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’ ...
Read More
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 Management
SEYED HADI HOSSEINI
Volume 5, Issue 20 , November 2016, , Pages 43-52
Abstract
In the recent decades, good governance has became one of the key words in the domain of Social Sciences. this research follows two main objectives: first, to study the status of urban governance in the city of Torbat Haydarieh and second, attempting to understand the differences and similarities in perceptions ...
Read More
In the recent decades, good governance has became one of the key words in the domain of Social Sciences. this research follows two main objectives: first, to study the status of urban governance in the city of Torbat Haydarieh and second, attempting to understand the differences and similarities in perceptions and points of view of citizens and urban managers of good governance indicators in this city. Research methodology was based on descriptive – analytical method. For data collection, library documents and survey studies were used. Sample size included 383 residents over the age of 20 years old and 170 managers and experts in urban organizations. Research findings indicated that the total score of the urban governance index for citizens was equal to 1.98 while for urban managers and experts it was equal to 2.35. These results indicate that Torbat Haydarieh is not in a good state in terms of urban governance. The study results also showed that amongst the 9 indicators investigated in this research, the mean score of 8 indicators for citizens was less than the mean scores for urban managers and experts and only in consensus orientation and strategic insight indicators mean scores of citizens was higher than that of urban managers and experts. Moreover, the greatest disagreement between citizens and urban manager and experts existed in the two indicators of rule of law and efficiency and effectiveness.On the other hand, the greatest commonality between urban citizens and managers and experts existed within the parameters of transparency, accountability and justice. One of the most important findings of this research was the recognition of differences in viewpoints, perceptions and understanding between citizens with city managers and experts on some indicators such as the rule of law. Another important point in the findings is that there are similarities between the points of views of citizens with experts and city managers in regards to indicators including such as responsibility, transparency and justice. Existence of consensus on these three criteria, can be a turning point and a move in direction of implementation of urban good governance in Torbat Haydarieh. In regard the Participation Index as the first and perhaps the most important indicator of good governance, reviews indicated that one of the important commonalities in both groups is that they emphasize that the issue of participation in the mind of managers is unreal and they use this concept as a an instrument for personal and political advancement. Finally, the implementation of urban good governance in Torbat Haydarieh and maybe other urban areas of Iran, more than anything, requires strong political determination, particularly at high levels of government, and their belief in good urban governance. As long as this impertive issue don’t become an important point for all political and administrative authorities, implementation of good urban governance would not be possible.
Urban Planning
Farshad Nourian; Parsa Arbab
Volume 6, Issue 22 , May 2017, , Pages 43-58
Abstract
This research aims to explore the outlook of global cities in developing countries through the critical analysis. Global or globalizing cities have emerged in the developing countries during the past two decades. Some of the latest cases include Bangkok, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Jakarta, Johannesburg, ...
Read More
This research aims to explore the outlook of global cities in developing countries through the critical analysis. Global or globalizing cities have emerged in the developing countries during the past two decades. Some of the latest cases include Bangkok, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Shanghai, and Taipei. Other older cases involve Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Singapore, and Mexico City.Questions about the concepts and meanings of the global functions for development of these cities are raised when considering their role as part of the global cities network. The main body of literature on the patterns of the global city attempts to use the framework of the prime examples and paradigmatic cases of the global or globalizing cities such as London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo for evaluating the evidence of the globalization of cities in developing countries. Moreover, the success and the status of these cities are considered and measured mainly based on western criteria. This issue is due to the domination of western (Anglo-American) framework in the field of the globalization and the city.
In contrast, an increasing number of academic researchersbelieve that the relationship between the global city concept and the issues of power, actors and institutions - that operate globally - is exaggerated. In their view, this challenge has led to the underestimation of the local context and probabilities. Hence, the application of the current dominant paradigm of the globalization for the outlook of the global cities in the developing countries has been criticized by them. They argue that achieving a general set of comprehensive and universal results is a barren probability. Meanwhile, a type of ethnocentrism dominates the literature of globalization and global cities. Moreover, it is problematic to focus the research on the limited and specific factors and criteria of globalization, especially when such research attempts to explain the results and outcomes of the global cities in the developing countries. Therefore, alternative approaches, differentiated with the current dominant ones, have been proposed in this regard. Other models based on the complexity and diversity of the effects and consequences must be adopted. Serious consideration for the valuation of the local and native capacities, priorities and differences is essential for any theoretical and empirical study on the process of the globalization in the developing countries. It is necessary to operationalize distinct types of measures instead of the current global city label in reference to them. Accordingly, it is very important to use innovative models or patterns through the adoption of new frameworks based on the various roles, positions, capacities, dimensions, effects and consequences. Instead of absolute acceptance of the dominant Anglo-American approaches, it is more useful to conduct further studies on the interaction between the global and local actors. Such approach, presented as an alternative conceptual framework in this paper, could act as a basis for further studies on new cases in the developing countries.
Urban Sustainability
Islam Karami; parisa mohamadhoseini
Abstract
Mehr housing developments typify the problem of increasing building density in modern urbanism, a state of affairs with manifold repercussions. The Mehr housing complexes in Ardabil consist stereotypically of apartment buildings tightly jammed together, without regard to every environmental and human ...
Read More
Mehr housing developments typify the problem of increasing building density in modern urbanism, a state of affairs with manifold repercussions. The Mehr housing complexes in Ardabil consist stereotypically of apartment buildings tightly jammed together, without regard to every environmental and human aspect. As rather densely populated complexes and prospective accommodations for upcoming generations, they warrant serious attention in terms of social sustainability. It is indeed possible to make amends for the human and social aspects overlooked in the original designs by enhancing the physical environment. Hence, the present study explored the role of sociable public spaces in social sustainability of residential complexes, seeking to promote social identity and vitality in contemporary urban structures. The examined cases were three Mehr housing developments in Ardabil, namely Niayesh, Vahdat, and Andisheh. Our hypothesis stated that the presence of sociable public spaces at the concerned developments correlated significantly with their social sustainability. The adopted method combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the applied strategies included logical reasoning, comparison, and correlation. At first, documentary and analytical studies were embarked on to extract the facets and variables of social sustainability and sociability of the spaces. To measure the two concepts of “space sociability” and “social sustainability”, the designed models incorporated the spatial-physical components of the former and the human and social dimensions of the latter. Questionnaires designed with respect to the research components were distributed among the local residents. The variables of the two concepts and their correlation at the complexes were interpreted by analyzing the data from the questionnaires through one sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation using SPSS. Results of these analyses suggest that establishing sociable spaces will positively contribute to social sustainability of residential complexes, and that Andisheh exhibits relatively higher levels of the two concepts among the examined cases. The next step involved the analysis of spatial and physical facets of the public spaces of the complexes. The data resulting from the analysis of the questionnaires were related to the results of interviews and observations. The variables and environmental attributes pertaining to the sociability of public spaces of the residential complexes were then extracted and classified. The paper concludes by offering a series of solutions, including provision of sociable spaces such as green areas, children’s playgrounds, and commercial and cultural centers, allowing for proper physical-social sizes of the spaces, enhancing environmental welfare, and taking account of visual diversity, all of which will ensure sociability of public spaces at the residential complexes, thereby promoting social sustainability. Sociable places can be regarded as multi-purpose spaces that can accommodate various activities and appeal to different groups, thus intensifying human interactions. The physical-social size of a space is correlated with the sense of security, sense of affinity, and identification with the environment. Environmental welfare is related to being satisfied with the physical environment and to the desire for spending more time at and relishing the space, whereas visual variety makes the space appealing and inviting.
Urban Architecture
aliakbar heidari; malihe taghipour
Abstract
Highlights
- The physical health of people in residential complexes is directly related to the environmental quality of those complexes;
- The mental health of the residents in the residential complexes is directly related to the structural quality of the complexes;
- The social health of the residents ...
Read More
Highlights
- The physical health of people in residential complexes is directly related to the environmental quality of those complexes;
- The mental health of the residents in the residential complexes is directly related to the structural quality of the complexes;
- The social health of the residents in the residential complexes is directly related to the functional quality of the complexes;
- Providing health dimensions in residential complexes is directly related to the quality of life of residents.
Introduction
Due to the inattention of designers and architectures to the quality of biological collections during the rapid growth of urbanization, the residents of these collections have faced many problems, the most important being the sharp decline in their quality of life. On the other hand, since home is the most important space in human life, and people spend most of their lives in residential environments, the quality of housing and its role in improvement of the quality of life is a significant issue. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate how the environmental quality of housing is related to the residents’ quality of life to analyze the mechanism of this relationship. Accordingly, the environmental quality of housing was considered as an independent variable and the quality of life as a dependent variable. In addition, given that the quality of housing is an objective issue, and the quality of life is a subjective issue, a mediating variable was needed with both objective and subjective aspects for analysis of the relationship between the two concepts. Therefore, the notion of health was considered as the mediating variable in this study, and an attempt was made to explain the relationship between the main variables through examination of the relationship between health and the dimensions of environmental quality, on the one hand, and its relationship with the quality of life, on the other.
