Urban Design
a k; j s
Volume 3, Issue 9 , February 2014, , Pages 59-68
Abstract
Today, with increasing development of small towns and large urban areas lacking desirable urban spaces, compatibility of urban areas with the needs of residents is the focus of experts. Metropolitan areas have a unique role in fulfilling the personal and social needs of children and adolescents. These ...
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Today, with increasing development of small towns and large urban areas lacking desirable urban spaces, compatibility of urban areas with the needs of residents is the focus of experts. Metropolitan areas have a unique role in fulfilling the personal and social needs of children and adolescents. These spaces account for a great deal of time and daily life residents, including children and adolescents and from a human sciences engineering viewpoint the enhancement of these spaces can be effective in improving the quality of health and physical strength, strengthening social interaction and group cohesion, and fostering creativity in children and adolescents. Ideally, neighborhoods and communities must have social spaces in order to easily express social and cultural principles and their exchanges for children. Usually, in urban planning, despite the human, social, economic and natural justifications for the city and its future, not much attaention is paid to factors affecting population structures, one of which is children. Studies have shown that Qazvin is taking the first steps toward the “child-friendly city”. However, taking into account the historical, cultural and natural features of Qazvin, more efforts need to be made to achieve this important aim. Analysis of children’s opinions in order to fulfill their needs and desires has encouraged effective organizations, especially the Municipality of Qazvin, to adopt strategies and take further action. The research method used in this paper is based on cross-sectional and library studies, documents and field surveys, and has an applied aspect. This paper answers the questions of what the ideal city is from a child’s perspective and how the urban environment can instil a strong sense of belonging in a child using participatory methods such as questionnaires, drawings, essays and interviews of 130 children regarding the city, urban spaces and their activities were collected. Firstly, comprehensive information concerning places of interest and places where children had less interest was collected. Results showed that children are more interested in the "home" (25/4%) and "play ground" (18%) than any other urban spaces. In addition, children viewed the "street" as having an unpleasant atmosphere. Secondly, favorite activities of children were studied. This study showed that "physical activity" (18 percent) and "playing with others" (13%) were activities that children paid most attention to. Thirdly, the features of the ideal city from a child’s perspective were looked at. Children’s paintings showed that "nature" (20/86%) and "spaces for children, such as children's cinema and children’s play time" (13/91%), were spaces that children referred to in their ideal city. In conclusion, some recommendations are made for realizing the ideal city from the child’s perspective.
Urban Management
P A; M A; E Z
Volume 3, Issue 12 , November 2014, , Pages 59-72
Abstract
This research aims to explore the relationship between the length of residence and the place-identity formation in new urban development in the case of the District 22 of Tehran. Based on this, the main contribution and orientation of this article is toward the length of residence among the other important ...
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This research aims to explore the relationship between the length of residence and the place-identity formation in new urban development in the case of the District 22 of Tehran. Based on this, the main contribution and orientation of this article is toward the length of residence among the other important criteria or factors in the process of place-identity formation in new urban development. In the literature review, based on the theories, views, and researches identified and cited for the above purpose, the significant and positive correlation between the length of residence and the discussed process is emphasized. This indicates a gradual, step-by-step and continuous formation and development of the place-identity through stability, sequence and continuity of mutual connection and interaction between the resident and residency over time. In addition, at the empirical level, in reference to case studies including Dehkadeh-Olympic, Cheshmeh, Rah-Ahan, and Sadra towns, respectively with 18, 16, 11, and 9 years as the average length of residence, this relevance is confirmed by analyzing the data using the Spearman correlation coefficient. To this end, the status of place-identity was assessed by synthesis of the eight criteria in total and for each town separately. The relationship between the length of residence and the place-identity formation has a correlation coefficient of 0.84 for 638 samples, in total. Hence, identification as the identity and sense of place will be promoted and enhanced by increasing the length of residence, especially in new urban development. This finding shows that the length of residence is an essential factor in the process of place-identity formation in new urban development. The correlation coefficients in Dehkadeh-Olympic, Cheshmeh, Rah-Ahan, and Sadra towns are respectively 0.75 for 154 samples, 0.85 for 157 samples, 0.87 for 166 samples, and 0.77 for 161 samples that were considered. Thus, the correlation between the length of residence and the place-identity formation is stronger in Cheshmeh and Rah-Ahan compared to the other towns. Based on the analysis conducted, estimation of this relationship is possible by all three types of regression, linear with a coefficient of determination of 0.64, logarithmic with a coefficient of determination of 0.60, and power with a coefficient of determination of 0.62. However, the fitness of the linear regression model is better than the other two. The coefficients of determination in linear regression are 0.56, 0.64, 0.66 and 0.57 for Dehkadeh-Olympic, Cheshmeh, Rah-Ahan, and Sadra towns, respectively. Consequently, analysis of this type of relationship illustrates that there is a positive strong significant correlation, well explained by the linear regression model, between the length of residence and the place-identity formation in new urban development. Therefore, any insight and vision on the mechanism of identification as the formation of the sense and identity of place in new urban development must be founded and operationalized by simultaneous attention to this fundamental fact. Accordingly, focus can be placed on the evaluation of this process, planning, and action for accelerating and enhancing it based on all the key criteria and factors with their specific roles and effectiveness.
Urban Sustainability
Sina Razzaghi Asl; Farzaneh Khoshghadam
Volume 6, Issue 22 , May 2017, , Pages 59-74
Abstract
Urban authorities and residents of urban deteriorated areas have faced many problems including, among the most important, unstable social condition of these areas. Social problems are one of the most important issues in renovation of and intervention in these kind of urban fabrics. According to the literature, ...
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Urban authorities and residents of urban deteriorated areas have faced many problems including, among the most important, unstable social condition of these areas. Social problems are one of the most important issues in renovation of and intervention in these kind of urban fabrics. According to the literature, definitions of urban regeneration have evolved over time and now are strongly influenced by the concept of sustainability. In fact, intervening in urban deteriorated areas is quite a social issue. There are different approaches for intervention in urban deteriorated areas. Regeneration and its recent approach - urban renaissance - is considered as the newest concept for intervention in recent years. On the other hand, the dominant and recent view of urban regeneration is social sustainability. Therefore, the subject of social sustainability seems essential in the intervention with the social approach in urban deteriorated areas. This study tries to review the existing literature about social sustainability and then extract and analyze the key factors of social sustainability in deteriorated areas of Shiva Neighborhood in Tehran. The aim of this study is to examine social problems of deteriorated areas of the study area and evaluate the effective factors on improving social sustainability. This research is a descriptive survey in the context of library studies which uses SPSS to analyze data. The study is also a qualitative–quantitative research with an applied goal. The results of this study indicate that the most important indicators affecting social sustainability in deteriorated areas, in Shiva Neighborhood in particular, are sense of belonging, walkable neighborhood, vitality, security, supply of affordable housing, social participation, equitable distribution of resources and services, creating job opportunities, education, activity in the place, residents’ empowerment, environmental health, sense of satisfaction, free time, and satisfaction with income. These indicators were grouped in seven categories of equity, quality of life, social security, social interaction, social justice, social participation and social cohesion. These seven categories have respectively the most impact on improving social sustainability in deteriorated areas of Shiva Neighborhood. Equity represents the economic situation of residents. Based on the conditions of deteriorated areas, it seems reasonable that this factor is the most effective one. Despite the importance of this factor, its impact was negative and reduced social sustainability. Social security and social interaction were other factors having a negative impact on social sustainability after renovation in the neighborhood. Quality of life, social justice and social participation were the factors that improved social sustainability in this neighborhood. The impact factor of social cohesion shows that the measures taken have not been considerable in the eyes of the residents. Overall, based on the average of all factors, social sustainability increased after renovation in Shiva Neighborhood, but the amount of this increase was very low and required more serious efforts. It will be very effective to consider these factors in the future planning process of renovation in this neighborhood, an issue that will prevent behavioral, mental, occupational and identity disorders.
Urban Planning
A M; zeinab shahrokhy; hossein tahmasebi moghadam
Abstract
Introduction Housing, as the environment in which the family has formed and developed, plays an important role in many aspects of human life. However, millions of people live in cities without the security of enjoying the proper ownership of housing and related services. With ...
