Fatemeh Farjamtalab, Hassan Sajadzadeh,
Volume 32, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract
This paper seeks to study the impacts of different dimensions of ICTs on urban design. Due to the inevitable digitalization of our lives which has a direct impact on urban design, it sounds that providing a redefinition of the concept of urban design is necessary. Although there are various studies about the impacts of ICTs on dimensions of cities, in this study, we consider the concept of urban design specifically. After reviewing various key aspects in urban design which were highlighted by practitioners and writers, eight dimensions were chosen to be investigated. These metrics include morphological, perceptual, social, visual, functional, temporal, environmental, and economic dimensions. We try to address digitalization in the sense that how urban design can help to bridge the science and process of urban design by investigating the impact of ICTs on a few key selected dimensions. This study aims to present a clear and compatible image of urban design in the digital era. The resulting changes from globalization are expected to update the process of urban design. The study presents a qualitative perception of the imperative-analytical technique through a content review and qualitative coding (open, axial, and selective coding) in the first part. We tried to assess the views in chronological order in an urban context to present an updated definition of urban design: urban design is a process of enhancing the qualities of urban environments which would be facilitated by using ICTs tools.
Sahand Lotfi, Mahsa Sholeh, Negar Imani,
Volume 32, Issue 2 (4-2022)
Abstract
Shiraz, with its historical background, known as the capital of the Persian culture, once experienced a boom of international culture-led events using outdoor spaces as event venues. However, its outdoor vibrancy has withered gradually, and the use of public places as venues declined. Despite the existing dilemmas, a new wave of public place reclamation has created a strong trend towards using the spaces as outdoor venues. The main question of the research is what events are held in Shiraz year-round and how many of them are in public open spaces, and what events can be held in the public realm as outdoor. As in Iranian culture, the events and rituals follow the circular chronology of the Iranian, Islamic, and even Christian calendars; this article studies the events of a year-round time lap, making a clear typology in terms of places’ type and form. The listed events have been classified using the CHAID model adapted to identify the variety and temporality of the events that could occur outdoors. Finally, after categorizing the events, the spatial dispersion of events in the Shiraz urban area has been analyzed to reintroduce the existing platform for holding events and, with the help of the ‘Power of 10’ approach, the need to create or equip spaces and add venues to hold outdoor events in twelve urban ‘destinations’ has been emphasized.
Mahmud Rezaei,
Volume 32, Issue 2 (4-2022)
Abstract
This research explores the correlation between ‘walkability’ and the ‘sense of place’ in Tehran’s streets, particularly streets leading to the Imam Khomeini square (Maidan-e Tup-khana) at the heart of historic downtown. The goal is to evaluate the walkability through a measurable method in order to prioritize strategies to enhance various aspects of the historic districts. After reviewing the extensive urban design literature, 23 measures were selected and categorized into three aspects of the place: physical, perceptual, and behavioral. Data for each aspect were then gathered through structured questionnaires administered to diverse groups of experts. An expert panel, including 30 professionals from seven fields including urban planning, urban design, urban renewal, urban sociology, transportation, architecture, and urban management, rated the streets based on their confirmed criteria. Moreover, people have been consulted on the results proposed for the future of the district. This study concludes that the sense of the place will increase by enhancing walkability. The place quality has been more balanced in pedestrianized Bab-e-Homayoun. The panel agreed that Lalehzar Street had the first priority for improving its walkability. Complete Street is a proposed model for this street confirmed by people. This research, however, recommends at least ‘complete street’ patterns mixed with the pedestrianization model for the studied area which might be expanded to the whole historic downtown from Maidan-e Tup-khana to Arg (citadel), then toward the first and second Tehran’s fortifications. Here, Jabakhaneh Street works as the X-axis and Sabz-e-Meydan represents the Zero number of Tehran City.
Pradyut Anand, Prashant Kumar,
Volume 32, Issue 3 (7-2022)
Abstract
The performance-based design (PBSD) begins with defining performance goals. Performance-based seismic design accurately predicts the structure's performance during an earthquake. Recognizing and analyzing the structure's performance capacity is critical in performance-based design. This project was to do a PBSD on a (G+10) RCC construction. The building is first studied and built in STAAD PRO. Then, it was imported into the ETABS 2019 program to do a more detailed analysis of the displacement-controlled pushover analysis. The ETABS yields the structure's performance point, story displacement, capacity spectrum, Story drift, and demand spectrum. After the original design, a nonlinear pushover analysis is done to find out how well the building can withstand earthquakes and whether or not the goal was met, as well. In this research, we looked at the seismic code IS 1893 (Part 1) and the concrete design code IS 456: 2000 in order to make sure the building was safe. After obtaining all of the results, the structure's performance was compared for the various scenarios investigated and the optimal combination was determined.