Theoretical Framework
Based on the objectives and hypotheses of the research, architectural quality was considered as an independent variable, quality of life as a dependent variable, and health dimensions as a mediating variable. According to the research literature, the quality of architecture was evaluated in the form of three indicators: environmental quality, structural quality, and functional quality. The quality of life was evaluated in the form of a psychological-semantic concept including satisfaction with residents’ various aspects of individual and social life. Finally, the dimensions of health were analyzed in the form of three aspects: physical, mental, and social health.
Methodology
After a review of the literature and extraction of the indicators concerning each of the research variables, the theoretical framework of the research was presented. These indicators were examined as a case study using tools including observation, interview, and researcher-made questionnaires at three residential complexes in the city of Shiraz, Iran. A standard questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. The quality of architecture was assessed using the above tools based on the indicators provided for that purpose. Finally, the residents’ health conditions were assessed using a researcher-made closed questionnaire. To specify the validity and reliability of the questionnaires, the items concerning each variable were first designed and provided to the experts. After a number of the items were corrected and deleted, the final questionnaire was designed in the form of a set of 26 items, and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for each group was obtained.
Results and Discussion
The eventual research results follow.
- The physical health of the people in the residential complexes was directly related to the environmental quality of the complexes.
- The mental health of the residents of the residential complexes was directly related to the structural quality of the complexes.
- The social health of the residents of the residential complexes was directly related to the functional quality of the complexes.
- Provision of health dimensions in the residential complexes was directly related to the residents’ quality of life.
Conclusion
1- The quality of architecture in residential spaces is directly related to improvement of the residents’ health conditions. In this regard, the following are significant:
-Improvement of the level of environmental quality promotes all aspects of health in housing, especially the residents’ physical health. This means that the most important factors ensuring the residents’ physical health include the provision of health, creation of environmental comfort in housing, and assurance of the residents’ safety, which lie in the field of environmental quality.
- Improvement of the level of structural quality in housing promotes mental health. Psychological peace is provided in the house through attention to the structural features of housing with respect to the method of spatial configuration, proper spatial zoning, provision of the residents with psychological security, creation of an appropriate visual space in the home environment, and the like. As a result, the residents’ mental health is improved at home.
- Improvement of the level of functional quality improves the residents’ social health in residential environments. We can refer to the capabilities of housing in provision of individual and social functions in the housing environment. are These capabilities include the establishment of collective spaces in the residential environment, creation of a space with functional diversity to perform a variety of activities in public spaces, generation of a spatial hierarchy, and individual and social privacy in space. Such solutions raise the possibility of increasing the interaction between neighbors, which leads to greater recognition among them, formation of the residents’ collective identity, and increase in the desire for social participation among them, which can ultimately contribute to social health.
2- The residents’ quality of health in residential complexes is directly related to the improvement of their quality of life.
This means that provision of all the three dimensions of health in residential environments increases the residents’ quality of life from all aspects. Therefore, if any of the dimensions of health is not provided in a residential environment, it can reduce the residents’ quality of life.
3- The quality of architecture in a residential space is directly related to the residents’ quality of life.
This issue, which is one of the main purposes of the present study, is quite obvious and understandable in light of the above. Thus, on the one hand, there is a two-way relationship between the quality of architecture and health dimensions; on the other hand, the residents’ quality of health in a residential complex is directly related to their quality of life there. Therefore, it can be stated that there is a direct relationship between the quality of architecture in a residential complex and the residents’ quality of life. Hence, improvement of the quality of architecture in a residential space increases different dimensions of the residents’ health, leading to an improvement in their quality of life.
Urban Scape
Aida Arjmandtabar; Raheleh Rostami
Abstract
Highlights- The physical characteristics of streetscapes, including the widths of the pathways, are effective on the functions of Kaplan’s matrix.- Kaplan’s visual preference matrix plays a more effective role in non-urban landscapes than in urban ones.- A higher green index causes more final ...
Read More
Highlights- The physical characteristics of streetscapes, including the widths of the pathways, are effective on the functions of Kaplan’s matrix.- Kaplan’s visual preference matrix plays a more effective role in non-urban landscapes than in urban ones.- A higher green index causes more final visual preferences.- Narrower pathways are stronger functions of Kaplan’s matrix.- Mystery was found to be the most stable variable, and legibility was identified as the weakest in urban landscapes, as well as non-urban ones. IntroductionEvaluations and assessments of the visual preference matrix adopted from Kaplan’s theory in natural and non-urban landscapes have demonstrated that landscapes are preferred by individuals that fulfill the audiences’ needs in four types of perceived quality, including coherence, complexity, legibility, and mystery, under the title of informational variables. However, the theory has not been studied effectively in urban landscapes. The importance of the vegetation that is there on urban pathways, like streets and alleys, due to the daily observation of such landscapes by the citizens, in view of the observers’ environmental and mental health, caused the authors to investigate the effect of this part of observable vegetation in urban landscapes besides other structural factors of pathways, such as their widths, on the perceived and informational variables of Kaplan’s matrix, thereby evaluating the role of the matrix in urban landscapes.Theoretical frameworkAccording to Kaplans, the visual information that facilitates understanding and exploration is very important in the formation of human preferences. The sum of the two information needs and the degree of their deduction by time (urgent or in near future) resulted in a matrix consisting of four informational variables: coherence, complexity, legibility, and mystery. The structure of mystery and complexity is based on the need for exploration (the former by lapse of time and the latter immediately), and the structure of legibility and coherence is based on the need for understanding (the former by lapse of time and the latter immediately). Any landscape, having a degree of these variables, provides a type of perceived quality for the audience. This study aims at understating the level of effectiveness of each of these variables on the audience’s preference, based on the increase in the greenery in pathways of particular widths (8, 10, and 20 meters), to provide the necessary attention for their desirable effectiveness through knowledge of the level of effectiveness of each of such variables.Research methodologyGiven its aim, i.e. to recognize the quality and degree of the effects of the relevant variables on each other, the methodology of this study is descriptive-correlational, and the method of data collection is quantitative based on the structured questionnaire. 280 participants were provided online with the questionnaire, involving a combination of questions and colored images from the streetscapes in question. The streetscape images were taken from the observer’s perspective based on location at the pathway crossroads and some other features, and the questions were borrowed from those raised by Kaplans on the informational variables and provided to the participants more clearly and more fluently. The understanding of the green index of each image and its increased level was accomplished using Photoshop 2020. Finally, the responses were analyzed and assessed through a number of tests using SPSS 24.Results and discussionThe results of preference in States (1) and (2) for the green index obtained through the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test indicated that the average of this variable has increased significantly in all the three pathways with the increase in the green index. In the investigation of the effect of informational variables on the preference variable, the results of the linear regression test indicated that the increase in the green index in the 8m pathway has raised the preference variable, affected by the three variables of coherence, legibility, and mystery (rather than the single variable of mystery in State (1)). Moreover, there have been effects in the 10m and 20m pathways from the two variables of mystery and complexity (rather than the single variable of complexity in State (1)) and the single variable of complexity (rather than mystery in State (1)). An increase in pathway width reduced the effect of informational variables on the preference variable.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that even in the present situation of the urban landscapes, suffering deficiency in coherence and coordination, an increase in the green index could significantly affect citizens’ satisfaction generally in all pathways. However, with respect to the effect of Kaplans framework on visual preference in artifact landscapes, the results demonstrated that informational variables affect preference more significantly with an increase in the green index in narrower pathways, and the effect decreases as pathway width rises. This implies the sensitivity of concern for narrow pathways, which calls for greater attention to an increase in all informational variables due to the severer enclosure. If pathway width increases, there will be less concern for the lack of coherence in the buildings, while an increase in complexity and mystery is effective in the satisfaction of the audience of such residential streetscapes. Due to its lively, dynamic nature, therefore, vegetation inherently involves the required variety and complexity and great capacity for exploration. It also exhibits sufficient potentials for an increase in the mystery feature through the creation of an attractive enclosure and blockage of the observer’s view. Moreover, this study demonstrated mystery (the most stable of the four informational variables) as the strongest variable with the highest degree of significance and legibility (the last predictor of the preference matrix) as the weakest variable. Thus, it seems that vegetation could have an effective role in the increase in the legibility of urban landscapes with a particular form and scale.
Urban Planning
m r; j m; a m; a r; k i
Volume 3, Issue 9 , February 2014, , Pages 45-58
Abstract
There is a lot of evidence that political boundaries have lost a large part of its function as a barrier, and cross-border interactions and cooperation will increasingly become more important over time. In this case, the border operates as a contact area which is a functional space for exchange and socio-economic ...
