Urban Design
saeideh divsalar; Seyed Moslem Seyedalhosseini; toktam hanaee; hadi sarvari
Abstract
Highlights:Public art is a key factor in improving the quality of life and enhancing the attractiveness of urban spaces.Public art and creative placemaking contribute to increasing happiness and improving the quality of happy urban spaces.Analyzing research methods in public art and creative placemaking ...
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Highlights:Public art is a key factor in improving the quality of life and enhancing the attractiveness of urban spaces.Public art and creative placemaking contribute to increasing happiness and improving the quality of happy urban spaces.Analyzing research methods in public art and creative placemaking identifies effective solutions for enhancing happy urban spaces.Extended Abstract1-IntroductionIn today's world, metropolises face numerous environmental, social, and aesthetic challenges that directly affect the quality of life and happiness of their inhabitants. Consequently, creating favorable living conditions and improving the quality of urban spaces have become central concerns in the development of sustainable cities. Public art emerges as an effective tool for enhancing urban spaces and enriching the living experience of city dwellers. Through the creation of creative and aesthetically pleasing environments, public art can strengthen social interactions and increase overall citizen satisfaction. Despite this, existing studies exploring the impact of public art on creative placemaking and the development of happy urban spaces, especially from a methodological perspective, encounter significant challenges. This research focuses on analyzing the methodologies employed in studies on public art, creative placemaking, and happy urban spaces, identifying weaknesses in research methods, and providing recommendations for improvement. Special attention is paid to examining data collection and statistical analysis methods. The findings of this research are expected to improve the quality of studies in this field and serve as a foundation for future inquiries.2- Theoretical Framework2.1 Public Art:Public art, as an essential tool in contemporary urban design, is used in public spaces to enhance social interactions and improve urban identity. From sculptures and murals to graffiti, public art actively shapes the visual and social experiences of citizens, influencing cultural identity, social relationships, and the overall quality of urban environments.2.2 Creative Placemaking:Creative placemaking refers to the innovative process of using art and culture to enhance the economic, social, and physical characteristics of a place. This approach promotes collaboration among various community sectors, aiming for economic revitalization and the strengthening of local identity through artistic and cultural initiatives. As a developmental strategy, creative placemaking necessitates the active participation of artists and cultural organizations to improve aesthetics and social cohesion.2.3 Happy Urban Space:A happy urban space is designed to promote the happiness and well-being of its citizens. By addressing emotional and social needs, such spaces foster a sense of belonging, increase life satisfaction, and provide positive experiences. The design of happy urban spaces should aim to enhance the quality of life and public welfare for all.3- MethodologyThis research employs a mixed-method approach with an applied nature. Utilizing a "Meta-Method" study framework, the research examines and analyzes existing literature in the fields of public art, creative placemaking, and happy urban spaces. For primary data collection, scholarly articles published on Google Scholar were reviewed using selected keywords. The study's statistical population consisted of articles published between 2013 and 2023. Initially, 331 relevant articles were identified, from which 26 were selected based on the research objectives and the quality of their content. Content analysis and open coding methods were employed with the help of Maxqda software to analyze the collected data. The aim of this study is to provide a structured and in-depth analysis of the relationships between public art, creative placemaking, and happy urban spaces, contributing to a deeper understanding of their role in enhancing urban quality of life and social interactions.4-Results and DiscussionThe findings of this research were analyzed using Saunders' "Research Onion" model, which organizes research processes into seven layers. The results indicate that most of the reviewed studies have employed an interpretative approach, utilizing various qualitative analyses to explore public art, creative placemaking, and happy urban spaces. Additionally, critical and positivist approaches were observed, albeit to a lesser extent. Many of the studies adopted inductive methods to investigate relationships and causal factors. The research is primarily descriptive-analytical, providing detailed descriptions and analyses of the issues. A significant portion of the studies focused on the role of public art in cultural and social regeneration, as well as the promotion of urban identity. While quantitative research in this area remains limited, the use of mixed methods can lead to more comprehensive analyses and facilitate the development of more effective urban spaces, enhancing the role of public art in improving the quality of life.5-ConclusionThe present study's review of research in the fields of public art, creative placemaking, and happy urban spaces reveals a valuable interconnection between these concepts. While researchers have examined these topics independently, their intersections and combined effects have received less attention. Studies on happy urban spaces, in particular, are scarce. This research, through the use of Saunders' framework and a systematic review of articles published between 2013 and 2023, shows that approximately 80% of the research utilized qualitative methods, 12% employed quantitative methods, and 8% used mixed methods. The most common focus was on "the relationship between spatial patterns of public art and creative placemaking in community development," while the least explored area was "increasing happiness in urban spaces through public art." Furthermore, studies in this century have placed limited emphasis on the impact of public art on creative placemaking and happy urban spaces, with comparative and critical studies also being sparse. The lack of qualitative analytical tools is evident in these studies. Based on these findings and the identified limitations, it is recommended that future research prioritize broader comparative and critical studies, incorporating diverse research methods, both qualitative and quantitative. Focusing on the influence of public art in creative placemaking and promoting happy urban spaces, especially in developing countries, can significantly enhance urban environments and improve citizens' quality of life. The development of qualitative analytical tools, such as interpretive and inductive methods, will be essential in disentangling and understanding the relationships between public art, creative placemaking, and happy urban spaces, encouraging further research in this field.
