https://udd.modares.ac.ir/ Urban Design Discourse en daily 1 Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28603.html ABSTRACT Aims:One of the negative consequences of technological growth in contemporary human life is the reduction of interaction with the environment and the inadequate formation ofI landscapes, where human-environment interaction is the foundation. This decline in interaction leads to a decrease in social participation, lower quality of life, and psychological and emotional damage to individuals in urban settings. Thus, this article aims to explore and identify the parameters through which technology and media can serve to enhance interactive landscapes, particularly in urban parks.Methods:To achieve this goal, the research follows an analytical-descriptive approach, utilizing library studies to extract the concepts and components of landscape and human-environment interaction. Subsequently, a questionnaire was designed based on users' preferences regarding the use of urban parks. The questionnaire assessed the impact of technological tools and their applications on citizen satisfaction and engagement.Findings:The analysis reveals that urban dwellers are open to the integration of technology into urban landscapes, particularly in parks, and that such tools may help increase both the frequency of visits and citizens' presence. However, the key finding is that a majority of respondents expressed reluctance to abandon their traditional cultural values, indicating a preference for the localization of technology to suit local contexts.Conclusion:The findings suggest that technology and media-based tools can significantly enhance the responsiveness and interactivity of urban environments, particularly in public spaces like parks. These tools can be recognized as effective solutions for fostering diversity and enriching urban life. https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28082.html Objectives: Focusing on the city of Tehran, this study aims to explain strategies that can strengthen the human infrastructure for urban cycling, an emerging concept in global urban mobility literature that emphasizes the necessity of enhancing social and cultural capacities as a complement to physical and hard infrastructures. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 17 key stakeholders, including senior managers and officials involved in urban cycling development projects in Tehran, active practitioners directly engaged in these initiatives, urban cycling instructors, and leaders and members of urban cycling groups. After transcription and iterative review, the data were organized into core themes to reveal the dimensions, potential, and challenges associated with this infrastructure. Findings: The strategic themes indicate that the human infrastructure of urban cycling in Tehran can be conceptualized across four interconnected dimensions: education (skills and urban cycling training; gender and age differences; and attention to social norms), participation (top-down and bottom-up participation; meaningful involvement from decision-making to implementation and evaluation), empowerment (target groups including citizens, instructors, and activists; specialized training; rights and regulations), and awareness-raising (media and content production, events and collective demands, applied research, and campaign development). Results: Overall, the findings suggest that future policies, programs, and interventions, if directed toward strengthening these four dimensions alongside the simultaneous development of hard infrastructures, can more effectively promote urban cycling as a sustainable and human-centered mode of mobility in Tehran. https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28117.html Research Problem: In today's world, along with the increase in population and the expansion of cities, the need for residential spaces and access roads has grown significantly. These changes in urban structure have caused a decrease in attention to open and social spaces, which play a key role in creating thermal comfort for individuals. The aim of this research is to investigate the factors affecting the design of open spaces in residential complexes and how to improve the thermal comfort of residents.Methods: Initially, based on the research conducted, the main urban form factors that affect the thermal comfort of urban open spaces at different levels were identified. Then, using the ENVI-met software, simulations were conducted on residential blocks with different heights.Results: The results of these simulations showed that cubic and separate forms provide more suitable thermal conditions in open spaces by preventing the creation of large, unshaded open spaces. The shadows that these blocks create, especially during the peak summer heat, effectively prevent temperature increases and contribute to greater comfort for residents. These results highlight the importance of thoughtful design of open spaces in residential complexes and show that considering cubic forms can be an effective solution to improve the quality of life in these spaces. Finally, this research emphasizes the importance of careful planning and design of open spaces as a key factor in improving the quality of urban life. https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28146.html This study assessed the livability of Baharestan neighborhood in Shahrood city, Iran, through urban land use planning, focusing on educational facilities as a case study. It adopted a descriptive-analytical method with a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach. Eight criteria—location, compatibility priority, connectivity type, quantitative, social, environmental, spatial, and qualitative—were extracted from literature and specialized sources. Data were gathered and analyzed via GIS software (for access, service radius, and per capita calculations), field observations, and checklists. The neighborhood’s educational network consists of 2 kindergartens, 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 art school. Strengths include an appropriate service radius (500–1200 meters), suitable proximity