The Role of Form Structure in the Formation of Place Identity and the Emergence of Social Interactions in Qazvin Bazaar

Subject Areas : Architecture

Pegah Sarraf Moayeri ¹ , Jamaleddin Soheili ² , Kamal Rahbari Manesh ³

1 -
2 -
3 -

Received: 2025-08-10 Accepted : 2025-09-09 Published : 2025-09-09

Keywords: Form structure, place identity, social interactions, Qazvin Bazaar,

Abstract :

The transformation of urban living patterns and the decline of social interactions in contemporary urban spaces have heightened the urgent need to reassess the role of formal structure in creating meaning and strengthening place identity. This study aims to explore how the components of formal structure contribute to enhancing the significance of social interactions that stem from place identity. The importance of this research lies in recognizing that formal structure, beyond its physical dimension, holds perceptual, cultural, and behavior-oriented potentials for generating meaning, shared experiences, and collective memory. Employing a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) with a descriptive-analytical framework, data were collected through field studies, technical surveys, and analyzed statistically using SPSS software. The historic Qazvin Bazaar, with its rich historical and social identity, was selected as the representative case study. The findings reveal that seven dimensions of formal structure—centrality, functionality, movement, visual and sightlines, physical form, spatial connections, and spirituality—significantly influence social interactions and the overall sense of belonging to place. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the interrelation between physical form, spatial legibility, and perceptual experience provides a fertile and dynamic ground for the reproduction of collective memory. In this respect, historic spaces such as the Qazvin Bazaar are capable of sustaining cultural values while simultaneously playing a more active role in strengthening and revitalizing social interactions. Consequently, attention to the qualitative and multidimensional aspects of formal structure should be regarded as a fundamental strategy for future urban planning and design, positioning it as a key factor in enhancing place identity and ensuring the long-term sustainability and vitality of urban life.

References:

- Abi Zadeh, E. (2018). Investigating Factors Influencing the Sense of Place in the Historic Bazaar of Tabriz Towards Semantic and Heritage Conservation. PhD Dissertation, Faculty of Architecture, Islamic Art University of Tabriz.. [Pesian]. https://tabriziau.ac.ir/
- Alqahtani, T. A. (2023). The Contribution of Design to Social Interaction: A Case Study of the 2023 Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Master's thesis, Arizona State University), pp. 230- 247. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14154/68096
- Arbab, P., Azizi, MM., Zebardast, ES. (2016). Explanation of the key criteria of the process of Place‐Identity formation in new urban development. Fine Arts Journal, 20(4): pp. 5‐20. [Pesian]. DOI: 10.22059/jfaup.2016.59666
- Changizi, Sh. (2020). Identity in Architecture (The Role of Women in Shaping the Identity of Iranian House Architecture). PhD Dissertation, Faculty of Architecture, Shahid Beheshti University. [Pesian].
- De Botton, A. (2022). The Architecture of Joy. Translated by Bahareh Pajoumand. No. 4. Tehran: Shamshed Publications, 196 pages. [Pesian]. https://shemshadpub.ir.
- Durand, J., Good, N. (1974). The Structure of Form: Principles of Environmental Psychology. Translated by Mohammad Ali Chitsazian. Tehran: Roshd Publishing, 472 pages. [Pesian]. https://roshdpress.ir.
- Ebrahimi Mojarad, M. (2021). Modeling Factors Influencing Place Identity Formation in Residential Neighborhoods (Case Study: Sepahshahr Neighborhood, Qazvin). PhD Dissertation, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology. [Pesian]. http://dl.iust.ac.ir/dL/search/default.aspx?Term=26505&Field=0&DTC=6
- Falahat, MS. (2006). Concept of sense of place and its constituent factors. Fine Arts Journal, 1(26): pp. 57‐66. [ Pesian]. https://jfava.ut.ac.ir.
- Ghahremanpour, A., Kashmiri, H., Karimi, B. (2020). Examining and Measuring Criteria Influencing the Physical Identity of Urban Street Facades (Case Study: Hafez Street, Shiraz). Sustainable Architecture and Urbanism, No. 1: pp. 119–133. [Pesian]. https://doi.org/10.22061/jsaud.2019.4396.1315.
- Gifford, R. (2002). Environmental Psychology: Principles and Practice. Canada. Optimal Books 300 p. https://www.biblio.com/book/environmental-psychology-principles-practice-gifford-r/d/1549868786.
- Habibi, D., Kasalaei, A., Gorjipoor, F., Tavakoli, M. (2018). Explaining the sense of belonging to place and identity in urban spaces with an emphasis on traditional markets. Architecture, 1(3): pp. 1‐8. [Pesian]. DOI: 10.29252/geores 33.2.303.
- Herdeg, K. (1997). Formal Structure in Islamic Iranian and Turkestan Architecture. Translated by Mohammad Taghi Motlaghzadeh. Tehran: Boom Publications, 72 pages. [ Pesian]. https://behkhaan.ir/books/9f833943-e8ea-4793-8385-a1a306e563d4 .
- Hillen Brand, R. (2014). Islamic Architecture: Form, Function, and Meaning. Translated by Baqer Ayatollahzadeh Shirazi. Tehran: Rozaneh, 636 pages. https://fidibo.com/book/6409.
- Hosseinian, H., Soheili, J., Alborzi, F. (2022). Examining the Impact of Formal Structure on Understanding the Geometric Patterns of Naqsh-e Jahan Square and Its Surrounding Buildings from the Formalist Perspective. Islamic Architecture Research Quarterly, No. 1: pp. 1–23. [Pesian]. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52547/jria.11.1.8.
- Jalali, S., Hosseinian, Z., Yeganeh, M., Bemanin, MR. (2021). Analyzing the Role of Coherence and Spatial Continuity in the Geometric Structure of Traditional Iranian Bazaars (Case Study: Tabriz Bazaar). Andisheh Memari, No. 10: pp. 124–137. [Pesian]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30479/at.2020.12383.1408.
- Khoshroui, M., Askari Zad, R. (2019). Geometric Analysis of Isfahan Jame Mosque Plan with Emphasis on Its Morphological Evolution. Shabak, No. 4: pp. 53–60. [ Pesian]. https://sid.ir/paper/522562/fa.
- Krier, R. (2007). Morphology of Urban Spaces. Translated by Khosrow Hasheminejad. Isfahan: Khak, 212 pages. [Pesian]. https://www.gisoom.com/book/1339099.
- Memarian, Gh.H. (2023). A Review of Theoretical Foundations of Architecture. No. 11, Tehran: Soroush Danesh, 576 pages. [Pesian]. https://www.gisoom.com/book/1339858.
- Mohseni, M. (2018). The Importance of Proportions in Nature and Their Role in Architecture. Applied Research Center, NAJA Engineering Deputy, No. 37: pp. 7–30. [ Pesian]. https://www.magiran.com/p2478136.
- Najari Nabi, R., Mahdinejad, J. (2020). Evaluating the Role of Physical and Functional Factors in the Sociability of Traditional Iranian Bazaars Using Space Syntax Technique (Case Study: Tabriz Bazaar). Bagh-e Nazar, No. 17: pp. 67–82. [Pesian]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2020.182777.4088.
- Palladio, A. (2013). The four books of Architecture 2013. Dover Publications 352 p. https://archive.org/details/gri_33125011569684/page/n7/mode/2up
- Peng, J., Strijker, D., Wu, Q. (2020). Place identity: How far have we come in exploring its meanings? . Frontiers in Psychology. 294 p. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00294.
- Perlman, M. (2020). Le Corbusier: A Cold Worldview. Translated by Mehdi Shadkar. Tehran: Rozaneh, 280 pages. [ Pesian]. https://www.iranketab.ir/book/34607-le-corbusier.
- Proshansky, A., Fabian, H., Kaminoff, M. (1970). Environmental Psychology: Man and His Physical Setting. Translated by Mohammadreza Rezaei. Tehran: Roshd Publishing, 496 pages. [ Pesian]. https://roshdpress.ir.
- Proshansky, H.M., Fabian, A.K., Kaminoff, R. (1983). Place-identity: physical world socialization of the self. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 3: pp. 57-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(83)80021-8.
- Relph, E. (2008). Place and placelessness. London: Sage: pp. 43‐51. https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/place-and-placelessness/book249276.
- Rezazadeh, R. (2006). Psychological and sociological approach to spatial identity in new cities. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Cities, first edition, Tehran. Publications of New Cities Development Company, 120 p. [Pesian]. https://jias.kashanu.ac.ir.
- Rollero, C., De Piccoli, N. (2010). Place attachment, identification, and environment perception: An empirical study. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 30(2): pp. 198-205. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-environmental-psychology.
- Seidian, S.A., Alinia, S., Heydarnataj, V. (2017). Typology of Urban Facades with Formal Approach (Case Study: Imam Khomeini Square). Bagh-e Nazar, No. 53: pp. 15–32. [ Pesian]. https://www.bagh-sj.com/article_51265.html.
- Silvaye, S., Daneshjoo, Kh., Farmihan Farahani, S. (2012). Geometry in Pre-Islamic Iranian Architecture and Its Manifestation in Contemporary Iranian Architecture. Naqsh-e Jahan, Vol. 3, No. 1: pp. 55–60. http://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article-2-6205-fa.html.
- Soini, K., Vaarala, H., Pouta, E. (2012). Residents' Sense of Place and Landscape Perceptions at the Rural-Urban Interface, Landscape and Urban Planning,104(1): pp. 125-131. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/landscape-and-urban-planning
- Soltanzadeh, H. (2014). Iranian Bazaars. Tehran: Office of Cultural Research, 120 pages. [ Pesian]. https://www.gisoom.com/book/1205370.
- Tabatabai, M. (2014). Theoretical Foundations of Architecture. Tehran: Fatemi Publications, 184 pages. [Pesian]. https://www.gisoom.com/book/11019884.