Urban Sociology
Farhang Mozaffar; Ali Asadpour
Volume 1, Issue 3 , August 2012, , Pages 3-12
Abstract
Social patterns in open space organizations have a key role in shaping most of 20th urban theories. This paper identifies the formal and social patterns in planning the residential open spaces in famous theories and projects of urbanization during 20th century and compares them with experiences of Iranian ...
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Social patterns in open space organizations have a key role in shaping most of 20th urban theories. This paper identifies the formal and social patterns in planning the residential open spaces in famous theories and projects of urbanization during 20th century and compares them with experiences of Iranian urban organizations in an analytic manner from the past to present. Historical – interpretative method established in this research was combined with case studies. From the formal viewpoint in the early 20th century theories, 4 categories of open space organizations could be identified: "grid organization", "linear", "central" and "complex" patterns, which have been tended towards complex patterns during the second half of the century. Moreover, try to remove social hierarchy, providing class equality and common ownership of open spaces seen in the first half of the century has been replaced by social stability, social equality and simultaneous attention to both public and private open spaces. However, the modern construction in country is almost the continuation of the early century proven strategies that mainly use the central and grid patterns and lack of certain social patterns in their designs. Hence, considering current world conditions and national experiences and achievements and belief principles, it is suggested to pay attention to the social concepts like social capital social interaction along with suitable patterns of open space organization (for example, complex) while particular separating and dividing public-private fields and measuring public priorities.
Urban Sociology
Volume 1, Issue 4 , March 2012, , Pages 3-12
Abstract
This paper is a practical attempt to choose social changing methods instead of environmental regenerations in order to manage and upgrade informal settlements areas. The approach of this research is in this way that inhabitants of informal settlements are accepted as residents with an urban right and ...
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This paper is a practical attempt to choose social changing methods instead of environmental regenerations in order to manage and upgrade informal settlements areas. The approach of this research is in this way that inhabitants of informal settlements are accepted as residents with an urban right and they are the best resources for changing and upgrading of these areas. The objectives of this research work were to introduce social capacity and its relationship with local sustainable development in two different groups. Inhabitants and economical activists were selected as the study groups. Verifying the results based on the groups is the method to find out the way for achieving local sustainability. It was a descriptive surveying. Structure of social capacity and sustainable development were generated by expert ideas for informal settlement. The study approved that the social capacity is a mental structure influenced by the main motivations of the neighborhood’s activists to reside in the neighborhood. However, each group had different qualifications in this relationship and it is clear that each group uses its social capacities to achieve its own goals. Therefore, each group would have its special effects on sustainability and future of neighborhood life. The results revealed the existence of a positive and meaningful relationship between social capacities and the neighborhood sustainable development and if the clever exploration occurs, the chance of achieving local sustainability is not unexpected. The confidence of resident’s group in official institutions, and the importance placed to the neighborhood by the economical activists are the prime components, which had meaningful correlation with the majority of social capacity components. In addition, each program capable to persuade inhabitants to live longer and motivate people for remaining in that local area will be effective for developing social capacity. Moreover, it was found that there was not any sustainability in social dimension; social capacity will be useful for achieving this goal.
Urban Design
Volume 2, Issue 5 , March 2013, , Pages 3-12
Abstract
One of the fundamental problems in the historical areas of Iranian cities is related with their incompatibility with contemporary urban projects and new developments. Owning to inattention to the old city structure in the historical core of the north of Isfahan, the new developments have imposed a ...
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One of the fundamental problems in the historical areas of Iranian cities is related with their incompatibility with contemporary urban projects and new developments. Owning to inattention to the old city structure in the historical core of the north of Isfahan, the new developments have imposed a new one that is in discordance with the old part of the city. This problem has led to progressive deterioration and obliteration of the historical areas including all architectural and urban elements like Atiq Square and Jāmeh mosque. This research aims at identifying the effect of contemporary urban developments- particularly the Haussmanniannet work imposed on the city, that is, on the spatial structure of historical area of the city. To achieve the mentioned goal, the structure of the city has been analyzed over four critical historical periods: the first period, Seljuqs; the second period: Safavids ; the third period: Pahlavi dynasty and fourth period: contemporary development and reconstruction of Atiq Square and surrounding area. In this study the Jāmeh mosque and Atiq square have been considered as integral components of the old city which have important role in the evolution of the city structure. As principal notions of this research, the relationship between “Spatial cohesion” and “integration” constitutes the main body of paper. Being a new approach, this method surveys the urban structure and spatial configuration in the old city. Considering the importance of the variations of “integration value” and its correlation with the concept of “structural cohesion”, this variable (integration value) has been taken into account as the main notion to evaluate the modification of the new development projects with old city structure. The “Space Syntax” technique has been used to measure the “integration value” in different scales. The integration value has also been calculated and compared on five principal axes surrounding Atiq Square including Jamaleh, Bazar, Joubareh, Dardash and Harounieh. Therefore, the concept of “spatial integration” of historical core of Isfahan has been analyzed through the above-mentioned approach in collaboration with Space Syntax. The results showed that contemporary development, recent urban projects and other interventions have not been successfully adapted due to neglecting the historical and socio-spatial contexts of the city. Concerning the “integration value”, the average value of integration on all axes has considerably increased. Moreover, the findings showed that (in the city scale), the recent project of reconstruction of Atiq square has led to a better integration value of surrounding axes in comparison with Pahlavi development projects. In the local scale, the demolition of Atiq square because of haussmannian development of Pahlavi period has significant impact on deterioration of spatial cohesion. In spite of better integration on urban scale, the local integration of historical axes has decreased. The lack of integration has intensified the disintegration of local network and ,thus, the urban area. The immediate consequence was the isolation of main architectural and urban elements such as Jāmeh mosque or Ali mosque which are both, for the time being, close to the rehabilitated Atiq square. Another result of this isolation was the considerable and growing social problems such as insecurity, poverty and social segregation.
Urban Planning
h. dadashpour; S. R.
Volume 2, Issue 6 , June 2013, , Pages 3-16
Urban Sociology
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.
Islamic- Iranian Cities
ش ش; ش ش
Volume 2, Issue 8 , December 2013, , Pages 3-12
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.
h k; n d
Volume 3, Issue 10 , May 2014, , Pages 3-14
Abstract
The historic and valuable fabric of Oudlajaan district is not meeting the daily needs of its residents due to excessive deterioration of building structures and lack of adequate infrastructure and welfare facilities. For this reason, the indigenous population of this region gradually immigrate ...
