Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
SRTTU
Abstract
Introduction:
In modern urban environments, pedestrian ways serve as critical arteries for social interaction and activity. These spaces not only facilitate movement but also act as hubs for cultural exchange, social engagement, and economic activities. In the context of Iranian cities, particularly those with an Islamic cultural background, the success of a pedestrian street depends not only on its physical design but also on how well it resonates with the users'' perceptions and cultural expectations. The alignment of users'' experiences with the intended design can play a key role in improving the overall quality and desirability of such spaces.
Research Methodology:
This research adopts a comprehensive approach, utilizing a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the pedestrian street in the city of Miyaneh. Despite its relatively recent development, the Miyaneh pedestrian street provides a useful case study to explore how urban design principles rooted in Iranian-Islamic traditions are perceived and experienced by its users. The study follows two main phases:In the first phase, relevant literature on urban design, particularly focusing on Iranian-Islamic principles, was analyzed to identify the dimensions and criteria for assessing the quality of pedestrian way spaces. In the second phase, a custom-designed questionnaire was employed to gather data on users'' perceptions of the pedestrian street. The study also explored how different reasons for using the space (e.g., shopping, recreation) might influence these perceptions. Based on Cochran’s formula, the required sample size was calculated to be 383 respondents, although 400 questionnaires were distributed to account for potential non-responses or errors. Data were processed and analyzed using SPSS software (version 26), applying T-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine statistical significance.
Results and Discussion:
The findings of the study revealed that the social and cultural aspects of the Miyaneh pedestrian street received the highest scores in terms of alignment with Iranian urban design principles that are rooted in Islamic culture. This indicates that users found the social and cultural atmosphere of the space to be particularly satisfying and in harmony with their expectations. Furthermore, shopping was identified as the most common reason for visiting the pedestrian street, suggesting that the space is not only a social and cultural venue but also an important commercial area. The data also showed significant differences in users'' perceptions when considering both social-cultural and economic factors, indicating that users with different reasons for utilizing the space (e.g., socializing vs. shopping) experience the pedestrian way in diverse ways.
Conclusion:
The results highlight the importance of post-implementation evaluations in urban design projects. By analyzing user feedback and identifying gaps in the design across various dimensions—whether social, cultural, or economic—urban planners and designers can gain valuable insights into how these spaces function in practice. This feedback loop can inform future projects, ensuring that pedestrian streets are not only functional but also culturally resonant and responsive to the needs of the users. As this study demonstrates, such evaluations are critical for the continuous improvement of urban spaces, especially in cities with rich historical and cultural contexts like those found in Iran.
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