to green spaces and residential zones, effective pedestrian access, and lack of environmental pollution. Major challenges encompass per capita deficits in kindergartens (1620 m²), middle schools (2933 m²), and art schools (1114 m²), contrasted by a surplus in elementary schools (6033 m²). Other issues involve over-concentration on busy roads leading to heavy traffic, poor traffic safety, limited nighttime surveillance, inadequate use diversity, and weak visual contrast. Elementary schools received the highest score (3.87), while kindergartens and art schools scored lowest (3.25). SWOT analysis identified strengths such as extensive service coverage and functional convergence, and weaknesses including high traffic generation and absence of complementary cultural uses. The study concludes that optimized educational planning enhances livability by advancing spatial justice, safety, social interactions, and environmental quality. Proposed solutions involve raising per capita standards, redistributing facilities, bolstering safe pedestrian and bicycle networks, improving physical identity, and adding complementary cultural and sports facilities. https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28256.html Historical markets in Iran are among the most important urban-architectural spaces that play a role beyond economic function in the formation of social interactions and cultural identity. The historical market of Urmia, as one of the oldest markets in northwest Iran and the core of the city's historical fabric, has physical and spatial values. Contemporary urban developments, physical deterioration, heterogeneous interventions, and a decline in environmental security have reduced the quality of the environment and weakened the user experience; therefore, it is necessary to identify the components of environmental quality and prioritize interventions. The present study was conducted with a mixed approach with the aim of empirically evaluating the quality of the environment of the historical market of Urmia and prioritizing the components of its improvement. Data were collected from users through a questionnaire containing thirty items in six main components and examined with exploratory factor analysis. At the same time, expert judgment and the analysis method (AHP) were used to determine the relative importance of the components. The results show that the quality of the market environment from the users' perspective is at the "average to desirable" level (mean 3.02). The highest score belongs to "overall satisfaction" (3.10) and "social-perceptual" (3.05) and the lowest to "security-safety" (2.94). The AHP results also confirm the high importance of overall satisfaction (0.301), social-perceptual (0.251) and physical-architecture (0.184). Overall, the findings emphasize the need to improve physical-architecture, enhance spatial performance, and enhance security and users' perceptual experience as priority strategies. https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28351.html Abstract: The Ilkhanids, Mongol vassals in Iran, inherited the artistic legacy of the Seljuks and introduced significant innovations. Their most notable contributions were in the decoration of buildings, particularly stucco work, leaving an extensive legacy in the architectural ornamentation of the period. During this period, plastering reaches the peak of its beauty. Decorative motifs from this era include abstract forms, geometric patterns, vegetal designs, and calligraphy, often combined. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to examine the motifs used in the Jameh Mosque of Varamin, one of the most complete examples of Ilkhanid architecture. The findings reveal that external decorations primarily utilized tile and brick, while the mihrab featured intricate stucco work. The motifs encompass various geometric knots, complex arabesques intertwined with inscriptions, the earliest use of interlaced and architectural inscriptions, parent-and-child inscriptions, and examples of floral motifs such as Shah Abbasi flowers, rosettes, and the Ranjir Khumpa pattern in the mosque’s stucco decoration https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28366.html Introduction: The purpose of this article is to plan the Chele Khaneh neighborhood of Rasht to create equal opportunities with an emphasis on the age-friendly city approach, which is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Rasht and is close to the cultural walkway of Rasht Municipality. Materials and methods: The method of collecting data is field and documentary, and smart pls and spss software were used to analyze the results. 110 questionnaires containing Likert-type questions were completed among the elderly living in the Chele Khaneh neighborhood. Results and discussion: Chelleh Khaneh neighborhood scored 2.90 out of a maximum score of 4 in the age-friendly city index. Quantitative and qualitative results show that Chelleh Khaneh neighborhood is relatively above average and in a favorable situation. From the perspective of the elderly, the factor of citizen participation with an extracted variance of 0.489, quality of life with 0.381, and communication with 0.357 had the highest score from the respondents, and the rest of the factors had average and weak variances. Structural equation model analysis, according to the obtained coefficients of determination (R2), showed that the changes in the dependent variable depended on the changes in the independent variables of the research to a significant extent, and also with the positiveness of the participation index and the redundancy index and three values, 0.01, 0.25, and 0.36, which are introduced as weak, medium, and strong values for GOF, and obtaining a value of 0.50 for GOF, the appropriate fit of the model is confirmed. https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28386.html Objective: This article aims to identify and prioritize effective indicators in strengthening intercultural relations in the pedestrian landscape of pilgrimage cities. Methods: The present research is of an applied type and the research method used is analytical-descriptive. To