Read More
There is a lot of evidence that political boundaries have lost a large part of its function as a barrier, and cross-border interactions and cooperation will increasingly become more important over time. In this case, the border operates as a contact area which is a functional space for exchange and socio-economic interactions; the border spreads its positive effects in its vicinity. The impact of borders is the key agent in the development of cities on or near them. Borders can either block or bridge the development and integration of different border areas. Understanding this barrier or opportunity affects how we conceptualize borders and their functions. This research studies the correlation between transforming border function and improving peripheral status of the border cities of Baneh and Saghez. Quantitative-survey methods were used to achieve the above aim. Using questionnaires data was collected from cross-border traders and prominent local figures and experts. To test the hypothesis, the result of 131 questionnaires of the cross-border traders and 49 questionnaires of the prominent local figures and experts were analyzed through Comparison of averages, One sample T-Test, Regression analysis, and Nonparametric Friedman's Test. In addition, the sample size of the research was selected using snowball sampling and targeted methods. The results show that border function has changed from the perspective of the cross-border traders and prominent local figures and experts. According to the descriptive results, score for the changing role of border variability is higher than the theoretical median and the scores for constituent indicator of transforming border function that include reinforcement of legal-institutional capacity, development of transport infrastructures, facilitating the flow of cross-border exchange and decreasing socio-cultural distance are 3.06, 3.30, 2.56, and 3.07 respectively. The results also indicated that the peripheral status of the border cities has improved. According to the results, employment and income status, economic well-being, social security, political and social collaboration amongst people have improved. Furthermore, there is a significant correlation between transforming border function and peripheral status based on the Regression’s Test. This correlation is at medium level (0.50 and o.51 for cross-border trader and local elites and experts respectively). In addition, the results indicate that the constituent indicator of transforming border function have a different proportion in transforming border function. The results of the Nonparametric Friedman's Test show that the development of transport infrastructures and the lessening socio-cultural distance has had a greater effect on transforming border function. Thus, as noted in the theoretical principles, improvement of the peripheral status of border cities and development of the border city area need border function (or border role) to be redefined and governments to alter their viewpoints – people in border regions adapt to local conditions. Elimination of long bureaucratic process in cross-border trade and traffic, stability and transparency of business rules, development of information and communication infrastructure will have positive ramifications in adjacent regions. Finally, based on the results, lower inhibitory effects at borders is a key factor in the development of border cities and regions.
Urban Design
mahsa sholeh; Alireza Sadeghi; Peyman Najafi; Zahra Khaksar
Abstract
This paper intends to evaluate individual’s activity patterns in urban public realms. The nature of the public realm reflects our everyday life, civic culture and social discourses. In order to have a more popular and vibrant public realm, an attractive and safe environment, which meets the needs ...
Read More
This paper intends to evaluate individual’s activity patterns in urban public realms. The nature of the public realm reflects our everyday life, civic culture and social discourses. In order to have a more popular and vibrant public realm, an attractive and safe environment, which meets the needs of its users, should be provided. In recent years, this issue has been an attractive topic not only for psychologists and sociologists but also for urban planners and all those involved in designing urban environments. In this regard, this study tries to analyze behavioural patterns and social activities in an urban public realm (Ahmadi Pedestrian Walkway) using Behavioral Observation method. This method leads to a systematic study of the behavioural patterns of individuals in the surrounding environment. In other words, the Behaviour Observation method is a novel way of recording and understanding the importance of public life in an urban environment. The aim of behaviour observation method is to determine how and by whom these public realms would be used and what facilities should be provided for the space users. Therefore, in this study, the physical-environmental qualities, activity patterns, and behavioural components are investigated through a field survey as well as natural and participatory observation. The tools of this methodology are recording the location of stationary activities, recording the stopping places, activity counting and tracking technique. To validate the findings of the study, a survey strategy was utilized to adapt the findings of the study to the viewpoints of 50 space users. The results revealed that Ahmadi Pedestrian Walkway in the middle hours of the day (14:00 to 17:00) encountered a fracture of stationary activity level and reduction of activity patterns. The highest pedestrian trace volume (76%) and stopping point (78%) were recorded in the shaded parts of the sidewalk. Also, evaluating the shadow maps, stationary activity maps, and pedestrian trace volumes, it seemed that the shading and climatic comfort had a correlation with behavioural patterns and social activities in Ahmadi Pedestrian Walkway.In conclusion, it can be argued that climatic comfort plays a crucial role in the vitality of urban public realms in Shiraz. Also, Behavioural Observation method is an effective way for measuring and analyzing behavioural patterns and social activities. Therefore, it can be considered in future ecological interventions of urban public realms.
Urban Design
Mahdi Montazerolhodjah; B N; mojtaba sharifnejad; Z F
Abstract
Rapid sprawl of urban areas in Iranian cities in the last few decades was the result of two population growth factors: (1) natural increase in population, and (2) migration to urban areas. These conditions are aggravated during times of transition from a pre-industrial society to an industrial one. This ...
Read More
Rapid sprawl of urban areas in Iranian cities in the last few decades was the result of two population growth factors: (1) natural increase in population, and (2) migration to urban areas. These conditions are aggravated during times of transition from a pre-industrial society to an industrial one. This trend has led to a shortfall in many sectors, primarily housing. One of the innovative schemes in response to this problem in many cities like Yazd, which has received wide acknowledgement, has been “sites-and-services” scheme. In a sites-and-services scheme, the preparation of land and procurement of infrastructure and services are the responsibility of the project authorities. Depending on the investment made, resources available, the implementing agency or degree of organization of the beneficiaries, sites-and-services schemes were activated in a number of differing ways in Yazd. These types of schemes provide only what the households cannot easily get or afford themselves: a plot of land with basic, essential utilities (clean water, sanitation, flood protection, security lighting, etc.) and municipal services (waste collection, schools, etc.). Sites-and-services projects have formed the main pattern of urban development during the past decades in Yazd. However, many of these projects have had a planning oriented process, have just focused on land use planning, population density and transportation and have ignored the environmental qualities. These condition has created urban textures with very poor quality, image and townscape. Although there are references to the aesthetic aspect and its role in urban contexts in some of these layouts, what is witnessed in reality is discrepancies between buildings and spaces and, therefore, their lack of visual appeal. Meanwhile, the visual environment in urban contexts is composed of a sophisticated structure of physical and non-physical elements; it is the cognitive joint between humans and their environments; it can facilitate people’s perception and evaluation of their living context and boost their environmental comprehensibility. The objective of this research is to assess the physical indicators affecting the aesthetic component in contemporary urban developments formed as a result of site and services projects during the past four decades in different regions of Yazd. The related literature was reviewed to collect information and determine the study criteria regarding the physical indicators of aesthetic component in urban areas. The results from the literature review and observation survey served very well in codifying the variables and attributes for developing the questionnaire to examine the resident’s perception of the aesthetic components in their neighborhoods. The questionnaire survey was done in 3 selected regions (region 10 in Imamshahr, 92 hectare project in Azadshahr and 93 hectare Kowsar project in Safayeh) that have been formed in difference times. A sample of 100 participants was selected randomly from residents in each region. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were performed. According to this study, the effect of any physical indicator is different from a region to another. Nevertheless, the width of the road and façade continuity has been mentioned in all the three studied regions. After that, visual balance and architectural style have an important role in the aesthetic component. The findings may also be used to improve the site and services scheme strategies and design guidelines regarding future urban development in Yazd and other cities in Iran.
Urban Planning
mohammadreza pourjafar; faramarz rostami
Abstract
Although the planning system has made plenty of theoretical and practical efforts in regard to the transformation of urbanization, it has failed to officially prevent the increasing trend of urban problems. While almost one-third of the urban population is living in poor conditions, and is stuck in a ...
Read More
Although the planning system has made plenty of theoretical and practical efforts in regard to the transformation of urbanization, it has failed to officially prevent the increasing trend of urban problems. While almost one-third of the urban population is living in poor conditions, and is stuck in a socio-economic vicious circle accompanied by physical distress, the benefits of urban growth are gained by powerful informal roles or formal roles with informal practices. In effect, the planning system interferes with informal practices and roles subconsciously and non-transparently. These informalities have also received less attention in the conducted studies, where powerful, influential informal roles and credible, covert, useful informal practices have been neglected. These are roles that ignore the law and public interest, or cause changes in the law and policies for their own satisfaction and informal practices that allocate the greatest benefits within a short time exclusively to particular groups. Persistence of such conditions will result in irreparable costs for the country under investigation, namely Iran. Hence, the present study aims to investigate how formal and informal practices and roles interact with each other given their current concentration on distressed urban areas. It also seeks to present a conceptual framework for formal planning confronting the informalities in the domain. The study attempts to answer three important questions. 1) How does formal planning address informal practices and roles? 2) How do informal practices and roles utilize formal planning? 3) How can this interference and conflict be resolved? To answer these questions, we investigated the actual power and background of the planning action, interference of formal planning with informalities, informalities’ utilization of planning, and transformation of urbanization in the country. Instances of the four ways in which formal and informal roles and practices confront each other were also identified and analyzed. The study involved documentary and library investigation given the nature of the research questions. The methodology also included content analysis and logical reasoning. We analyzed scholars’ perspectives and experiences in regard to the issue, the planning background, and the effective factors in the confrontation given the country’s urbanization conditions, particularly the experiences and the results of the conducted studies in distressed areas. For explanation of the confrontation atmosphere, it could be suggested that there is an informal sector in the physical, economic, and social domains in the country along with the formal sector. The two sectors intersect in many events, functioning like a whirlpool that leads to endless distress. Inefficient confrontation has been the outcome of the formality-informality whirlpool, employed as a fact in the world of planning in confrontation with distressed areas through interaction with the country’s historical and political conditions and macroeconomic and social policies. In this destructive whirlpool, it is the social circle that initiates the discussed issues, which then enter into the economic circle, and are finally represented in the physical circle. Confrontation from formal planning to resolve the issues, however, conversely begins with the physical dimension. That is why planning ends without actually being started. To overcome these issues, a conceptual framework appropriate to the conditions dominant in the country was proposed, with an emphasis on a more serious consideration of the social aspect and its influence on the others in planning.