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Introduction Housing, as the environment in which the family has formed and developed, plays an important role in many aspects of human life. However, millions of people live in cities without the security of enjoying the proper ownership of housing and related services. With regard to this, governments should increase their efforts to promote, preserve and ensure the full realization of the right to adequate housing for those social strata. In this way, as the first measure expected of the governments, housing is provided for a decent life of the citizens. Depending on their views, governments apply policies and interventions. The problem of housing in Iran, as in most other societies in the world, is of particular importance. The government was obliged to meet this requirement in the form of a five-year development program. However, housing policies, as tools for proper development in accordance with Islamic principles, have not been able to meet the housing needs. Therefore, considering the housing problems in the city of Kermanshah and the continuation of these problems, this research is carried out to identify the factors affecting housing policies in the city and to present the necessary strategies in this area. Results Based on the strategic plan of housing policies in Kermanshah, the existence of a series of macroeconomic factors hinders the full realization of housing programs and policies. The contradictions, discrepancies and heterogeneity in the physical structure of the city were considered as the biggest obstacle on the macro level, which needs serious attention. It is necessary to pay attention to external macro factors such as managers’ ‘taste’ in looking at housing policies, lack of public sector facilities, housing market downturn due to lack of investment by the private sector with moderate importance, lack of adequate oversight on the implementation of national building regulations in designing and implementation of all urban and urban development projects, feeling of insecurity for public and private investments with little significance, inadequacy of government’s housing policy for the entire social strata of the community, non-establishment of factories in the industrial and agricultural sectors, and expensive materials and building materials. On the other hand, there is a range of effective factors on housing policies in Kermanshah. Using these factors, one can deal with some of these problems. Considering these factors, offering housing loans in accordance with the up-to-date requirements has the highest strategic appropriateness. Therefore, one should pay particular attention to these factors. Conclusion Regarding the plans and policies implemented in Kermanshah, as one of the metropolitan cities of Iran, there has been some difficulty in furthering development goals despite the improvement in the quality of residential units. The root of these problems is mainly in the regulation of residential development policies with a purely economic viewpoint without regard to target groups. Therefore, one has to find suitable strategies and solutions in order to resolve the housing problems of this city. Therefore, in this research, after understanding the city’s problems and the opinions of experts in the field of housing, with the consensus of the experts, it was concluded that the most influential programs were the housing mass production policy and Mehr housing plan. Despite all the quantitative measures, the city of Kermanshah needs about 20,000 houses for its citizens in the 2010s. Providing housing facilities for different income groups, encouraging the private sector to build and provide housing through industrial practices, education and culture, enforcing national building regulations and optimal monitoring of these regulations are the most important strategies for this research.
Urban Ecology
Siamak Shakibaei; Sanaz saeedi
Abstract
Highlightsurban microclimate is one of the factors for public open spaces design in order to achieve environmental comfort.Feelings of satisfaction will occur when a person has reached a relative level of physical and mental environmental comfort.environmental and form factors such as shape of buildings, ...
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Highlightsurban microclimate is one of the factors for public open spaces design in order to achieve environmental comfort.Feelings of satisfaction will occur when a person has reached a relative level of physical and mental environmental comfort.environmental and form factors such as shape of buildings, location, functional, microclimate comfort can be achieved through environmental comfort. Introduction City and climate are two man-made and natural systems that have direct impacts on each other. Insofar as it concerns human comfort, climate is the result of factors such as sunlight, temperature and humidity, wind, and rainfall. The climate of any geographic location has particular suitable conditions, which have limitations in the field of urban planning and design at the same time.The quality of designing public open spaces as resorts for leisure has an important role in the satisfaction of individuals. A basic characteristic of a sustainable urban environment is its compatibility and harmony with the local climatic features. Therefore, it is a basic prerequisite for planning and designing urban spaces to recognize, understand, and control the climatic effects of urban areas, to which special attention needs to be made by urban planners and designers before implementing urban plans and projects. Man’s feeling of comfort in the environment undoubtedly affects the quality of his behavior and activity. Therefore, it has a great effect on the health of people’s bodies and souls to pay attention to their comfort zones in the design of different urban spaces. On the other hand, the range of activity and the extent of flexibility in an outdoor area depends to some extent on its microclimatic conditions, especially the conditions of sunlight and wind speed.Theoretical FrameworkMicro-climate pertains to areas that are surrounded by larger areas with specific climatic features. The combination of building design and the outdoor space between buildings in an urban area leads in some cases to micro-production of urban climates. As a result, the micro-climate is shaped by the climatic factors of the city, which vary over time under the influence of urban factors. With its positive effects on the environment, micro-climate can be used as a tool in urban planning and design. Feelings of pleasure and satisfaction will occur when a person reaches a relative level of physical and mental (environmental) comfort, and is free from limitations. Moreover, environmental comfort is a factor affecting satisfaction due to the climatic hierarchy. However, urban micro-climate is a factor needed in the design of urban spaces and public open spaces for achievement of environmental comfort and satisfaction.MethodologyShohada Square in the city of Mashhad, Iran has lost its environmental comfort as a public open space with a particular spatial structure surrounded by commercial and administrative buildings and faced with conflicts with urban micro-climatic issues. For investigation of Shohada Sq. for creation of environmental comfort aided by urban micro-climate, a questionnaire with closed questions (in the Likert scale) was tested on a sample of 112 people. The research methodology was based on the analytical method supplemented by inferential statistics (confirmatory factor analysis test), analysis with the Sketch software, and final rhino analysis (umi plugin) to demonstrate that the micro-climatic factors are in line with the comfort of the square.Results and DiscussionThe results of this study indicate that Shohada Square is a public open space with a great potential in terms of location. Its environmental comfort has been degraded severely for the citizens and even the pilgrims despite the rich historical background of this space, the profound historical dimensions it has given to the metropolis of Mashhad as a historical cultural document of the city, and its direct relationship with the Holy Shrine. This is due to the lack of a proper relationship between its surrounding construction and the urban micro-climates and the neglection of the field space itself with respect to the micro-climates. All this has turned the square into a dead space.Therefore, it should be stated that achievements can be made via environmental comfort on the basis of urban micro-climate and consideration and promotion of indicators such as the comfort level of the square, the effect of shadows on comfort, the leisure time spent at the square, the impact of the anciency of the square on the willingness to spend time there, the effect of land use on the willingness to spend time at the square, the impact of climate and space size on the willingness to spend time there, the lack of urban facilities to address the sunlight problem, and the desirability of the flooring .ConclusionIn addition to the above, one can consider environmental and formal factors such as the location and shapes of the square and surrounding buildings, the existing functional and business spaces such as the commercial and administrative buildings on the periphery of the square, as a popular destination for the citizens, thermal comfort and indoor air quality, and micro-climate comfort, which can be achieved through environmental comfort.AcknowledgmentThis article has been extracted from a Master’s thesis in the field of Urban Design entitled Design of open public spaces with an emphasis on the effect of micro-urban climate on the environmental comfort of users: The case study of Shohada Square in Mashhad. It has been defended by the first author under the supervision of the second author at the Islamic Azad University of Mashhad.
Urban Scape
j m; h d
Volume 2, Issue 7 , July 2013, , Pages 61-72
Abstract
Abstracts The cities are the most outstanding symbols of modernity and are the main context for constructing and developing public spheres. In Iran, the urban public spaces, despite their significant function in creating social interaction, have usually been neglected and unused. Urban gardens and parks, ...
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Abstracts The cities are the most outstanding symbols of modernity and are the main context for constructing and developing public spheres. In Iran, the urban public spaces, despite their significant function in creating social interaction, have usually been neglected and unused. Urban gardens and parks, as public spaces, due to this neglecting, encounter many physical and social problems. Reparation and reconstruction of these public spaces could create an emancipating context for social and economic participation and for developing physical and aesthetic aspects of cities. This research using mixed methods rely on social impact assessment approach to study the economic, social and cultural impacts of reparation and reconstruction of urban gardens and parks on everyday life of people. Social impact assessment approach argues that any project in the field of development should be oriented to increase participation of people. So, the best model of development is sustainable development. Social impact assessment approach includes the process of analyzing and managing the intended or unintended consequences of any social policy, especially urban planning. In other words, social impact assessment approach attempts to explain and predict the consequences of a project in the context of people’s everyday life. This approach can help the policy-makers and decision-makers to pay attention to the cultural, ritual and social aspects of the local residents. In this research, we have used mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) to study the different dimension of reparation and reconstruction urban gardens and parks. In quantitative section, survey method and questionnaire technique were used to study the residents of discrete 18, and in qualitative section we have used individual interview and focused group interview to study the opinions of experts and policy-makers. In this way, social impact assessment of reparation and reconstruction urban gardens and parks, in quantitative section, was analyzed in two different aspects: from the viewpoints of respondents and in relation to civilities and social interaction. But in qualitative section it was analyzed in aspects such as “the impact of reparation and reconstruction urban gardens and parks on cultural and social interaction”, “the impact of reparation and reconstruction urban gardens and parks on social security of the residents”, “the impact of reparation and reconstruction urban gardens and parks on mental and physical health”, “the impact of reparation and reconstruction urban gardens and parks on availability of urban equipments”, and “the impact of reparation and reconstruction urban gardens and parks on the social and economic situation of interested groups. The findings show that this repairing and reconstructing result in positive aspects like increasing social solidarity, social trust, social capital, sustainable development and individual gratifications. In other words, we can say that it has different functions such as psychological, social and cultural, aesthetic, environmental and political. Therefore, it is argued that all the urban residents are the interested groups in these projects. According to the results, some suggestions could be provided like: providing security for urban gardens and parks, preventing any kind of vandalism, inventing counseling centers and recreational equipments, and increasing the interaction between residents and policy-makers.