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The historic and valuable fabric of Oudlajaan district is not meeting the daily needs of its residents due to excessive deterioration of building structures and lack of adequate infrastructure and welfare facilities. For this reason, the indigenous population of this region gradually immigrate to the places with better facilities and new lower-income immigrants from other parts replace them. This causes social and cultural instability in the fabric which will only increase over time. There is no cultural harmony in the fabric of Oudlajaan district and neighborhood areas. Social harmony has been significantly weakened because of loss of its identity and originality. Immigration of native people from this historic region has led to a reduction in social values, nostalgia and a sense of belonging of people to the fabric of the city. Abandoned areas in Oudlajaan district have turned into places for anti-social activities. Renovation and rehabilitation of the district is needed because of the various problems of the old fabric of the city, departure of native people, change from efficient residential buildings to less efficient ones, inadequate welfare facilities and infrastructure, poor communication network facilities, lack of sufficient roads, and abundant social problems; all of which affect the stability of the area. In this research, information was collected by means of observation, photography, required map preparation, and interviews with the residents. The quantitative and qualitative information were analyzed by SWOT technique in the framework of intra-regional factors (weak and strong links) and inter regional factors (threats and opportunities). After identifying weaknesses, strengths, opportunities and threats, they were evaluated as a whole to acquire guidelines and methods for restoring historic structures. Graphing the sum total of weak points, strength points, opportunities, and threats coefficients showed that external causes and the outer environment have an impact on the durability of Oudlajaan district rather than internal and inner factors. In this regard, the adapted strategies could be utilized to increase and enhance the functional-corporal durability of Oudlajan district.
The adaptive guidelines are:
-Compilation of plans for renewal and restoration of valuable and historic places to prevent the deterioration of building structures and increase the physical and structural durability of buildings.
-Functional change in historic and valuable buildings to lodging and cultural activities to prevent old building from becoming warehouses and workshops.
-Revitalization and strengthening of the district and its valuable buildings and cultural spaces, lowering the amount of work undertaken in restoration and preparation processes by the Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization.
-Inviting investors to contribute by reinforcing investments via bonuses for the renovation of deteriorated districts.
-Invite residents to participate in renewal and remediation plans.
an internal and inner factors. In this regard, the adapted strategies could be utilized to increase and enhance the functional-corporal durability of Oudlajan district.
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 Planning
Volume 6, Issue 22 , May 2017, , Pages 3-14
Abstract
Today, the distribution method of urban services is one of the major requirements of urban life. However, using traditional methods of land supply for urban services in Iran (such as compulsory acquisition, dispersed incentive policies, etc.) has led to the destruction of agricultural land, gardens and ...
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Today, the distribution method of urban services is one of the major requirements of urban life. However, using traditional methods of land supply for urban services in Iran (such as compulsory acquisition, dispersed incentive policies, etc.) has led to the destruction of agricultural land, gardens and other valuable land. It has also led to non-optimal use of land with the capacity for development. This has not left a choice to urban managers and planners other than turning to new approaches, including transfer of development rights which is based on respecting ownership rights. The transfer of development rights (TDR) is a voluntary and market-based land use management mechanism. In this approach, land development is introduced to more suitable areas to protect the land with higher agricultural value, the environmentally sensitive areas and open spaces. The concept of TDR is to establish an exchangeable market of transferable development rights. In this applied research, quantitative techniques were studied in the city of Shiraz using theoretical background concepts. It was attempted to answer these questions: “What are the conditions required for using the TDR approach in Shiraz metropolis? Which metropolitan area is suitable for the implementation of this approach?” Analytic hierarchy process (AHP), expert questionnaires and Arc GIS software were used to answer these questions. Based on the TDR method, the case study regions were divided into regions transferring and receiving development rights. In this context, each of the regions has an indicator. The results showed that in the receiving regions the participation rate of citizens ranked first with a weight of 0.271. The desire to increase density and having the passage network ranked second and third, respectively. In the transferring regions, parameters of monuments and historic buildings ranked first with a score of 0.273. Citizen participation was the second and gardens was the third priority. Based on the results, District 5 of Area 1, District 7 of Area 4 and Districts 2, 3 and 4 of Area 8 have a very high potential to get developed. Also, District 1 of Area 1, Districts 1 and 6 of Area 2 and District 2 of Areas 6 and 8 have a very high potential to transfer development rights. The results indicate that this approach needs to be implemented in Shiraz metropolis as it enjoys lands which are valuable for their historical, natural and ecological properties, such as Ghasredasht gardens and the central historical texture of the city. The main requirements for the implementation of this model are high level of people's participation, firm legal guarantees, the presence of a coherent administrative structure, and respect for private property and public interests. The present research has been conducted academically based on the available information and resources. The participation of organizations and executive authorities is required to apply the results. In fact, this research has investigated the necessity of implementing the TDR model with an emphasis on Shiraz metropolis. It has identified priorities related to executive issues and urban management for each district of Shiraz.
Urban Ecology
h d
Volume 6, Issue 23 , August 2017, , Pages 3-16
Abstract
According to Tehran environmental prospect document, Tehran 1404, by 1404 Tehran will be a clean, green city in compliance with latest standards of global cities. Based on this document, in the light of divine elevated instructions, by then, citizens of Tehran will have institutionalized environmental ...
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According to Tehran environmental prospect document, Tehran 1404, by 1404 Tehran will be a clean, green city in compliance with latest standards of global cities. Based on this document, in the light of divine elevated instructions, by then, citizens of Tehran will have institutionalized environmental ethics and demand for preservation of unique natural resources. But, in the literature of sustainable cities, to have a green city as desirable as future Tehran necessitates that urban management organize responsible treatment of nature by providing physical, technological, institutional and legal infrastructure and, accordingly, lead individuals to treat nature ethically based on policies of sustainable urban development. Therefore, ethical treatment of nature is defined as obeying rules and norms that control methods of distributing and possessing natural resources. In such a case, people are regarded as law-abiding and hence respectful of ethics.
Although there is a law for protecting and expanding green space in cities which is guaranteed by all powers (judiciary, executive and legislative) as well as urban management, as the administrator within their duties and authorities, gardens are still being damaged in Tehran. It is theoretically assumed that friendly behavior of citizens with nature can be guaranteed by changing environmental governance through institutional, policy and lawful mechanisms. This study, which is ontologically based on the interpretivist paradigm, conducts deep interviews with key informants using theoretical sampling method to define the process and elements that damage gardens in Tehran within the framework of grounded theory.
The results indicate that ignoring the role of environmental laws in society and lack of credit for the law of preservation and expansion of urban green space as social norms convince individuals that the society recognizes breach of environmental laws and destruction of environment to obtain profit. The crisis of environmental ethics as an internal agent also facilitates destruction of gardens. In other words, it makes people ignore their conscience while destroying gardens and avoid feeling ethical commitment to preserve gardens.
