Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Public spaces in religious buildings and their functions from the perspective of third-place theory and design strategies; Case study: The forecourt of Jameh Mosque in Qazvin

Sahra Rahmani; Shadi Pakzad

Volume 14, Issue 1 , August 2023, , Pages 225-239

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.270487.1625

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Contemporary public spaces often do not adequately meet all human needs, resulting in a deficiency in their social dynamics. They tend to ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Contemporary public spaces often do not adequately meet all human needs, resulting in a deficiency in their social dynamics. They tend to be reduced to mere origin-destination places. While previous research has identified this issue to some extent, it has not yielded clear solutions. This study aims to identify the key factors for enhancing the functionality of these spaces, drawing inspiration from architectural and urban planning principles and thoughts. It prioritizes these factors within the context of religious public spaces, specifically focusing on the forecourt of Jame’ Mosque in Qazvin, using the third-place theory. The study seeks to establish a strategic framework to transform the forecourt space into a true third-place, proposing solutions to enhance its role within the forecourt of Jameh Mosque in Qazvin.Methods: The study adapts a combination of approaches, starting with quantitative factors and subsequently incorporating qualitative reasoning to offer design recommendations. In order to translate these qualitative factors into quantifiable aspects and ensure their impact on the design process, a questionnaire was developed. This questionnaire was designed based on theoretical findings related to the spatial aspects of the forecourt and the conceptual framework of the third-place. During the initial phase, the most significant components and indicators were gathered from a pool of 24 influential factors identified through the Delphi method, involving 20 experts. After analyzing the questionnaire using SPSS software, the top 14 factors with the most design influence were extracted in the second phase. Following this, by identifying the key components and indicators for evaluating a place according to the third-place concept, the study evaluated the study area (the forecourt of Jameh Mosque in Qazvin). Ultimately, the research offers design solutions aimed at incorporating the qualities of the third-place into the shared entrance area of Jameh Mosque. Findings: To create a gradual change from one place to another, based on the qualities, criteria and indicators identified in the theory of “third-place” and their prioritization from the architecture and urban design experts’ view, the most important criteria to achieve the quality and nature of the third-place in public places in the theoretical field were defined. These criteria were prioritized for other studies in the field of urban design and architecture. In order to make the forecourt act as a joint according to the theory of the “third-place”, complications arise in ensuring the functionally of the joint, which may result in either chaotic or monotonous designs. In this way, according to the investigations, there are effective indicators which determine the creation and sustenance of a place classified as a “third-place.” Incorporating these characteristics is essential for the continued existence of such spaces within today’s urban public areas.Conclusion: After analyzing the third-place theory and examining the indicators, design priorities were presented to improve the quality of social life in the forecourt of Jameh Mosque in Qazvin. The results can be generalized to other public spaces with a similar spatial nature. Readability, invitingness, proper access, social interactions and maintaining the place efficiency are the requirements of “third-place” according to this research. To enhance the readability within these areas, it is advisable to reduce the density compared to the nearby blocks. This will make it easier to perceive information. Following this, the invitingness will also become more effective. However, the key factor in reinforcing the invitingness within interface spaces lies in the utilization of various elements. Furthermore, indications of the adjacent spaces are present to serve as an initial welcome for users to engage with. In order to achieve a space for establishing social interactions, it is better to use a suitable space for pausing and having a conversation, which is suitable through the selection of urban furniture. Finally, design solutions were introduced in the case study.

The effect of physical and activity factors on creating sensory qualities in urban pedestrian ways (Case study: Kermanshah Taq-e Botan pedestrian way)