Urban Planning
Hashem Dadashpoor; Sepideh Tadayon
Volume 4, Issue 14 , May 2015, , Pages 61-76
Abstract
The emergence of metropolitan areas is a phenomenon of the twentieth century and is a continuation of the prevailing trend of urbanization at the beginning of the eighteenth century. These new forms of urban areas are not only greater than previous ones in scale and more associated with decentralization, ...
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The emergence of metropolitan areas is a phenomenon of the twentieth century and is a continuation of the prevailing trend of urbanization at the beginning of the eighteenth century. These new forms of urban areas are not only greater than previous ones in scale and more associated with decentralization, but qualitatively they are included in various types of systems. These new urban forms reflect fundamental structural dynamics that have changed the geography of urban areas. Different patterns of displacement can be the result of various factors including housing, employment and income levels, the factors that lead to different types of spatial mobility. In fact, depending on the degree of deviation from the consent of the provider of such elements, spatial mobility and displacement occurs in other areas. The impact of housing, employment and the ability to take advantage of the services required is very important and effective on formation of different spatial patterns. The Tehran metropolitan area including the city of Tehran and the surrounding population, economic and services centers has created a unique market for employment and residence. With regard to the distribution of housing, employment and services, various types of spatial mobility and travel patterns are emerging. The main objective of this research is identifying homogeneous areas in Tehran metropolitan area based on the number of flows and their convergence. By identifying and analyzing the characteristics of these zones, we can identify the flow conditions of spatial mobility and relations between the zones in the area and planning for it.
The method used in this research is descriptive - analytical. In order to identify homogeneous zones, two elements, spatial mobility and physical links were considered. According to the available data, the most important of data is the origin-destination flow of people’s trips and to achieve the desired objectives, network flow analysis method was used. Thus, to identify homogeneous areas and to discuss spatial mobility trends in Tehran metropolitan area, network analysis features and fraction analysis - as a network analysis tool- was used. In addition, in this study, the characteristics of each zone were based on the calculation of the network including centralization and power, and how the presence or absences of certain central cities in each category are determined.
Based on fraction analysis as a tool of network analysis, three main groups were identified in Tehran metropolitan area. The first category encompasses Tehran and Karaj metropolitan areas as well as the Central, South and Southeast cities in the region. The second category covers the north and northeast cities and the third category includes western most cities in the region. The zones comprise of cities in the region based on their distance from each other and their roles. The flow conditions are not similar across the area; the first zone, Tehran mega city and Karaj metropolitan, as central points have been allocated the maximum amount of connections and mobility and have also established stronger links with other zones. However, eastern and western zones have not been able to create considerable ties due to their great distance from each other. Tehran metropolitan area in addition to having a population of several million and a great deal of economic activities has a high level of functional linkages. Karaj metropolitan area has many economic activities in the form of manufacturing industries and factories based within it, and thus make the area an important place. The centers of Tehran and Karaj are attractive for travel from all over the metropolitan area while travel in other settlements occurs on a more local level. Most towns’ sphere of influence do not exceed the respective border city.
Dependence on Tehran and then Karaj, shows the unbalanced system of movement and mobility in Tehran metropolitan area, while structural-physical changes in the current situation depends on new image of the area, mainly a mix of links and nodes and also emphasis on looking more and more integrated into the centers and areas in the form of a network of settlements. By identifying types of trips and their orientation, travel management can reduce the degree of concentration and amount of damaging trips. In addition, unnecessary trips can be eliminated through the development of communication technologies and network facilities and services and trips in the area can be planned in a balanced system.
Jamal Beigi
Abstract
The crime scene always has a fixed nature and a specific physical space with physical restrictions. Human beings are always creating environmental diversity, and urban crime therefore increases as social relation criteria multiply. To cope with this habitat of crimes, every necessary measure must be ...
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The crime scene always has a fixed nature and a specific physical space with physical restrictions. Human beings are always creating environmental diversity, and urban crime therefore increases as social relation criteria multiply. To cope with this habitat of crimes, every necessary measure must be taken to prevent interaction between the adjunct and induced elements and the environmental one. The present descriptive-analytical applied research involves a library and field investigation. The research population included 268 criminals in the city of Miandoab, Iran arrested or imprisoned during the period from April to September 2016 at police stations and administrative units, from among whom 122 were selected based on Cochran’s sample size formula. For investigation of the role of residence in the geography of urban crime in Miandoab, therefore, the literature on the topic was explained using psychological theories, criminal sociology, and the geography of urban crime, and the field analysis was based on the information received from the research population. Through an examination of the geographic model of urban crime in Miandoab using the kernel density estimation model, it was found that Kuye Qara Varan, Kuye Vali Abad, Janbazan Street, and Kuye Vakil Kandi suffered from very high crime rates. The most significant crimes committed in the city included bag snatching, public property damage, vagrancy and begging, clashes, street fighting, and footpadding. In an examination of the impacts of residence on various types of crime, it was demonstrated that environmental elements most seriously affected crimes such as theft and drug addiction. It was also indicated in a study of the features of crime scenes that large numbers of old, inexpensive houses had the greatest role in the commitment of crime. According to the analysis results, the improper design of buildings and presence of narrow alleys were two of the most important physical features affecting crime commitment. Pearson’s correlation test showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between residence and crime. The results of multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the set of predictor variables including the physical and social characteristics of crime hotspots, specifications of places and districts, physical environment, and climatic elements accounted for about 32% of the crime research criterion variable, where the physical characteristics of crime hotspot component contributed most. The importance of the findings of the present research as compared to the previous scientific and organizational studies lies in the demonstration of the fundamental point that criminal geography has a constant nature and a particular physical atmosphere with physical limitations. Due to the progressive, evolutionary attitude of urbanization in Iran, residence diversity is always observed, and crimes increase also as social relation criteria multiply. Therefore, all modern techniques concerning environmental security in urban spaces should be employed in urban engineering to prevent interaction between the adjunct and induced elements and the residential element, combination of which ensures the existence of urban crime.
Urban Architecture
mehrdad shahbazi; mansour yeganeh; M Bamanian
Abstract
Open spaces play a vital role in enhancement of the quality of any environment or space. Human biological conditions can be improved through an increase in the quality of space, which can be achieved when individuals’ everyday psychological needs as well as the functional, environmental, and aesthetic ...
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Open spaces play a vital role in enhancement of the quality of any environment or space. Human biological conditions can be improved through an increase in the quality of space, which can be achieved when individuals’ everyday psychological needs as well as the functional, environmental, and aesthetic aspects are considered. Therefore, environmental vitality can be regarded as an integral part of a desirable architecture that seeks to convey a sense of vitality to the audience. The present paper sought to explore the theoretical domain of the research conducted in the area of vitality through meta-analysis of environmental vitality factors. The research population consisted of forty articles (twenty domestic and twenty foreign papers) published during the 2008-2018 period. The data were collected from the articles based on the Prisma protocol, which had been adapted by experts. A systematic review method was used for data collection, meta-analysis was employed for data analysis, along with the funnel, linear regression, distribution error, and heterogeneity Q test methods, and the data extracted from the review were evaluated using CMA2. Linear regression and multivariate regression were then used to investigate the relationship between every two independent variables and their relationship with the dependent variable, environmental vitality. The findings of the study were addressed from two aspects. From the structural analysis aspect, the general characteristics of the articles were studied in terms of vitality. From the content analysis aspect, the most important assumptions of meta-analysis (the homogeneity of the studies and consistency among them) were examined. The findings of the research demonstrated that there were positive, direct relationships between the effects of the independent variables on vitality and between vitality and the independent variables. This means that vitality increases as the independent variables rise. The theoretical foundations of the field have not yet reached the depth and breadth required for research, which needs greater organization. The research topics, theoretical frameworks, and theoretical achievements should be subjected to methodological revision to gain scientific accuracy, which is also dependent on research, including studies that involve meta-analysis. The best efforts to conduct such research should reduce the drawbacks. Some of the weaknesses in previous studies can be noted on that basis. More than half of the research performed in the field (60%) was evaluated as based on moderate and weak theoretical foundations. This could be accounted for in terms of the failure to utilize up-to-date, firsthand resources, to provide high levels of consistency, and to adapt the structures of the materials presented in the theoretical foundations to meet the main purposes of the papers. This could be attributed to the weakness of the theoretical foundations of the research. A total of 49 variables were extracted after the theoretical foundations were examined and analyzed. Furthermore, the variables of safety and security exhibited the greatest impacts on environmental vitality, and social participation and social interaction were found to be the most effective. Conversely, building shape exhibited the least effect on environmental vitality, and the effects of the other variables were found to be almost constant. Thus, the above design recommendations and planning criteria can lead to high quality in an urban open space in terms of communication, vitality, diversity, and appearance.