But individuals’ strength of will to destroy gardens in order to gain profit, in spite of the law of preserving and expanding urban green space, is affected by consequences, costs and benefits they expect from destroying gardens. Regarding the lack of decisive judiciary and disciplinary institutions to stop destruction of gardens, individuals dare to destroy gardens by exerting deception, force and influence and disobeying the law of preserving and expanding green space. They expect to gain profit because urban management lacks sufficient competence and prefers urban management over the law of green space. Absence of supervision and sensitivity for executing the law of green space as well as the dependence of urban economy on profit aggravate this issue. Even if judiciary and disciplinary institutions are decisive in punishing disobedience to the law of green space and prohibition of destruction of gardens, the profit gained from destroying gardens will exceed the costs for preserving them; this is because of the confusion in related laws. Therefore, one would have a positive attitude towards profit gain as the main reason for destroying gardens.
In view of the above, it seems that treatment of environment is affected by internal and external factors. Ethical treatment of environment cannot be defined as obeying rules and norms that control methods of distributing and possessing natural resources in society. Ethical treatment of environment is rather a persuasive issue that is not confined to any place and time and is achieved by dignity of ego, but accomplishing it through legal principles and rules will not be feasible and desirable due to its restrictions in comparison with ethics.
Islamic- Iranian Cities
mohamadmannan raeesi
Abstract
The holy Quran and Imams’ hadiths as the most important Islamic religious texts which have significant capacity in various fields of human knowledge, but have often been neglected in academic research. Among the issues raised in these Islamic ...
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The holy Quran and Imams’ hadiths as the most important Islamic religious texts which have significant capacity in various fields of human knowledge, but have often been neglected in academic research. Among the issues raised in these Islamic religious texts are the city and its features based on which some studies have been conducted and the concept of Islamic city has been developed. On the other hand, one of the main problems dealt with in recent decades (especially in the field of urban development) is the development pattern which can be classified into two main patterns: horizontal development and vertical development. But, due to various problems, in recent decades, the vertical development pattern has spread increasingly in most cities, especially in metropolises. Accordingly, this research addresses this problem from the perspective of Islamic teachings (especially Shiite jurisprudence). Therefore, the main problem that is investigated in this article is desirability or non-desirability of vertical development of residential buildings in Islamic city (based on Shiite jurisprudence). The research method applied in this article is a mixed method. According to the features of various stages of this research, archival research method was used to collect data. Meanwhile, the researcher used logical argumentation and qualitative content analysis to analyze the data. In this way, propositions (especially the jurisprudential hadiths) that are directly or indirectly related to the problem of this research were extensively investigated using qualitative content analysis. Then, research findings were obtained based on the analysis of propositions through logical-argumentative method.According to the findings, vertical development pattern is not desirable in Islamic cities because of various jurisprudential reasons such as visual dominance and some of Imams’ traditions like star sightings, etc. Moreover, vertical development of residential buildings is in contrast to the content of some Quran verses like: “What, have they never observed the heaven above them, (and seen) how we built and adorned it, leaving no crack?” (Qaf Surah, verse 6); “bear then with patience what they say. Exalt with the praise of your lord before sunrise and before sunset” (Qaf Surah, verse 39); “Therefore, be patient with what they say, and exalt with the praise of your lord before sunrise and before sunset. And in the watches of the night and at the edges of the day, exalt him, so that you will be pleasing” (Taha Surah, verse 130). According to these verses, Islamic city should be built in such a pattern that people be able to see sunrise and sunset and thus vertical development pattern of residential buildings is not desirable in such a city. However, it should be noted that the Islamic city has some other features and horizontal development alone is not enough to make a city Islamic. In addition to the physical characteristics, there are some other features such as city identity that define an Islamic city.Residential Buildings, Vertical Development, Shiite Jurisprudence, Islamic Teachings
Urban Design
mitra beyzaie; amin shakiba; mohammad reza noghsan mohammadi
Abstract
The developments in recent decades, along with inattention to the features of a desired and efficient neighborhood in each district as well as a disregard for the views and demands of residents of such environments have caused various problems in neighborhood centers.The main objective of the present ...
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The developments in recent decades, along with inattention to the features of a desired and efficient neighborhood in each district as well as a disregard for the views and demands of residents of such environments have caused various problems in neighborhood centers.The main objective of the present research is to identify the problems with Yaghoubi and Posht Silo neighborhood centers in the historical and new texture of Yazd, respectively. The research analyzes these neighborhoods using the FMEA technique, which is mainly used to achieve the ideal level of quality.It is possible to identify and solve the problems of urban environments in a methodical and efficient way by using this technique and calibrating it with concepts in the field of urbanization.This research is an applied study which uses descriptive method and library documentation to describe its theoretical foundations. The second part of the study is related to the two neighborhood centers in Yazd. In this part, the FMEA technique is emphasized through descriptive-analytic method using field studies and surveys, interviews and questionnaires. The most significant result of the research is that for comparing the two neighborhood centers, which is obtained using the FMEA technique. While having some shortcomings in terms of the needs and conditions of its present time, the Yaghoubi neighborhood is much better than Silo due to pedestrianization and the placement of space at the level of human perception, its commercial usages, as well as the favorable combination of provocative functions of the residents.Drawing from the analytical results and prioritization issues, some strategies are recommended for improving the situation in the two neighborhood. Finally, the study summarizes the ideas taken from the Yaghoubi neighborhood center to improve the quality of the Posht Silo neighborhood center in accordance with the conditions of new urban textures. These ideas include:- Determining the space and scale of space at the level of human perception;- Relaxing the space by reducing the presence of drivers and assigning the neighborhood center to pedestrians;- Bringing together user-friendly applications for local residents for permanent presence;- Collecting users who are believed to be very important among people in Yazd and who are complementary to each other and have multilateral interactions;- Providing climatic comfort in space, considering the important points in designing according to the warm and dry climate of Yazd;- Handling the richness of visual sense in space due to the physical design of native architecture;- Handling enough enclosure and permeability for a favorable local environment;- Performing the promotion of native identity by utilizing the components of visual consistency while constructing complexes;- Handling the gathering and presence of more people by opening up space at the center of activities;- Handling security at all points using space resolution.Regarding the above ideas, it may be stated that, despite their formation in earlier times, neighborhood centers in the historical textures analyzed, Yaghoubi neighborhood center being a representative of them, are successful local spaces that fulfill “space expectations” in urban design knowledge and provide the user with a desirable space to adapt to the features required to form an ideal neighborhood center.