Urban Architecture
SEYYEDEH FATEMEH MOUSAVINIA
Abstract
Adoption of strategies such as compact city design and urban intensification are claimed to positively affect the levels of social sustainability within the city. The sense of safety and social interactions within neighborhoods are also important factors affecting residents’ quality of life and ...
Read More
Adoption of strategies such as compact city design and urban intensification are claimed to positively affect the levels of social sustainability within the city. The sense of safety and social interactions within neighborhoods are also important factors affecting residents’ quality of life and community cohesion and sustainability. However, no research has been conducted on the relationship between density and social ties, and contradictory claims are made about the impacts of higher density on social life in residential environments. It has been demonstrated that people’s experience and perception of density could vary by its levels, and is inadequately expressed by any of its measures. Previous research has found that most of the negative associations of density concern the perceptions thereof, and perceived density is correlated with social interactions and the sense of safety in residential environments. The causal nature of the relationship, however, has not been established. Furthermore, the constructed shapes, residential layouts, and hybrid land uses in a neighborhood and the relevant socio-demographic variables have been found in some studies to play important roles in achievement of social sustainability. A physical element known as gatedness is also believed to influence local community relationship networking and the sense of safety. Therefore, one of the most common strategies that developers adopt to establish communities that provide residents with closer-knit, safe places to live in involves gated communities: residential areas with access restricted through physical barriers such as fences, walls, security guardhouses, and electric gates. Based on the social ecological model, this study highlighted the importance of evaluations and perceptions derived from communal spaces as motivators of social interaction, and demonstrated that the physical environment affects people’s thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about a local neighborhood through everyday contact and experience. The aim of this study was to examine the structural relationships between perceived density, social interaction, and the sense of safety in gated and non-gated communities. For that purpose, six neighborhoods of the same net residential and population density and the same socioeconomic resident status but with different layouts in the city of Mashhad, Iran were selected for detailed investigation. A total of 590 randomly-selected residents completed a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire, originating from the reviewed literature. The data analysis was made using SPSS 19 and Amos 23. The reliability of the questionnaire, developed specifically to elicit individuals’ perceptions, was demonstrated, and the latent constructs were validated through confirmatory factor analysis. Then, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to estimate the relationships between the predictors and outcomes. It was found that social interaction was greater in gated communities than in non-gated ones. However, residents in non-gated residential areas exhibited greater senses of safety than those in gated communities. The results of SEM demonstrated that the direct effects of perceived density on social interaction were significant in both groups, and there was a negative causal relationship between perception of density and social interaction. In gated communities, the non-recursive model suggested a feedback loop where a decrease in perceived density would increase social interaction, thereby increasing the sense of safety, in turn further decreasing perceived density. In non-gated communities, however, the sense of safety was influenced by perceived density and thus correlated with social interaction as an independent factor. This finding indicated the mediating role of the sense of safety in the relationship between perceived density and social interaction in non-gated communities.
Urban Architecture
nazanin dehnad; Jamaledin Mahdinejad; BAGHER KARIMI
Abstract
Highlights Therefore, acquiring knowledge about the developing and improving factors of sociability in open public spaces to revive these spaces in various scales is necessary. The quality of shared public spaces in terms of sociability; given that this quality is highly effective in the ...
Read More
Highlights Therefore, acquiring knowledge about the developing and improving factors of sociability in open public spaces to revive these spaces in various scales is necessary. The quality of shared public spaces in terms of sociability; given that this quality is highly effective in the amiability of the environment and the quality of its residents’ lives. Hence, open spaces in residential complexes are the fundamental element of building space and the heart of social affairs. Strengthening mutual understanding with the behaviors of the environment enhance the quality of open public spaces. Introduction Public spaces have always had a close connection to human beings and created a form of interaction in space that, in turn, has formed social relations and socialized public spaces. Besides, the neglect of and lack of concern for the standards for open public spaces has made them empty and inutile. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire knowledge about the factors developing and improving sociability in open public spaces to revive them on various scales. The present study aims to identify and analyze the factors affecting the quality of public spaces in residential areas and their impact on the interaction between residents. Accordingly, the main purpose of this research is to assess and evaluate the factors interpreting the quality of shared public spaces in terms of sociability; given that this quality is highly effective on the amiability of the environment and the quality of its residents’ lives. The set of effective activities and parameters are significant in environment socialization. Theoretical Framework Theorists have presented models based on the above concept to categorize the quality and sociability of spaces. In this article, conclusions have been made—according to the space theory of John Panther and Counter and Gustavon’s emphasis on meaning and the significance of its interaction with the environment—regarding the idea that the quality of sociable spaces is the consequent of three aspects, each developing one of the triple qualities in the environment: physical, active, and semantic. The latter is of great significance in terms of the improvement made in the sociability between individuals within the environment. For this purpose, a theoretical framework was established to obtain the effective qualitative components of a favorable design of open public spaces, focusing on the potential of sociability in public spaces and entailing the improvement of such environments. Methodology The descriptive-inferential research method was adopted in this article. First, the quality of open public spaces within residential complexes was assessed, and quantitative data were collected and categorized to determine the proportions, criteria, and spectrum of sociable quality in open spaces. The inclusion criteria considered in this study was to be a resident of one of four residential complexes in Municipal District 6 of the city of Shiraz, Iran. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula as 122 individuals in each residential complex. The simple random sampling method was used for sampling. The collected data were authenticated by the residents of the residential complexes through the evaluation method of questionnaires. The reliability of the questionnaires was verified through Cranach’s alpha method—with each factor evaluated individually first, followed by the whole questionnaire. The validity coefficient was assumed to be 0.61, and the sample size was determined as 488 of the residents of the four residential complexes, based on the results from the Cochran formula. The results obtained from the questionnaires were used in the statistical test, using the Pearson correlation coefficient to verify the hypotheses of the research, based on the fact that the scale in this study was interval, and the relationship was linear. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Results and Discussion The results of this research were focused on the impact of the quality of open public spaces on the emergence of sociable environments in residential complexes in the three physical, active, and semantic dimensions. The study also assessed sociability in residential areas according to the conceptual model, as compared to factors such as security, flexibility, penetrability, activity, sociability, spatial identity, and environmental perception. In the physical dimension, the relationship between physics and sociability was found significant. The most important conclusions made regarding the physical factors in residential complexes emphasized the use of symbols and elements to organize the environment. On the other hand, ease, secure access, and flexible navigation proved effective in the development of interaction between users and the environment, as well as social activity in sociable spaces. In the active and social dimensions, a significant relationship was observed between activity and sociability. The users’ attention to sociable spaces in shared public spaces in residential complexes and social relations and activities conform to the arrangement of open public spaces, appropriate behavior patterns toward the environment, and elements that pertain to environment-fitting activities. Other factors that enhance sociability in these dimensions include accessibility and legibility—especially effective in the active dimension. In the semantic dimension, a significant connection can be seen between sense and sociability. The impact of sociability on the attachment and connection of man to a place is signified through the several forms of connection made by people to the environment. In this dimension, the multiplicity and sequence of spaces are also signified. Consequently, among the three major aspects defining the quality of open public spaces—physical, active, and semantic—the semantic dimension and its relevant components attracted the largest amount of attention from users, and proved to have the greatest impact on sociability in the open spaces between residential complexes. This needs to be included more effectively in the theories of public space design. This study demonstrates how active and physical components affiliate with the concepts and semantics of a place to create a pleasant public space and provide sociability as well. Conclusion The findings of this research—providing useful methods for design of open public spaces with an enhanced potential for sociability in the interaction and communication between users—can be decomposed into four branches: creation of active environments, creation of public spaces, association and interaction, and enhancement of mutual understanding with the behaviors of the environment. These findings can improve the quality of open public spaces. Given the hierarchy of human needs and social dimensions, open spaces in residential complexes form the foundation of social life, creating a background for the emergence and growth of creativity, sociability, collective interaction, communication, entertainment, events, and activities—social, economic, and leisure. Hence, open spaces in residential complexes constitute the fundamental element of the building space and the heart of social affairs.