Hosna Varmaghani,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Urban squares reflect urban planning cultures, and also to some extent even a reflection of overall nations’ cultures. Squares are microcosms of urban life, offering excitement and repose, markets and public ceremonies, a place to meet friends and watch the world go by. They have been shaped by popular whims, by topography and architectural fashion. Some grew piecemeal; others were planned at a stroke, as a symbol of power or the foundation stone of a new development. Here in this study effort is made to compare two selected cases from two different cultures, West vs. East - Savanna, Georgia, USA vs. Hamadan, Iran. In this comparison, the indicators of the biophilic city (pedestrian, nature-friendly, accessible and sociable city) have been considered. Descriptive analytical method was used to collect and classify the indicators and space syntax theory was used to analyze and compare the placing pattern of squares in urban contexts. The method of data collection was library and field survey and data analysis tool were UCL Depthmap software. The study of biophilic city in the two studied cities revealed differences and similarities that are effective in increasing theoretical understanding, recognizing anomalies and understanding how indicators work in these two different urban structures and contexts.
Masoud Shafiei-Dastjerdi, Azadeh Lak, Ali Ghaffari,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
One of the main goals of the resilient discourse in the recent urban design literature has been creating resilient places. Urban resilience is defined by the URFs (urban resilience features) for operation and realization in various fields. Due to continuous urban developments, there is a need to revise URFs with a place-based approach. URFs addressed in literature are so diverse that placing them into one single general list creates many contradictions and ambiguities. To reduce or eliminate inconsistencies in the definition of URFs and the qualitative performance of each URF in delivering urban resilience, this paper justifies the key factors for ordering and classifying URFs. In this study, a systematic review of the literature on urban resilience was performed in five stages using the Scopus databases within the 1973-February 2020 period. Then, 16 URFs, using three guidelines based on the corresponding evaluation of place and resilience, were identified and classified into three groups: (1) the intrinsic (internal) characteristics of the constituent components of a resilient system, (2) the behavioral proxies (proactive/reactive) of a resilient system and (3) the resilience-reinforcing attributes of a system in relation to the external environment. This study can shed light on the proper definition of urban resilience and its operational URFs.
Mahnoush Shahinrad, Mojtaba Rafieian, Mohammadraza Pourjafar,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
Urban squares are pivotal in 21st-century cities, serving as communal hubs where individuals experience a genuine sense of belonging and community. However, recent redesigns of several squares in Iran have fallen short of expected quality standards. This inadequacy may stem from the prevalent reliance on design ideas shaped by casual observations and designers' personal experiences. While these observations and experiences hold significance, they lack the depth required to comprehend the intricacies of a successful urban square. A profound understanding of the relationship between a space's social and physical aspects and the activities therein necessitates tapping into the community's attitudes toward these spaces. Hence, the central aim of this study is an in-depth exploration of the multi-dimensionality inherent in people/space interaction, considering it as an attitude concept. To accomplish this, a meticulously chosen sample of five urban squares in Tehran serves as the focal point. Employing a 12-item scale, the study seeks to elucidate individuals' interactions with these urban squares and discern the features that resonate most strongly with them. Rigorous testing on a sample of 411 citizens who regularly utilize these Tehran urban squares ensures the scale's reliability and validity. The analysis of the data unveiled three discernible constructs governing individuals' interaction with urban squares, constituting their attitude concept: affective, cognitive, and conative. However, a nuanced hierarchy emerged, with the affective and cognitive constructs assuming higher importance compared to the moderately significant behavioral construct. Additionally, there were moderate correlations observed among these constructs. In the exploration of established psychological models on place, structural equation modeling (SEM) was instrumental. The Higher-Order model emerged as fitting, effectively capturing the intricate interplay between individuals and urban spaces. These findings bear significant implications for the design and management of urban squares. The key takeaway is the necessity of formulating tailored outreach policies and plans that prioritize elements resonating with users on an affective and cognitive level, shifting away from a sole reliance on instrumental responses tied to practical needs
Mahdi Montazerolhodjah, Mojtaba Sharifnejad,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
As one of the pivotal qualitative attributes inherent in urban neighborhoods, the sense of place functions as a crucial link between individuals and spatial settings, endowing locales with distinctive personality and identity. The incorporation of this concept into the framework of new urban developments, devoid of historical precedents, necessitates careful consideration of multifaceted factors, including but not limited to identity, vitality, memorability, sense of belonging, and place attachment. Regrettably, contemporary oversight in the conscientious establishment and cultivation of urban spaces, founded upon the principles of "sense of place" and "place attachment," coupled with a disregard for historical continuities, has given rise to adverse consequences. These consequences encompass the erosion of identity, diminishing residents' sense of connection to their surroundings, diminished social interactions, and a proliferation of various social detriments.