Urban Ecology
Hassan Mahmoudzadeh; Mousa Vaezi; Maedeh bakooyi; Rahimeh Rostami
Abstract
Objectives The evolution in industry in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries led to greater human domination of the planet and the environment. In the field of clean environment, urban parks are regarded as an important element in creation of a sustainable city. They provide opportunities in various ...
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Objectives The evolution in industry in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries led to greater human domination of the planet and the environment. In the field of clean environment, urban parks are regarded as an important element in creation of a sustainable city. They provide opportunities in various areas for instance by improving the environment quality, enabling active and passive entertainment, and creating a beautiful environment. Accordingly, thinkers have considered the strengthening of the relationship between the urban man and the nature as a major way of dealing with the problems of urbanization. Therefore, cities need particular attention today in terms of revival of the urban nature, as presence of the nature in the city, to the necessary extent, and its composition and distribution is a requirement of sustainable development. Evidence from Iran and the area under study in regard to current urban green space planning and design indicates that the idea of ecological design and planning is very weakly treated. Due to the dissatisfaction with the current conditions in the design of urban green spaces as an important part of the city, development of green spaces with high ecological efficiency, significant bioclimatic features in particular, should be considered. Findings In the ranking provided by the TOPSIS method, Elogli Park exhibits the lowest positive ideal (5.41) and the highest negative ideal (13.45), followed by the Shams, Baghmishe, and Eram parks, in that order. This is because the cli coefficient, the negative ideal divided by the sum of the positive and negative ideals, for Elogli Park (15.93) is higher than those for the other parks, assigning it the highest priority in ecological terms among the parks under investigation. The four studied forest parks were classified by ecological indicators using the electric model. According to the results obtained by this method, Elogli Park was ranked first in ecological terms, and the Shams, Baghmishe, and Eram parks were ranked next. A point to be noted concerned the improper conditions of the Baghmishe and Eram parks, the latter in particular, in terms of the indicators, calling for greater attention to these parks. Based on the data on vegetation density, Shams Park exhibited denser coverage than the other parks, followed by Elogli, Baghmishe, and Eram, in that order. The denser the vegetation, the higher the priority of the park, and the better its ecological conditions. According to the three indicators studied in the GIS environment, Shams Park was in better conditions in ecological terms than the other parks. Results The results demonstrated that today’s cities need multi-purpose ecological balancing spaces rather than gardens and lawn. The prioritization of the parks based on cultural criteria indicated that the Eram and Shams parks were in better conditions than Shahgoli and Baghmishe. Physically, Elgoli Park was found to hold the highest priority, followed by Shams, Baghmishe, and Eram, in that order. In environmental terms, the Elgoli, Shams, Baghmishe, and Eram parks were ranked in that order. In terms of access features, Baghmishe and Shams were ranked first, followed by Elgoli and Eram. Finally, Elgoli and Shams were both identified through combination of the maps for all the criteria according to their weights as the best parks in terms of accessibility and cultural, environmental, and physical features. They were followed by Baghmishe Park, and Eram exhibited the lowest score among the parks in terms of the above features.
Urban Management
khatere amiri; mohammad Masoud; darioush moradi chadegani; negin sadeghy; faramarz Safi-Esfahani
Abstract
Highlights- The e-empowerment process is effective in the promotion of citizen participation and urban regeneration of neighborhoods in the city of Isfahan, Iran suffering urban decline.- The use case diagram of the e-empowerment process of Isfahan residents in areas suffering urban decline shows ...
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Highlights- The e-empowerment process is effective in the promotion of citizen participation and urban regeneration of neighborhoods in the city of Isfahan, Iran suffering urban decline.- The use case diagram of the e-empowerment process of Isfahan residents in areas suffering urban decline shows the relationship between users and their activities.- Requirements engineering was used for provision of the use case diagram of Isfahan urban decline e-empowerment. IntroductionAreas suffering urban decline are involved with an intertwined combination of physical, social, and economic problems that intensify various dimensions of urban decline (including economic decline, social decline, physical decline, and environmental decline) and reduce the quality of life for residents.Thus, sufficient motivation is provided for urban management and planning systems to intervene in these areas. A new method of intervention is to apply the urban regeneration approach.Based on public-private partnership, this approach leads to regeneration of dynamic urban spaces, in order to sustain and improve the quality of urban life. Accordingly, urban regeneration has put the community empowerment process on the agenda in order to increase the level of citizen participation of the residents of these areas so that they can solve their problems.The community empowerment follows to increase the residents’ shares in decision-making for the living environment in interaction with decision-makers and politicians. With the development of the information and communication technology (ICT), the interaction between politicians and residents is facilitated. Therefore, this article seeks to provide the e-empowerment use case diagram for implementation of cybernetic space for residents of areas suffering urban decline in Isfahan.Theoretical frameworkThis article introduces the following three concepts.A: Areas suffering urban declineThese areas are places with worn-out urban infrastructure, service, and access, unable to meet the needs of their residents. Due to the low income of the residents of these areas and the insufficient motivation for investors, improvement and renovation is difficult to achieve in these areas. The decline in these areas includes economic, social, physical, and environmental aspects.B: Community empowerment in cybernetic spaceThe process of community empowerment seeks to increase residents’ control and the resulting collective gains.This process follows from the decentralization of power, and attempts to upgrade residents’ power of decision-making about their living environment. The capabilities of cybernetic space facilitate the implementation of community empowerment in this field, which is known as e-empowerment. It facilitates communication between citizens and decision-makers for participation with awareness.C: Use case diagramThe diagram of communication between users and their activities in cyberspace is based on the information and communication technology (ICT). This template is a visual representation of the process implementation using the actions, tasks, and activities of the users of that process, which shows the hierarchy of activities in order to solve a problem, produce a product, or provide a type of service to a target population.MethodologyThis research is conducted in four stages, as follows.A. Analysis of the severity of urban decline in its four types in Isfahan, using the text analysis method (involving texts derived from programs and reports concerning the approvals of areas suffering urban decline).B. Requirements elicitation, including the following:a) analysis of the stakeholders involved in the regeneration of areas suffering urban decline in Isfahan, using the power-benefit matrix method, which utilizes a structured questionnaire for professionals.b) introduction of a community e-empowerment process particular to residents of areas suffering urban decline in Isfahan and use of the social survey method based on behavior measurement and Likert scale measurement, utilizing a structured questionnaire for residents.c) introduction of the implementation mechanism of the community e-empowerment process for residents of areas suffering urban decline in Isfahan using expert panel methods and interviews (involving questionnaires without a special structure for experts).C. Requirements analysis using expert panel methods and interviews (involving questionnaires without a special structure for experts).D. Presentation of the use case diagram’s process of community e-empowerment, dedicated to residents of areas suffering urban decline in Isfahan using the visual paradigm software.Discussion and findingsThe findings demonstrate that an appropriate e-empowerment process for residents of areas suffering urban decline in Isfahan involves the steps of e- education) with the characteristics of e-empowerment(, e-learning, awareness, e-consultation, and e-involvement. The effective users in this process include residents, facilitating experts, technical experts, instructors, support experts, and decision-makers.ConclusionUsers of the e-empowerment process (including residents, facilitating experts, technical experts, instructors, support experts, and decision-makers) communicate with each other in cybernetic space within the framework of a use Case diagram by performing the following activities and processes:A- participation and membership in virtual groups and communitiesB- going through the stages of community e-empowerment (teaching the empowerment process, assessing the skills of citizens, holding awareness-raising sessions, establishing and enhancing communications and interactions, creating a spirit of demand, and undertaking responsibility)C- information and mutual opinion announcement D- provision of decision-making skills and fundamentals.AcknowledgmentThis article is Retrieved from the Ph.D. Thesis in the field of urban planning entitled "The application of cybernetic space capacities to design community empowerment model urban decay areas Isfahan " by the first author with the guidance of the second author and the third author The fourth and fifth have been defended in the Islamic Azad University Isfahan (khorasgan) Branch.