Baharak Babri Dehmajnoni; Mohammadmahdi Moghadasi; Omid Dezhdar

Volume 12, Issue 1 , June 2021, , Pages 191-205

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2021.203896.1296

Abstract

Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to evaluate and determine the criteria and indicators affecting the creation of sensory qualities in human-centered ... Read More Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to evaluate and determine the criteria and indicators affecting the creation of sensory qualities in human-centered urban spaces and the reproduction of these factors in contemporary urban spaces. This study is conducted in “Taq-e Bostan” pedestrian way, located in the historical fabric of Kermanshah, as a case study. This sidewalk has been one of the most important pedestrian ways of the city and manifests Kermanshah identity. This pedestrian way has unique environmental features such as straightness, with no slopes, and a view to the mountainous heights of Taq-e Bostan. It benefits from good thermal comfort conditions due to the existence of the vegetations. In addition, the historical monuments of Taq-e Bostan have given identity to this pedestrian way. Since machine life has caused anonymity and reduced the sensory qualities in urban spaces, this urban space is abandoned and empty of people. Therefore, the present study pursues the main purpose of the research and specifically seeks to recognize the impact of physical and activity factors on creating sensory qualities in this pedestrian way and the promotion of this urban space. Also, this research is based on the research aim and context and tries to understand and analyze the relationship between physical and functional factors and develop and enhance the sensory qualities in such environments. Methods: The present study is an applied research, and it is considered a descriptive survey research in terms of research method. Therefore, the theoretical foundations have been explained by referring to documentary and bibliographic studies in a descriptive method. The research objectives have been achieved based on survey studies and survey methods. In order to conduct the research in line with the research goals, the indicators related to the environmental quality of urban public spaces were extracted by reviewing the theories of researchers. Regarding the early hypothesis that considered some features of Taq-e Bostan pedestrian way compatible with the extracted indicators, the case study was chosen to evaluate the research hypothesis. In the next step, a questionnaire was provided to evaluate the extracted indicators. Each indicator was asked in the questionnaire and assessed through the five-point Likert scale. For validating the questions based on the sampling volume by Morgan table method and based on observing the number of users in one hour of a day in a particular part of space, a number of 220 questionnaires were completed to be analyzed in SPSS software. The statistical community was comprised of random age and gender groups of the space users. Finally, the relevant data was analyzed, and the main factors and the sample scores in each of the physical and activity criteria were achieved by inferential statistics analysis in SPSS software. Findings: In this research, the independent variables of the research that can create and improve sensory qualities in Taq-e Bostan pedestrian way in Kermanshah were determined to achieve the research objectives. These variables are as follows: activity criteria (environmental vitality and mobility), physical criteria (environmental desirability and suitability, structure, environmental facilities. The findings of this study indicate that there is a direct and significant relationship between all independent research variables (activity criteria, physical criteria (structure, desirability and environmental suitability, and environmental facilities). The highest correlation was seen between activity criteria (environmental vitality and mobility). The sensory qualities of space in Taq-e Bostan pedestrian way in Kermanshah is mostly affected by the activity criteria. In the second stage, the correlation of physical criteria (environmental facilities and facilities) indicates a close relationship between independent variables and dependent variables. The lowest level of correlation is observed in the other criteria (desirability and environmental friendliness). In order to measure the collective effect of independent variables on the dependent variable, a multiple regression was used. The results indicate that independent variables simultaneously affect the development of sensory qualities. The multiple correlation coefficient of R = 0.798 and the coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.746 show that 74.6% of the changes of the dependent variable are interpreted by the independent variables. Conclusion: In this study, the independent variables that develop and promote the sensory qualities in Kermanshah Taq-e Bostan pedestrian way (the dependent variable) were analyzed. Based on the results obtained from the analysis by SPSS software, a direct and significant relationship was recognized between all the criteria of the physical and functional variables and the development and improvement of sensory qualities in Taq-e Bostan pedestrian way. However, the obtained analytical results indicate the importance of activity criteria (environmental vitality and mobility) in achieving research objectives. It seems that sociable spaces with people’s presence and activity have a higher potential to become pedestrian-centered urban spaces. Therefore, planners and urban designers should consider this issue in defining space areas in the city. Finally, providing appropriate facilities for humans will lead to a higher presence of people and ultimately improve the sensory qualities in urban areas.

The effects of urban spaces smartification on citizens’ perception of forming behaviore settings (Case study: Hafthoz square, Tehran)