Urban Planning
j h
Volume 2, Issue 7 , July 2013, , Pages 47-60
Abstract
Studying the role of state in the emergence and physical-spatial development of Boushehr There are two dominant theories about mechanisms of urban development. Theory of Rent capitalism was initiated in 1960 by Hans Bobek and the other one is state and urbanism theory which was introduced by the Mohammad ...
Read More
Studying the role of state in the emergence and physical-spatial development of Boushehr There are two dominant theories about mechanisms of urban development. Theory of Rent capitalism was initiated in 1960 by Hans Bobek and the other one is state and urbanism theory which was introduced by the Mohammad Taghi Rahnamaiee. Bobek believed that city life in Iran is dependent on the capital accumulation which gains from commercialization of agricultural surplus production (Rahnamaiee, 1388,p.143.). but According to state and urbanism theory, state helps developing the city and urbanity through its widespread banking system. The massive and unprecedented intrusion of state mostly comes from the common way to achieve its revenue sources, namely crude oil whose national surplus has an important share in accumulation and reproduction of capital in economic process. In the course of these studies, some cities in the country have not been studied so far, including Bushehr. The city's emergence as a nascent city dates back to the time of Nadir Shah and his command. Under certain geographical conditions, this rural and agricultural of urban area did not have an impact on urban growth and development. The most important factor in the development of the city can be its coastal location and thriving business sector. Findings show that foundation of Boushehr originally resulted from governmental decisions and Nader Shah Afshar founded it due to its marine position as the base for marine operation and domination over Persian Gulf. At the time of Karim Khan Zand, this city received a lot of attention. Karim Khan was interested in foreign commercial development and Boushehr changed into the main place of commercial activities in Persian Gulf. At the time of Ghajarie, Boushehr enjoys economic revivification and a lot of civil developments takes place in this city. This city changed into a big commercial center and main businessmen worked there. At the end of Ghajarie, Boushehr was the first commercial port of the country. One of the main effects of Constitution Movement in this city was foundation of municipality which considered general constructions. However its effect was not significant. Policies of the first Pahlavi caused the other ports overtake this city. Consequently, this city lost its role as the main port of the country. At the time of second Pahlavi, investment on urbanization received a lot of attention and this city enjoyed economic and financial improvements which increased immigration, instead. At this time, government inherited most of the urban lands and became one of the main landlords of the time. By beginning of Islamic Revolution, the role of government became more serious and urban areas were transferred by the government. Most part of the empty areas was changed into infrastructures. Consequently, city faced sprawl development. Another main policy of the government has been development of Alishahr new city for overpopulation of Boushehr. Generally it can be said that Boushehr has been under the influence of government since emergence and development. So it is among the cities which can be studied based on state and urbanism theory.
Urban Planning
ظ ظ; ش ش
Volume 2, Issue 8 , December 2013, , Pages 47-58
Urban Planning
H S; F N
Volume 3, Issue 12 , November 2014, , Pages 47-58
Abstract
It is not new to think about justice and the ways one can make cities more just. In all schools of thought, from left to right, planners and politicians have considered themselves the champions of justice. However, up to the 1980s, it was the socialists who considered justice as their central ...
Read More
It is not new to think about justice and the ways one can make cities more just. In all schools of thought, from left to right, planners and politicians have considered themselves the champions of justice. However, up to the 1980s, it was the socialists who considered justice as their central focus and not the liberals. Since the beginning of the 21st Century, several non-socialist philosophers have begun to talk about justice within the framework of liberal planning. Thus, it can be argued that one new school of thought has come to forth as the Just City approach. Justice, as the fundamental value of action in planning, moves some theorists such as Susan Fainstein to write on this subject. Since Just City is not one “theory”, we first attempt to identify the most influential theories within “Just City” spectrum. One question that is answered here is which pathways are taken by planning theories to deal with the issue of Justice. Justice and injustice are generic concepts within any kind of social relations. To define “Just City Planning”, we look at different arenas of justice. Here, we explain and compare socialist views (Harvey), communicative planning (Innes), commons planning (Marcuse), discursive planning (Fischer), to “Just City”. The core of each theory is explained and compared. The borderlines for each theory are identified and overlaps are discussed. The concept of “social” as pertains to “social justice” is viewed here as a generic concept which deals with relations between two or more persons. Therefore, the nature of “Just Planning” is discussed here in relation to concepts such as “political justice”, “judicial justice”, “economic justice”, “cultural justice”, and “spatial-physical justice”. The criteria used to make the differentiation between these concepts are “scale” and “outcome”. The “means” and “ends” for each pave the way for using the said criteria. For example, the means for political justice are orientation and macro-level strategies for decision making in order to achieve ends such as an increase in citizen satisfaction and their support in elections. The “outcomes” are presented in a number of graphs which show the tangible and nontangible results in micro- and macro-scales. On the x-axis, the “result” from tangible to non-tangible is shown. On the y-axis, the scale from micro to macro is presented. For each of the concepts, it is asked where the Just City Planning stands within the said graphs. Considering the spatial and economic dimensions of urban planning, it is argued that Just City Planning overlaps with cultural justice, economic justice, and spatial justice. It is argued here that the “Just Planning” phenomenon has more parallels to spatial justice and less with economic and cultural justice. Planners are involved with preparing urban development plans and presenting strategies and policies for urban management and not necessarily constructing buildings. It is, however, influenced by political and judicial justice to some extent. The relationship between Just City Planning and political and judicial justice is best explained through the workings of spatial justice, and to some extent, economic and cultural justice.
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 ...
Read More
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 Architecture
noushin sekhavat doust; Fariba Alborzi
Abstract
It is already inevitable to address the issue of meaning and to discover the deep semantic layers in social, cultural, and artistic areas and also in architecture. The observation that this has not been the case in regard to urban spaces and architecture has put an emphasis on the requirement for use ...
Read More
It is already inevitable to address the issue of meaning and to discover the deep semantic layers in social, cultural, and artistic areas and also in architecture. The observation that this has not been the case in regard to urban spaces and architecture has put an emphasis on the requirement for use of intellectual and philosophical methods depending on meaning with a critical, profound attitude. One of the most important such methods is the semiotic approach examining a wide range of phenomena. Therefore, a link was established in this research between the role of semiotics and the quality of the historic monument known as Sa'd al-Saltaneh in the city of Qazvin, Iran through the use of the semiotics methodology for finding the place-making elements. Used as a caravanserai in the Qajar era, the monument has continued to function in a novel form as a dynamic urban space after reconstructed in the past few years, Due to the citizens’ continuous visits and sense of belonging to the place, it presents its particular space features, turning the search for surrounding space concepts into a subject to be contemplated. It is assumed that use of semiotics can lead to a more accurate interpretation of the place and promoted space quality as a supplementary role. In other words, the place-making elements, developed as a result of the visitors’ experience and sensory perception are studied with respect to the building and its context of location in the transition from semiotics. The method of semiotics used in this research takes the form of an analytical method, which makes contemplation and manifestation in the semantic domain possible through prioritization of the background and concentration on interpretation of the visitors’ mental presumptions in confrontation with the work. In fact, it becomes perfectly possible through semiotic contemplation in the process of transforming and understanding a sign into a meaningful sign, referred to here as promotion of space into place, to refer to mental presumptions and learn about the historical, social, and cultural context that influences the perception of a rich image of the place in the audience’s mind while relying on his sensory perceptions and experiences in a deeper interpretation. According to the stated hypothesis, the purpose of the present research is to identify the factors pertaining to the concept of place with a semiotic perspective and the descriptive-analytical method, next adapted to Sa'd al-Saltaneh historic monument using observations, interviews, questionnaires, and cognitive maps through croquis drawing after explanation of the above factors by means of semiotics. In the above questionnaire, sample size was obtained by the Cochran formula, and data analysis was made using SPSS 20 through presentation of data frequency and mean and Spearman’s test of correlation. The research results indicate the importance of the role of semiotics in the search for the factors promoting space to place, such as consideration of the context and adaptation to the environment, meaningfulness, cultural and social values, the identity and durability of the space, and memorability. The study also involved an examination and realization of the above factors in different relations between the individual and the place from the perspective of considering the semiotics of perception, historical, cultural, and social memory, and audience mentality.
Urban Design
Parissa Mahvari; Mahmoud Ghalehnoee; Safoora Mokhtarzadeh
Abstract
In most Iranian cities, people regard an urban space as a way to pass through, and these spaces encourage them to flee instead of inviting them to pause and socialize. However, urban spaces are basically where social interaction takes shape, and attempts to improve their quality is one of the most important ...