Regional Planning
s y; v m; h m
Volume 3, Issue 11 , August 2014, , Pages 63-74
Abstract
Nowadays, the region – oriented urbanization as a growing and epidemic phenomenon in regional planning and analysis of urban systems has attracted much attention. At present, the spatial order of regions is beyond the traditional categorizing of “core – periphery” and could not ...
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Nowadays, the region – oriented urbanization as a growing and epidemic phenomenon in regional planning and analysis of urban systems has attracted much attention. At present, the spatial order of regions is beyond the traditional categorizing of “core – periphery” and could not be interpreted by the processes of “Walter Kristaler central places theory” and patterns based on traditional “core – periphery” model. This is because these models are basically unable to justify space flows including information and economic flows. Thus, it is necessary to redefine the available realistic and operational processes. Realistic in the sense that explains the current processes and past procedures for the establishment of region and operational in the sense that it has the ability to identify, limit and stabilize neighborhoods and leads to an approach that determines the character of any area and can plan for it. Currently, region-oriented urbanization is a process that leads to concentration of activities, population, functions and flows which occurs side by side with social polarization and spatial dispersal. This study aims to present an analytical model to determine the foundation of the city and attempt to provide a realistic dialogue and explain the native method of identifying foundation areas of cities. Explaining the need for this model for finding city foundations shows a need for planning and management in these areas in order to maximize the functionality. Thus, the paper answers the following questions:
1- How can city – based regions be defined?
2- Which vernacular criteria and indicators affect the definitions of city – based regions?; and
3- What city – based regions exist in Fars province?
From the point of view of research philosophy, this applied research can be categorized as a positivist one and the method of secondary data analysis was used. The necessary data was collected through document-based studies. Finally, using criteria and indicators such as city population, regional population density, density of urban settlements in regions, time interval between cities, goods and passenger flows between cities, and service dependence of cities, the city – based regions of Fars province was defined.
In conclusion, the results reveal that in Fars Province only one “conurbation” exists and that centers in Shiraz city and five “Urban Agglomerations” exist in Abadeh-Eqlid, Fasa-Jahrom, Kazeroon-noorabad, Grash-Lar and Neiriz-Estahban. The pattern of spatial structure, the structure of road network and ratio (severity) of urbanization index in these city-based regions show that “Shiraz conurbation” and “Lar-Grash urban agglomeration” have Greater potential for the formation of a complete urban area compared to other city- based regions in the area. However, at the present time, what is important is taking into account the operational mechanism for planning and integrated management of these areas and to avoid administrative dispersion because of the number of cities and this requires complementary research.
Urban Planning
Mohamad Javad Noori; Kaveh Asadpoor
Volume 5, Issue 18 , May 2016, , Pages 63-76
Abstract
Objectives: The “MEHR” housing project is one of the most recent projects undertaken by the Ministry of Roads & Urban Development. Despite the main aim of the project which is accommodating low income citizens, recent studies demonstrate that the living condition in these housing projects ...
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Objectives: The “MEHR” housing project is one of the most recent projects undertaken by the Ministry of Roads & Urban Development. Despite the main aim of the project which is accommodating low income citizens, recent studies demonstrate that the living condition in these housing projects is not satisfactory. The main aim of this article is to evaluate the satisfaction level of residents in Mehr housing project from residents’ perspectives through both qualitative and quantitative methods. “Exploratory Factor analysis” was used as the main method mainly due to its capability in analyzing the parameters which are affected by the context.
Findings: The findings of this article indicate that factor analysis causes a reduction in the number of satisfaction indicators from 71 to 22. Furthermore, application of “varimax rotation” in factor analysis method is due to its ability in correlating literature reviews with the result. In this article, KMO index was 0/611 which is considered in the standard range of factor analysis. Skewness & Kurtosis indexes was calculated to assess the normality of questionnaire data. Finally, normalization process show the various conditions of various factors. Eventually, cluster analysis presented the distribution of satisfaction in the study sample (150 households). In contrast to prior studies, this research identified a four-level structure for Mehr housing project satisfactory factors (housing units, housing buildings; housing site, surrounding area of the site)
Results: The results show that the most important factors in the residents’ dissatisfaction in “MEHR” housing project were the lack of access to primary civic services (educational, religious and security), lack of activity centers, the need for pedestrian-oriented and mixed use development, insufficient surveillance and low maintenance service on the interior spaces of housing units, high level of environmental pollutants and lack of recreational spaces. The findings of this article show that 76 percent of households were not satisfied with the quality of their life. The result of this article would help the executive agencies of “MEHR” housing projects, in considering the satisfaction level of residents. This article also demonstrates that "shelter making" alone cannot be considered a comprehensive satisfactory parameter for low income households because the essential needs of individuals is to live in a well-designed community and not just in a shelter. Therefore, this article recommends to first assess the future needs of residents prior to the development process. People who live in Dehaqan Mehr housing were found to be satisfied with having a shelter but the quality of life was not acceptable due to the factors discussed. The main factors causing serious problems in this Mehr housing project were identified to be related to its infrastructures and social and health issues as Finally, it is worth mentioning that the city management system of “MEHR” housing project has to invest on short term actions, first to build a school, a mosque and a police station and second to allocate the best places for communal activities (such as markets, green spaces and cultural centers).
Urban Planning
asghar abedini
Abstract
The growing population and increasing urbanization have caused a phenomenon known as urban sprawl in major cities of the world. This issue has imposed much economic and environmental consequences on cities. According to this review, it is necessary to recognize and assess this phenomenon. This study ...
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The growing population and increasing urbanization have caused a phenomenon known as urban sprawl in major cities of the world. This issue has imposed much economic and environmental consequences on cities. According to this review, it is necessary to recognize and assess this phenomenon. This study is a theoretical-practical research in terms of objectives and a descriptive-analytical one in nature. Today, landscape metrics and spatial data are used widely throughout the world to measure and evaluate urban sprawl. In the present study, to measure urban sprawl in Urmia, the spatial-temporal data and landscape metrics are used for the first time to measure urban sprawl in Iran. In this regard, satellite images related to the years 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2015 were collected. Then, the data was classified into two categories of constructed and unconstructed lands using artificial neural network. Afterwards, changes were detected by ENVI4.8 software program and the urban sprawl in Urmia was assessed applying landscape metrics (shape index, fractal dimension index, contiguity index, number of patch index, largest patch index) using the Fragstats4.2 software program.Investigation of shape index indicates the sprawl trend in Urmia. During 1991-2011, this index continuously declined, indicating the reduction of sprawl trend in the Urmia during this period. From 2011 onward, the trend has taken an uptrend that shows the increase of sprawl trend in the city. This points to the irregularly made patches that lead to random growth and unplanned development of urban areas.Fractal dimension describes the complexity and fragmentation of each patch by perimeter to area ratio. Increased complexity and fragmentation causes increased perimeter and thus increased fractal dimension. Therefore, increased fractal dimension shows an increase in the urban sprawl intensity. During 1991-2011 in Urmia, the intensity of sprawl was declining partially. However, during 2011-2015, the phenomenon of sprawl and developments in suburb areas intensified in the city.The high value of Contiguity Index means more compaction. This index had a balanced trend during 1991-2011 and maintained its existing compaction. However, during 2011-2015, this index transformed and went through a significant downtrend, showing the tendency for sprawl in the city.Number of Patches Index intensifies when the extent of sprawl increases. The investigation of this index in the study area indicates the reduction of sprawl area during 1991-2011, so the intensity of sprawl reduced to some extent. But, after this interval, i.e. from 2011-2015, sprawl intensified in Urmia.The investigation of this index in the study area shows an oscillating trend in a way that the trend reduced during 1991-2001 and, thus, the sprawl intensity in the region reduced. During 2011-2011, the value of this index increased and the studied area tended more intensely toward urban sprawl. Finally, sprawl intensity in Urmia increased significantly during 2011-2015.The results of the present study show that urban sprawl in Urmia has followed a descending trend during 1991-2011 and an ascending trend ever since.
Urban Planning
hadi torkashvand
Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, , Pages 65-76
Abstract
Community is one of the most important and fundamental aspects in physical divisions in cities which is considered the oldest heritage of urbanization. It has played important role in spatial and physical structure of the city in the past, but today the structure and functions of communities of the city ...