Kiana Hashemi; Rama Ghalambordezfooly

Volume 12, Issue 1 , June 2021, , Pages 207-219

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2020.179583.1208

Abstract

Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: Many different scholars have stated the importance of behavior settings in urban design and planning, such as Jacobs, Lynch, Zuker, etc. ... Read More Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: Many different scholars have stated the importance of behavior settings in urban design and planning, such as Jacobs, Lynch, Zuker, etc. As one of the most important components of city construction, behavior settings can greatly affect cities’ residential and biological quality. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that social relations convert a place or environment to a behavior setting. Moreover, other smart cities shall be seen as a system in which there are many newfound opportunities for proposing digital systems, smart reactions, and optimization in different levels of integration. A smart city uses information and communication technology for city vitality and sustainability, but how is this goal manifested in urban design and behavior settings? Promoting social interactions in behavior settings in urban space is one of the discussed subjects in the field of urban design, which has been more emphasized recently. Regarding the advent of smart cities, the question is whether city smartification can affect the promotion of urban space quality in various fields or not. Therefore, generalizing the question, the study objective seeks to investigate the relationship of urban space smartification with constructive components of human behavior. Behavior settings are considered places out of individual boundaries or small groups almost everywhere and every time rather than being related to private and intimate space (Kashani Jo, 2010). Behavior settings in the past had a pivotal role in the life of individuals, families, neighborhoods, and cities. Many public, collective, and group activities took place in behavior settings. Therefore, a part of social activities, spending leisure time, and exchanging information and experiences used to be conducted through face-to-face contacts (Soltanzadeh, 2006). These behavior settings underlie the formation of memories. The internal activities define the behavior settings, and such activities and relationships among human beings cause mental images and urban memory (Fadaeinejad, 2006). Behavior settings belong to citizens. They are not limited to the physical aspect, and in fact, it gets meaning by the presence of humans and their activities. In other words, behavior settings are defined according to their time and place, and activities occur in regular order in their organized human and physical components (Scott, 2005). Additionally, the urban smartification process in the world includes creating new cities or making the existing ones smart. The first step in this process might be an agreement on a comprehensive definition and its general and detailed features from the smart city (Fazli, Modiri, and Farhoodi, 2018, 24). There have been many attempts to investigate the relationship between technology and urban space during the past century to design a pleasant urban environment (Phi II I ps, 2000). To summarize the theoretical principles, it is said that effective behavior patterns on the formation of behavior settings can be affected by the components of urban spaces, which have been smartified. In this study, global experiences of smartification of urban spaces such as Dubai, Amsterdam, Singapore, and Toronto were investigated. Using smart equipment in the fountains, kiosks, benches, public transportation stations, sidewalk flooring, lighting fixtures of these samples, the performance of such components has been changed. Smartification can be categorized into four general categories of smart urban equipment, smart buildings, smart urban furniture, and smart facade. The main idea of this study is that as the result of smartifying these components in urban paces, users’ reactions and behavior patterns will change, and such changes will be effective in the formation of behavior settings. Each one of these changed components (made smart) can be regarded as the manifestations of the smart environment in urban space. Each one can separately or simultaneously affect the components of behavior settings, obtained by summarizing theoretical principles, namely overt emotional behavior, problem-solving, major motion activity, the interaction among people and changing the things, and finally create behavior settings. Methods: This study uses a descriptive-analytical method, and it is considered an applied research. In terms of the data analysis method, this study is also considered a quantitative study. Questionnaires with face validity were used to collect data. Cronbach’s alpha was also used to obtain its reliability value. In the second step, referring to the subject literature and the ideas of scholars, the authors tried to extract and fix the effective factors. The measurements range between “very much and continue as high, average, low, and without effect” in the questionnaire. The effect of each factor has been investigated. Findings: The results of statistical tests indicate a correlation between the effective factors of forming behavior setting and the smartification variables in urban space. The statistical analysis of the collected data from the questionnaires showed that all the four investigated groups in urban space, including urban furniture, facade, buildings, and urban equipment, can positively and consistently affect behavior settings in the studied case after being smartified. The result of the Friedman test also indicated some points on the effectiveness of each existing component in the studied urban spaces on the formation of behavior settings in the users’ mind. Conclusion: Statistical analysis of the data collected through the questionnaire showed that all four groups of elements in urban space (including urban furniture, facades, buildings, and urban equipment) could have a significant relationship with the formation of behavioral settings under the influence of smartification. The results showed that smart furniture and facades have the most effects on the formation of behavior settings.

Investigating the Evaluative Mental Image of Ahvaz Citizens Along Karun River (Case Study: The Enclosure Between White Bridge and Nature Bridge)