Read More
In most Iranian cities, people regard an urban space as a way to pass through, and these spaces encourage them to flee instead of inviting them to pause and socialize. However, urban spaces are basically where social interaction takes shape, and attempts to improve their quality is one of the most important goals of urban design knowledge in the contemporary era. In the past, sidewalks and squares had a particular position in the central parts of cities. With the expansion of cities and the emergence of cars travelling around them, sidewalks and squares have suffered plenty of damage through the imposed vehicle access networks. Imam Ali Square in the city of Isfahan, Iran is a space that has lost its value and significance throughout history due to the changes in its spatial structure. These changes have resulted in the destruction or reconstruction of spaces that were once considered as parts of the area of the square. Proper access is one of the most important characteristics of a good public space, and it is a main purpose of the placemaking approach to enhance access to urban spaces to improve their quality. According to the principles of placemaking, it is a priority for an urban designer and planner to provide all social classes with access to urban centers and spaces in a variety of ways in order to increase their power of choice with respect to their needs and conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of access as a well-known capability of the placemaking approach. It measured the quality of access at Imam Ali Square through assessment and analysis of six indicators: physical access (connectivity), continuity, accessibility (depth), inclusiveness, easy access to public transportation, and spatial resolution. These indicators were analyzed through field research and descriptive-analytical tools such as SPSS, GIS, and space syntax. According to the findings, easy access to public transportation (scoring 9.6), continuity (scoring 7.02), inclusiveness (scoring 5.4), physical access (scoring 2.42), and resolution (scoring 1.93) exhibited the highest to lowest scores. The final score for the quality of access was 5.41 out of 10, based on the calculation of mean indicator values, which indicated a moderate quality of access to the square as it is close to the median and range of scoring (8-10 for very good, 6-8 for good, 4-6 for moderate, 2-4 for poor, and 1-2 for very poor). Finally, it was inferred that the main problem with the square in terms of quality of access was the lack of concern for resolution, connectivity, and accessibility. It could thus be concluded that the resolution and depth of spaces created following the demolition of old urban structures has dropped due to the decrease in the significance of the surrounding old spaces although they have turned out to be more powerful interconnectors than their surrounding areas. Despite the recent attention paid to Imam Ali Square, the quality of access in the area is still not optimal, and greater concern for the examined indicators is expected in order to turn the square into an urban place.
Urban Management
Behnaz Aminzadeh; SeyedHadi Hosseini; Seyed Reza Mousavipour
Abstract
Highlights
Several laws and regulations have been implemented to bring order to the disorderly appearance of new buildings in Tehran; however, a significant level of confusion persists.
The compliance level with the official document requirements pertaining to the facade components of buildings in ...
Read More
Highlights
Several laws and regulations have been implemented to bring order to the disorderly appearance of new buildings in Tehran; however, a significant level of confusion persists.
The compliance level with the official document requirements pertaining to the facade components of buildings in Hakimieh neighborhood, Tehran, stands at 58%.
The deficiency in both the content and structure of the documents has contributed to a decline in the realization of the identity components of building facades, as outlined in the official documents.
Introduction:
The facade, serving as a crucial link between people and the urban environment, plays a pivotal role in shaping a city's identity. While changes in facades signify societal progress, the disconnect between new buildings and local identities contributes to urban chaos. Despite recent efforts, the persistent visual disturbance in cityscapes raises a critical question. This research aims to analyze theoretical literature, compare findings with legal frameworks, and assess the realization of building facade criteria in new structures in Tehran's Hakimieh neighborhood. Through interviews, the study seeks to uncover reasons for non-compliance.
Theoretical Framework:
The significance of the urban landscape lies in its identity and connection with perspectives, as explored by Cullen (1971). A visually appealing cityscape enhances urban identity, characterized by building facades, structural heights, and distinctive urban spaces. On a smaller scale, cityscapes encompass elements such as building facade features, material composition, color and texture, light and shadow play, windows, sidewalk features, and urban furnishings (Doyran et al., 2011). The building facade, as a crucial variable, influences the identity aspects of urban landscapes by establishing correlations and structural order within urban environments.
Methodology:
A comprehensive mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies, guides this research. The initial phase involves an in-depth analysis of literature and theoretical foundations related to building facade identity components. The field observation stage evaluates buildings constructed within the last three years in Hakimieh neighborhood based on the extracted components. Data collection involves examining approximately 300 buildings, using a 5-point Likert scale to assess the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of facade identity components. Interviews with city officials, builders, and consumers aim to extract nuanced insights from the research findings.
Results and Discussion:
The degree of fulfillment of the country's official documents' requirements for facade identity components in buildings less than three years old in Hakimieh neighborhood is determined to be 58%. A detailed analysis reveals the highest realization rates in components banning the use of curtained facades (96.4%), unconventional forms (94.7%), and construction of facilities in a visible manner (82.7%). Governance strategies and guidelines, while not fully executed and occasionally conflicting with consumer preferences, have nevertheless influenced nearly 60% of the observed urban landscape.
Conclusion:
The chaotic state of Hakimieh neighborhood's building facades is not solely the outcome of implementing laws and approvals; various contributing factors and sometimes contradictory approaches have intensified the crisis. Notably, the lack of specific criteria in urban planning and architecture, stemming from a collective and widely accepted perspective, exacerbates the challenges in the existing situation. In conclusion, this critical review sheds light on the intricacies of urban facades, emphasizing the need for a holistic and comprehensive approach to enhance urban identity and mitigate visual disturbances.
Urban Planning
a m; a p
Volume 3, Issue 11 , August 2014, , Pages 49-62
Abstract
Introduction
Today environmental, social, and economic problems and issues concentrated in cities have necessitated attempts for undertaking research on sustainable development. Considering the role of neighborhoods as the mosaics of development, neighborhoodism and neighborhood-based planning is a ...
Read More
Introduction
Today environmental, social, and economic problems and issues concentrated in cities have necessitated attempts for undertaking research on sustainable development. Considering the role of neighborhoods as the mosaics of development, neighborhoodism and neighborhood-based planning is a key approach that has receiveda great deal of attention in contemporary world literature. Neighborhoods, as the smallest space units in urban divisions, are the building organs of a city, in which the notion of citizenship grows. In this regard, Ardebil city has been facing many problems related to sustainability because of rapid urbanization, urban sprawl, mismanagement, unplanned skeletal structures, and weak economic structures and lack of attention to development projects in the field of urban planning. In this article, attempts have been made to measure the sustainability level of neighborhood development in the framework of skeletal, social, economic, environmental, and managerial (institutional, political) criteria using a field method. The studied neighborhoods include Niar, Kolkhuran, Golmaghan, Molabashi, and Mollayusef. The mentioned neighborhoods were originally villages that merged with the city.
Data and Methodology
The present research is practical in terms of its aim and is descriptive-analytical in terms of research methodology. To do this research, first exploratory studies were carried using library-documents method and the major part of this investigation was survey based using questionnaires and interviews. To measure the sustainability of neighborhoods, the five dimensions of skeletal, socio-cultural, economic, environmental, and institutional-political were used along with 20 criteria. The sample population consisted of the citizens of Niar, Golmaghan, Kolkhuran, Mopllabashi, and Mollayusef neighborhoods, among which 378 citizens, based on the Cochran formula, were chosen as thesample. The samplingmethod was random classified sampling where questionnaires were distributed and completedin proportion to each neighborhood population.To analyze the data obtained from the field operations of the two descriptive and inferential statistics, SPSS 22 Software with its one-sample t-test, one-way ANOVA/F (and the Scheffe test) as well as Kruskal-Wallis ranking were used. Furthermore, in order to specify the neighborhoods under study, Arc GIS Software was used. It should be noted that for measuring neighborhood sustainability, 20 criteria were used in five relevant dimensions with a 9-choice Likert scale, because the larger the number of scales, the closer the results to reality.
Findings and Discussion
The findings of the study reveal that among the 20 criteria investigated here,only the two criteria of neighborhood legibility and spatial devotion of the neighborhood were reasonably sustainable regarding averages larger than the theoretical averages of the research, while other criteria did not have a suitable condition. In comparing neighborhood sustainability using the significant difference test, it was observed that apart from the four criteria of access to services, social capital, participation, and good governance, the rest of criteria in this research significantly affected the sustainability of the studied neighborhoods. In other words, in the target neighborhoods there was a significant difference between the mentioned criteria.Overall, the neighborhood sustainability ranking in these five neighborhoods revealed that Niar was first while Kolkhuran was last.
Comparing the findings of this study to previous research theories reveals that neighborhood sustainability largely depends on management and planning at this level. In a similar vein, poor civil participation and lack of proper developmental plans influence the increases or decrease in the sustainability of neighborhoods. Yet, the role of urban and meta-urban economic and social factors should not be ignored.
Conclusion and Suggestion
This research illustrates that the studied neighborhoods are at an unsustainable and underdeveloped level. The largest inequality is related to socio-economic criteria and the lowest one to environmental and managerial criteria. The level of unsustainability is different in the neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods such as Kolkhuran are facing severe unsustainability, while others such as Niar are afflicted with less sustainability. The solution to the problem of underdevelopment requires comprehensive and integrative measures in all the sectors related to development within the framework of management and neighborhood developmental planning. Accordingly, citizen participation, planning at the neighborhood level and empowerment of neighborhood residents socially and economically is essential in that it is effective in the development of neighborhoods. In this regard, attention to space planning at the neighborhood level is essential.
Urban Architecture
Sevda Norozi; Ali Javan Forouzandeh
Abstract
Highlights:
Participation is a concept in various fields and includes a wide range of meanings appropriate to its field of application.
