Urban-Historical Landscape Analysis on the Basis of Mental Perceptions Case Study: Tajrish Neighborhood

Subject Areas : Space Ontology International Journal

Anoosheh  Gohari ¹ (M.S Student of Faculty Environmental Design Engineering, University of Tehran , Tehran , iran)
Homa  Behbahani ² (Professor and member of the Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran,Tehran, Iran)
Ismael  Salehi ³ (Associate Professor and member of the Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran , Tehran ,Iran)

Received: 2015-09-07 Accepted : 2016-01-30 Published : 2015-12-01

Keywords: urban landscape, Planning, Historical Landscape,

Abstract :

Despite the close affinity between collective memory and urban structures as the relationship between what is hidden and what is visible; rapid changes throughout the city have caused a disconnection between integrated memories and landscape cohesion. As a context for memories, the historical urban landscape proves to be valuable. The present research seeks to identify elements and signs in urban landscape design that is associated with collective memories and to determine the extent of their impact on maintainability and consolidation of the cultural integrity and attachment to residential areas and urban spaces. Now, a question is raised: Which kinds of elements help us to reach landscape perception in relation to collective memory? Accordingly, major categories, which have influences on mental perceptions, based on the studies, are elements that affect landscape, mental attachment, rootedness, and social relations. Identification and utilization of these categories in urban landscape design would enable the perception of the landscape as a mental reality that is tied with memories of the users of the space and is possible with elements such as signs in the landscape. To address research inquiries, the researcher has surveyed components of collective memory via landscape analysis method. The use of qualitative techniques is dominant in the paper along with some quantitative methods, and the under-investigation location is Shemiran. The research method was comprised of field survey and obtaining information regarding history of the site. In order to answer research questions, landscape analysis method based on subjective perceptions was selected. The statistical population of the study included 30 residents of the district that were 30 years old or older. The respondents were presented with the obtained elements, as well as 6 pictures in order to score them based on their subjective perception. Questionnaire data was analyzed and elements that impact subjective perceptions in urban landscape were identified. What matters is to identify the factors that create collective memories and its durability in environmental aspects and the facet that whether adopting them in landscape design can prove to be effective in maintaining and enhancing cultural coherence, attachment to residence, and urban spaces, thus improving urban landscape quality.

References:

1. Aminzadeh, Bahram, Re-Identifying the Effect of Collective Rituals on the Configuration of a Traditional City, (2007), Fine Arts Journal, v. 32, p. 5-13


2. Baron, Robert M., (2004), Urban Palimpsest: Aesthetics of a Layered Structure, translated by Parviz Barati, Architecture and Construction Journal, v. 3


3. Belanger, A. (2002). Urban space and collective memory: Analysing the various dimensions of the production of memory, Canadian Journal of Urban Research11. 1: pp.69-92


4. Chokor, B.A.(1990) Urban Landscape and Environmental Quality Preferences in Ibadan, Nigeria : an Exploration, Landscape and Urban Planning, 19: pp.263-280


5. Francis, P. Hutchinson, P. J. (2012). Landscapes for peace: A case study of active learning about urban environments and the future, Futures 44: pp.24–35 


6. Habibi, Seyyed Mohsen, 1378 (1999), Incidental life and collective memory, SAFFEH Journal (16-21), 9th year, Issue #28


7. Habibi, Mohsen, 1383 (2004), We have earsed the urban mental images, BUILDING AND ARCHITECTURE Digital Journal (115-117), Issue #3


8. Huyssen,  A.(1997). The Voids of Berlin, Cultural Inquiry, Vol.24


9. Jinghui, W.( 2012). Problems and solutions in the protection of historical urban areas, Frontiers ofArchitecturalResearch 1: pp. 40–43


10. Keramati, M., Ahmadi, S. (2011). Published by Elsevier Ltd, pp. 985-988.


11. Khosrokhavar, Farhad, (2004) , Cities and Collective Memory, Architecture and Construction Journal (112-114), v. 3


12. Kincaid, A. (2005). Memory and the City: Urban Renewal and Literary Memoirs in Contemporary Dublin, College Literature32. 2:pp. 16-42


13. Lynch, Kevin, 1993, The Image of the City, Manouchehr Mozayani, University of Tehran Publications


14. Norman, B. (2011), Regional Environmental Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Theoretical Issues, Comparative Designs (REGov), Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences 14: pp.193–202


15. Philip, B., Emma, S. (2014), The power of perceptions: Exploring the role of urban design in cycling behaviours and healthy ageing, Transportation Research Procedia 4: pp. 68 – 79


16. Rachel, M., Rachel E. S.(2013). Stumbling upon history: collective memory and the urban landscape, Springer Science+Business Media B.V. GeoJournal 78:pp.791-801


17. Rossi, A. (1984). The Architecture of the City, Cambridge: MIT Press.


18. Schwartz, B. (1982). "The Social Context of Commemoration: A Study in Collective Memory."Social Forces 61(2): pp.374-402.


19. Shirazi, Mohammadreza, 2004, Palimpsest Trilogy; Accumulation of Mysteries, Architecture and Construction Journal, v. 3


20. Siewp, W., William (2000). Memories and urban places, City, Vol.4, No.2, pp 270-277


21. Soinia, K., H. Vaaralab and E. Poutaa 2011. "Residents’ sense of place and landscape perceptions at the rural–urban interface." Science Direct.


22. Soltani, Ali; Zargari Marandi, Ebrahim; Namdarian, Ahmad Ali; 2013, Formation, Reinforcement, and Durability of Memory in Urban Spaces, Case Study: Shahid Cahmran Area of Shiraz, Residence and Rural Environment Quarterly, v. 141, spring, p. 87-98


23. Stangl, P.(2008). The Vernacular and the monumental: Memory and landscape in post-war Berlin. GeoJournal, 73(3): pp.245-253.