need for places of social interaction and meeting psychological needs have become one of the requirements of urban life. Public spaces are the only spaces where all citizens of every class, age, race, and association have the right to use without any limitation. Environmental quality of urban public spaces is one of the focuses of recent urbanism research and attempting to create an urban public space that meets users desires behavior has always been considered as one of the main strategies of urban projects. Urban parks as a part of public spaces in cities have a fundamental role in resolving human needs. Most urban theorists believe that urban parks are one of the main components of an urban system because in addition to their functional role they increase socialization in urban spaces. Thus, in order to make these spaces more dynamic and to meet the needs of the people, the behaviors shaping the spaces should be noted and examined. Since most parks’ compliance with the needs of users and environmental qualities is, there is a need for a systematic program based on the behavior of users. Furthermore, issues such as neglect of social values, cultural - identity values, and the neglect of physical and structural values have lead to the formation of public spaces that do not meet people’s needs in urban areas. In addition, neglecting to improve the environmental quality of urban public spaces such as urban parks, not taking into account the effective qualities of urban transportation and connections, and the exclusive emphasis on the subjective perception by urban planners and designers has resulted in the formation of urban areas which does not have the capacity to be responsive and flexible in the accordance with people’s expectations and behaviours. For the purposes of this research, Mardom Park in the city of Hamadan was selected as a case study. This study aims to identify and assess the stimulants and patterns of user behavior in terms of their needs and the environmental quality of urban parks. This study was based on fieldwork with a cross-sectional approach and seeks to answer the following question: “what effects do behavioral patterns and domains have on improving the environmental quality of urban parks?” In this study, in order to provide a conceptual framework document-based research was carried out, theoretical issues explored in detail and then analyzed using existing approaches. For this purpose, in addition to the qualitative analysis of urban spaces and behaviors formed in space because of spatial characteristics, quantitative analysis of indicators using questionnaires was used. The quantitative indicators was analyzed by SPSS. The results show that the quality and amount of the influence of environmental quality factors on the quality of activities, which are primarily behaviors or behavioral patterns, are not the same. In addition, the analyses outcomes show direct influence of behavior on environmental quality and environmental quality on behavior. The results indicate on the one hand, human needs are the outcome of behaviorial influences on space and environment and the ability of underlying environment. On the other hand, enhancement of environmental quality and influence of environmental factors on areas and behaviorial patterns in urban parks are not only a quantitative and technical concepts.
Urban Design
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 ...
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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.
Urban Design
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 ...
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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.
Urban Design
a k; j s
Volume 3, Issue 9 , February 2014, , Pages 59-68
Abstract
Today, with increasing development of small towns and large urban areas lacking desirable urban spaces, compatibility of urban areas with the needs of residents is the focus of experts. Metropolitan areas have a unique role in fulfilling the personal and social needs of children and adolescents. These ...
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Today, with increasing development of small towns and large urban areas lacking desirable urban spaces, compatibility of urban areas with the needs of residents is the focus of experts. Metropolitan areas have a unique role in fulfilling the personal and social needs of children and adolescents. These spaces account for a great deal of time and daily life residents, including children and adolescents and from a human sciences engineering viewpoint the enhancement of these spaces can be effective in improving the quality of health and physical strength, strengthening social interaction and group cohesion, and fostering creativity in children and adolescents. Ideally, neighborhoods and communities must have social spaces in order to easily express social and cultural principles and their exchanges for children. Usually, in urban planning, despite the human, social, economic and natural justifications for the city and its future, not much attaention is paid to factors affecting population structures, one of which is children. Studies have shown that Qazvin is taking the first steps toward the “child-friendly city”. However, taking into account the historical, cultural and natural features of Qazvin, more efforts need to be made to achieve this important aim. Analysis of children’s opinions in order to fulfill their needs and desires has encouraged effective organizations, especially the Municipality of Qazvin, to adopt strategies and take further action. The research method used in this paper is based on cross-sectional and library studies, documents and field surveys, and has an applied aspect. This paper answers the questions of what the ideal city is from a child’s perspective and how the urban environment can instil a strong sense of belonging in a child using participatory methods such as questionnaires, drawings, essays and interviews of 130 children regarding the city, urban spaces and their activities were collected. Firstly, comprehensive information concerning places of interest and places where children had less interest was collected. Results showed that children are more interested in the "home" (25/4%) and "play ground" (18%) than any other urban spaces. In addition, children viewed the "street" as having an unpleasant atmosphere. Secondly, favorite activities of children were studied. This study showed that "physical activity" (18 percent) and "playing with others" (13%) were activities that children paid most attention to. Thirdly, the features of the ideal city from a child’s perspective were looked at. Children’s paintings showed that "nature" (20/86%) and "spaces for children, such as children's cinema and children’s play time" (13/91%), were spaces that children referred to in their ideal city. In conclusion, some recommendations are made for realizing the ideal city from the child’s perspective.
