From Visual Decoration to Urban Regeneration: An Analysis of the Social and Identity-Oriented Functions of Sculptures and Urban Installations in Esfarayen’s Public Squares

Hossein Hataminejad¹ Fatemeh Tavanafar² Abbas Ziari³

1) Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2) M.Sc. Student, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3) B.Sc. in Urban Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.

IOI Code : ACFE-ACABZE
Publication : 8th.International Conference & 9th.National Conference on Civil Engineering, Architecture, Art and Urban Design(9iccacs.ir)
Abstract :
    This study examines the role of urban sculptures and installations in enhancing visual quality, cultural identity, place attachment, social functioning, and urban regeneration potential in the public squares of Esfarayen, Iran. The research is applied in purpose and adopts a descriptive–analytical approach. Physical data were collected through field observations and photographic documentation of selected squares. To assess citizens’ perceptions, a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising 26 items across five dimensions was administered to 100 residents and visitors. Questionnaire reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and the data were analyzed using one-sample t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression in SPSS. The one-sample t-test results indicated that the mean scores for all five dimensions were significantly above the scale midpoint (p < 0.001). “Place attachment and mental image of the city” received the highest mean score (4.18), whereas “social functioning of urban installations and square spaces” recorded the lowest (3.76). A positive correlation between visual quality and cultural compatibility and urban identity (r = 0.607) indicated that more favorable aesthetic evaluations were associated with stronger perceptions of cultural compatibility. The regression results showed that the four dimensions visual quality, cultural compatibility and urban identity, place attachment and mental image of the city, and social functioning collectively explained 31.1% of the variance in “urban space quality enhancement and regeneration” (R² = 0.311; p < 0.001). Overall, the findings suggest that, from respondents’ perspectives, urban installations in Esfarayen’s squares extend beyond decorative functions and contribute positively to representing the city’s historical identity and local culture, particularly Kurmanj cultural symbols. However, strengthening their role in urban regeneration requires improving the surrounding public spaces and providing opportunities for lingering, pedestrian access, and social interaction.

Keywords : urban installations urban identity place attachment social interaction urban regeneration esfarayen