Urban Economy
Gholamreza Moradi; Enayat Mirzaei
Abstract
Highlights
Location is a critical concept in retail, especially in the clothing sector.
Many clothing stores opt for street locations over the Bazaar (retail agglomeration).
Factors such as business hours, accessibility, parking availability, and social networks play a significant role in avoiding ...
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Highlights
Location is a critical concept in retail, especially in the clothing sector.
Many clothing stores opt for street locations over the Bazaar (retail agglomeration).
Factors such as business hours, accessibility, parking availability, and social networks play a significant role in avoiding retail agglomerations (Bazaar and shopping centers).
Parking, street activity, visibility, and proximity to major urban centers are key reasons for establishing stores on the street.
Using MaxQDA software is highly effective for qualitative data analysis and interview coding.
1. Introduction
Location selection is vital in all types of businesses, including retail, wholesale, service, and manufacturing. This is particularly true for retail businesses, where location often plays a determining role in the success or failure of commercial activities. Agglomeration economies, where stores physically cluster together to gain mutual benefits, are common in retail. In Kazeroon City, many retail activities, especially clothing stores, have traditionally been located in the city center, within the Bazaar or nearby shopping centers. However, in recent years, a noticeable shift has occurred, with some stores opting for street locations instead. This research seeks to explore the reasons behind this trend of avoiding retail agglomeration and the criteria for selecting locations on the street.
2. Theoretical Framework
Retail agglomeration occurs when similar or complementary retailers cluster in or near a location, creating a pull factor for both retailers and customers. This concept is a foundational element in economic studies and urban planning. Retail patterns can be categorized hierarchically, from central business districts to isolated store clusters, and by their form into planned or unplanned, linear, or isolated clusters. Three types of retail agglomerations are commonly distinguished: evolved (such as central business districts), created (such as shopping malls), and hybrid (like retail parks). Furthermore, these agglomerations can be classified as planned or unplanned, depending on their level of management and organization. Various theories such as Central Place Theory, the Spatial Interaction Model, Bid Rent Theory, and the Principle of Minimum Differentiation provide insight into how retailers distribute themselves spatially within cities and why they form agglomerations.
3. Methodology
This research employs a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data. Kazeroon, a city in Iran's Fars Province, has over 4,877 active economic activities, 395 of which are clothing stores. Of these, 330 are located within the Bazaar or shopping centers (i.e., retail agglomerations), while 65 are located on the street. Data was gathered through face-to-face interviews with 24 street-based clothing vendors, and content was analyzed using MaxQDA software. Spatial analysis was conducted using GIS Pro software to map the spatial distribution and configuration of stores.
4. Results and Discussion
The primary reasons for retailers choosing street locations over the Bazaar included factors such as business hours, accessibility, parking availability, social networks, store atmosphere, the size of the shop, COVID-19 impacts, ownership, costs, and the unavailability of empty shops within the Bazaar. These factors can be divided into two categories: non-spatial factors (e.g., business hours, social networks, ownership) and spatial factors (e.g., accessibility, parking availability, store size). Interviews revealed that retailers were attracted to street locations because of convenient customer parking, high visibility, active streets, and proximity to major urban centers. These factors, as well as store size and ownership arrangements, were commonly cited as critical considerations in selecting a location.