Urban Design
a t; p p
Volume 3, Issue 9 , February 2014, , Pages 81-96
Abstract
Finding a “research problem” is always considered the most difficult part in any scientific research process. What justifies a research’s significance and its necessity? Why is the invaluable factor in this research “walking” or “walkability”? The explanation ...
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Finding a “research problem” is always considered the most difficult part in any scientific research process. What justifies a research’s significance and its necessity? Why is the invaluable factor in this research “walking” or “walkability”? The explanation is both straightforward and complicated. Walking is considered as the oldest form of human movement in space and the most interesting one while “lack of movement” is considered to pose a serious risk to public health and deteriorate contemporary human’s quality of life. Therefore, what has occurred is the misplacing of one of the fundamental values of life: the living experience of urban spaces! The present research aims to search for and assess efficient walking elements and criteria that were realized in the fourth Phase of Mehrshahr in two sections (phases). The first section reviewed related literature, theoretical principles, and global experiences where the combinations of deductive and inductive reasoning were employed. This means that walkability hypotheses and related accepted principles were firstly explored and then the conceptual model (the reference framework) as well as the operational models were designed and developed based on frequent and repetitive categories of diverse ideas and experiences. Description was the dominant strategy in this phase. After preliminary examination of the model, the limits of the study and its localization, the next stage was centered around the situation assessment on the basis of operational model criteria and sub-criteria. To do this, some questionnaires were designed using a likert scale with a 10% error margin in generalization of results and given to the inhabitants of the area; questionnaire items were developed based on the operational model sub-criteria and its statistical analysis provided the necessary background for making decisions on the strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats in realizing pedestrian-orientation in the region. Subsequently, the necessary background for SWOT matrices was developed with emphasis on innovative combination (triangulation), “place check” through visual perception in addition to investigation of resources and documents. The number of matrices depended on conceptual model categories and situation assessment was investigated on the basis of realization of criteria and sub-criteria in the area under study which is considered as the strength of the present research. The current study benefits from an applied nature as the consequent research results were presented in terms of executive objectives, strategies and policies. Research model validity and reliability were demonstrated and achieved through three phases of literature review, an opinion poll of instructors and specialists, the preliminary examination of the area under study and field research results. The results indicate that despite the importance of all the model categories in the 4th Phase of Mehrshahr, the role of factors like environmental qualities, security, and effective urban management were significantly important compared to other factors. Therefore, related strategies and executive policies based on these factors must be seriously considered.
Urban Design
ش ش; ش ش
Volume 2, Issue 8 , December 2013, , Pages 3-12
Urban Design
m f; a a
Volume 2, Issue 7 , July 2013, , Pages 3-14
Abstract
Abstract Immigration, differences, permanent displacement and rapid population growth in Tehran are some barriers of social interactions in its neighborhoods. While the social interactions is one of the main parameters in formation social capital of the city, the role of citizens social interactions ...
