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Volume 39, Issue 1 (2024)
GeoRes 2024, 39(1): 89-96 |
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Received: 2024/02/10 | Accepted: 2024/04/15 | Published: 2024/04/28
Received: 2024/02/10 | Accepted: 2024/04/15 | Published: 2024/04/28
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Rahmani Shamasbi F, Shams M, Sarver R. Evaluation of Effective Components in the Construction of the Physical Zone of Entrance Points of the Ardabil City. GeoRes 2024; 39 (1) :89-96
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1- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Malayer Branch, Islamic Azad University, Malayer, Iran
2- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Malayer Branch, Islamic Azad University, Malayer, Iran
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Background
The construction of urban entrance spaces plays a crucial role in defining the character and identity of cities. Properly designed entrance spaces are vital for enhancing urban vitality, contributing to the aesthetic and functional aspects of a city's structure. Historically, cities had unique structural qualities at their entrances, reflecting a coherent identity aligned with historical, cultural, and socio-political contexts. This coherence helped preserve the identity and morphology of city entrances over time. However, contemporary urban development often lacks a thoughtful approach to designing these crucial spaces, resulting in a disintegration of identity and a diminished sense of place.
Previous Studies
Numerous studies have explored various aspects of urban entrance spaces. For instance, Bagheri and Mansouri (2018) view entrances as gateways to the city that encompass hierarchical perceptual, visual, and physical domains. Daneshpour and Mastiani (2014) describe the perceptual domain of urban entrances as semi-independent, engaging the psychological readiness of individuals to enter the city. Other researchers like Khademi and Rafiee Jozam (2009) emphasize the physical domain of entrances as the endpoint for individuals arriving in the city. These studies collectively underline the multifaceted nature of urban entrances, yet they often fall short of providing a coherent framework for understanding their design.
Aim(s)
The primary aim of this research was to analyze the role of spatial structure elements in enhancing the urban entrance spaces of Ardabil city. By investigating the interaction between these elements and the broader urban context, the study seeks to establish a framework for the effective design of city entrances that acknowledges their historical significance and urban functionality.
Research Type
This research was applied in nature, focusing on the practical implications of urban design theory in real-world contexts. The study employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, utilizing surveys and observational assessments to gather data.
Research Society
The target population for this research included university professors, specialists, and students from various disciplines related to urban planning and architecture. This demographic was well-equipped to provide insights and evaluations regarding the structural elements and design principles governing urban entrances.
Place and Time
The study was conducted in Ardabil, a city located in northwest Iran, during the 2021-2022 period. This temporal context was critical as it reflected contemporary urban challenges and the pressing need for revitalizing city entrances.
Sampling Method and Number
A questionnaire was developed with five main items related to the spatial structure of city entrances. The questionnaire was first validated by academic experts in the field. Following revisions, a sample size of 90 participants was determined using Cochran’s formula, ensuring a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 0.5. Participants were selected through simple random sampling to gather diverse perspectives on the subject matter.
Used Devices & Materials
The research utilized a structured questionnaire designed to assess various elements impacting the design of urban entrances. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, where methods such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were employed to check for normality, and Friedman tests were used to rank the importance of different variables.
The study identified and designed the key components influencing the structure of city entry spaces, focusing on their geographical functions and the issues arising from a lack of distinctive structures. It highlighted the central location of city entrances as transitional areas between urban and rural environments, which creates a unique spatial form. Additionally, it emphasized the entry space's role in facilitating communication and connectivity between various locations. The geographical position of these spaces significantly affected their structural diversity, and despite their limited size, they serve as crucial connectors between larger areas. The ongoing urban development posed threats to the functionality of these entry zones, making it vital to maintain their integrity amidst competing land uses.
Findings by Text
To rank the importance of the items in influencing the parameters of city entry space structure, the items were analyzed using the Friedman test. Based on this test, the identified components had varying degrees of impact on the physical structure of city entry points (degrees of freedom=4, significance level=0.001, and F value=83.72). As a result, the items were confirmed (Table 1).
Table 1: Ranking of factors affecting the physical structure of city entry spaces based on the Friedman test
The study identified several key components influencing the spatial structure of Ardabil's urban entrances, categorized as follows:
The construction of urban entrance spaces plays a crucial role in defining the character and identity of cities. Properly designed entrance spaces are vital for enhancing urban vitality, contributing to the aesthetic and functional aspects of a city's structure. Historically, cities had unique structural qualities at their entrances, reflecting a coherent identity aligned with historical, cultural, and socio-political contexts. This coherence helped preserve the identity and morphology of city entrances over time. However, contemporary urban development often lacks a thoughtful approach to designing these crucial spaces, resulting in a disintegration of identity and a diminished sense of place.
Previous Studies
Numerous studies have explored various aspects of urban entrance spaces. For instance, Bagheri and Mansouri (2018) view entrances as gateways to the city that encompass hierarchical perceptual, visual, and physical domains. Daneshpour and Mastiani (2014) describe the perceptual domain of urban entrances as semi-independent, engaging the psychological readiness of individuals to enter the city. Other researchers like Khademi and Rafiee Jozam (2009) emphasize the physical domain of entrances as the endpoint for individuals arriving in the city. These studies collectively underline the multifaceted nature of urban entrances, yet they often fall short of providing a coherent framework for understanding their design.