Urban Architecture
Abstract
Place attachment is a type of emotional connection developed between an individual and a specific location which could happen in different times and places. People could feel different levels of attachment to their homes, neighborhoods or cities. This feeling could have different levels of intensity ...
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Place attachment is a type of emotional connection developed between an individual and a specific location which could happen in different times and places. People could feel different levels of attachment to their homes, neighborhoods or cities. This feeling could have different levels of intensity based on environmental features, social atmosphere and the memories made by individuals in that specific place. Several studies have been conducted on the subject of place attachment. Researches done by Daneshpour et al. (2009), Sarmast & Motavaseli (2010), Amir Kafi & Fathi (2011), Sajadzadeh (2014), Heidari et al. (2014), Cuba & Hummon (1993), Hidalgo & Hernandez (2001), Brown et al. (2003), Shamai & Liatov (2005), Gifford et al. (2009), and Lewicka (2010) are among studies that have addressed the issue from different approaches. However, these studies have not addressed place attachment in terms of the three factors of home, neighborhood, and city as well as age and sex variables. Also, they have not compared two different cities with different physical and social features. The present study will focus on the three factors of home, neighborhood and the city and delve into the reasons for the increase and decrease in the intensity of place attachment. It will also take sex and age variables into account. To compare the resulted data, residents of the two cities of Tehran and Sari were chosen. Conducting a study on the two cities of Tehran, a metropolis, and Sari, a small city with stronger social ties, can improve generalizability. The number of participants as subjects of the study in Tehran and Sari is assessed to be 427 and 306, respectively. Within the prescribed framework, factors that affect place attachment are divided into the three physical, social and emotional categories. Accordingly, three separate questionnaires were provided to assess the intensity of place attachment regarding the aforementioned categories. In each questionnaire, there were questions about physical, social and emotional factors, which are the main factors in determining the reasons behind place attachment. The resulted data from within subjects ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA and split-plot ANOVA were analyzed using SPSS. The results showed that the intensity of attachment in residents of Tehran and Sari regarding the three categories was different. Accordingly, the subjects’ attachment to their homes held the highest rank, attachment to cities was at the second place and attachment to neighborhood was at the lowest level. Also the factor of sex had no impact on the intensity of attachment regarding the aforementioned categories. However, the results of descriptive statistics showed that the intensity level related to attachment to home for both men and women held the highest level, attachment to city was at the second place and attachment to neighborhood was at the lowest level. Although not having a meaningful impact on the results of the study, in the case of female residents of Sari, attachment to city held a lower place than attachment to neighborhood.However, the age of subjects played an important role in their place attachment. For instance, Tehran residents of all age groups said that they had a stronger attachment to their homes, their city and neighborhoods (in the same order), but in the case of Sari, teenagers showed stronger attachment to their city while older people showed roughly the same level of attachment to all the three categories.The results showed that social attachment to home held the highest priority and physical attachment held the second place followed by emotional attachment to home. With regard to the neighborhood and city categories, for all age groups, emotional attachment to the city held the highest rank, followed by attachment to the physical dimensions and social attachment.
Urban Architecture
minou Gharehbaglou; ahad nezhadebrahimi; maliheh javidmehr
Abstract
As key elements of cities, urban areas have always been an important issue in the history of urban studies. People of various social strata may need to visit and/or pass through urban areas with different goals on a regular basis. In this sense, urban spaces can play an important role in forming social ...
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As key elements of cities, urban areas have always been an important issue in the history of urban studies. People of various social strata may need to visit and/or pass through urban areas with different goals on a regular basis. In this sense, urban spaces can play an important role in forming social interactions and shaping people’s memories. The optimal design of an urban environment as a suitable context for extensive social interactions can help to meet the needs of citizens in an effective way. Urban areas are considered as the core context for social and economic interactions in cities. Insofar as they facilitate the presence and mobility of people, urban areas act as the beating hearts of cities and have an important role in establishing communication among various members of the society. This study aims to investigate the historic textureof Gonbad-e Kavus urban area which is one of the most important public spaces in Gonbad-e Kavus and home to major economic and recreational centers. The main objective of this study is to comprehensively identify the factors that enhance the responsiveness of urban areas as well as the criteria that help to achieve user satisfaction. The main research question addresses the degree of importance of factors that influence the responsiveness of the studied urban area, which is why it is essential to identify them clearly. In addition, improving the responsiveness of urban areas via considering the importance of influencing factors is the idea behind the second research question. The present study is an applied research in terms of its objective and a descriptive-analytical research in terms of its methodology. The process of identifying effective factors was based on a qualitative research strategy conducted through an indirect survey tactic based on expert opinions collected from a community of urban planners, professors and students of architecture. The sample size was determined by Cochran’s sample size formula and the participants were randomly selected via the snowball sampling method. The variables were identified based on theoretical studies through an extensive review of the related literature in order to achieve appropriate executive strategies for enhancing the environmental responsiveness of urban areas. Based on the literature review, a comprehensive set of responsiveness criteria was identified and prioritized by experts, including accessibility, land use diversity, legibility, permeability, richness, concentration or density of land use, visual proportions, flexibility, privatization and structure of organization. Considering the current condition of Gonbad-e Kavus urban area, a comprehensive set of effective strategies was evaluated and proposed for improving the current indices of environmental responsiveness. The results indicate that, among the evaluated strategies, the accessibility, diversity and legibility strategies have the highest levels of priority, in order of importance, for improving the responsiveness of Gonbad-e Kavus urban area. Given its role in facilitating commuting and convenient access to this area, accessibility is identified as the first priority. In addition, the diversity of existing land use patterns for meeting various user needs helps significantly to increase the appeal of this urban area for attracting a larger audience. Finally, the factors of legibility and permeability are also very important in creating a more responsive urban area.
Urban Design
Azin Hajiahmadi Hamedani; h m; l j
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 ...
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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
Sahar Samavati; Ehsan Ranjbar
Abstract
The topic of happiness has attracted the attention of urban experts in the last decade. Cities such as Copenhagen and Bogotá are creating literature based on their experiences in this area. The quality of the city and urban spaces is a significant factor affecting happiness. The amount of happiness ...