Mohammad Didehban; Shirin Sardarmoori; Parisa Ansarian; Parnian Zadehmorad

Volume 11, Issue 2 , December 2020, , Pages 77-92

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2020.145165.1061

Abstract

Extended Abstract Objective and Background: Urban space can be of great benefit to humans when it meets their expectations, making sense in the form of various environmental, social, ... Read More Extended Abstract Objective and Background: Urban space can be of great benefit to humans when it meets their expectations, making sense in the form of various environmental, social, physical, economic, and other dimensions. Evaluative images reflect the city’s effective public mental image and provide a useful picture of the perceived quality of the dominant elements of the city. The urban landscape is important because it can act as a source of satisfaction for the people or a remedy for the daily concerns of life. The reshaping of the city must be guided by a visual program, the development of which requires an awareness of how people value urban landscape and its meaning. Methods: This study was conducted to examine Ahvaz citizens’ mental image of the elements along the banks of Karun River using evaluative criteria, such as a sense of relaxation, security, satisfaction, motivation, excitement, and popularity. This paper is an applied research project that has used quantitative and descriptive methods conducted by the recognition-evaluation method (evaluative images). The present study uses a random sampling method in which the female and male respondents are classified equally. The statistical population consists of Ahvaz citizens who were present in the area (residents and non-residents). Respondents were categorized by dividing the area into eight sections. The Cochran model was used to sample and estimate the sample size and to distribute the questionnaire. According to the results of this model, the statistical sample size is 186. The data were collected to evaluate the individuals’ mental image and the degree to which these images were desirable or not (degree of effectiveness) using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 20 Software. The questionnaire structure consists of two parts. People with the same conditions were not questioned. Therefore, the first part of the questionnaire included questions about age, gender, the number of visits to the park, the vicinity of the living space to the park, the purpose of going to the park (e.g., recreation, exercise, work, study and meeting with friends), and the time of going to the park. The second part of the questionnaire were prepared and formulated to evaluate Ahvaz citizens’ mental images of the elements along the banks of Karun River following the theoretical research foundations using the “evaluative mental images” method. Findings: The research findings indicated that the general public agreed on the spaces’ visual attractiveness and unattractiveness. According to the evaluative attributes, Ahvaz citizens create strong positive evaluative mental images from the spaces with different functions and high environmental qualities. In contrast, low-quality spaces create poor evaluative mental images in people’s minds. A poor mental image can be created in the viewer’s mind due to low security levels, low-quality equipment, dark sidewalks, dirt and pollution, insufficient sitting spaces on the river banks to watch the river landscape, placement of the settings in solitude and existence of unknown places (i.e., inappropriate location), and finally insufficient green space in the surroundings. This leads to an unpleasant feeling of space for the citizens. However, among the elements and spaces along the banks of Karun River, the bridges, the beach restaurants, the special scenery (e.g., the botanical garden, the sculpture, and the elements), the children’s playground (due to its symbolic nature), the positive nostalgia in the viewer’s mind, the novelty of spaces and functions, and the contrast with the surrounding environment, have formed a positive mental image in the viewer’s mind. Conclusion: According to studies, Ahvaz citizens’ mental image is lower than the theoretical average due to the low evaluative attributes of walking and sports paths, riverside, youth hangouts, and green spaces. In other words, these spaces have created a poor mental image in the viewer’s mind. Also, an unpleasant feeling has been created in the citizens due to low level of security and quality of facilities, lack of lighting in the walking paths, pollution, lack of sitting space in the riverside to watch the river landscape, placement of the settings in solitude and existence unknown places (inappropriate location) and finally lack of different green space structure in the surrounding. However, among the existing spaces and elements in Karun riverside, bridges, beach restaurants, spectacular landscapes (botanical gardens, statue, and element), and children playground have created a positive mental image in the viewer’s mind due to being a symbol and sign of positive memory in the viewer’s mind, and due to the novelty of the spaces and function and contradiction with the surrounding environment. According to the research findings, the attributes of each section have been lower than the average and have had poor environmental quality. Therefore, it can be said that the following measures can be useful in improving the citizens’ mental image in Karun Riverside. It can be improved by increasing the quality of the environment, enhancing the quality of sidewalks, creating navigation, increasing the social security in Karun Riverside using proper lighting. Provision of required facilities in various spaces along Karun Riverside, providing adequate sitting places, toilets, pavilions, buffet, and restaurants, and beautifying the area by eliminating the corners and blind spots is also helpful. Increasing the lighting in spaces and paths, improving the quality of green space, and applying green space in different parts and increasing the number of symbolic elements are other effective solutions.