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Abstract Immigration, differences, permanent displacement and rapid population growth in Tehran are some barriers of social interactions in its neighborhoods. While the social interactions is one of the main parameters in formation social capital of the city, the role of citizens social interactions are neglected in urban regenerations as an interventional approaches in urban restoration methods. The urban regeneration with regards to its essence and strategies could be the only way for urban planners in contemporary Tehran. In this issue, landscape regeneration of Tehran public squares could be known as a key factor in increasing citizens social interactions. In this research, a qualitative method with inductive approach has been applied. Besides, 10 squares of the Tehran have been analyzed as case studies. Four factors defied for choosing these ten squares which categorized as a) having historical backgrounds, b) Participation in social and cultural transformations, c) having sufficient dimensions and proportions, d) the presence of the square in the citizens mind. According to these four factors the case studies have been chosen which named Azadi, Engelab, HassanAbad, Toupkhaneh, Vali-e-Asre, Ferdowsi, Vanak, Imam Hussein, RahAhan and Ghazvin. As, social interactions have time-place factors, environmental factors that effect on it has been studied by analyzing objective elements (physical and natural) and subjective elements (memories and human relations) of landscape of the case studies. According to the results or this survey the three square that received the most points, selected for further study with SWOT matrix. Each square have been visited by the authors and by field survey the points and matrix have been extracted. Aerial photos help the authors to have a similar approach in analyzing the landscape factors, too. Results of this part of the research, shows that most of the central green spaces of the squares used only for its greenery and no activity or social interactions could be seen in these areas. Besides, absence or lack of urban furniture especially awning or any kinds of shelters, are one of the most weakness parts of the case studies. Rapid urban traffic flow with absence of safe connection pedestrians’ ways to the central part of the squares are the next noticeable factor which have a great roll in decreasing the social activity. In conclusion, some strategies of landscape correction of the squares have been established: organizing natural elements and urban furniture, organizing pedestrian and vehicle flows, increasing selective functions and regenerating squares memories of the past and the present or future. Process of landscape regeneration of urban squares has been recognized as a diagram consists of analyzing natural, artificial and human factors. The natural factor consists of vegetations pattern, water quality, vista elements. The artificial factors, included, buildings and functions. While the humanity factors are based on citizens’ behavior pattern and memories in social and individual scale. By, discovering each factor patterns, strategies of regeneration based on increasing social interactions of citizens could be defined in combination. Each square has its own regeneration strategy based on its social, historical, natural and environmental condition.
Urban Design
m gh; m n; v t
Volume 2, Issue 7 , July 2013, , Pages 15-30
Abstract
Abstract Background: Sustainable urban design as a new academic science in the field of everyday life in urban spaces, can play a vital role in improving citizens health. Health and hygiene in the evolution history of human from ancient times until now has been the subject that societies have always ...
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Abstract Background: Sustainable urban design as a new academic science in the field of everyday life in urban spaces, can play a vital role in improving citizens health. Health and hygiene in the evolution history of human from ancient times until now has been the subject that societies have always interacted with. So that the health and welfare of the people of a city, is a key indicator to show the success of that city's sustainable development policies. In this case, one of the places that we observe the presence of people and their physical activities in the city, are the urban sidewalks that are the integral element of streets and made the human interaction besides the automobiles they have made. Objectives: Important consideration is that pedestrians health is not limited only to physical health and the dangers and disadvantages of automobiles. But many other factors can affect the health of pedestrians in the sidewalks environment. With this description, it is necessary to take actions to maintain and enhance pedestrians health in all of its dimensions. This article seeks to answer the question of which elements of urban sidewalks can influence pedestrians health and how and how much of this effect is? Methods: The process of this study includes four main stages. In first and second stages, with a literature review on urban sidewalks and health, requirements for collecting elements of urban sidewalks and also defining dimensions and components of health, were provided. To achieve this purpose, library studies, review of domestic and foreign similar researches and searching the internet, as a data collection techniques were used. In third stage, by using qualitative correlation method on components, we tried to establish the relationship between elements of sidewalks and health components, and finally in fourth stage, by a comparative analysis of these two categories, manner and amount of the impact of elements of urban sidewalks in relationship with dimensions and components of health are identified. Results: By examining how the 61 typical elements of urban sidewalks affect each components of quadripartite dimensions of pedestrians health and counting the existing relationships, determined that, entertainment equipment on the ground (19 relationships), margins uses (18 relationships), materials color (18 relationships), and pots and potted shrubs (17 relationships), have the greatest impact on pedestrians health components. Also, automatic devices (2 relationships), and consoles and saliency of the first floor of buildings (2 relationships), having minimal impact on pedestrians health components. By pluralizing the amount of impact of elements of each main part of sidewalk, it determined that sidewalks surfaces have the greatest impact on physical health, sidewalk furniture on social health, vegetation on mental health and soft elements of sidewalk on both social and mental health. Conclusion: This study showed that health is not just a simple and one-dimensional concept that only notices the physics of society’s population, but also includes other dimensions (such as social, mental and even spiritual). In addition, it explores and explains a significant relationship between urban design (specially designing urban sidewalks) and health, and with a new glance, showed that the elements of sidewalks of a urban space, can influence pedestrians health more differently. The results of this research need to seriously used and considered in preparing design guidelines for urban spaces (sidewalks of streets, plazas, pedestrian ways, local tracks, etc.) and any urban spaces where the movement of pedestrians flows in. The final design production with this regard, can improve public health of the society.
