Document Type : Original Article
Subjects
1. Introduction
Any adequate explanation in urban planning depends on paying attention to the three issues of space, time, and social mechanisms. This importance has become the subject of numerous and diverse theorizing, which has reflected both positive and negative results in different cities. In this regard, the proportionality of space, the meaning of "identity" space, the degree of social accessibility, and the vitality of space in terms of the quantity and quality of social interactions, as well as the components of social capital (trust, solidarity, and social participation), are of considerable importance. With this in mind, one of the key characteristics of a good city, in addition to offering economic opportunities, attractive architecture, and suitable cultural features, is a vibrant social life, which is reflected in the context of urban spaces. Therefore, it is essential to lay the groundwork for city development by examining the vitality of urban spaces and explaining their role in social life. This issue, particularly in border areas that present various complexities, demands greater attention to prevent population displacement to urban centers while fostering vibrant urban spaces. In this regard, considering the importance of border areas and the vitality of their urban spaces, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the vitality of urban spaces and their impact on social life in the border city of Piranshahr.
2. Materials and Methods
The research method employed in the present study is quantitative and explanatory, both in terms of its purpose and the application of the results, making it an applied research type. The statistical population of the study also includes the citizens of Piranshahr. The statistical population of the research also includes the citizens of Piranshahr. To determine the sample size, the Cochran method was used, and the sample size was determined to be 384 people. The method of determining the sample size is based on the simple random sampling method. Also, in order to analyze the information, structural equation modeling in Smart-pls software (the current status of the vitality of urban spaces in Piranshahr) and T-test (study of the social life of urban spaces in Piranshahr) and Pearson (study of the relationship between vitality and social life of urban spaces in Piranshahr) in SPSS software.
3. Results and Discussion
Based on the results obtained, the highest realizability among the vitality indicators of Piranshahr urban spaces was related to the perceptual-aesthetic, identity-meaning, physical, safety-health, and performance indicators, respectively, with coefficients extracted from the structural model for each being 0.724, 0.658, 0.612, 0.584, and 0.516. Among the sub-indicators, the most achievable are the components of cleanliness and tidiness, the use of green-blue elements, easy access to various spaces, the desirability of urban spaces from the local architectural perspective, and the desirability of pedestrian walkways. The statistical value in the research model for the variables indicates that the three indicators of perceptual-aesthetic, identity-meaning, and physicality have a statistical value higher than 2.58, and their realizability is significant at a 99% confidence level. Also, the two health-safety and performance indicators have a statistic lower than 1.96, and their situation is undesirable in Piranshahr. On the other hand, the results show that among the indicators of social life in urban spaces, two indicators of social interactions and social belonging are in a favorable state at a 95% confidence level. Also, the social responsiveness index is in an unfavorable state. Among the sub-indicators, out of the 10 components studied, only two components, namely the richness of activities and responsiveness to time-spatial needs and the provision of opportunities for education, learning, and guidance, had unfavorable conditions.
4. Conclusions
Studies in Piranshahr city show that from the perspective of perceptual-aesthetic indicators such as the use of green-blue elements, beauty (visual and eye-catching quality) and diversity of species (trees and shrubs) of vegetation, physical indicators such as easy access to different spaces, appropriate lighting of different spaces at night and the absence of blind spaces and the desirability of passages for walking, and identity-meaning indicators such as the use of signs and legibility of city spaces, the identity and memorability of spaces and the desirability of urban spaces from the perspective of vernacular architecture, the vitality of the city is in a favorable state. However, in terms of safety-health indicators such as psychological peace and a sense of security in space, necessary safety warnings and appropriate monitoring in different spaces, and performance indicators of responding to time and space needs and emphasizing nightlife, the city's vitality has been unsatisfactory. Also, the study of social life in Piranshahr urban spaces shows that from the perspective of social interactions such as promoting personal and social connections, social activities, social empowerment, forming participation and social trust between citizens, and eliminating the contexts and feelings of loss of people, as well as the formation of social belonging such as creating memories and creating valuable and memorable experiences and strengthening the sense of identity and belonging to the place, the city's conditions are favorable, and from the perspective of the social responsiveness index, i.e., the richness of activities and responding to time-space needs and providing the possibility of education, learning, and guidance, the city's conditions are evaluated as unfavorable. The results also indicate a significant relationship between the components of vitality and social life in urban spaces at a 95% confidence level, suggesting that increasing vitality has led to an improvement in social life.
5. Acknowledgment & Funding
The authors are thankful to all interview participants for supporting this research. Also, the manuscript did not receive a grant from any organization.
6. Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