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The topic of happiness has attracted the attention of urban experts in the last decade. Cities such as Copenhagen and Bogotá are creating literature based on their experiences in this area. The quality of the city and urban spaces is a significant factor affecting happiness. The amount of happiness in urban spaces can be a reflection of the quality of these spaces. Similar to vitality, hence, happiness can also be seen as a quality of urban spaces. Happiness has become a key concept in recent urban studies. Happiness literature considers the role of place, local communities, social cohesion and sense of belonging. Unveiling the concept of “urban happiness”, Enrique Penalosa, the mayor of Bogota, revealed the potential for happiness and wellbeing in government policies, planning, and decision making. Penalosa’s policies and decision makers in the “wellbeing infrastructure” emphasize the crucial role of planners and decision-makers in improving citizens’ quality of life and happiness. The global data indicates Iran’s inadequate status in the field of happiness, part being due to the poor quality of urban spaces that cannot provide the grounds for happiness. As one of the first researches in the field of urban happiness in Iran, this research seeks to analyze the factors affecting happiness in Tehran’s urban spaces. Reviewing the global and domestic studies based on the content analysis method, a specific conceptual model was developed. The model presents the factors affecting the macro-to-micro level happiness in urban spaces. As pedestrian spaces and walkways are important due to the presence of citizens, these spaces were selected in Tehran center based on the analysis of the case study in order to provide a realistic understanding of the factors affecting happiness in urban spaces. Purposeful questionnaires were developed based on field study, preliminary discussions and conceptual model. To find hidden relationships between variables, SEM method was used to analyze the data extracted from the questionnaires. The Veenhoven index was used as one of the most reliable indicators for assessing the overall state of happiness in this area. This research seeks to find the factors affecting happiness in urban spaces based on a comprehensive survey that analyzes citizens’ mental and objective perceptions of space. Providing such a comprehensive outlook on factors affecting happiness in urban spaces in Iran, especially in Tehran, can be a suitable basis for formulating policies and strategies for organizing and improving the quality of urban spaces in order to promote the status of happiness in the city. Also, based on the impact of cultural and social conditions on the overall state of happiness, the results of this study can provide an understanding of the dimensions of happiness based on the status of urban spaces in Iran. The findings show that the average level of happiness among citizens on the basis of Veenhoven index is 5.90 out of 10. The results of the analysis indicate that physical aspects, urban space qualities, subjective dimensions, and community characteristics are the most important factors affecting happiness, and physical characteristics have the highest impact on happiness. Also, the citizens’ happiness in pedestrian zones of Tehran’s historical center is more affected by the quality of urban space, especially its physical properties, than the macro aspects of community.
Urban Sustainability
mojde erfani; Hossein Bahrainy; Manouchehr Tabibian
Abstract
Abstract Lack of attention to the “dynamic” concept of the landscape, the “holistic” approach to it, and the use of conventional methods in the study of urban development projects has shaped an urban landscape that is unable to meet the demands of its inhabitants over time. Therefore, ...
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Abstract Lack of attention to the “dynamic” concept of the landscape, the “holistic” approach to it, and the use of conventional methods in the study of urban development projects has shaped an urban landscape that is unable to meet the demands of its inhabitants over time. Therefore, considering the ineffectiveness and divergence of the study method in the urban development plans of Iran and given the variability of today’s city, it is necessary to adopt an appropriate approach to today’s urban conditions. Landscape Urbanism theory, with a general approach to the concept of landscape and accepting the uncertainty of the evolving city, has raised a new field in the global literature. This theory, with an approach to confronting the complexities of the contemporary city, sees the “landscape” as an active phenomenon over time and emphasizes functional dimensions beyond its purely aesthetic aspects. At present, there are criticisms about putting the theoretical aspects of this approach to practice. Since the highest application of this theory is in the field of landscape architecture, most of its criticisms relate to the field of urbanism knowledge, the application of its theoretical framework to the city scale and the lack of executive instances. In this regard, the correct understanding and analysis of the theoretical issues of urban planning and its adaptation to the concept of sustainability, as a basis for thinking, can reveal its hidden dimensions. It is clear that further research on the application of this theory, along with the formulation of design principles, is an important factor in reducing the gap between theory and practice, solving structural problems and identifying the potential of this new approach to urban planning. The purpose of this research is to describe the theoretical framework of “landscape urbanism” theory as a new approach in urban design that aims at achieving a sustainable landscape. This study tries to emphasize the “procedure” and “substantive” dimensions in the design of sustainable urban landscape while developing the theoretical framework of this approach based on sustainability concepts. In this regard, the present paper seeks to confirm the following statements: - Understanding the dynamic concept of landscape and its “holistic approach” in today’s urban conditions leads to the formation of a landscape that can be “sustained” on a time scale. - The “stability” of the city’s main structure, along with the “flexibility” of open urban areas and urban neighborhoods against the changing conditions and needs of the community, can provide the ground for the formation of a sustainable landscape in the present situation. - The approach of “landscape urbanism”, as an efficient approach in the studies of urban development projects in Iran, in addition to “substantive dimensions”, needs a “infrastructure” for realizing its theoretical framework in the field of action. Based on the results of the research, the concept of sustainability in the theory of landscape urbanism includes the “stability” of the main structure of the city and the “change” of activities and programs proportionate to the changing conditions over time. Thus, the theoretical framework of landscape urbanization, with the features of “uncertainty” and “change”, can be used to design “open spaces” within and around the city as well as “urban neighborhoods” that are more “adaptable” and “flexible”. In this regard, the emphasis is on participatory planning from the bottom up, the design of the process-oriented with an integrated approach from regional to local scale in the urban landscape, and on the local identity.
Urban Planning
taher parizadi; mahdi moradi; masoumeh saki
Abstract
Modern cities have turned into the main places for people to work and live in; therefore, they are confronted with many challenges from social, economic, environmental, and managerial aspects. The rapid growth of population, urban population in particular, and extensive immigration from the village to ...
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Modern cities have turned into the main places for people to work and live in; therefore, they are confronted with many challenges from social, economic, environmental, and managerial aspects. The rapid growth of population, urban population in particular, and extensive immigration from the village to the city, mainly to large cities, along with the need to meet the immigrants’ needs highlights the necessity of considering the existing districts and neighborhoods of the city in order to prevent its horizontal growth and decrease in the importance of its internal fabric. If the trend continues, it will lead to a decline in the quality of life and, consequently, in urban viability. A viable urban system is one where all the inhabitants’ social, economic, physical, and psychological health is considered. Viability can be seen as a way of achieving sustainable development, where urban viability can be obtained through viable neighborhoods. A viable city is one where you can live a healthy life, a city for everyone. It is regarded as a link between the past and the present. That is, it esteems the historical symbols on the one side, and acknowledges what has not yet been born on the other. The immethodical development of Iranian cities over the past few decades has confronted the urban areas with many problems, such as economic, social, and environmental ones. This research seeks to investigate the amount of viability in the central district of the city of Boroujerd. This district holds the greatest place identity in the area due to the availability of ancient, valuable elements including historical monuments such as Imam Mosque, the bazaar, squares, and several religious centers, location in the initial core and distressed area of the city, and several old passages with narrow alleys, which are characteristic of the historic fabric of a city. As the city has grown, some neighborhoods have thrived further, and others have lost their prosperity. As a result, viability and quality of life vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. The present research is a cognitive-heuristic in terms of purpose, involving a quantitative-qualitative study in terms of data and pursuing a descriptive-analytical approach in terms of nature and methodology. To achieve the purposes, the research was conducted in two parts: a documentary and a field study (questionnaire). The unit of analysis included the inhabitants of the central district of Boroujerd. Estimated sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula as 230 people aged between 15 and 70 years. GIS and SPSS (one-sample t test, ANOVA, and Friedman test) were used for data analysis, and Amos structural equation modeling for diagramming the analytical models of the structures. The research findings demonstrated that the aspects and indices of viability in the central district of Boroujerd are highly desirable. Furthermore, a comparison of the neighborhoods in the central district in terms of index and aspect mean indicated that the most viable neighborhood was Soufiyan, while the Dodange neighborhood exhibited the lowest amount of viability. According to Friedman’s prioritization, the aspects of urban services, activities, and amenities were ranked first, and urban economy was ranked last. In the structural equation model diagrammed in Amos, the aspect of urban economy exhibited the greatest impact on the environmental factors.