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Community is one of the most important and fundamental aspects in physical divisions in cities which is considered the oldest heritage of urbanization. It has played important role in spatial and physical structure of the city in the past, but today the structure and functions of communities of the city has mostly changed, community networks and physical and social spaces have been destroyed causing many problems for cities including destruction of social relationships, migration of native inhabitants in historical communities, the decrease of people’s community participation, increase of crimes, physical and infrastructural problems, and insecurity. These problems are only a small part of problems related to lack of attention to community development in urban studies systems. Development of city programming in its evolution and using development of city programming in community development format and programmers’ attention to social problems instead of considering common approaches which emphasize physical problems have caused greater attention being paid to urban communities and local societies compared to the past. In this way, considering urban communities as one of the principal units of urban programming and studying its capacities was the fundamental and important priority in many countries to recognize and count abilities of local societies. Furthermore, community can be considered one of the most important arms of urban growth. Therefore, a deeper understanding of community development system and bridging the existing gap can lead to better understanding by planners in making the right decisions. On the other hand, social trust is a critical issue for human societies with fundamental links to community development. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between social trust with community development in the Fahadan community of Yazd. Because of physical, cultural and social values and identity in communities in general and in historical communities specifically programming can be very important. The methodology of this research in terms of aim is applicable- developmental and in terms of the nature and method is descriptive – analytical. The used tool was a questionnaire that was analyzed in SPSS and Amos softwares. The results show that there is a direct and significant relationship between social trust and community development. Moreover, Standardized Beta coefficient in institutional trust variables by a factor of (307/0 = β), interpersonal trust by a factor of (185/0 = β), generalized trust by a factor of (158/0 = β) and self-confidence environment with beta coefficient (103/0 = β) have the largest share in explaining community development. Structural equation modeling results show that by increasing social trust, community development components should also increase. Finally, according to research components some recommendations were presented and the obtained results of the studies were compared with existing studies. It was found that the findings was propounded by Ziari et al and similar to Madani’s research.
Urban Architecture
Fatemeh Hanifeh; Hojjatollah Rashid kolvir; Abbas Abolghasemi; Hassan Akbari; Kasegar Mohammadi Shoaib
Abstract
The environment and space are two basic platforms for supporting multidimensional human needs. Hence, the dwelling, where architecture, society, and culture are closely interrelated, has a significant behavioral effect on the residents’ spirits and social interactions at different levels. The impact ...
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The environment and space are two basic platforms for supporting multidimensional human needs. Hence, the dwelling, where architecture, society, and culture are closely interrelated, has a significant behavioral effect on the residents’ spirits and social interactions at different levels. The impact of environment design and visual quality on people’s behavior and mental health has also been demonstrated in research by environmental designers, including William White, Appleyard, Kevin Lynch, and Alexander. Moreover, investigations of different residential environments indicate that every dwelling has its own behavioral effects on the residents’ psyches. This study investigates the hypothesis that the physical environment of a residential condominium is critical for increasing the psychological and social indicators. Furthermore, the sub-hypothesis suggests that the environmental (physical) components of the residential condominium (sound, light, space dimensions, etc.) influence the specification of the above indicators. The significance of the study lies in the idea that a dwelling should reflect its residents’ public images and private lives. This implies adherence to the residents’ diverse economic, political, cultural, and, particularly, individual philosophies, which vary from person to person in different communities. Since the three basic aspects of quality of life concern physical, mental, and social health, a dwelling can provide a sense of security and mental peace and lead to fundamental changes in personal, social, and other relations. The purpose of this descriptive-correlational study was to investigate the effects of the physical characteristics of a residential condominium on the improvement of the residents’ psychosocial indicators on a neighborhood scale. Data analysis was made using the correlation and multiple regression statistical methods. In order to confirm the variables obtained using the Delphi technique, 18 architecture and psychology experts were sent a questionnaire was sent to 18 architecture and psychology experts, modified on that basis to the final questionnaire. The research population included 186 available households from among the 439 residing in four residential condominiums in Rasht. The correlation coefficient indicated that there were significant relationships between all the physical variables confirmed by the experts and the social and psychological indicators. On that basis, 61.2% of the psychological indicator variance was predicted by the variables space quality, flexibility, and light, and 59% of the social indicator variance was predicted by the variables confidentiality, dwelling type, flexibility, public services and facilities, repetition time and period, light, space geography, convenience, and functional distance. The research results indicated the determining role of physical characteristics in the promotion of the social- and psychosocial indicators, which suggests that individuals acquire the coherent ability to interact efficiently with others both in private and public life in accordance with their own nature while controlling their own lives. In Rasht, the residents enjoy natural, lush, clean, and temperate environments, generally interacting with natural phenomena, which increases hope, and reduces stress in life. Finally, the present study sought to obtain solutions for improvement of neighborhood relations, enhancement of social interactions, and reduction of psychological damage among the residents through investigation and identification of the psychosocial factors affecting the design of residential condominiums on a neighborhood scale.
Urban Planning
Aliakbar Salaripour; Zahra Seif Reihani,; Narges Taleb vali alah
Abstract
Highlights
The present study endeavors to establish a comprehensive catalog of both positive and negative factors that impact the attachment to a specific place.
These factors were examined across diverse locations and geographic scales.
Aesthetic factors, positive memories, and emotions exert the ...
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Highlights
The present study endeavors to establish a comprehensive catalog of both positive and negative factors that impact the attachment to a specific place.
These factors were examined across diverse locations and geographic scales.
Aesthetic factors, positive memories, and emotions exert the most positive influence on the development of attachment to a place
The inefficiency of urban management, negative sentiments, and economic recession exert the most adverse impact on the formation of attachment to a place.
Introduction:
The intricate relationship between individuals and their surroundings is a dynamic interplay of positive and negative factors that either foster or hinder attachment to a place. This study delves into the multifaceted nature of place attachment in the coastal city of Bandar-Anzali, seeking to establish a nuanced understanding of the factors at play.
Theoretical Framework:
The concept of "place" extends beyond physical spaces to encompass the meaningful connections people form through experiences and ideas. While spatial identity, attachment, and dependence are frequently discussed, there lacks a comprehensive exploration of the myriad factors influencing them across diverse places and geographical scales. This research bridges this gap by creating an extensive list of factors affecting place attachment.
Methodology:
Employing a qualitative-quantitative combined approach, this study utilized thematic analysis to scrutinize interview texts. The sample size, determined by theoretical saturation, involved 89 interviews conducted through purposive sampling. Participants were asked to provide photos of places to which they felt attached, forming the basis for individual in-depth interviews. Four key questions explored the detailed description of the place, the reasons for attachment, motivations for returning or not, and factors strengthening or weakening attachment. Thematic analysis was independently conducted by researchers, resulting in 23 positive and 7 negative factors.
Results and Discussion:
The research identified 23 positive factors, including memories, similarity, positive feelings, security, balance of city and nature, connection with nature, sensory richness, and aesthetic considerations. Negative factors encompassed environmental damage, economic stagnation, inefficiency of urban management, loneliness, societal ignorance, neglect of cultural activities, and negative emotions. Recreational spaces, homes, neighborhoods, commercial places, object spaces, cultural-educational-administrative uses, and social places emerged as the most frequented locations. Aesthetic factors, memories, and positive emotions wielded the most positive influence, while inefficiency of urban management, negative emotions, and economic stagnation exerted the strongest negative impact on place attachment.
Conclusion
This research identifies key factors influencing attachment to a place. Aesthetic elements, memories, and positive emotions positively impact attachment, while urban mismanagement, negative emotions, and economic stagnation have a negative influence. Recreational spaces, homes, and neighborhoods are the most frequented places. Aesthetic considerations are particularly emphasized in images of recreational and commercial spaces. Social places highlight memories, positive emotions, aesthetics, and age as significant factors. The inefficiency of urban management is evident in images from urban neighborhoods, while symbols of Bandar Anzali city dominate urban space photos. Ambient spaces, such as multi-story houses and seaside paths, are the most common settings, with aesthetics holding the highest frequency in environmental spaces. Despite increasing interest in place attachment, the study reveals a need for further exploration of these factors. This research serves as a foundational step for future investigations in this area.
Urban Design
neda khaziri afravi
Volume 4, Issue 15 , August 2015, , Pages 69-82
Abstract
Security is one of the factors improving the quality of urban spaces. Desirable and functional design of constructed space leads to reduction of crime and increase of urban space quality. A secure urban space encourages appropriate activities and limits inappropriate activities; hence, these urban spaces ...