This present study endeavors to delve into the nuanced concept of the sense of place within newly developed urban environments. Specifically, it seeks to discern the factors influencing the genesis and enhancement of this phenomenon within such contexts through an exhaustive examination of three site and services areas situated in the city of Yazd, Iran. Employing a correlational research design, the study leverages statistical tools such as the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Pearson Correlation tests, and stepwise regression analyses to elucidate the intensity and directionality of relationships between dependent and independent variables.
The findings of this investigation reveal that temporal considerations, the sense of belonging, the personal dependence of residents, and identity emerge as paramount variables exhibiting the highest correlation with the advancement of the sense of place in novel urban developments.
Samaneh Jalilisadrabad, Anahita Tabaeian, Shaghayegh Parhizgar,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
The significance of urban streets lies in their role as the fundamental structure and framework of a city. Streets acquire extraordinary power as they endure the passage of time, accumulating special meanings and memories. This inherent strength is so influential that proper organization and utilization of existing streets can render the construction of new ones unnecessary. Valiasr, spanning 18 kilometers, stands as the longest street in Tehran and the Middle East. Beginning at the railway square in the south of Tehran at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level, it extends to Tajrish square in the north, reaching an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. The street boasts wide sidewalks, a sizable pond, and a line of ancient plane trees, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Originating during the Qajar era (1785-1925), various segments of Valiasr were constructed to link the capital with city gates. In the early Pahlavi period (1925-1979), it was further developed to connect summer palaces to the city. The street's design, implemented without strict adherence to existing buildings, aimed to establish a direct connection between the north and south of Tehran. During this era, significant government and public structures, royal residences, and palaces were constructed along both sides of Valiasr in adherence to established construction regulations from 1928. This period also witnessed the construction of cultural buildings, public parks, gardens, universities, and medical centers. Following the Islamic Revolution of Iran (1979), Valiasr Street evolved into one of Tehran's traditional shopping centers and promenades, reflecting the city's dynamic cultural shifts. Each historical period of Iran has profoundly impacted Valiasr Street, shaping it into a symbol of Tehran's historical and cultural evolution. To delve into the changing trends and meanings associated with Valiasr Street from 1925 to the present, a comprehensive approach was adopted. A total of 100 street users, encompassing residents, pedestrians, traders, and various stakeholders, were interviewed on-site within the study area. Subsequent to these interviews, a meticulous analysis of the gathered data was conducted, facilitating the synthesis and preparation of a comprehensive diagram. The findings reveal that a multitude of factors, including functional, economic, social, political, and cultural elements, have contributed to the evolving mental imagery associated with Valiasr Street across distinct epochs. In its early existence until 1925, the perceptual influence of the observer led to Valiasr Street being conceived as a narrow garden alley nestled among the Qajar city gardens. Transitioning into the period between 1925 and 1979, the passage of time transformed its role into a communication route connecting newly constructed palaces. Moreover, the increasing influence of temporal dynamics, coupled with cultural and social components, elevated Valiasr Street into the consciousness of the populace, turning it into a cherished urban space among the residents of Tehran. The period from 1979 until the present marks a notable phase in the urban life of Valiasr Street. Following a period of stagnation, the street has undergone a revitalization, and the impact of all four meaning-forming components, with a particular emphasis on the temporal aspect, has led to its designation as a cultural heritage site of the city of Tehran in 2011. This recognition culminated in its inclusion in the list of national heritage sites.
