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Volume 38, Issue 4 (2023)
GeoRes 2023, 38(4): 559-567 |
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Received: 2023/09/12 | Accepted: 2023/10/14 | Published: 2023/12/31
Received: 2023/09/12 | Accepted: 2023/10/14 | Published: 2023/12/31
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Aghlmand Azarian S, Saghafi Asl A, Abdollahzadeh Taraf A, Sattarzadeh D. Identifying Factors Affecting the Improvement of Social Relations in the Urban Space under the Influence of the Place-making Approach in Ferdous Neighborhood of Tabriz. GeoRes 2023; 38 (4) :559-567
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1- Department of Art & Architecture, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
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Background
Urban areas offer a chance for social interactions to occur, and enhancing their quality is a key objective of contemporary urban planning. The city is animated and active due to the presence of people, their interactions, and their social life, as it serves as a manifestation of their collective existence.
Previous Studies
Place-making typically refers to the creation of physical spaces or events that communities may use to express and showcase their unique local identity. Placemaking, which is a form of urban planning involvement, aims to unite various interests [Beza & Hernandez, 2018]. The function of an environment within the city can be determined by its content. Put simply, if individuals are unable to form social connections with others in a given setting and fail to engage in contact, that setting has not effectively served its purpose as an urban area. Comprehending the connection between society and the environment is crucial in the field of urban design [Mihaylov & Perkins, 2014]. Social relations refer to the interaction and interdependence between individuals and their behavioral tendencies. The field of urban studies has placed significant emphasis on the concept of sociability due to its positive impact on individual health [Brough et al., 2006].
Aim(s)
The objective of the present study was to ascertain the constituents of the place-making approach and assess its influence and function in the social dynamics of urban areas.
Research Type
This is an applied study.
Research Society, Place, and Time
The present study is an applied research conducted in 2021 in the city of Tabriz, in the Ferdous area of the 2nd region of Tabriz municipality. The study location was selected based on its high levels of population density and frequent visitation.
Sampling Method and Number
The research's statistical population consisted of all individuals residing in the Ferdous region of Tabriz city.
Used Devices & Materials
A 49-question questionnaire was created using the established elements of place-making to enhance social connections. The questionnaire was assessed using the Likert scale, which includes options ranging from very high to very low. The results were analyzed using SPSS 26 software. Regression statistical tests were conducted to identify and quantify the factors that influence the concept of location in promoting social relations. These tests were used to determine which items have an effect in the context and to assess the influence of independent variables. Spearman's correlation test was employed to examine the degree of correlation among variables. Friedman test was utilized to determine the importance of each component in the neighborhood, while ANOVA was used to compare factors in the neighborhood.
Findings by Text
The research findings can be classified into quantitative and qualitative outcomes.
Identifying and analyzing the beneficial elements of the location method in rejuvenating social ties
The chosen urban space was subjected to analysis and investigation in this stage. The initial stage involved the identification of key factors influencing the restoration of social interactions. The correlation coefficient (R) between the variables is 0.670, indicating a strong correlation between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Additionally, the adjusted coefficient (R Square) has a value of 0.449, suggesting that 44.9% of the total changes in improving social relations in urban spaces can be attributed to the explanatory components of placemaking. According to this, all the variables were mutually influencing each other (Table 1).
Table 1) the interactions between parameters
The study investigated the correlation between the different elements of the place-making method and the enhancement of social interactions inside urban spaces. The findings revealed a strong and statistically significant association (n=383, r=0.435, p<0.01) between the social and physical dimensions (Table 2).
Table 2) The Spearman's correlation coefficient to assess the association between the key elements of the place-making strategy in enhancing social interactions within metropolitan areas
Understanding the relative importance of the different factors that contribute to explaining the concept of location, as determined by the Friedman test
The Friedman's test was employed to assess individuals' voting patterns and determine the relative significance of each component in explaining the concept of place-making in reviving social relations in metropolitan areas. According to the test results, each of the components had a statistically significant impact on explaining the notion of place-making in the resurrection of social interactions (significance level = 0.000).