Despite the relatively broad theoretical background of participation, its efficiency in the field of public space design process has been less.
Three components ...
Read More
Highlights:
Participation is a concept in various fields and includes a wide range of meanings appropriate to its field of application.
Despite the relatively broad theoretical background of participation, its efficiency in the field of public space design process has been less.
Three components of individual, social and spatial dimensions are the main factors influencing the participatory design process of public spaces.
Introduction: It is important to consider the participation of public space users in the process of architectural design, and each of the various definitions of public participation that is reviewed somehow expresses the richness of people’s involvement in urban affairs at different levels, viewing public participation as an essential, inseparable component of urban development and noting the positive, undeniable results of the public’s contribution to the design and architecture process. On the other hand, this issue has been considered by many researchers and designers of urban public spaces in recent years, where participatory design solutions have been presented in practical examples at the three levels of design, planning, and decision-making. Despite the existence of a specific method of participatory motivation in design, concern for the issue is limited in Iran mainly to low-level methods of receiving information involving, for example, interviews and recorded user opinions, and a kind of deception is observed at macro levels of design, planning, and decision-making. Thus, the results obtained from these measures are restricted to purely-written or low-level operational intervention. The important point in this regard is the improper explanation of the effective components of participation, on the one hand, and the ineffective structure of these components and its relationship with the design process, on the other hand. Therefore, it is necessary to address the various dimensions of public participation and identify the components that affect the participatory design of public spaces. Knowledge of the components affecting these spaces allows designers, planners, and urban officials to design and plan quality public spaces with the people’s participation.
Theoretical Framework: Participation is a concept that comes in a variety of contexts, and includes a wide range of meanings tailored to its social, cultural, and practical aspects. It is regarded as a kind of notion that is easy to discuss but difficult and complex in practice. Despite the growing significance of public participation in architecture, urban planning, and urban management and the dedication of an important part of research in recent years to this issue, many architects, designers, planners, urban managers, and citizens still often disagree on public participation. Recognizing a black box on the path to individuals’ effective participation in the process of designing public spaces, they emphasize that efforts made in the field of public participation have often been ineffective, and efficiency has hardly been achieved in practice, especially in the field of design and architecture, even with the relatively broad theoretical background of participation. On the other hand, the diversity that is there in the field of participation in different disciplines has caused persistent problems with the way the concept can be used. Architectural designers and thinkers have different professional views on the process of participation in design, and the views of participation-oriented architects and participatory design have been considered as a new approach in the specialized training of architects. Collaborative design has assumed various manifestations in architecture, all of which have in common the use of opinions and the participation of more and more people in the design, especially in the architecture, of public spaces.
Methodology: The present research is an applied deductive-review study.
Results and Discussion: The present article aimed to explain the participatory factors by presenting and analyzing a conceptual-structural model of the impacts of the effective factors in the process of designing public spaces. Accordingly, the three main components, including the individual, social, and spatial dimensions, were extracted as the main influential factors in participatory design. The intersections of these three with concepts such as the sense of place (in the semantic dimension), physical and functional diversity (in the socio-spatial dimension), and permeability and readability (in the spatial dimension) played the major roles in specification of the levels of participatory intervention. At the secondary level, the components of access, security, and invitation (in the spatial dimension) exhibited the next greatest parts. The secondary level of influence of the place facilitates people’s presence in public places, while the primary level of influence deepens the participation in public places, and creates an emotional, unconscious, semantic structure at the place.
Conclusion: This research emphasizes the essential role of the concept of participation in the design process, which is multiple, complex and multi-level. The findings obtained in the design process can be applied at three levels: in the field of decision-making and design planning management, in the field of physical planning and urban design, and, finally, in the field of architecture and micro-space design. The first level deepens participation in public places, and creates an emotional, unconscious, semantic structure. The second level causes this deepening process to continue, and the third level makes it possible to facilitate people’s presence at public places.
Acknowledgment: This article was taken from the Master’s thesis in Architecture entitled Designing a neighborhood house with the approach of social participation of citizens in the ancient fabric of Ardabil (Mansouria neighborhood), which was defended by the first author under the second author’s supervision at the Islamic Azad University of Ardabil
Urban Economy
Bakhtiar Javaheri; Salah ebrahimi
Abstract
Highlights- Iran has been going through one of the fastest-growing urbanization processes in the world, where about 75% of the population lives in urban areas today.- The variation in urbanization rate in the provinces of Iran has fluctuated from about 48% to 95%.- Agriculture and industrialization are ...
Read More
Highlights- Iran has been going through one of the fastest-growing urbanization processes in the world, where about 75% of the population lives in urban areas today.- The variation in urbanization rate in the provinces of Iran has fluctuated from about 48% to 95%.- Agriculture and industrialization are the most important variables explaining urbanization in Iran. IntroductionIn the recent decades, the proportion of the world’s urban population has increased. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the proportion of the world’s population residing in urban areas has risen from about 14 percent in 1901 to about 50 percent in 2000. The rapid growth of urbanization in the world began after the Industrial Revolution in European countries, and was then observed in developed and developing countries. In Iran, the process of urbanization and urban population growth was faster than in developing countries. During a period of about 50 years (1970-2020), the urban population in Iran grew by about 37%. There are a wide range of factors and reasons for explanation of the rapid urbanization in Iran. A reason for the growth of urbanization in Iran is the migration of rural population to urban areas, which has resulted from industrial policies, agricultural sector growth, wage gap between urban and rural areas, and employment opportunities in services and industry in urban areas.Theoretical FrameworkUrbanization began during the Industrial Revolution, and the term is used to refer to the growing number of people living in urban areas. It is not simply about an increase in the number of urban dwellers, but also about a change in the structure from rural to urban in terms of industry, employment, living conditions, and public social services. On the other hand, urbanization refers to the process of population expansion on urban scale, and includes economic, social, and geographic changes. Rapid urbanization is one of the most prominent features of global development today. In general, urbanization can be defined as a process of transition from a dominant world of rural and agricultural activities to a dominant urban world based on non-agricultural activities. Depending on their orientations, social scientists point out different explanations for the existence of cities. Developments in industry, agriculture, and services provide the main explanations for the rate of urbanization in the literature on urban economics. Moreover, wage differences between urban and rural areas, the general rate of prices in urban areas, and educational expenditures have been factors affecting the rate of urbanization in theoretical and experimental studies.MethodologyIn this study, the spatial econometric approach was used for analysis of the model. Spatial econometrics is a subfield of econometrics that deals with the interactions between geographic units. Units can include postal code, city, municipality, district, province, government, judiciary, country, etc., depending on the nature of the study. Spatial econometric models can also be used to explain the behavior of economic agents and other geographic entities, such as individuals, companies, and governments, if they are interconnected through a network. Given the advantages of the spatial econometric method, this study aimed to investigate the effects of factors affecting urbanization in thirty provinces of Iran during the 2006-2017 period using a spatial econometric panel data method.Results and DiscussionIn this study, the Eviews and Stata software was used for analysis of the data. The results of the stationary test indicated that the model variables were stationary. Based on the Moran test results, there was a positive spatial autocorrelation in the study data. Other results also confirmed the the spatial Durbin model compared with other models. The results of the Chow and Hausman test also confirmed the superiority of the panel data to the pool data and of the fixed effects to the random effects. Other results demonstrated that the added value of agriculture, industry, and service had significant positive effects on the rate of urbanization in each province and the neighboring provinces. These results indicated that the development of the agricultural sector and the use of new technologies, and thus the increase in the productivity of the agricultural sector, led to the release of part of the labor force working in the agricultural sector in rural areas and their transfer to urban areas and employment in the service sector. The higher wage rates in the service and industry sectors also functions as a recruitment factor, attracting the liberated labor force from the rural sector to the urban sector, which was also demonstrated in this study. In contrast, the increase in the price index of the urban sector, which increased the costs of migration from rural to urban areas, could function as a repellent factor with adverse effects on migration from urban to rural areas. This was similar to the increase in the area of agricultural land in rural areas, which could hinder or delay the transfer of rural population to urban areas. Another factor that played a key role in urban-to-rural migration was the rural unemployment rate, which could encourage the unemployed to migrate to urban areas.ConclusionThe results of this research demonstrated that the variation in urbanization rate cannot be analyzed in one dimension, and a set of factors effective in the process of urbanization development in Iran need to be considered in the analysis, including a range of economic and geographic factors. In recent years, the focus on cities and regions has been resumed, but this focus on the role of cities and regions does not necessarily resemble the prevailing belief in the early twentieth century that the benefits of aggregation are driving growth in large cities and rich countries. Today, the driving forces of urbanization are different in different countries and even different regions of a country. The results of this study demonstrate that the Iranian economy needs a planned urbanization with a powerful policy for development of the agricultural and industrial sectors for the overall development of urbanization in Iran. Another proposal is to set the government as the main policymaker. In the first place, the government, the most important player in the society, must adhere to the rules in which it plays an important role. Secondly, the government’s policy orientation must be clear to all economic actors.