Habib Sohrabiparsa, Hamed Mazaherian,
Volume 34, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
Social stratification engenders intricate disparities within social strata, denoted as "differentiation" in accordance with Pierre Bourdieu's conceptual framework. Consequently, urban buildings exhibit diverse facades, thereby exerting a profound influence on the city's aesthetic presentation. This study elucidates the pivotal role assumed by architects in aligning residential building facades with the discernment of citizens, drawing from Bourdieu's differentiation theory. Employing an applied and qualitative approach, the research method underscores the purposeful nature of the inquiry. The findings of this research categorize the perspectives of most Iranian architects on the notion of "citizen's taste in residential buildings" into four overarching themes: "building structure," "facade harmony with climate," "facade alignment with building function," and "visual aesthetic appeal of the facade".
Morteza Nazarabadian, Mahdieh Razmaramina, Aliasghar Pilehvar,
Volume 34, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
The central and historical textures of cities have always been considered primary manifestations of a city's history and identity. In recent decades, such textures have received growing attention from urban designers and policymakers through infill development. This study aims to model and design infill development based on urban design and policy-making approaches. The design approach includes four dimensions: objective aesthetics, mental-cognitive aesthetics, functional, and environmental aesthetics. The policy-making method comprises three dimensions: social capital, economic infrastructure, and assessing the situation of the local area. In this study, a mixed-method approach was used to measure and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Data collection was conducted through interviews with experts in management, planning, and urban design. The discourse analysis technique was employed to refine the data obtained from the interviews and to complete the proposed models. Subsequently, the collected and refined criteria were analyzed based on the opinions of experts using MAXQDA software. The obtained model was then analyzed using MicMac software, considering experts' opinions to understand how the components affect each other, presented in the form of charts and analytical graphs. In the final step, approaches, dimensions, components, and indicators were modeled based on the importance of the components using Sankymatic software. The findings aim to present a practical model for infill development in the central and historical areas of Mashhad, as well as valuable textures of urban hubs, especially in the metropolises of Iran. Analyzing selected components in the modeling of infill development helps to provide effective strategies for valuable and central textures of cities that embody an urban identity. This study, in terms of urban planning (policy-making) and urban design (designing), presents reviews and analyses across different dimensions. Providing a comprehensive and efficient model with proposed solutions tailored to each component with the infill approach is considered a desirable method for developing valuable central and historical textures, particularly in metropolises. To date, no comprehensive model has been presented to explain the indicators of infill development from the perspectives of urban design and urban planning. This study articulates the approaches, dimensions, components, indicators, and corresponding proposed solutions in the form of a research model.
Hossein Nourmohammadzad, Hajar Asadpour,
Volume 34, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
The strategic urban design process (SUDP) occurs at the method level based on establishing a pair of functions and their interconnection at the macro, middle, and micro levels. Few researchers have attempted to explain such processes including ‘cognizing’ and ‘making a way’ as two related concepts. Cognizing illustrates the current state of the city's super system hierarchically, and ‘making a way’ helps conceive part of the probable (possible) situation. The mechanism creates causal relationships between the steps. The current study is a review one and was conducted using an analytical method and logical reasoning strategy. The study used a systematic approach to identify a two-step function to determine this mechanism. The steps function, sub-functions, and their mutual relations were first developed and then explained based on the process theory and the logical reasoning research method. The relation is formed with the flow of the specific information (Cognizing Outputs). Explanation propositions clarified the relationships between these two steps. The results of the explanation were shown with statements, and the emphasis was on waste and its return to the process cycle as feedback
Safora Sadra, Amir Shakibamanesh,
Volume 34, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
This study investigates how urban wall design characteristics affect pedestrians' perceptions of calmness and attention. Utilizing the portable EEG device Neurosky, the research translates brain wave activity into measurable emotional states, such as calmness and excitement, and attention levels. Employing virtual 3D interactive simulations, the study controls both physical and non-physical variables to isolate the effects of design elements. The analysis focuses on three key variables—scale, transparency, and continuity—revealing significant findings. Low wall height, fine-grained elements, continuous structures, and wider pathways enhance pedestrian calmness while reducing attention levels. In contrast, high wall heights, discontinuous or protruding features, opaque materials, and coarse-grained designs heighten attention but diminish calmness. These results underscore the dynamic interplay between individuals and their urban environment, highlighting the critical role of urban wall design in shaping psychological well-being. By offering evidence-based insights, this research informs urban design practices to create environments that foster comfort and engagement while minimizing stress.