evaluate and prioritize the indicators, a questionnaire for experts (elite) was used, with a statistical population including 47 doctoral and master's students of architecture, landscape architecture, urban management and urban planning, and psychology, as well as a number of Mashhad Municipality's regeneration administrative employees. SPSS version 27 software was used to analyze and measure the data. Findings: 9 indicators (independent variables) that affect the promotion of intercultural relations (dependent variables) were identified. According to the analysis of the questionnaire data, the knowledge increase index with (coefficients (R square) 0.499 and (beta) 0.707) has the greatest impact, and the contact increase index with (coefficients (R square) 0.025 and (beta) 0.159) and the language index with (coefficients (R square) 0.193 and (beta) 0.439) have the least impact on the promotion of intercultural relations. Conclusion: Culture is one of the most important factors in reading and understanding the meanings and traditions of a place. In the field of urban landscape perception, achieving a common reading among people promotes intercultural relations between different user groups, and the use of methods that are consistent with the indicators obtained in the design of the landscape of pilgrimage paths, common reading of the landscape and It will improve intercultural relations.   https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28407.html Aims:The aim of this study is to develop and explain a conceptual model of the “cultural representation circuit of urban public space,” which systematically captures and interprets the cultural processes that shape public space. Methods:This research adopts a qualitative approach based on documentary study and content analysis. First, reputable academic sources on public space and its cultural aspects were collected and selected using criteria such as authenticity and thematic relevance. Then, the data were analyzed and coded through qualitative content analysis to identify the main components and indicators related to Hall’s cultural circuit. Findings:The analysis revealed five key components—production, consumption, identity, signification, and regulation—that together form the cultural representation circuit. These components interact dynamically; a change in one can reshape the others. For instance, design decisions during the production phase influence patterns of consumption and identity formation, while cultural representations can affect subsequent cycles of spatial production. Conclusion:The proposed model addresses the existing theoretical gap by providing an integrated framework for analyzing the cultural meaning-making process in public spaces. Beyond its theoretical contribution, the model can serve as an analytical tool for urban planners, designers, and managers in evaluating and designing public spaces, and it is adaptable for testing across diverse cultural contexts. https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28408.html Introduction: Tehran Railway Square, one of the capital’s most important transportation hubs with a long history, holds great potential to become a vibrant and memorable place. However, despite efforts to renovate and improve its physical quality, it has yet to transform into a genuine place with a deep sense of place. Objective: This article aims to examine the sense of place in Tehran Railway Square from the perspective of Vendors and local workers, seeking to answer the questions: From their viewpoint, how effective have the renovation interventions been in shaping and enhancing the sense of place? And how can a place-making approach be applied to create a better space in this square? Methodology: To achieve this objective, a qualitative research method was used, including semi-structured and visual interviews. Findings: The findings indicate that physical interventions have not positively impacted the sense of place, and in some cases, have had the opposite effect. This was also evident in identifying users’ environmental preferences, revealing that aesthetic interventions failed to meet the core needs of space users, who in fact had different preferences and requirements. Conclusion: As a result of the findings, the study proposes an improved place-making model to enhance spatial quality and sense of place in Tehran Railway Square, emphasizing the necessity for urban interventions to adhere to the principles of “true functionalism.”   https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28531.html Objective: Feyzabad neighborhood in Kermanshah, a Qajar-era historical fabric, exemplifies biophilic architecture and social interactions. This study analyzed their relationship and impact on collective life. Method: A mixed quantitative-qualitative approach was applied. 200 residents completed a researcher-made questionnaire (15 items, Cronbach's alpha 0.83). Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-tests, Pearson correlation, and factor loading. Qualitative interviews with 20 residents were analyzed using the Colaizzi method. Findings: Biophilic components survived unevenly. "Direct nature presence" scored highest (mean 4.11), while "natural patterns in passages and courtyards" scored lowest (mean 2.97). Socially, "territoriality and belonging" ranked highest (72% positive), and "presence in semi-public spaces" lowest (62% negative). Pearson correlation showed biophilic architecture (0.89) and social interactions (0.83) have strong relationships with collective life. Both hypotheses were confirmed. Conclusion: Despite dilapidation, Feyzabad holds potential for community-oriented regeneration through collective memory (factor loading 0.83) and natural elements. Biophilic architecture and social interactions have a mutually reinforcing relationship, with biophilic qualities being key to regenerating collective life in historical neighborhoods. https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28612.html Background and Objective: Spiritual health, as one of the recently recognized dimensions of health, significantly influences all aspects of health. However, the