Urban Design
a n; m h; s m
Volume 2, Issue 7 , July 2013, , Pages 31-46
Abstract
Abstract Although the present study and the strengthening of social interaction issues prevalent in today's research world and Iran, But so far the theoretical foundations of Islam - Iranian has less profound investigated. This study aims religious rulings and interpretations of Quran ...
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Abstract Although the present study and the strengthening of social interaction issues prevalent in today's research world and Iran, But so far the theoretical foundations of Islam - Iranian has less profound investigated. This study aims religious rulings and interpretations of Quran and traditions of the (Citing sources and interpretation of Shiite thinkers and according to historical Islamic documents – Iran) Investigatied specializes in architecture and Urbanism and find principles and practical methods for them. This article was Completed in order to identify the principles, because in the field of religious studies, (have on the diversity and multiplicity of methods) so to answer the question have been used the model of interdisciplinary studies. Type the prevailing methodology of the research is analytical – logical. In this regard among the traditional cities of the same order of social, cultural and religious diversity are significant, Kerman city is selected. Human social life forms one of the important aspects Islamic values, today, with the emergence of a new culture of human communities has been neglected. To restore these values in the contemporary urban, they may need to regenerate to become the expert in urban science. This work, with a statement of each principle and the description of its different aspects and realizing the potential contradictions that today occur begins. The purpose of this paper, is the issues of Islamic urbanism and obtaining the principles for urban designers.The method used in this paper is referred to Islam and deduced and logical reasoning. By Study the Foundations of Religious texts and Compared with the traditional and historical construction of one side and the new requirements in another side, the general values and principles in Islam be achieved for excellence of human in city, neighborhood and house. The most important fundamentals and principles derived from the visible structure in the Islamic living environment of these values in the whole city, such as: attention the religious rituals, The need to promote public participation in strengthening interactions, to consider religious rituals, Respect the rights of other citizens, in every type of construction, prohibition the construction of detriment to others, and attention the Afaf in the design of urban spaces can be considered. In the choice of the Muslim neighborhood, relationship and social organization of a neighborhood is the most important principles of Islamic urbanism. And yet houses are the most of the private and family privacy, and their respect and independence should not be affected by any interference from neighbor or apart from all that houses appear arrogantly. This study investigates the impact of human interaction in implementing strategies to strengthen the religion community pays. Finally, the above principles in regard to the issues have been considered. And also at the end, we have Islamic homes, neighborhood and city that architects and urban planners act with sufficient knowledge of theoretical and practical wisdom of Islam in the area of environmental planning and design of human. Obviously, the other elements of the City, such as laws, managers and citizens should follow the Islamic principles.
Urban Design
m. r.; m. p.; A. T.; A. S.
Volume 2, Issue 6 , June 2013, , Pages 59-74
Urban Design
A. K.; M. B.
Volume 2, Issue 6 , June 2013, , Pages 75-87