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Security is one of the factors improving the quality of urban spaces. Desirable and functional design of constructed space leads to reduction of crime and increase of urban space quality. A secure urban space encourages appropriate activities and limits inappropriate activities; hence, these urban spaces as well as their type will affect the rate of occurrence of crime and violence in the city. By increasing the presence and supervision of citizens, the level of social interaction in urban spaces increases and security would therefore be added to the environment as well. One of the main aims of creating security is promotion of quality in the field of urban spaces. Desirable and functional design of constructed spaces leads to an increase in the number of citizens present which results in a fall in crime rates and a rise in sidewalk quality. An urban physical structure aimed at creating interaction between humans and the environment is the latest approach for dealing with reduction of urban crimes in the form of physical and social dimensions. The impact of this approach is more evident in the formation of the framework and thus social functions and trends. The purpose of this study is the improvement of urban sidewalk quality in order to increase environmental security. Investigation of pedestrian security with a physical approach to the environment as well as the use of sidewalks by citizens is essential and necessary. In this regard, Golestan Boulevard in the city of Ahvaz, despite regional and trans-regional performance levels, suffers from lack of interaction and consequently lack of quality and security. Therefore, it is important to increase the presence of people in the urban flow of the city .The research method employed in this study is descriptive- correlation which has been extracted using a theoretical framework. Thus, after the division of space into three sequences and in accordance with the space criteria of each sequence described, the data matrix was drawn. After physical and functional analysis based on existing urban flows, the presence of people in this area was measured. For quantifying the amount of presence in the spaces, LOS or level of service was used. Accordingly, after collecting information regarding the presence of car users and pedestrians in the area by encoding the information, the amount of time spent in the urban space based on function and subsequent supervision by car users and pedestrians within the framework and micro and macro functions, was analyzed. Data collection was undertaken via interviews and field observations. The results of the compiled information based on the effects of one component of space (flow) on the other components (physical and functional), was reviewed which showed that the greater presence of people would improve urban space quality. Finally, factors increasing space security are presented.
Urban Transport
Pooya Alaedini; Elham Fayezi
Volume 1, Issue 1 , March 2012, , Pages 77-90
Abstract
With respect to the urban sustainable development ideal, during the last decades, implementation of the bike-sharing projects has attracted the attention of the planners of different cities including Tehran. Since the first bike-sharing projects were not successful, evaluating/assessing new tentative ...
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With respect to the urban sustainable development ideal, during the last decades, implementation of the bike-sharing projects has attracted the attention of the planners of different cities including Tehran. Since the first bike-sharing projects were not successful, evaluating/assessing new tentative preparation at different stages is required. This article examines the short-term achievements and challenges of the bike-sharing pilot project implemented during the last two years in Tehran Municipality’s Region VIII. A set of indicators including access, awareness, safety, commuting effects, beneficiary satisfaction, sustainability, and cultural advocacy were probed through field observations, information obtained from key stakeholders, and a quantitative survey of direct beneficiaries (a sample of 250 among ~8000 registered beneficiaries). Our findings indicated that the project has been successful in attracting and satisfying (male) users. Meanwhile, a number of shortcomings with regard to information dissemination, traffic signals, and maintaining the quality of bicycles and bike paths as well as cultural advocacy (particularly to include women) still need to be addressed. Furthermore, project sustainability hinges upon availability of funds for the maintenance and geographic expansion of facilities as well as periodic renewal of the fleet through secure budget allocations and sales of advertisement rights.
Urban Planning
Volume 1, Issue 2 , June 2012, , Pages 87-100
Abstract
A comprehensive planning of urban transportation to provide an urban necessity, that is commuting, is inevitable. In megacities, the complexity and the potential for disruption are greater; therefore, the urban transportation planning must be effectively managed. The most important transport problems ...
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A comprehensive planning of urban transportation to provide an urban necessity, that is commuting, is inevitable. In megacities, the complexity and the potential for disruption are greater; therefore, the urban transportation planning must be effectively managed. The most important transport problems are often related to urban areas and they take place when transport systems, for a variety of reasons, cannot satisfy the numerous requirements of urban mobility. Urban productivity is highly dependent on the efficiency of its transport system to move people, consumers and freight between numerous origins and destinations. In Iran, the history of new transportation systems is limited to the last 50 years and they were established decades after formation of modern urbanism. It is very important that the three factors of transportation, population and urban development perform their roles parallel to each other in communities. Cities in our country and in developed countries may have the same urban and transportation properties but we cannot always deal with their urban problems in the same way. In the past decades, Tehran, the capital of Iran and Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province have enjoyed a rapid growth in the number of vehicles, and daily journeys have been increasing rapidly. Moreover, most of the journeys and the commuting take place by private and semi-collective transportation and only a few passengers use public transportation. As a result, it is necessary to enhance the culture of using public transportation along with improving its quality. In this study, based on the past history of population and urban transportation of Iran and France as two developing and developed country respectively, urban transportation development in them has been compared. For this purpose, the capitals of Tehran and Paris, as two megacities and two cities of Sanandaj and Rennes in these countries with low population, geography and demographic characteristics have been chosen and studied. The results show that the urban population has increased much more rapidly in developing countries than in developed ones. Undesirable growth of private and semi-private transportation in developing countries has doubled the urban problems. In contrast, public transportation systems and urban railway systems, particularly, in Iran have grown very slowly or insignificantly compared to France. Given the circumstances, it seems, in the coming years, the urban transport system in most of the large, medium and small cities in Iran will have a difficult time for the citizens. In collective transportation systems of our country, we must achieve seven principal factors: higher capacity, higher speed, lower cost, lower energy consumption, using green energy, safety and comfort of passengers. The main feature of urban transport in our country is that direct employment is very high. So it is necessary to modify the current trend of development of transportation with proper investment and also by changing the traditional, cultural and employment patterns. Otherwise, the challenges of traffic, environmental pollution and indiscriminate use of fossil energy would endanger the healthy life of most urban areas.
Urban Planning
Volume 1, Issue 3 , August 2012, , Pages 50-57
Abstract
Developing of settlements, concentration of population, increasing of accepting the different functions and weakness of human and physical factors has increased the attention to the safety cultural components. In this regard, safety culture was governing the most important preventive measures at the ...
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Developing of settlements, concentration of population, increasing of accepting the different functions and weakness of human and physical factors has increased the attention to the safety cultural components. In this regard, safety culture was governing the most important preventive measures at the time of natural and human-made disasters. Lack of safety culture among the people, executives, and the administrative is of the fundamental problems in the crisis management plan in Iran. Social infrastructure to cope with a natural disaster has faced the effectiveness of the actions of government agencies with major challenges. Therefore, we should look the many of social groups as an opportunity and social capital. This descriptive study aimed to identify the effective components and their formulation in the safety of social environments. Communities' safety has increased their capability and capacity to deal with crises and provides the potential of the arrangements required and also provides their continuity and effectiveness. This paper answers the questions such as: what are the effective components in safety of social environments and whether there is a relationship between the education and improvement of the safety components in the social environments? In this survey, the statistical population was Rasht City with 384 samples (using Morgan Table) and we used cluster sampling. Our findings include formulation of the effective components in safeness of the social environments such as considering the effective components in developing objectives and policies in crisis management plans, participation, social capitals, suitability, social integration, and role of education in safety of local societies.
Urban Ecology
Volume 2, Issue 5 , March 2013, , Pages 61-72
Abstract
Over the past two decades, several models have been used to calculate environmental vul-nerability with Approach collective decisions to mitigate the effects of the natural hazards. Location of cities and villages, and site selection of residential units, services, and indus-tries and recreation should ...
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Over the past two decades, several models have been used to calculate environmental vul-nerability with Approach collective decisions to mitigate the effects of the natural hazards. Location of cities and villages, and site selection of residential units, services, and indus-tries and recreation should be harmonized with expansion of geology, geomorphology, soil and climatology sciences. Therefore, without understanding their natural features, the construction of urban and rural areas and related activities associated with their spatial substrate is not reasonable. Yasuj urban area is located in narrow plains in the western foothills of the Zagros Mountains. The area of this place is about 12776 hectares and its average topographic height is about 1850 mASL. The area consists of 42 villages whose population is over 150 thousand and its city center is Yasouj. The main purpose of this study is to put stress on the theory of sustainable development in Yasuj urban areas. The study of natural vulnerability of Yasuj urban areas was performed with an emphasis on the natural and environmental structure. Methods used to analyze the vulnerability include Fuzzy logic, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and environmental indicators that were used by Geographic Information System (GIS). Based on the criteria and sub criteria of the study, the study area affected by natural features and special characteristics are threatened with some environmental restrictions and natural hazards. Due to young and active faults, the urban area shows great potential for earthquake. The probability of flood in the area increases as a result of the features of the mountain, sharp slopes, existence of several torrent rivers, relatively high amounts of rainfall, especially during the cold season. Structure and texture of alluvial plains and foothills are almost weak. In addition, the steep foothills can increase probability of hillside movements and phenomena such as the downfall of soil and rock, landslides and avalanche at snowy periods. According to the results obtained from combining various layers of environmental data layers car -ried out on the basis of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model, it became clear that ,in Yasuj urban area, central parts of the plain have the lowest environmental vulnerability with the rise of the risk level towards the mountainous area. The study not only reveals that proximity to faults has the highest fuzzy membership degree, but also suggests that collaboration with other environmental hazards such flood risk (distance from the river), slope and land use, shows the highest vulnerability. The surrounding mountainous areas (Zagros) in Yasuj urban area which are tectonically active parts of the area have higher risk in comparison with those in the plain. Considering the results, growth and develop -ment of the city toward the mountains will encounter high vulnerability. These results corresponded with the capability of the forest parts of the mountainous areas. Therefore, the development of the city construction toward the mountain would cause sever damage to mountain ecosystems, plant and animal life. Thus, areas characterized by high vulner -ability should be protected since they have not only high potential for being risky but also are vulnerable to the development of human activities (regions of oak forests and rivers protection area). The results of this research lead the policy of regional development to decrease the possibility of environmental vulnerability. The assessment and combination of the results of the information layers studies signal the high environmental vulnerabilityin peripheral parts of urban area due to the overlapping of different natural hazards that tend toward the center of the plain. Finally, the salient point of studying the area shows that in the absence of any planning and measurement of the ecological capability of the land, development inflicts serious environmental damage, which , in turn, may harm hu -man societies in the future.