The deductive approach based on theoretical foundations and past research revealed that parking availability, visibility, active street life, and proximity to major attractions were frequently mentioned by interviewees. Proximity to complementary stores, rental costs, and proximity to competitors were also noted but were not as prominent as in previous studies. The findings suggest that while proximity to complementary stores and cost considerations are significant in other research, in the case of Kazeroon, these factors were less influential. The unique conditions of the city, such as the lack of adequate parking near the Bazaar, shifted the emphasis towards street locations, where customer access is easier due to marginal parking availability. Active street life, visibility, and proximity to major land uses remain consistent with findings from other studies.
Notably, the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing role of social networks, and the atmospheric quality of street stores emerged as differentiating factors in this study, contrasting with findings from other research. Ownership arrangements and contract types also played a significant role in location decisions, providing an additional layer of complexity not often addressed in traditional retail studies. Moreover, it was discovered that some clothing stores are moving away from the city center and forming new retail clusters on the outskirts, creating new agglomerations.
5. Conclusion
The findings of this research underscore that store ownership is a significant factor in avoiding central city locations, as owning property eliminates the need to pay rent, reducing the perceived benefits of agglomeration. Additionally, the rise of social networks as a customer acquisition tool has decreased the reliance on physical proximity to the Bazaar. Limited business hours within the Bazaar, particularly closing on holidays and early evening closures, along with the confined atmosphere of shopping malls, have prompted retailers to establish street-based locations. Among the most critical factors influencing this decision is the ease of customer access, particularly due to the availability of marginal parking. Factors such as active street life, high visibility, and proximity to significant land uses are consistent with previous studies on retail location selection. However, the influence of proximity to competitors and complementary stores, which are frequently emphasized in the literature, were less significant in this study. The research also highlights that certain retailers, far from the city center, are forming new agglomerations in less central areas, indicating the emergence of new retail patterns in Kazeroon.
This research contributes to the understanding of retail location dynamics, particularly in smaller cities like Kazeroon. It suggests that retailers prioritize factors that facilitate customer convenience, such as parking and accessibility, over traditional agglomeration benefits. The findings have implications for urban planners and policymakers, particularly in addressing the infrastructural needs of non-central retail areas.
Urban GIS
Amir Baghban; sajedeh baghban khiabani; Mozhgan Sabet Teimouri
Abstract
Highlights
- Mashhad’s urban inefficiency problem follows a clustering pattern.
- The increase in informal settlements on the outskirts of Mashhad is due to microlithic structures and impenetrable textures.
- The G_i statistic highlights the location of cold clusters with lower inefficiency ...
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Highlights
- Mashhad’s urban inefficiency problem follows a clustering pattern.
- The increase in informal settlements on the outskirts of Mashhad is due to microlithic structures and impenetrable textures.
- The G_i statistic highlights the location of cold clusters with lower inefficiency in the pilgrimage area.
- Small rented and unstable buildings exert a stronger influence on the inefficiency of structures than other factors.
1-Introduction
Cities are dynamic systems, constantly evolving under the influence of social, cultural, economic, and political factors. Urban inefficiencies, particularly in certain textures, pose significant challenges to urban planners. Inefficient urban textures represent areas where physical, functional, and social quality are severely lacking. These textures, often formed over long periods, fail to meet the needs of their residents. The city of Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest metropolis, encompasses 6688 hectares of inefficient textures. These areas are marked by inadequate housing, inconsistent land use, and poor infrastructure, among other challenges, leading to a low quality of life for residents. This imbalance in physical development and population settlement poses numerous challenges. Hence, evaluating the vulnerability and inefficiency of these textures is critical. This study aims to investigate the spatial patterns of inefficiency in Mashhad's urban textures.
2-Theoretical Framework
Inefficient urban textures are sections of a city where infrastructure, buildings, streets, and other components become ineffective, causing a range of socio-economic and physical problems for residents. These inefficient urban areas can be categorized into five types:
2-1-Informal settlements: Primarily house rural migrants and the urban poor.
2-2-Middle inefficient (worn-out) textures: Parts of the city developed after the 1300s without adherence to architectural or urban planning standards.
2-3-Historical city textures: These sections hold historical value in urban planning and architecture but are now inefficient.
2-4-Urban areas with a rural background: Areas within the city that have not integrated with the broader urban fabric.
2-5-Areas with incompatible urban use: Locations where the current usage contradicts urban planning needs.
Understanding the development of these textures is crucial for assessing their inefficiency and the urban planning interventions required to address them.