Urban Design
Mahya Ghouchani; Mohammad Taji
Abstract
The husseiniye is a religious place in Shia Islam, where the mourning ceremony of Imam Hussein (PBUH) and the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala is mainly held. Apparently, the husseiniye has come into existence as an extension of the structures of the mosque and religious places such as the zaviye and ...
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The husseiniye is a religious place in Shia Islam, where the mourning ceremony of Imam Hussein (PBUH) and the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala is mainly held. Apparently, the husseiniye has come into existence as an extension of the structures of the mosque and religious places such as the zaviye and the tekiye and as a result of integration and reproduction of parts of their structures and functions. Many concepts have been lost in the design of the contemporary husseiniye as a single building, which is open to the public only in the months of Muharram and Safar. The husseiniye and the tekiye are among the entities that are responsible for the important celebration of the Battle of Karbala. Sanctuaries have always had a particular status as internal organs of any city or village, and religious buildings have always been regarded as one of the most fundamental components of the fabric, structure, and shape of a city. Therefore, the mosques, religious buildings, worship centers, and social and cultural centers in a city constitute a long-standing identity that can never be separated from its social and urban structure. Moreover, man is a social being, and needs social interactions and communication with others. Urban spaces play a significant role in the realization of this characteristic, and the courtyards of mosques and religious places such as the husseiniye are among these spaces. The Iranian husseiniye or tekiye is a symbol of the link between time, place, and people, with an identity distinct from that of public places with the same function in other countries due to its quality as an urban space. It is also unique as the only open urban space with a religious function in the Islamic urban development culture. Given the cultural characteristics of our country, particularly the role of Islam and religious beliefs in Iranians’ national and social identity, the necessity of investigating the physical qualities of the husseiniye seems obvious. The purpose of this research was to recognize the effect of the Ashura rituals on the configuration of the city of Na'in, Iran based on the pathway pattern. On that basis, it can be stated as the research hypothesis that the pathway pattern of the groups of Ashura mourning, routinely held in the city, has such a significant effect on the formation and spatial organization of the city and locations of the husseiniye buildings that it cannot be disregarded in their analysis. According to what was stated, the research question concerns the aspects of the social and religious identification by the rituals in Na'in. Therefore, we conducted a structured study of seven husseiniye buildings in Na'in to examine the physical indicators of the husseiniye and their adaptation to the factors influencing the formation of buildings as open urban spaces and to analyze human pathay in the husseiniye using the pathway pattern. The research results indicate that the factors effective on consideration of open religious places like the husseiniye as open urban spaces include the general quality of convenience and communication with the surrounding passages, multiple entrances, the interaction established between the people, and urban life spirit. Thus, Nowgabad Mosque has the greatest number of alternative pathway patterns with six entrances, and the Husseiniye of Gowdalu has the lowest with two entrances. Better recognition and employment of the principles for design of such spaces, including location, flexibility in form and function, and rich symbolic concepts, can greatly contribute to persistence of the physical expression of a culture in the environment and identification of the Iranian city.
Urban Design
Farshad Nourian; Behnaz Aminzadeh; Mazyar Abaee
Abstract
Highlights
The urban design process has a vital role in the implemented result of urban design projects.
Bridging the theory-practice in urban design needs a combination of the implementation phase in the design process.
The gradual approach to the urban design process deals with a step-by-step ...
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Highlights
The urban design process has a vital role in the implemented result of urban design projects.
Bridging the theory-practice in urban design needs a combination of the implementation phase in the design process.
The gradual approach to the urban design process deals with a step-by-step process combined with real-world implementation and feedbacks.
Introduction
Although more than half a century has passed since the academic birth of urban design, it still suffers from ambiguities in theory and practice. Questions emerge such as the following. Can urban design be a definite discipline? Is urban design independent of urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture? What is the role of urban design in the real world, and what is the final product? What is the appropriate process and the main toolboxes? Answers to these questions must be part of the common discourse of the field, definite answers to clarify all the ambiguities.
Theoretical Frameworks
Despite these ambiguities, urban design continues to be considered as an intellectual tradition. It plays a significant role in everyday human life, and remains a subject matter in many studies. In recent years, many urban projects have sought to create noble environments for people while providing economic benefits for the private sector and local governments. Some research has attempted to evaluate such projects. The results point to the fact that many such projects have failed to accomplish their stated goals. Theoretically, this appears to be the result of a theory-practice dichotomy.
However, there has been a gap in comprehensive research since the 1990s on the urban design process. Although several different parameters affect the implementation of designed projects, the urban design process may play a significant role in the end product. Hence, the question is what could be the relationship between the urban design process and on-the-ground project realization? A complementary question is whether we can manipulate the urban design process to achieve the stated design goals and realize the projects as intended. To answer these questions, we first present a literature review on the urban design process and then discuss the results of our examination of some implemented projects to find clues about how to handle the urban design process and solve the theory-practice dichotomy of urban design itself.
Urban design ambiguities can influence the urban design process as its central procedural dimension, which has implemented projects as its results. Although different parameters cooperate to make it troublesome to utilize a project, all designs are affected by the urban design process. Thus, the question concerns the relationship between the urban design process and project realization. It is also unknown whether we can manipulate the urban design process to ensure the realization of projects. In addition, based on the theory-practice dichotomy, we need to know whether the evaluation of urban design projects and their realization can give us a clue as to how to handle the urban design process. Therefore, we attempt to resolve theoretical ambiguity in urban design by examining some real-world projects. Here, we assume that the urban design process can also transfer theoretical ambiguities to real-world practice as a medium that canalizes theoretical knowledge to practice.
