Meydan: Indeterminate Urban Spaces in Iranian Cities

Subject Areas : architecture

Mohammad Hassan Ebrahimi ¹

1 - . Senior Research Associate and Visiting Professor at Palnning Research Institue, London.

Received: 2009-05-22 Accepted : 2009-06-15 Published : 2009-08-23

Keywords:

Abstract :

This paper aims to discuss Iranian public squares (meydan), their origins, evolution and current demise.        It initially demonstrate that the meydan emerge as a pre-determined and necessary public space, meydan, has started as any other similar public spaces in other historical cities of the world. Shaping the same socio-economic raison-d'etre as similar urban spaces in other parts of the world. Thus, it has been a place for not only public gatherings and commerce, but also a focal point and a place for manifestation of power, both religious and political, as has been customary throghout the world. Based on a set of chronological categories,(termed as classical/pre-modern), transitional, modern and post modern periods), issues related to design, form and function are compared and contrasted. Particular attention is paid to the underlying forces and ideas that have shaped urban relations, as well as the functions and processes of the spatial formation of these public focal points. The aim is to demonstrate  that despite their historical and architectural significance, Iranian meydan have failed to evolve and response to the overall development of Iranian urban life. To make meydan of today properly functional, to re- estabilsh their urban role and free them from their current confusion and lack of definition, they urgently need to be re-evaluated and redefined.

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