3-Methodology
The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, gathering data through extensive library research and literature reviews. The study area consisted of 6688 hectares of inefficient textures in Mashhad. To assess the level of inefficiency in these areas, the WSUM (Weighted Sum) technique was employed. Further spatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS software, with a particular focus on spatial self-dependency patterns, analyzed through models like the Global Moran Model and the G_i statistic. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) was then used to model the spatial relationships between different factors contributing to urban inefficiency.
4-Results and Discussion
The results showed that informal settlements and marginal areas of Mashhad are more inefficient compared to the middle and central parts of the city. Analyzing the spatial pattern of inefficiency using the Global Moran method and G_i statistics revealed that the inefficiencies follow a cluster pattern. The Global Moran method produced a positive score of 0.1, with a z-score of 68.26 at a significance level of 99%. This indicates a significant clustering of inefficient textures.
Further analysis with the G_i statistic showed a G value of 0.000120 and a z-score of 19.14, confirming a high-concentration clustering pattern of inefficiency. The spatial correlation analysis revealed that hot spots (high-concentration clusters) are located in the eastern, southeastern, and northwestern parts of the city, where informal settlements dominate. In contrast, cold spots (areas of low inefficiency) were concentrated in the central parts of the city, including the pilgrimage area. The spatial patterns in other parts of the city showed little or no significant clustering.
The geographically weighted regression (GWR) model revealed that microlithic buildings, rented housing, and unstable structures have a greater impact on the inefficiency of urban textures than other variables. The combination of spatial patterns and socio-economic factors suggests that the areas of Mashhad most in need of intervention are informal settlements and marginal areas.
5-Conclusion
While most studies on inefficient urban textures have utilized multi-criteria decision-making methods or statistical tests, few have focused on spatial analysis. This study introduced a new approach to understanding urban inefficiency by combining WSUM, Moran’s global method, and the G_i statistic to assess spatial patterns. The findings highlight the severe inefficiency in Mashhad’s informal and marginal areas compared to central areas.
Hot spots of inefficiency are concentrated in informal settlements on the city’s eastern, northeastern, and northwestern margins, creating a cluster pattern of inefficiency. In contrast, the pilgrimage area and central parts of the city show fewer inefficiencies. The GWR model further emphasized that unstable buildings and rented houses are key drivers of inefficiency in these areas.
The study underscores the importance of spatially targeted interventions, especially in informal settlements and marginal areas. Given the diverse types of inefficiencies across the city, urban planners must adopt differentiated strategies when addressing various forms of urban inefficiency. Addressing these issues in informal settlements should be a priority to improve the overall quality of life and urban function in Mashhad.
Urban Planning
Bahare Bahra; Mojtaba Rafieian
Abstract
Highlights:
- Understanding urban conflicts often relies on typologies specific to the context, a focus that has drawn considerable attention since the 1980s, especially in urban studies.
- The classification of conflicts in urban planning is based on factors such as causal forces, spatial patterns, ...
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Highlights:
- Understanding urban conflicts often relies on typologies specific to the context, a focus that has drawn considerable attention since the 1980s, especially in urban studies.
- The classification of conflicts in urban planning is based on factors such as causal forces, spatial patterns, conflict intensity, scale, sources, topics, and planning theory typology.
- Urban planners' approaches to conflict and its management are heavily influenced by the structural, political, and organizational cultures of their institutional environments.
Introduction: Urban planning has evolved significantly in response to changing socio-economic and political realities, particularly as cities enter the 21st century. The multiplicity of societal interests and conflicting preferences has made conflict an integral part of urban planning processes. Planners, now more than ever, must grapple with these conflicts, as they can significantly impact the success or failure of urban policies and initiatives.
Although the discussion surrounding conflict in urban planning has existed for decades, it gained momentum in the 1970s and became especially prevalent in the 1980s with the rise of participatory planning approaches. As participatory models developed, urban theorists began paying more attention to conflicts as an inherent part of urban governance. However, the literature surrounding conflict in urban planning remains fragmented, with differing theoretical and practical approaches. This study aims to bridge this gap by systematically classifying conflicts based on the dominant theoretical, philosophical, and contextual frameworks present in planning theory.