Methodology
The research addresses many unknown topics and undefined parameters. Thus, it may not be possible to develop a specific theoretical framework with a clear list of measurable criteria to meet the research goals through a classified research method. Our literature review leads to a framework that points to a relationship between the subject matters. This framework is not exhaustive because our research does not rely on quantitative measurements and focuses on experience with the subject.
Therefore, the study is restricted to qualitative research. Due to the uncertainties about the topics, a theoretical interpretation is made of the literature based on qualitative research to develop a framework for an experimental approach to the issue. Content analysis and action research lead us to calibration of the framework. The result provides an ultimate configuration for a practical framework which can be an a priori model which can be calibrated to an ultimate model by experience. Such an experience clarifies the parameters and their relationships through direct contact with the research domain. Therefore, a model is created for the urban design process after the literature review, applicable to examination of operational experience. Finally, we observe that the process is not an ultimate one but can help us find an ultimate one based on the iteration of the a priori model.
Here, the case study addresses the master plan for the Abbasabad region in Tehran. We use this project as the subject of our content analysis. The project is examined through the documents, i.e., reports, administrative correspondences, and proceedings, based on the meetings of cultural and technical committees.
The documents are analysed in MaxQda. The keywords used in the software include project, realization, process, ratification, Article 5 Commission, master plan, specific plan, implementation, and construction. After the first search in the documents, the useless words are eliminated, and the search is carried out again for their classification. The results are analyzed interpretively. Next, another project–i.e., design of the southern Kan area–is used as a case study implemented on the ground.
Results and discussion
The generalization of the incremental process can be explained theoretically, but the experimental proof requires more cases and several, repeated experimental applications of the process. Practical application of the process can calibrate the framework to a more realistic one. The result of the theoretical explanation is that the general format of the process can change over time to turn to a complete model, other models, or derivations of the present model.
In fact, a model is generated after the literature review calibration of which through experimental research leads to a design process.
Conclusion
The incremental process, as proposed in this paper, needs to be tested over time. The relationship between practice and implementation can be recognized through direct experimentation with the incremental process. However, the relationship between implementation and theory (following that between theory and practice) can be recognized through research methods such as design studies. This can demonstrate how theoretical knowledge can be converted to the practical material of projects.
Acknowledgment: The article has been derived from the Ph.D. thesis entitled Revisiting the Urban Design Process with a Focus on Implementation of Projects, which has been defended by the third author under the first author’s supervision and the second author’s advisory at the University of Tehran.
We should thank Naghshe Jahan-Pars Consulting Co. And Gozineh Consulting Co. for providing us with the materials for the two case study projects of Abbas Abad Region Master Plan and Southern Kan Area Design, respectively.
Urban Planning
pouya Joudi
Abstract
How does the framework of the planning research process define the elements of the ontology, epistemology, methodology, and methods continuum to employ a constructivist grounded theory method? This paper aimed to provide a rationale for use of such a method for urban and regional planning research. Embedded ...
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How does the framework of the planning research process define the elements of the ontology, epistemology, methodology, and methods continuum to employ a constructivist grounded theory method? This paper aimed to provide a rationale for use of such a method for urban and regional planning research. Embedded within the framework of the emic approach in planning research, the theory describes it from the participants’ points of view, generating a perspective on how they recognize it as a real, meaningful process. The underlying values and shared perceptions can be deciphered in urban and regional planning applications through recognition of the significance of stories and narratives on the factors involved in planning processes. In a constructivist grounded theory method, the researcher’s approach is explicitly based on the assumption that any theoretical interpretation suggests an interpretive image of the universe under investigation rather than a detailed image thereof. Constructivist inquiry begins with experience and how members construct it. In other words, constructivists recognize their interpretation of the studied phenomenon as a construction, a step forward in participants’ understanding of meaning. The application of the theory was described and analyzed in this research in accordance with the process proposed by Charmaz. The data for analysis of the participants’ mental elements were provided through semi-structured in-depth interviews. After the pre-coding steps, including data collection and implementation, were taken, the data analysis stage and the three phases of coding, i.e. initial coding, focused coding, and, finally, theoretical coding, were delineated.Furthermore, the conceptualization processes in constructivist grounded theory were highlighted using memo-writing and theoretical saturation. The recognition of this approach among those adopted to the theory and its successive process, which is applicable to planning research with a descriptive-analytic method, has resulted from extensive theoretical studies and the practical experience of applying the process as a survey. It can be concluded that the constructivist grounded theory method can be applied to arrangement of urban and regional planning, detection of planners’ understanding of the outcomes of planning, the planning environment, and the social context. Given the spatial nature of planning theories, middle-range content planning associated with a particular situation is applicable in their practice. In the present study, the scholar’s philosophical position was realized through adoption of constructivism. The ontological and epistemological bases of the research—the relativist ontological position and the subjectivist epistemological position—are consistent with the research purposes, plan, and methodology. The constructivist grounded theory was focused here on the measures, interactions, and social processes of planners.
Urban Planning
Seyed Meysam Rezaee; Seyed Hamidreza Tabibi
Abstract
After the Industrial Revolution, advancement in industry and technology was coupled with population growth, and rural-urban immigration caused the extreme expansion of cities. Moreover, the rapid growth of urbanization in coastal areas and conflict of interest between the stakeholders has imposed extreme ...
