Social Spaces in Rural-Origin Neighborhoods: A Case Study of Chizar, Tehran

Subject Areas : Sociology, social sciences and economics

Azadeh Mohajer Milani ¹ (Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Design Engineering, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)

Received: 2024-05-17 Accepted : 2024-06-01 Published : 2024-08-31

Keywords: social space, public space, sociability, social interactions, social space,

Abstract :

This study delves deeply into the facilitation of social experiences by establishing appropriate behavioral settings within public spaces, with a particular focus on urban neighborhoods that possess a semi-traditional background. The research is designed to thoroughly investigate the criteria that influence the formation and effectiveness of social spaces, taking into account the socio-spatial disruptions that often arise during urban structure development. It aims to understand how these factors manifest in different types of spaces, thereby influencing the overall social dynamics of the community. By conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature and studies on the subject, the research identifies key components that are effective in creating social spaces.To test the validity of this model, the Chizar neighborhood is selected as a case study. Data collection methods include the use of questionnaires to gather residents' perceptions, cognitive mapping to understand the behavioral settings, and field observations to document collective behaviors within the neighborhood. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed as a method of analysis to evaluate the data and assess the alignment of the proposed criteria with the actual conditions observed in the neighborhood. The results of the study reveal a significant alignment between the formulated criteria and the social dynamics observed around Emamzade Aliakbar and its surrounding areas. The findings suggest that in contemporary urban settings, particularly in semi-traditional neighborhoods, the preservation of behavioral settings and the promotion of sociability within public spaces can greatly enhance social interactions at the local level. This research ultimately proposes that by focusing on these factors, urban planners and community developers can create more cohesive and socially vibrant neighborhoods that reflect and sustain the unique cultural and social characteristics of their residents

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