E P; ئ ق
Volume 3, Issue 10 , May 2014, , Pages 63-72
Abstract
Informal settlements as a phenomenon with physical, socio-economic and spatial dimensions, are caused by modern urbanization and progress discourse in the enlightenment era present challenges for sustainable city development. Since the late 1980s, empowerment approach by patronage of the World Bank has ...
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Informal settlements as a phenomenon with physical, socio-economic and spatial dimensions, are caused by modern urbanization and progress discourse in the enlightenment era present challenges for sustainable city development. Since the late 1980s, empowerment approach by patronage of the World Bank has been searching for transformation and regularization of these types of communities by fiscal policy making based on local assets such as social capital, physical capital and low financial capital with a process-oriented approach, a holistic view of place and people’s happiness as well as capacity building of informal settlements in order to replace a culture of entitlement and of libertinism which is the outcome of need-based policies of community development. This article is based on the internal relationship between empowerment and asset based policy making. The aim of this article is to find the effect of social, physical, and local assets on the empowerment of informal settlements of Tabriz. Asset is defined as the financial, social, economic, and physical capabilities of humans. Its appearance on the local scale is in a network format. Asset based approaches have three characteristics: (1) since it focuses on extending capacity, it is process-oriented, (2) as it focuses on all assets, it is social-oriented, and finally (3), it is an instrument. This view tends toward the congruence of “people’s happiness and place”. This paper is based on the following essential question: what is the role of local financial, physical and social assets in the empowerment informal settlements of Tabriz? Tabriz Metropolitan area is situated the northwest of Iran. Many informal settlements populations in Tabriz are especially in the northeast, south and southeast zones of the city. The physical and socio- economic situation of the informal settlements in the diverse city zones have varying characters. However, the subject of this study is how the empowerment approach can be used best in Tabriz’s informal settlements. Research method is descriptive – analytical. In the conceptual model we have tried to present how asset-based policy-making can lead to empowerment. The following indexes were selected to represent empowerment: a sense of competence, autonomy, effectiveness, being meaningful and a sense of trust. The research was carried out in the informal settlements of Molazeynal, Seylab, Gushkhane and Khalil Abad quarters are the research clusters. The sample size was 224 people. In conclusion, the components of asset based policy, namely social capital, physical capital and financial capital, in a community's development have a significant impact on the empowerment of informal settlements.
Urban Architecture
maryam kiaee
Abstract
In addition to their objective, overt aspects, different spaces have subjective, covert dimensions, which cannot be inferred simply through analysis of their physical structures. These features, which are classified as cognitive features of space, are largely influenced by the space users’ types ...
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In addition to their objective, overt aspects, different spaces have subjective, covert dimensions, which cannot be inferred simply through analysis of their physical structures. These features, which are classified as cognitive features of space, are largely influenced by the space users’ types and methods of perception of space. You receive part of the environment information via presence in the space and with the help of your sensory abilities. Depending on your needs and motivations, some of the information is perceived by your mental system, and recognition is ultimately achieved through analysis of the perceived information and their registration in mind. Thus, mental or cognitive maps are formed for you, which in turn result from transformation of an objective entity into a subjective one, on which basis your mental image of an environment takes shape. These cognitive maps are largely dependent on the values, beliefs, memories, aspirations, etc. of people who use an environment. Therefore, it can be argued that people have different types of perception of the environment. Therefore, the quality of the objective and subjective features is effective in space users’ cognition and perception of the environment, and they utilize one or both of these perceptions to evaluate the environment. Moreover, the physical quality of the space is effective on its recognition, which turns recognition of the structural features effective in identification of space into another aspect of the significance of this research. Therefore, the present research sought to investigate the cognitive and perceptual aspects of a traditional market as a case study by evaluating the perceptual quality of the environment using Gestalt psychology and analyzing the system of spatial configuration using space syntax and to analyze the space users’ spatial-cognitive behavior in the relatively complex environment. After the factors required by both theories were introduced, the process of analysis began. On the syntactic analysis side, the market map was loaded in the software environment, and the market was analyzed using the values of factors such as the cone of vision, spatial depth and integrity, and spatial accessibility and quality. On the cognitive analysis side, the method of drawing cognitive maps was used for extraction of the Gestalt factors. Therefore, the research population was asked to enter the market through a specific entrance and draw their mental images of its structure in the croquis format after traveling around the market for thirty minutes. After data were collected using both methods, the obtained findings were analyzed and compared. The results of the research indicated that several objective and subjective factors are effective, either at the same time or with some prioritization with respect to each other, in proper wayfinding in spaces, particularly unfamiliar and less familiar ones. Moreover, the results obtained from the syntactic analysis of an environment are in some cases consistent with those of its cognitive analysis, and they contrast in other cases, depending to a great extent on the spatial features of the environment and the elements used in it. Accordingly, a traditional market in Iran was selected for a case study, and people’s spatial behavior in the urban space with a relatively complex structure and their perception thereof was analyzed. Therefore, the questions of the research are as follows. Which configuration features of a market are perceived and considered more closely by users? How do different people—particularly those who are unfamiliar or less familiar with the space—find or, in other words, choose the ways to their destinations in the market?
Urban Planning
seyed hossein mirzade
Volume 5, Issue 20 , November 2016, , Pages 65-78
Abstract
It is fortunate that many fine scholars and theorists, in the past and present, have focused their attention on cities. Nowadays, we know a great deal about how cities influence the evolution of their people and culture, how they are organized spatially, what economic functions they perform, how they ...
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It is fortunate that many fine scholars and theorists, in the past and present, have focused their attention on cities. Nowadays, we know a great deal about how cities influence the evolution of their people and culture, how they are organized spatially, what economic functions they perform, how they are planned and governed, and their probable futures. In recent years, cities have found much importance in Iranians’ economic and social lives and a great deal of people have immigrated to cities in recent decades. Thus, many cities in Iran have a rapid physical spread in new valuable areas such as agricultural lands. One of the main problems of urban planners in comprehensive plans and urban development is determining the exact boundary of the city. Planners try to detect the boundary of cities with particular objectives such as protecting rich agricultural lands from long-term spread of the city, and protecting ecological and natural environmental zones around cities The Urban Development and Architecture Supreme Council of Iran in Article 7 of the ratification dated 6/7/2005had determined the size of cities boundaries should be 3 to 5 times the legal city limits . In the article, we are going to evaluate this decision in the urban planning system of Iran. There is increasing emphasis on importance of research projects as part of the planning process by urban researchers and extensive use of this word in many operational and scientific research shows the importance of evaluation. To achieve this aim, the following three questions must be answered: 1. What role do laws play in measuring the size of city boundaries? 2. Does the Urban Development and Architecture Supreme Council focus on the position and function of each city?,? 3. Do laws have any flaws in determining city boundaries? To answer these questions, 50 cities were chosen as the study sample in order to evaluate the ratification of the council and survey the level of compatibility of the cities’ status in Iran with the mentioned act. Tables of current and suggested use are extracted using the comprehensive plan of each sample and the results are compared with the act of the Great Council. The method used was descriptive- analytical and the research is applied in nature. The results imply that in the act some issues such as different climates, roles and positions of functions and ethnic-cultural and economic problems are disregarded. The investigation revealed that on average, city boundaries were 8.1 times greater than the legal limit of cities, and should be reviewed in this section of the ratification. Economic issues were often considered in determining the boundaries of the city which often were disproportionate to the shape of urban boundaries and little attention was paid to urban boundary limits. Therefore, the above decision must be reviewed. A review of methods to assess the logical framework of city boundary limits in the future development of cities have to be based on the physical and environmental aspects of lands because the reform of urban boundaries should protect agricultural land. If urban and regional planners disregard these points, local and national managers may face different problems that will cause some threats in the future.
