Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Architecture, faculty of architecture and urbanism, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Urban Planning, faculty of architecture and urbanism, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Highlights:
- A systematic classification of Persian language studies on place memory and an analysis of their structure and content using a systematic review.
- Research gaps in place memory studies are highlighted to guide future studies.
- Keywords related to the memory of place and frequently appearing components are identified and discussed.
Introduction:
Architecture and urban planning are deeply intertwined with the environment, which serves as a vessel for individual and collective human experiences that form memory. Memory studies, a rapidly growing research field, span various disciplines, including social sciences, humanities, landscape studies, architecture, and urbanism. In Iran and worldwide, research has explored memory in built environments from diverse perspectives. This article seeks to analyze and interpret the body of work published in Iran, aiming to prevent redundancy in this field while identifying existing research gaps.
Methodology:
This research adheres to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement list for information collection and document screening. The study sample was selected based on internet searches of related keywords (e.g., memory and place memory) across Mogiran, SID, and Ganj-Irandoc scientific databases. No time limits were set for the search, but the focus was on publications between 2006 and 2022. Initially, 206 articles were retrieved from the Mogiran site, 101 articles from SID, and 16 doctoral theses related to architecture and urban planning. Following a thorough screening process that involved reviewing titles, abstracts, and content relevance, a final selection of 38 articles from scientific research publications was made, rated from A to D in the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology's scientific publications portal. Additionally, 4 doctoral theses were selected for in-depth review after similar screening.
To systematically extract and categorize information, a table was designed based on each article's publication year. The data analysis and interpretation were conducted through coding and grouping similar content. This systematic approach enabled the authors to interpret and describe various aspects of the phenomenon under study, ultimately contributing to a comprehensive understanding of place memory in Persian language research.
Results and Discussion:
This research focuses on the publication and evolution of scientific studies on place memory in Iran, examining both the structure and content of these studies. A central theme in the research is the concept of collective or individual memory. The majority of studies emphasize collective memory, a shared memory among the people of a region or city, often detached from individual experiences.
In the context of place memory, the processes of memory formation, recording, transmission, continuity, and recall are distinct yet interconnected. Depending on the research's case study—whether it involves a city, village, single building, or urban space—these processes include various components. Generally, these components can be categorized into three main groups: spatial, social, and emotional.
Sociologists like Maurice Halbwachs and Pierre Nora have noted that the sociability of a space significantly influences collective memory. One result of sociability is face-to-face communication, which relies on the space's ability to accommodate people together—a crucial factor in memory studies. In essence, a space's potential to become memorable is closely tied to its capacity for social interaction and presence.
Interestingly, few articles explore the topic of memory in relation to homes that are not linked to childhood experiences. Another notable issue is the relationship between age and memory. From an early age, individuals develop positive and negative feelings toward their environment, which can be shaped by physical changes in residential areas. Such changes not only impact children's spatial behavior but also influence their psychological development.
When public spaces fail to consider children's needs, expectations, and desires, their design—crafted solely by adults—can negatively affect children's social, cultural, and mental development. Public spaces are often the only areas where children can play and socialize outside their homes and schools. This underscores the importance of creating environments that engage children constructively, making residential areas where significant childhood memories are formed more livable.
Conclusion:
The growing volume of studies in various fields necessitates summarizing and interpreting existing research, identifying frequently studied areas, and finding research gaps to inspire new topics for future exploration. This study addresses the critical issue of place memory within Persian language research through a systematic review.
The relatively small number of existing studies in this field suggests that place memory research is still in its infancy, with limited depth and focus. The concept of memory has not yet reached saturation in any of the discussed fields, presenting future research opportunities. The most critical factor in strengthening memory in a place—sustaining mental patterns—has been scarcely discussed in the literature. Topics related to memory, such as revival and reconstruction in historical contexts, identity, belonging, and attachment to place, have been repeatedly examined. The importance of understanding identity and the solutions some researchers offer by referencing the past, alongside the growing trend of memory studies, highlight the significance of further exploring this topic.
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