Regional Planning
Hashem Dadashpoor; Nariman Jahanzad; Homa Jalili
Volume 5, Issue 18 , May 2016, , Pages 51-62
Abstract
In the last few decades, city-regions have faced considerable changes. Mashhad metropolitan region as one of the most important development centres in the eastern region of Iran, has experienced great spatial changes which have brought about many spatial problems. This city alone has more than 75 percent ...
Read More
In the last few decades, city-regions have faced considerable changes. Mashhad metropolitan region as one of the most important development centres in the eastern region of Iran, has experienced great spatial changes which have brought about many spatial problems. This city alone has more than 75 percent of the population of the wider Mashhad region as well as accounts for approximately 90 percent of the added value of that region. The explanatory indices used in this area indicate an intense imbalance and centralization of capital and power in the area. The logical consequence of this imbalance have led to urban sprawl and increasing accumulation of capital. This sprawl have had several consequences such as the destruction of green and agriculture lands, land speculation, increase in environmental pollutions, ecological destruction and mismatch of the developed land with the natural potentials of those lands. On this basis, it is necessary to identify the future spatial changes in this region. Accordingly, this study has two parts. The first part is based on the morphological dimension of spatial structure and simulates future land use changes for the years 2026 and 2041. In doing so, the CA model was associated with ANN algorithm. The simulation process was run in QGis 2.4 environment. In the second stage, by using distribution, clustering and concentration indicators and based on the predicted data of population and employment in the aforementioned years, the spatial configuration of the region was drawn. The results of distribution indices show that from 1996 to 2041 the value of entropy coefficient will decreased which indicates polarization of the population and employment in the region. The findings of the spatial changes analysis by K-Ripley function indicate that at short distances, population and employment distribution will change in a dispersing manner, and at long distances, concentration in population and employment will be intensified. Finally, concentration indices show that the Mashhad metropolitan area does not have any spatial concentration patterns, and population and employment will distribute randomly. The results show that the growth process in the region is proceeding in a devastating manner as vast amounts of agricultural lands and pastures will continue to be ruined. In the year 2026, 247 Km2 of these lands will be built on and green spaces will tranform into urban lands. This amount will be equal to 1004 Km2 in the year 2041.
In conclusion, the continuation of the existing growth will lead to irreparable consequences in the area.Future spatial changes will lead to consuming agricultural lands and grasslands and will deteriorate rural settlements. The continuation of the present development of urban settlements and land-use changes might cause environmental disasters such as a water crisis, increased air pollution and pressure on infrastructure which. in turn will lead to irreparable socio-economic damage and human crises like riots, crimes and vandalism. Thus, it is necessary that planning systems pay attention to reasonable management of growth.
Urban Management
Mousa Kamanroudi; taher parizadi; mohammad bigdeli
Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, , Pages 51-64
Abstract
Objectives: Centralization and lack of efficient spatial planning approach from the 1950s is causing polarization of spatial developments in Iran. Tehran as the capital of the country and due to its diverse and important functions has experienced more polarization in this process. This process widened ...
Read More
Objectives: Centralization and lack of efficient spatial planning approach from the 1950s is causing polarization of spatial developments in Iran. Tehran as the capital of the country and due to its diverse and important functions has experienced more polarization in this process. This process widened the development gap between the core and periphery areas and caused migration to the core, particularly to the region and city of Tehran. The poverty and marginalization of the migrants in the periphery areas formed the unauthorized settlements in these regions. This process overcomes the local, regional and national planning and management efforts. The Slamshahr-Robatkarim region is one of the periphery settlement areas of Tehran located in the southwest of the city. In fact, this study was conducted in response to the fundamental question: how did the process of settlements’ spatial structure develop during the period 1976 to 2015 in Slamshahr-Robatkarim? The hypothesis of this study is that it seems that migration from outside and political fragmentation from inside created the periphery and fragmented spatial structure of the peripheral environment in the study area. The study employed a qualitative, descriptive and analytic approach using secondary data, particularly the Landsat satellite images. The ENVI, ARCGIS and QGIS software were used for analyzing the data. The sampling population was the urban settlements in this region. Findings: The findings of this study indicate that the Slamshahr, Golestan, Nasimshahr, Robatkarim, Salehabad and Nasirshahr have experienced the highest to lowest physical development between 1976 and 2015, repectively. Consequently, the agricultural areas were diminished rapidly in this period due to the expansion of population centers to the farmlands. Urban settlements studied in this research (Slamshahr, Golestan, Nasimshahr, Robatkarim, Salehabad, Nasirabad) have exhausted spatial-physical rapid growth trend and population from 1976 to 2015. This process caused swallowing and digestion of agricultural land and the formation and development of cities. Thus, the number of villages located in the study area (Slamshahr-Robatkarim) fell from 125 units in 1996 to 72 units in 2006 and 2011. In addition, the study area of one town in 1976 grew to ten cities in 2011. In other words, about 53 villages became part of the integration process or developed into new urban areas from 1996 to 2011. This area was therefore faced with agricultural land changes turning them into to sprawl settlement between 1976 and 2015. Results: This process involved numerous internal and external causes such as favorable water and soil resources, communications road of Tehran-Saveh, proximity to Tehran, creation of jobs and manufacturing industries, plentiful and cheap labor, and regional and local divisions and weakness. However, immigration is the most important external factor in this process in this area. The process of centralization and polarization influenced the development of Tehran and its adjacent areas. In addition to migration as external factors, political fragmentation was the most important factor in spatial-physical process of change within the study area. This segregation or lack of structural integrity and functionality between Tehran state administration, Karaj Province, Ry province, Tehran provinces and the city of Tehran has been more severe in the decades 1961 to 1991. Land value of Slamshahr and Robatkarim was low during this period. Power and local political administration was poor in this area leading to provision of informal relations in the course of land-use in this area. However, after this period, the price of land and housing increased in Slamshahr and Robatkarim. During this period, immigrants moved to controlled remote locations from the city. Secondary settlements established immigrants (Nasimshahr, Golestan, Salehabad and Nasirabad) at this stage.
Urban Architecture
Amir Hossein Farshchian; Azita Balali Oskuei
Volume 4, Issue 15 , August 2015, , Pages 53-68
Abstract
The present study is based on the analysis of perceiving geometry aiming at explaining, analyzing and displaying the geometry system of urban development according to different periods and the factors affecting it. Cities are formed from the crowds gathered along rivers and ...
Read More
The present study is based on the analysis of perceiving geometry aiming at explaining, analyzing and displaying the geometry system of urban development according to different periods and the factors affecting it. Cities are formed from the crowds gathered along rivers and caves based on perceived relationships, including the requirements of human survival, and are developed according to the needs of people living in them. The most important issue in this system is the type of organization that bonds these parts to urbanism issues and controls them. The main background and hidden relationship in urbanism system is perceiving geometry. It is a factor that systematizes the principles associated with subjectivities in relation to itself beyond visual perception and identifiable mathematical relations. The main research hypothesis and question presented is how cities are developed based on its perceiving geometry and if this type of geometry is effective in other general and specific subjects such as area and area centers. This paper is based on survey-based research, phases of which include 1. defining this system and its performance; 2. studying perceiving geometry and its effects on the formation of Hamadan as a case study; 3. research literature and analysis of information and documents; 4. detailed description of the main periods and parts of the city; 5. analyzing and displaying graphics, images, and factors affecting the formation and geometry of the city and green areas (centers of districts in Hamadan); 6. identifying how the physical structure of the city is achieved, consolidated and continued based on perceived geometry 7. research results 8. strategies to maintain and renovate the geometry according to time and place; and 9. summary and description of the formation and development of the original geometry. Hamadan has ten main periods of the city development based on the most significant changes in the urbanism system: 1. geometry and basic needs; 2. geometry and security vacuum; 3. geometry and government rule; 4. geometry and Islam; 5. geometry and wars 6. geometry and the notable presence of Shiites 7. geometry and machine 8. geometry and urbanism without geometry; 9. geometry and the increase of urban territory, 10. geometry and machinist. Since the early period, six main factors overshadowed this geometry from the smallest urban cell (house) to green spaces and the whole of the city: accessing water, food, green spaces, being with others, security and livelihood. At present, the remaining green spaces of this perceiving geometry system is that it apparently has no causality and order, but internally it has the most precise causal relationship so that the semantic adaptability of these issues will be manifested by analyzing this issue in the different periods of the city’s development. The basic strategies that result from this research include: 1. detection of the type of process of change according to the geometry of growth and factors affecting it and how to respond in any successful period; 2. examination of the stoppage time and sidelining its correct and appropriate procedure along with the reasons regulating this issue; 3. identification of the type of geometry which, after stoppage period, has taken the procedure and managed the changes; 4. Finally, the adaptation of the type of the main perceiving geometry with the present geometry and entering the modern components in achieving a geometry in accordance with all aspects of present life. This geometry can be the most desirable turning point in this regard with a reforming view to the future of desirable architecture and urban development that can be turned to optimizing and renovating green space according to this type of recognized perceiving geometry.