Main comparisons to similar studies
Wyckoff's research suggests the need to establish a platform that promotes a sense of security [Wyckoff, 2014]. Grabow's study emphasizes the importance of diversifying activities and integrating different uses [Grabow, 2013]. Ebrahimpour and Ostadi's study proposes organizing movement in the communication network and designing a continuous access network [Ebrahimpour & Ostadi, 2022]. To enhance social connections, it is essential to have a large number of people engaging in activities, ensure a suitable distribution of uses, and implement projects that enhance the attractiveness of the space from a perceptual standpoint [Habibi et al., 2021]. These factors are crucial in the placemaking method. It was crucial to establish effective management and policy measures in this regard. Additionally, it was imperative to make economic investments and empower the local population in parallel. Markusen and Gadowa have recognized the support of both the private and government sectors in economic investments as a successful component in determining the location [Markusen & Gadowa, 2016].
Suggestions
It is recommended to prioritize the involvement of local actors, the development of neighborhood space infrastructures, and the enhancement of capacities in order to foster social interactions and promote the growth of neighborhood relations.
Conclusion
The most crucial indicators for promoting social relations in a space are the presence of vibrant areas nearby, adequate security at the neighborhood level, and a distinct local identity. On the other hand, the use of public art in design and bottom-up planning are the least significant indicators for fostering social connections in the area. They assigned a city exclusively to themselves.
Acknowledgments: The authors express their sincere gratitude to the professionals for their valuable contribution in completing the questionnaires, as well as to the urban planning department of the Islamic Azad University, Tabriz branch, for their collaboration.
Conflicts of Interests: None declared by the authors.
Ethical Permissions: The following article is extracted from the doctoral thesis of the primary author titled "Investigating the influence of place-making on enhancing social relations in modern urban neighborhoods in Iran, with a case study of selected neighborhoods in Tabriz city." This thesis is currently undergoing editing at the Islamic Azad University, Tabriz branch.
Authors’ Contribution: Aghlmand Azarian S (First Author), Main Researcher/Introduction Writer (28%); Saghafi Asl A (Second Author), Methodologist/Statistical Analyst (24%); Abdollahzadeh Taraf A (Third Author), Statistical Analyst (24%); Sattarzadeh D (Fourth Author), Discussion Writer/ (24%)
Funding: This study was carried out at the personal expense of the first author.
Urban areas offer a chance for social interactions to occur, and enhancing their quality is a key objective of contemporary urban planning. The city is animated and active due to the presence of people, their interactions, and their social life, as it serves as a manifestation of their collective existence.
Previous Studies
Place-making typically refers to the creation of physical spaces or events that communities may use to express and showcase their unique local identity. Placemaking, which is a form of urban planning involvement, aims to unite various interests [Beza & Hernandez, 2018]. The function of an environment within the city can be determined by its content. Put simply, if individuals are unable to form social connections with others in a given setting and fail to engage in contact, that setting has not effectively served its purpose as an urban area. Comprehending the connection between society and the environment is crucial in the field of urban design [Mihaylov & Perkins, 2014]. Social relations refer to the interaction and interdependence between individuals and their behavioral tendencies. The field of urban studies has placed significant emphasis on the concept of sociability due to its positive impact on individual health [Brough et al., 2006].
Aim(s)
The objective of the present study was to ascertain the constituents of the place-making approach and assess its influence and function in the social dynamics of urban areas.
Research Type
This is an applied study.
Research Society, Place, and Time
The present study is an applied research conducted in 2021 in the city of Tabriz, in the Ferdous area of the 2nd region of Tabriz municipality. The study location was selected based on its high levels of population density and frequent visitation.
Sampling Method and Number
The research's statistical population consisted of all individuals residing in the Ferdous region of Tabriz city.