Theoretical Framework: Understanding and managing conflict in urban planning requires a systematic typology that reflects the nature of these disputes in different contexts. Conflict typologies in urban planning research generally fall into two major categories: managerial and theoretical. The managerial approach focuses on decision-making processes, conflict resolution techniques, impact assessments, and institutional analysis. This approach aligns with organizational and management studies and seeks to devise strategies for managing conflicts effectively.
In contrast, the theoretical approach seeks to understand the root causes of conflicts, emphasizing the philosophical and epistemological underpinnings of urban planning. Theoretical perspectives examine conflicts through lenses such as power dynamics, the role of planning theory, and the influence of political institutions. These two broad approaches—the managerial and the theoretical—are frequently applied within a third situational context, which examines specific urban conflicts tied to space, land use, urban development, regeneration projects, and large-scale initiatives.
Methodology: This research employs a systematic review methodology to analyze the evolution of conflict and conflict management in urban planning. The data collection involved a meta-analysis and qualitative content analysis of 139 English-language articles found in the Scopus database. Following the content analysis, an in-depth review of 46 additional sources helped trace the historical development of conflict theories and practices in urban planning.
The meta-analysis allowed the study to categorize the diverse approaches to conflict in urban planning into three main paradigms: positivist, post-positivist, and critical. Each of these paradigms brings a unique perspective to conflict management. For example, the positivist paradigm seeks guided consensus, while the post-positivist paradigm looks to resolve conflicts through consensus based on discourse ethics. The critical paradigm, on the other hand, challenges consensus-building as a form of hegemony, arguing that conflicts are constantly reproduced within the structures of urban governance.
Results and Discussion: The systematic review revealed that conflicts in urban planning can be broadly classified into three key approaches: managerial, theoretical, and situational. These approaches intersect in different ways, depending on the specific context in which the conflict arises. For example, situational conflicts often arise in areas related to spatial patterns, land use, ownership disputes, and urban regeneration projects. Managerial conflicts are tied to the processes of decision-making, institutional design, and conflict resolution strategies. Theoretical conflicts explore deeper issues, such as the role of power in planning and the underlying philosophies that guide urban policy.
In terms of paradigmatic shifts, the evolution of conflict management in urban planning has seen a movement from positivist approaches, which aimed to engineer consensus, to post-positivist approaches that emphasized the ethics of discourse and negotiation. More recently, critical theorists have argued that consensus itself is a mechanism for maintaining power imbalances and that conflicts are never fully resolved but continually reproduced within urban planning processes. This shift reflects a broader political turn in the field of urban planning, where conflicts are understood not just as problems to be solved but as symptoms of deeper systemic issues.
Conclusion: The evolution of conflict in urban planning reflects broader ideological and political shifts in the discipline. While early approaches sought to manage conflict through structured consensus-building, more recent perspectives recognize the inherent power dynamics at play in urban governance. Planners today must move beyond traditional regulatory roles and contribute to rethinking urban policy and transforming the symbolic and physical dimensions of urban spaces. However, the effectiveness of planners' roles in conflict management largely depends on the structural contexts and political cultures of the institutions within which they operate. Understanding and addressing these conflicts requires a multifaceted approach that considers both managerial and theoretical perspectives.
Urban Planning
Mohammad Reza YazdanPanah Shahabadi; Zeinab Adeli
Abstract
Highlights:
- There are distinct differences in the degree of place attachment across the scales of home, neighbourhood, and city.
- Place attachment is strongest at the scale of the home, followed by the city, and lastly, the neighbourhood.
- The factors shaping place attachment are tangible and ...
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Highlights:
- There are distinct differences in the degree of place attachment across the scales of home, neighbourhood, and city.
- Place attachment is strongest at the scale of the home, followed by the city, and lastly, the neighbourhood.
- The factors shaping place attachment are tangible and objective at the scale of the home, intangible and subjective at the scale of the city, and a combination of both at the neighbourhood scale.
Introduction:
Place attachment is an important concept for evaluating the spatial quality of environments, particularly due to its psychological dimension and its strong relationship to the broader concept of sense of place in urban spaces. While the subject has been extensively studied in various fields related to place, less attention has been given to how the scale of place—whether it is the home, neighbourhood, or city—affects the development of this attachment. This study aims to identify and explore the key factors influencing place attachment across these three scales. By understanding the differences in place attachment at varying levels, this research will contribute to a more nuanced approach in urban studies, planning, and design.