The Importance and Application of "Urban Emotions" in Urban Design and Planning

Esmat Paikan; MohammadReza Pourjafar

Volume 10, Issue 2 , February 2020, , Pages 39-60

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2020.103676

Abstract

How citizens perceive and understand their surrounding environment depends on several dynamic and static contextual factors. Such a subjective and context-based understanding can create ... Read More How citizens perceive and understand their surrounding environment depends on several dynamic and static contextual factors. Such a subjective and context-based understanding can create different emotions and feelings in people, which has created a new and adjunct approach toward studying spatial and temporal structure of the city. Investigating the relationship between built environment as a physical dimension and behavioral and emotional aspects of human has received much attention in recent studies, especially in urban planning and design studies, and has become an urgent issue in recent years. The purpose of theoretical, empirical, and applied researches in this field is generally enhancing the quality of life in city through studying a new layer that focuses on emotional-behavioral aspects of individuals. This emotional-subjective attitude toward space and its impact on the individual’s behavior in space has become important and has been utilized in recent years under the title of “urban emotions” approach, as an interdisciplinary field. Therefore, the present study aimed to introduce the approach and research area of “urban emotions” and sought to examine the importance and application of this layer in the field of urban development as well as studying vacancies in this area, and providing suggestions for future studies. Thus, this was done by referring to library resources and reviewing more than 50 published studies consisting of basic theories on the subject, theories of intellectuals in the field of urban development, and recent projects and researches generally related to the last five years, through descriptive-analytic method and using library resources. The results showed that the studies in this area can be divided into two categories of theories and basic studies and new studies initiated by Christine Nold (2009). The basic view mostly focuses on effective environmental factors in a qualitative and highly general way based on traditional methods of emotion measurement, and is mostly focused on environmental psychology and landscape design areas, which has less influenced the area of urban design and urban development. But in recent years, the emergence of new methods of measuring emotions in the field of medical sciences, psychology, and computer sciences has provided the possibility of more precise studies in the field of environmental design. New researches (in the last 5 years) in terms of frequency include four domains: 1) focused on emotion measurement; 2) new methods of emotion measurement; 3) investigating the factors affecting emotion in the environment; and 4) applications of emotion. However, these studies mostly focus on emotion measurement in urban environments and emotion measurement methods, and few studies have also examined the factors affecting emotion in the environment and its application in the field of urban development as a pilot. Therefore, based on ongoing studies in the field of emotion monitoring methods, it has become possible to review and study the theories which are more basic, more applied, and exclusive in the field of urban environment. Also, review of basic theories and recent studies in the field of urban emotions showed the importance of the issue in the field of urban development. Despite the importance and application of this interdisciplinary field in urban studies, the scientific potentials of this new approach in all diverse aspects of urban use and analysis have not yet been explored which requires more precise and extensive evaluation in urban sciences. According to the conducted studies and its adaptation to different areas of urban study, the most important areas of application of this new layer can be: 1) mental health area, 2) happy city and pleasant urban spaces area, 3) Attachment to place area, and 4) area of collaborative urban planning and smart city. Also, evaluation and measurement of the built environment, evaluation of the psychological effects of a plan before its implementation, and providing new citizen-centered designing and planning opportunities are among the benefits of applying the subject in the field of urban development. Overall, the results showed that in recent years, the area of “urban emotions” has opened up a new meta-human approach to analysis and examination of dynamic interactions in time, space, and perception and emotions of human, especially in urban planning and designing processes. “Urban emotions” has proposed a human-centered approach as a mediator between research fields such as geo-informatics, computer science, computational linguistics, sensor technology, citizenship sciences, and spatial planning. The main purpose was to produce a layer of new information that visualizes the measured spatial emotions. This visualization allows for concluding about humans behavior in urban environments and creates a new citizen-centered perspective in designing and planning process. Over the past few decades, new advances have made the use of new methods and technologies possible. However, scientific potential of this process has not been fully exploited, and the possibility of using it for innovative analysis and simulation needs to be widely evaluated in urban sciences. These new data and information layers can provide new insights into the development of intrinsically complex and dynamic physical and social structures of urban environments. It can be used in the field of urban development and can be generalized and used in other related areas such as public health, traffic management, security, tourism, and more.

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Keywords = Urban Space

Public spaces in religious buildings and their functions from the perspective of third-place theory and design strategies; Case study: The forecourt of Jameh Mosque in Qazvin

Abstract

The effect of physical and activity factors on creating sensory qualities in urban pedestrian ways (Case study: Kermanshah Taq-e Botan pedestrian way)

Abstract

The effects of urban spaces smartification on citizens’ perception of forming behaviore settings (Case study: Hafthoz square, Tehran)

Abstract

Investigating the Evaluative Mental Image of Ahvaz Citizens Along Karun River (Case Study: The Enclosure Between White Bridge and Nature Bridge)

Abstract

The Importance and Application of "Urban Emotions" in Urban Design and Planning

Abstract