Used Devices & Materials
A 49-question questionnaire was created using the established elements of place-making to enhance social connections. The questionnaire was assessed using the Likert scale, which includes options ranging from very high to very low. The results were analyzed using SPSS 26 software. Regression statistical tests were conducted to identify and quantify the factors that influence the concept of location in promoting social relations. These tests were used to determine which items have an effect in the context and to assess the influence of independent variables. Spearman's correlation test was employed to examine the degree of correlation among variables. Friedman test was utilized to determine the importance of each component in the neighborhood, while ANOVA was used to compare factors in the neighborhood.
Findings by Text
The research findings can be classified into quantitative and qualitative outcomes.
Identifying and analyzing the beneficial elements of the location method in rejuvenating social ties
The chosen urban space was subjected to analysis and investigation in this stage. The initial stage involved the identification of key factors influencing the restoration of social interactions. The correlation coefficient (R) between the variables is 0.670, indicating a strong correlation between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Additionally, the adjusted coefficient (R Square) has a value of 0.449, suggesting that 44.9% of the total changes in improving social relations in urban spaces can be attributed to the explanatory components of placemaking. According to this, all the variables were mutually influencing each other (Table 1).
Table 1) the interactions between parameters
The study investigated the correlation between the different elements of the place-making method and the enhancement of social interactions inside urban spaces. The findings revealed a strong and statistically significant association (n=383, r=0.435, p<0.01) between the social and physical dimensions (Table 2).
Table 2) The Spearman's correlation coefficient to assess the association between the key elements of the place-making strategy in enhancing social interactions within metropolitan areas
Understanding the relative importance of the different factors that contribute to explaining the concept of location, as determined by the Friedman test
The Friedman's test was employed to assess individuals' voting patterns and determine the relative significance of each component in explaining the concept of place-making in reviving social relations in metropolitan areas. According to the test results, each of the components had a statistically significant impact on explaining the notion of place-making in the resurrection of social interactions (significance level = 0.000).
Main comparisons to similar studies
Wyckoff's research suggests the need to establish a platform that promotes a sense of security [Wyckoff, 2014]. Grabow's study emphasizes the importance of diversifying activities and integrating different uses [Grabow, 2013]. Ebrahimpour and Ostadi's study proposes organizing movement in the communication network and designing a continuous access network [Ebrahimpour & Ostadi, 2022]. To enhance social connections, it is essential to have a large number of people engaging in activities, ensure a suitable distribution of uses, and implement projects that enhance the attractiveness of the space from a perceptual standpoint [Habibi et al., 2021]. These factors are crucial in the placemaking method. It was crucial to establish effective management and policy measures in this regard. Additionally, it was imperative to make economic investments and empower the local population in parallel. Markusen and Gadowa have recognized the support of both the private and government sectors in economic investments as a successful component in determining the location [Markusen & Gadowa, 2016].
Suggestions
It is recommended to prioritize the involvement of local actors, the development of neighborhood space infrastructures, and the enhancement of capacities in order to foster social interactions and promote the growth of neighborhood relations.
Conclusion
The most crucial indicators for promoting social relations in a space are the presence of vibrant areas nearby, adequate security at the neighborhood level, and a distinct local identity. On the other hand, the use of public art in design and bottom-up planning are the least significant indicators for fostering social connections in the area. They assigned a city exclusively to themselves.
Acknowledgments: The authors express their sincere gratitude to the professionals for their valuable contribution in completing the questionnaires, as well as to the urban planning department of the Islamic Azad University, Tabriz branch, for their collaboration.
Conflicts of Interests: None declared by the authors.
Ethical Permissions: The following article is extracted from the doctoral thesis of the primary author titled "Investigating the influence of place-making on enhancing social relations in modern urban neighborhoods in Iran, with a case study of selected neighborhoods in Tabriz city." This thesis is currently undergoing editing at the Islamic Azad University, Tabriz branch.
Authors’ Contribution: Aghlmand Azarian S (First Author), Main Researcher/Introduction Writer (28%); Saghafi Asl A (Second Author), Methodologist/Statistical Analyst (24%); Abdollahzadeh Taraf A (Third Author), Statistical Analyst (24%); Sattarzadeh D (Fourth Author), Discussion Writer/ (24%)
Funding: This study was carried out at the personal expense of the first author.
Keywords:
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