Theoretical Framework:
Recent models of place attachment emphasize that, in addition to personal and locational characteristics, both social and physical factors play a vital role in shaping the sense of attachment. The key factors influencing place attachment can be summarized as follows:
Physical Characteristics of a Place: These include elements that range from the smaller scale of the home and neighbourhood to larger urban and national contexts. This includes aspects such as housing satisfaction, the availability and efficiency of services, architectural and aesthetic values, and the sense of safety.
Individual Characteristics: Factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, marital status, homeownership, personal values, and community beliefs all significantly impact place attachment. Furthermore, experiences, memories, cultural background, and religion contribute to this connection.
Duration of Interaction with a Place: Research indicates that place attachment is a gradual process. Altman associates a stronger attachment with longer periods of residence, as this tends to result in the formation of deeper relationships and connections with the local community.
Social Characteristics: The development of place attachment also requires meaningful, long-term engagement and participation within the community. Social participation is seen as one of the strongest drivers of emotional attachment to a place, fostering a sense of security and belonging.
Methodology:
This research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews to explore the factors influencing place attachment across three scales—home, neighbourhood, and city. The interviews were conducted in six different neighbourhoods in Tehran, which were selected using a cluster sampling method. Two neighbourhoods were chosen from privileged areas (Darband and Jamaran), two from middle-income areas (Tarasht and West Tehran-Pars), and two from low-income areas (Bolur-Sazi and 13th Aban). The interviews were carried out until theoretical saturation was achieved, with a total of 66 interviews (27 men and 39 women) conducted. Each neighbourhood was represented by 11 interviews. The selected participants were individuals over the age of 25 who had lived in the same neighbourhood for at least five years.
Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Key concepts related to place attachment were extracted and categorized into factors influencing attachment at the scales of home, neighbourhood, and city.
Results and Discussion:
At the home scale, four major categories were identified:
- Housing structure
- Social belonging
- Environmental efficiency
- Semantic belonging
At the neighbourhood scale, the factors influencing place attachment included:
- Neighbourhood efficiency
- Sense of belonging
- Social capital
- Institutional-cognitive values
At the city scale, four categories emerged:
- Vitality
- Accessibility and efficiency
- Social dependence
- Perceptual-semantic value
The research revealed significant differences in place attachment across these scales. Place attachment is notably strongest at the home scale, followed by the city, with attachment to the neighbourhood being comparatively weaker. However, this does not minimize the importance of the neighbourhood in shaping place attachment. Further analysis showed that individuals with low attachment to their neighbourhood generally exhibited weak attachment to both the city and their home. This suggests that a certain minimum level of neighbourhood attachment is necessary for the formation of a more comprehensive sense of place attachment.
Moreover, the study highlighted differences in the nature of the factors influencing attachment at each scale. At the home level, factors are primarily tangible and objective—such as the physical structure of the house, its functionality, and the immediate social environment. In contrast, at the city scale, factors are more intangible and subjective, involving perceptions of the city's vitality, accessibility, and social dynamics. The neighbourhood scale represented a blend of both objective and subjective factors, reflecting its intermediary role in individuals' experiences of place.
Conclusion:
The findings of this research underscore the complexity of place attachment and its variation across different scales of place. While the home scale fosters the strongest attachment, followed by the city, the neighbourhood still plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' overall place attachment. The neighbourhood can act as a source of identity and attachment, although it requires further exploration to fully understand its dynamic relationship with other scales. Additionally, the concrete and objective factors that influence attachment at the home scale are contrasted with the more intangible, subjective elements at the city scale, while the neighbourhood embodies a hybrid of these characteristics. This nuanced understanding of place attachment and its relation to the scale of place offers valuable insights for urban planning and design, particularly in fostering environments that strengthen place attachment across all levels of urban life.
Urban Sociology
somayeh shalchi; Maryam Allah dousti
Abstract
Highlights:
- Unilateral implementation of urban cultural policies is problematic.
- The process of renovation and reconstruction in Tabriz mirrors modern urban renewal.
- Identity is defined and redefined at the intersection of power and cultural shifts.
- Citizens call for democratic cultural policies ...
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Highlights:
- Unilateral implementation of urban cultural policies is problematic.
- The process of renovation and reconstruction in Tabriz mirrors modern urban renewal.
- Identity is defined and redefined at the intersection of power and cultural shifts.
- Citizens call for democratic cultural policies that reflect their diverse needs and values.
