An Examination of the Impact of Urban Design and Landscape, and the Role of Architecture in Strengthening Urban Identity—and Its Influence on Citizens Behavior and Ethics: A Case Study of the Imam Khomeini Street Axis in Tabriz (from Saat Square to Daneshgah Square)

kokab dehgan shirvanedeh¹

1) PhD student in architecture, Azad University of Ahar

IOI Code : ABGG-ACABAB
Publication : 11th.International Conference on Researches in Science & Engineering & 8th.International Congress on Civil, Architecture and Urbanism in Asia(11icrsie.ir)
Abstract :
    Abstract: The city, as a setting for the formation of social, cultural, and behavioral relationships, is not merely a collection of physical and functional elements; rather, it is a perceptual and social environment whose quality can influence the attitudes, emotions, identity, and behavior of its citizens. Urban design, urban landscape, and architecture are among the most significant factors shaping environmental quality and citizens mental image of a place. By enhancing legibility, aesthetics, visual coherence, a sense of belonging, and place identity, these elements can foster desirable social behaviors. In this context, significant historical urban corridors—possessing physical, historical, and cultural value—play a distinct role in shaping urban identity. This research investigates the impact of urban design and landscape, as well as the role of architecture, in strengthening urban identity and its subsequent effect on the behavior and ethics of citizens. The Imam Khomeini Street corridor in Tabriz—stretching from Saat Square to Daneshgah Square—has been selected as the case study area. Urban identity is a crucial component of environmental quality and defines the relationship between citizens and urban space. However, the proliferation of uniform architectural patterns, the imitation of non-indigenous styles, and a disregard for the specific climatic, historical, and cultural characteristics of a place can weaken urban identity. This study explores the role of architecture in the formation, continuity, and reinforcement of urban identity. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach based on literature review, the research examines factors such as physical characteristics, vernacular architecture, culture, history, collective memory, legibility, sense of belonging, urban imagery, and social interaction. Research findings indicate that urban identity emerges from the interaction among physical, social, cultural, historical, and natural factors. Architecture can effectively contribute to the creation of urban identity only when it addresses contemporary needs while simultaneously engaging with the city’s historical, cultural, and climatic context. Accordingly, focusing on vernacular architecture, the informed use of historical elements, alignment with the human scale, the strengthening of communal spaces, and the active participation of citizens can help enhance urban identity. Today, due to their diverse functions, urban streets serve as one of the most influential urban elements in the daily lives of citizens; however, the neglect of social dimensions in urban design has unfortunately exerted adverse effects on citizens behavioral patterns within these spaces. This study is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical, survey-based methodology. Data will be collected through literature reviews, field observations, and a researcher-designed questionnaire. The study examines components such as the quality of the urban landscape, architecture and building facades, legibility, visual coherence, historical elements, street furniture, the quality of pedestrian spaces, urban identity, and the sense of place attachment, while evaluating their relationship with civic behavior and ethics. It is anticipated that the findings will demonstrate that improving the quality of urban design and architecture—provided it is harmonized with the historical and cultural characteristics of a place—can strengthen urban identity and citizens sense of belonging. Ultimately, this fosters an environment conducive to increased social interaction, a greater sense of responsibility, respect for the rights of others, and the cultivation of desirable civic behaviors.

Keywords : urban design urban landscape vernacular architecture urban identity sense of place civic behavior imam khomeini street tabriz