Shoeleh Shoara, Seyed Majid Mofidi Shemirani, Seyed Kamaleddin Shahriari, Zahra Sadat Saeideh Zarabadi,
Volume 35, Issue 2 (4-2025)
Abstract
The utilization of natural ventilation in urban canyons plays a substantial role in lessening energy consumption and heat island effects. Determining the appropriate street canyon form is then very influential. In this study, Ansys Fluent was used to numerically measure airflow, heat transfer, and solar radiation in five three-dimensional urban environments with aspect ratios (3, 2, 1, 2/3, 1/3). The 𝑘−𝜀 turbulence model was used for the initial modeling and large eddy simulation of the final one. Three types of materials (gray aluminum composite, gray concrete, and white stone chipping) were considered for buildings and asphalt as ground material. The results showed that increasing the building surface fraction increased the walls’ average temperature and decreased the walls’ net longwave flux for three material types. Moreover, the aspect ratio was directly related to the average wall temperature and inversely related to the net long-wave flux of walls. Furthermore, the results showed that eddy height tracked the street canyon height at different aspect ratios. Comparisons also revealed that the magnitude of the vortices generated next to the buildings is approximately the same for the three materials
Raha Massih, Farnaz Fatahi Moghadam, Manouchehr Tabibian,
Volume 35, Issue 3 (8-2025)
Abstract
Urban design in hot–arid cities has often depended on implicit intuition rather than transparent, testable rules. This study develops a parametric framework that translates conceptual design principles into an algorithmic flowchart, making the design of a city’s “main structure” explicit and reproducible. Through content analysis of structuralist, typological, and collective-form theories, we identified key parameters—including functional scale, durability, accessibility, connectivity, and visual legibility—and adapted them to climate-specific conditions. The results showed that connectivity, scale, and orientation thresholds were most decisive in shaping resilient urban routes, centers, and icons in the linear cities in the hot arid areas. By embedding these parameters in a stepwise, code-free algorithm, the method allows designers to evaluate alternatives systematically rather than relying on intuition. The contribution lies in operationalizing theoretical concepts into a portable design tool for hot–arid contexts, advancing both the scientific understanding of climate-adapted urban structure and the practical capacity to integrate parametric methods into early-stage planning.
Ali Amirrahimi, Zeinab Talebi, Elham Nazemi, Amirhosein Shabani Shahreza,
Volume 35, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Abstract
This paper aims to regenerate the urban identity of Shahr-e Rey by proposing an analytical model for sustainable urban planning. In this context, the ‘theory of Relativity’ refers to the idea that urban identity is shaped by the relative relationships among cultural, social, and natural forces, and the ‘principle of biocentrism’ emphasizes the central role of ecological considerations in planning. Building on these theoretical foundations, this model guides urban regeneration by identifying and evaluating the dynamic interactions among cultural, social, and natural forces affexting the city. Regarding methodology, the study uses both historical and analytical data, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the first stage, historical and documentary information on Shahr-e Rey is gathered from written sources and semi-structured interviews with professors at the Tehran University. In the second stage, spatial and functional analyses were conducted using satellite imagery and analytical tools. The findings led to the development of a two-part framework: the Observer Model and the Functional Model. The Observer Model serves as the theoretical and analytical foundation, focusing on how urban phenomena are perceived and interpreted. In contrast, the Functional Model outlines the proposed spatial system, based on empirical data and biocentric indicators. Functional relationship matrices enabled the evaluation of convergence or divergence among urban spaces. This approach allowed for a redefinition of the city’s essential urban functions. The results demonstrate that applying the theory of Relativity in urban planning makes possible a flexible, context-sensitive, and localized design approach. Accordingly, urban policy should move away from dependence on capitalist paradigms and imitation of global models, and instead, through relative and data-driven analyses, advance toward the development of a sustainable and identity-based city. To achieve this, biocentrism must be prioritized as a higher-order indicator in analyses and decision-making, with its relationship to other areas, particularly the built environment, redefined. Such an approach enables Shahr-e Rey to progress toward self-sufficiency and to stabilize at a sustainable level consistent with its historical identity and natural setting