Introduction:
Understanding the significance of culture in shaping the meaning of place is crucial in today's world, as cities have become the primary environments for human life. These urban spaces are deeply affected by rapid cultural changes, which influence not only their physical form but also the lives and identities of their residents. In this context, Tabriz, a historically rich city, serves as an ideal case for examining how cultural policies affect urban life. This research investigates the cultural policies of Tabriz through a sociological lens, focusing on the narratives and perspectives of its residents. The main objective is to explore how these policies are perceived by the people of Tabriz and to understand what role they play in shaping the identity, memory, and cultural landscape of the city.
Theoretical Framework:
The theoretical framework of this research draws on the works of several key thinkers, including Lefebvre, Crinson, Simmel, Berman, Miztal, Doserto, and Benjamin. According to Lefebvre, urban space is inherently political and never neutral, as it reflects power structures and social relations (Lefebvre, 2015: 21). Crinson suggests that cities are remembered through their buildings, which serve as tangible representations of urban memory (Crinson, 2016: 17). Miztal emphasizes that any objectified entity in a city can evoke perception and memory, providing a narrative about the past (Miztal, 2003: 132). Doserto adds that resistance plays a key role in urban spaces, as individuals create meaning in the city through their actions and interactions (Doserto, 1997).
Methodology:
This research uses thematic analysis to collect and interpret narratives from residents of Tabriz who are over 25 years old, have lived in the city for more than 10 years, and possess sufficient knowledge about its cultural policies. The participants, both men and women, shared their insights through in-depth interviews. The goal was to gather a diverse range of opinions and experiences, capturing the different ways in which Tabriz's residents understand and engage with the city's cultural policies.
Results and Discussion:
The thematic analysis yielded several key themes, which are summarized below:
The Suffering of Forgetfulness: Drawing on Crinson's theory of urban memory, this theme highlights how urban renewal projects in Tabriz disconnect the present city from its past. As the city's infrastructure is modernized, its historical identity is eroded, leading to a sense of loss among residents.
Traces of Memory: Benjamin views the city as a complex site of perception and memory (Benjamin, 1986: 26). In Tabriz, the fast pace of renovations has resulted in the destruction of many historically significant areas, leaving residents with a fragmented sense of their city's past.
Repeated Collapse: Berman argues that modernity is a shared experience of both creation and destruction (Berman, 2016: 15). Tabriz, like many cities undergoing rapid modernization, experiences this duality—while modern urban development brings economic opportunities, it also threatens the city's cultural and historical fabric.
Memory Policy: Miztal’s notion of memory policy refers to the way in which official narratives are imposed from above, shaping collective memory (Miztal, 2003: 129). In Tabriz, the dominant political and cultural discourses often reshape the city's memory, leaving little room for organic, grassroots narratives to emerge.
The Other of the City: Simmel's concept of the duality of self and other is crucial for understanding the subjectivity of urban dwellers. In Tabriz, the coexistence of traditional and modern elements creates a complex dynamic between residents' historical identity and their adaptation to modernity. This is reflected in the city's proximity to Turkey, which shares similar historical and cultural contexts.
Channelization of Space: Lefebvre posits that urban planners play a crucial role in controlling and producing space (Lefebvre, 2015: 37). In Tabriz, planners have been instrumental in transforming the city through modernization projects that prioritize infrastructure over the preservation of historical sites, contributing to the loss of cultural memory.
Resistance Activism: Doserto's theory of power and resistance in urban spaces (Doserto, 1997) is evident in the actions of Tabriz's citizens, who strive to preserve their ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Through various forms of activism, they resist the homogenization of their city's identity and seek to retain its unique character.
Conclusion:
Cultural sustainability, which encompasses the preservation and expansion of history, values, and relationships, is a key component of urban life. In Tabriz, the process of renovation and reconstruction has been marked by rapid changes and widespread destruction. The residents of Tabriz experience this as a loss of their city’s historical and cultural identity. For Tabriz to develop successful cultural policies, its urban plans must prioritize the needs and interests of its citizens over cars and infrastructure. Moreover, these policies should be democratic and inclusive, reflecting the diversity of the population. The narratives of Tabriz's residents offer valuable insights into their levels of satisfaction with the city's cultural policies and their willingness to engage in its governance. As urban renewal continues to reshape Tabriz, it is crucial to listen to these voices and incorporate them into future policy decisions to create a city that honors both its past and its future.