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After the Industrial Revolution, advancement in industry and technology was coupled with population growth, and rural-urban immigration caused the extreme expansion of cities. Moreover, the rapid growth of urbanization in coastal areas and conflict of interest between the stakeholders has imposed extreme ecological pressure on this fragile ecosystem, which indicates the contrast between cities and coastal environments. According to records from the Statistical Centre of Iran, the coastal city of Deylam, Iran, located in Bushehr Province, has been struggling with population and immigration growth during the past six decades. Since the common expansion pattern of coastal cities is linear, where they are distributed along the coast, any attempt against the urban sprawl of coastal cities will clearly benefit the coastal ecosystem. In this research, the urban sprawl of Deylam was investigated for an approximate time span of ten years using quantitative data and a descriptive-analytical method. For this purpose, the prevalence of urban sprawl in the area under investigation was first verified using Shannon’s entropy method. Subsequently, the share of horizontal urban growth, which has faced Deylam with urban sprawl, was specified using the Holdren model. Next, the rate of horizontal growth for the period of investigation was calculated for the first time through application of the Digital Shoreline Analysis System to a study of horizontal urban growth. Eventually, the optimum size of Deylam for the investigation period was obtained through subtraction of the share of growth calculated by the Holdren model from the total growth of the city, provided then through maps generated using ArcGIS 10. According to the calculations made using Shannon’s entropy, Deylam was expanded extensively at the beginning of the investigation period (i.e., February 16, 2005), undergoing 80.14 percent its maximum possible urban sprawl. Moreover, 62.9 percent of the urban growth of the city in the investigation period resulted from the population growth, based on the Holdren model; therefore, 37.1 percent of the total growth is responsible for the urban sprawl of the city. The results demonstrated that Deylam has experienced growth rates of 19.08 and 23.11 m/year at its northern and southern edges with standard deviations of 4.5 and 4.1, respectively. At the northern edge, the growth rate of 7.08 m/year is due to the urban sprawl, and the 12-m/year rate has resulted from the population growth. Along the same lines at the southern edge of the city, the growth rate of 8.57 m/year is due to the urban sprawl, and the 14.54-m/year rate has resulted from the population growth. The western and eastern edges of Deylam have not developed during the investigation period, because there have been natural barriers in these parts. Since the presented framework, implemented in this study, is easy to apply, and the procedure of calculation is clear, it may provide contributions in projects involving prevention of urban sprawl.
Urban Transport
Mahdi Allahdadi; Ali Shamaei; Farzaneh sasanpour
Abstract
The issue of transportation is regarded as one of the most important human needs. Two general solutions are applied today to urban traffic problems: demand management and supply management. Demand management is adopted to eliminate or reduce travel, and supply management is aimed at optimal use of the ...
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The issue of transportation is regarded as one of the most important human needs. Two general solutions are applied today to urban traffic problems: demand management and supply management. Demand management is adopted to eliminate or reduce travel, and supply management is aimed at optimal use of the available transportation facilities. Establishment and employment of public transportation is another major strategy adopted in supply management. The bus is considered as the main means of public transportation in the city of Esfahan, Iran, where it has been found to meet twenty percent of people’s transportation needs in recent years. In order for the bus services to appeal to more citizens, measures should be taken to resolve its problems and enhance its favorability. It has been found that the major problems from passengers’ point of view include long waiting times at stations, delayed and imprecise arrival times, crowdedness, and inappropriate air conditioning and cooling and heating systems in the ordinary bus services. From the perspective of urban management, there are again obvious problems, such as the worn-out fleet, noise and environment pollution, and low performance of the ordinary bus services, utilized less than allowed by the capacity. All this calls for modification and optimization in the current services. The most important problems with the fleet include uncertainty in and violation of the service schedule, long travel times due to low speed, limited activity and service duration, crowdedness, and long time headways. Many of these problems can be resolved via special routes, i.e. conversion of ordinary bus services into express ones. It will then be important to evaluate the bus rapid transit (BRT) services, so that the quality can be upgraded to a high level. The main purpose of this research was to specify the status of the BRT services in Esfahan in accordance with ITDP’s 2016 BRT Standard, the scores of different bus lines, and surveyed passengers’ satisfaction and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the services from the above two aspects. The results demonstrated that the average score of the BRT services in Esfahan was below the bronze level of quality. The separate examinations of the scores obtained on the individual criteria demonstrated that the criteria pertaining to the stations achieved 80% their maximum values, and those concerning the communication equipment achieved only 20%, indicating a lack of communication equipment in Esfahan BRT services. Moreover, points were deduced on the access and integration criterion due to the lack of integration between the BRT services and the network of cycle facilities, and all the bus lines lost five more points as the horizontal distance between the bus floor and the station platform was more than twenty centimeters, without which the services would achieve the bronze level. According to the survey results, in fact specifying the status of the services from the passengers’ perspective, the average score obtained on the different criteria was 74%, indicating a high level of satisfaction, on which basis it could be stated that Esfahan BRT services were of the silver level of quality. Furthermore, all the bus lines had attracted 21% and 13% of car and taxi passengers, respectively, amounting to 16 and 11for Line 1 alone, according to similar studies. The most important reasons stated by passengers for using BRT services included high speed, discipline, and convenience, in that order. The evaluation and survey results were highly correlated, suggesting a failure to employ smart equipment widely and fully in Esfahan BRT services.
Urban Design
toktam hanaee; Sanaz saeedi; shima abedi
Abstract
Familiarity with the destination environment plays an important role in tourism, and the more frequent tourists’ visits to the area, the greater their knowledge of the environment and, consequently, the easier for them to navigate around the place. Those unfamiliar with the environment should make ...
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Familiarity with the destination environment plays an important role in tourism, and the more frequent tourists’ visits to the area, the greater their knowledge of the environment and, consequently, the easier for them to navigate around the place. Those unfamiliar with the environment should make sure that there are sufficient wayfinding aids, and that it will be clear for them how to reach their target sights by following the aids without getting lost. Use of various wayfinding tools can allow visitors to realize the overall spatial layout of the environment and the relationships between them. It is dependent on the user’s characteristics what types of tools are utilized in wayfinding. If tourists are confused at a part of a destination about how to find their way, they will lose incentives to visit it. The easier for tourists to identify the ways to their target sights in the environment, the more attractive the place to them, motivating them to be there in the environment. This study aimed to identify tourists’ specific wayfinding tools in the Paeen Khiaban neighborhood in the city of Mashhad, Iran. Tourists could have different levels of familiarity with the destination addressed in the case study, which could be categorized as an applied survey. The data were collected through field observations, questionnaires, and site visits. The sample size appropriate for a population of 359 people was calculated using Cochran’s formula. The statistical analyses were made using methods including one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), dependent t-test, and the K2 test, used to prioritize the variables, and the significance levels of the indicators were analyzed using Duncan’s test. The results demonstrated that tourists more familiar with the destination used spatial orientation and representation, whereas those who were less familiar with the environment utilized the landmark strategy through recognition of the elements and identification of the location for wayfinding via points. The former group identified their direction through coordinates in a more general situation, while the latter group identified landmark points and followed them to the target place in smaller areas and through the points and the connections between the landmark and the situation. The tourists were interested in using visual guidelines for wayfinding, analyzing, learning, encoding, and processing them in their minds, and then selected the optimal route. Familiarity was effective in the selection of the type of wayfinding strategy and the use of a variety of wayfinding guidelines. Furthermore, the tourists considered the attractions in their choice of destinations, the walls and familiarity with the environment were the next most significant factors, and the signs and patterns on the route were also effective in the selection. The signs were very important to the tourists because the number of signs, locations, distances, designs, fonts and backgrounds, sizes, and heights affected readability. The guidelines and distinctive signs or visual cues at decision points along routes can help improve wayfinding.