Aim(s)
The primary aim of this research was to analyze the role of spatial structure elements in enhancing the urban entrance spaces of Ardabil city. By investigating the interaction between these elements and the broader urban context, the study seeks to establish a framework for the effective design of city entrances that acknowledges their historical significance and urban functionality.
Research Type
This research was applied in nature, focusing on the practical implications of urban design theory in real-world contexts. The study employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, utilizing surveys and observational assessments to gather data.
Research Society
The target population for this research included university professors, specialists, and students from various disciplines related to urban planning and architecture. This demographic was well-equipped to provide insights and evaluations regarding the structural elements and design principles governing urban entrances.
Place and Time
The study was conducted in Ardabil, a city located in northwest Iran, during the 2021-2022 period. This temporal context was critical as it reflected contemporary urban challenges and the pressing need for revitalizing city entrances.
Sampling Method and Number
A questionnaire was developed with five main items related to the spatial structure of city entrances. The questionnaire was first validated by academic experts in the field. Following revisions, a sample size of 90 participants was determined using Cochran’s formula, ensuring a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 0.5. Participants were selected through simple random sampling to gather diverse perspectives on the subject matter.
Used Devices & Materials
The research utilized a structured questionnaire designed to assess various elements impacting the design of urban entrances. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, where methods such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were employed to check for normality, and Friedman tests were used to rank the importance of different variables.
The study identified and designed the key components influencing the structure of city entry spaces, focusing on their geographical functions and the issues arising from a lack of distinctive structures. It highlighted the central location of city entrances as transitional areas between urban and rural environments, which creates a unique spatial form. Additionally, it emphasized the entry space's role in facilitating communication and connectivity between various locations. The geographical position of these spaces significantly affected their structural diversity, and despite their limited size, they serve as crucial connectors between larger areas. The ongoing urban development posed threats to the functionality of these entry zones, making it vital to maintain their integrity amidst competing land uses.
Findings by Text
To rank the importance of the items in influencing the parameters of city entry space structure, the items were analyzed using the Friedman test. Based on this test, the identified components had varying degrees of impact on the physical structure of city entry points (degrees of freedom=4, significance level=0.001, and F value=83.72). As a result, the items were confirmed (Table 1).
Table 1: Ranking of factors affecting the physical structure of city entry spaces based on the Friedman test
The study identified several key components influencing the spatial structure of Ardabil's urban entrances, categorized as follows:
- Intermediate Position of the Entrance: Urban entrances serve as transitional spaces between rural and urban environments, requiring careful design to maintain their distinctiveness and functionality.
- Communicative Role of the Entrance: Effective urban entrances facilitate connections within the city and with external areas, serving as vital communication corridors.
- Geographical Context: The geographical positioning of entrances, influenced by topography and land use, significantly shapes their structural form and design.
- Small Scale of Space: Despite their small scale, entrance spaces should effectively bridge the surrounding urban and rural areas without losing their functional significance.
- Urban Development: The potential for urban expansion poses threats to the integrity of entrance spaces, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and cohesive design.
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The study of spatial structure at city entry points revealed significant insights that align with existing literature on urban geography and design. Similar to Norozi (2013), this research emphasized the importance of intermediary spaces between urban and rural environments, highlighting the critical role of physical forms in facilitating transitions. It corroborates Ross (1986) and Saillingaros (2000), who stress the need to maintain the unique characteristics of these transitional areas to ensure their functional integrity. Additionally, Zyari (2009) addresses the concept of relative city boundaries, resonating with findings on the impact of urban development on entry points. Overall, this study builds upon and confirms previous research, indicating a shared recognition of the critical role of city entry spaces in urban planning and their implications for urban-rural connectivity and identity.
Suggestions
Based on the analysis, the study suggests several design principles for enhancing urban entrance spaces:
The study of spatial structure at city entry points revealed significant insights that align with existing literature on urban geography and design. Similar to Norozi (2013), this research emphasized the importance of intermediary spaces between urban and rural environments, highlighting the critical role of physical forms in facilitating transitions. It corroborates Ross (1986) and Saillingaros (2000), who stress the need to maintain the unique characteristics of these transitional areas to ensure their functional integrity. Additionally, Zyari (2009) addresses the concept of relative city boundaries, resonating with findings on the impact of urban development on entry points. Overall, this study builds upon and confirms previous research, indicating a shared recognition of the critical role of city entry spaces in urban planning and their implications for urban-rural connectivity and identity.
Suggestions
Based on the analysis, the study suggests several design principles for enhancing urban entrance spaces:
- Establish clear physical boundaries to enhance the perception of entrances.
- Incorporate diverse land uses to create vibrant, multifunctional spaces.
- Enhance visual and communicative elements to reinforce the identity of city entrances.
- Foster community engagement in the design process to reflect local culture and history.
Conclusion
The elements of physical space design contribute to improving the city entry areas, resulting in more cohesive and legible entry spaces.
Acknowledgment: The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the professors of the Geography and Urban Planning Department at Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, for their cooperation.
Ethical Permission: No ethical concerns were reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: No conflicts of interest were reported by the authors.
Authors' Contributions: Rahmani Shamasbi (first author), Main researcher/Introduction writer/statistical analyst/discussion writer (50%); Shams M (second author), Methodologist (25%); Sarvar R (third author), Methodologist (25%).
Funding: This article is derived from the first author's doctoral dissertation titled "Explaining the Model of Space Construction at City Entry Points, Case Study: Ardabil City Entries," supervised by the second author and advised by the third author at the Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran. The research was conducted with the personal funding of the first author.
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