impact of place on individuals' spiritual health has received less attention. This study operates under the hypothesis that the sense of place in green and natural environments has a meaningful relationship with spiritual well-being. The aim is to identify the concepts and dimensions of spiritual health and subsequently explore their connection with the sense of place. Methods: In this regard, international questionnaires regarding the concepts of sense of place and spiritual health were selected and distributed among visitors in the green and natural area of El-Goli Park in Tabriz. Findings: The results indicate a significant and positive correlation between sense of place and the spiritual health of users, with a factor loading of 0.58. Conclusion: The findings suggest that increasing awareness and understanding of natural environments enhances positive feelings toward these environments. Engaging in behavioral activities such as gardening, walking, and other interactions with natural settings can elevate users’ spiritual health, particularly in the religious (transcendental experience) and existential dimensions (relationship with self, others, and the natural environment). https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28694.html Philosophical developments from the modern to the contemporary era have transformed the understanding of landscape from a purely visual phenomenon into a cultural, perceptual, and interdisciplinary process.** The central problem of this research is the lack of a comprehensive framework for analyzing and designing landscapes that simultaneously addresses physical structure, human experience, and cultural meaning-making. The study aims to propose a three-layer model for landscape analysis that encompasses the objective, perceptual, and eco-symbolic dimensions. Using a descriptive-analytical and hermeneutic methodology, the evolution of landscape theories—from Descartes to phenomenology and mesology—was examined, leading to the identification of three distinct layers. The findings indicate that the **objective layer** deals with the physical and observable structure of the landscape, the **perceptual layer** encompasses users' multisensory and embodied experiences, and the **eco-symbolic layer** focuses on the role of culture, history, and meaning in shaping the landscape. Analysis of two exemplary urban parks in Iran and France demonstrates that these three layers coexist in successful designs, enabling the reproduction of meaning and human experience. The study concludes that a comprehensive understanding of landscape necessitates an interdisciplinary approach, and the proposed three-layer model can serve as a practical tool for the design and analysis of urban and cultural landscapes. https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28702.html Problem Statement: The proliferation of digital infrastructures has transformed urban experience from one of material co-presence (the classic Metropolis) into a multi-layered, media-mediated experience. While the Metropolis was grounded in sensory density and industrial rhythms, the Mediapolis—by intertwining physical and digital spaces—highlights the role of media in directing perception, attention, and the movement of the urban body. This study addresses how these transformations alter bodily experience and what new phenomenological modes of the body emerge within the media city. Objective and Methodology: Utilizing a qualitative-interpretive approach and drawing upon urban studies, media studies, and the philosophy of the body (somaesthetics), this research aims to explain the evolution of bodily experience during this transition. Findings: The transition to the Mediapolis shifts the body from a subject engaged with “environmental sensory pressure” to one involved in “attentional fragmentation.” This manifests in four phenomenological modes: the “Agentic Body” (hybrid physical-digital agency), the “Represented Body” (linked to image circulation), the “Guided Body” (subject to algorithmic navigation), and the “Observed Body” (presence converted into traceable data). Conclusion: In the Mediapolis, the body finds meaning through interaction with media infrastructures, rather than mere physical density. The quality of “urban aesthetics” has shifted from the “intensity of sensory encounter” to the “mode of linking layers of perception.” Although media and algorithms transform the body into an instrument for data production, the body remains the central node of experience and meaning-making, tasked with balancing physical and digital flows. https://udd.modares.ac.ir/article_28736.html The crisis of identity in contemporary architecture and the tendency toward homogenized construction, while disregarding the needs of users and the culture of dwelling, have led to diminished satisfaction and disruption in social behaviors. In this context, reinterpreting vernacular architecture—as the manifestation of the nexus between time, place, and culture—is regarded as an essential strategy for overcoming this crisis. Focusing on the ancient region of Makran in the southeastern Iranian Plateau (spanning from Darek to Bandar-e Gowater), this research analyzes the patterns of vernacular housing in the hot and humid climate. The primary objective of the study is to identify and extract the physical-spatial components influencing the formation of housing in this area and to address the fundamental question of how the capacity of vernacular patterns can be harnessed to achieve efficient and identity-oriented contemporary housing. The findings of the research are grounded in the analysis of elements such as the central courtyard, southern Iwan (veranda), spatial hierarchy (open, semi-open, closed), and Badgir (windcatcher). The results indicate that the architecture of Makran is an intelligent synthesis of responses to climatic imperatives (natural ventilation), economic constraints, and the cultural beliefs of the coastal context. Recognizing these patterns can provide practical guidance for the design of sustainable housing and the revival of cultural identity in the future development of Iran's southern coasts.