Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Technical and Engineering Faculty, Zanjan University., rahmanpour@znu.ac.ir
Abstract: (31 Views)
Statement of the problem: The historical contexts of Iranian cities, especially in urban centers, face challenges such as physical deterioration and functional changes. City center development programs are implemented with the aim of improving the quality of public spaces and strengthening urban functions, but some cause disruption in the historical structure and reduce the social cohesion of neighborhoods. This research aims to investigate the effects of the Sabzeh-e-Meydan Zanjan development program in two physical and functional dimensions on the structure of the historical center and its surrounding context.
Research method: The research method is descriptive-analytical and based on a case study. Data collection was carried out using library resources, documents, and development programs, along with field visits and observing people's behavior, and the information obtained was examined using content analysis and logical reasoning.
Findings: The findings of the Zanjan Sabzeh-Meydan project study show that although this plan has increased presence, social interactions, and improved the quality of urban space, it has weakened the historical hierarchy, neighborhood centers, and micro-collective spaces by creating integrated spaces instead of a micro-neighborhood network. The reduction in the diversity of social, commercial, and religious uses at the neighborhood level and the transfer of activities to the city center have resulted in functional concentration and a decline in neighborhood life, disrupting local access, reducing security, and increasing non-local users. However, interventions in the southern part, such as sidewalk construction and revitalization of Sabzeh-Meydan, have improved urban access and strengthened visual communication, enhancing presence and social activities on a trans-neighborhood scale.
Conclusion: The results of the study emphasize that the success of development programs in historical contexts requires a balance between physical and functional considerations, maintaining neighborhood social ties, and enhancing the quality of life. This study shows that place-based interventions and attention to spatial development components can help maintain the integrity of the historical context while improving urban performance.
Research method: The research method is descriptive-analytical and based on a case study. Data collection was carried out using library resources, documents, and development programs, along with field visits and observing people's behavior, and the information obtained was examined using content analysis and logical reasoning.
Findings: The findings of the Zanjan Sabzeh-Meydan project study show that although this plan has increased presence, social interactions, and improved the quality of urban space, it has weakened the historical hierarchy, neighborhood centers, and micro-collective spaces by creating integrated spaces instead of a micro-neighborhood network. The reduction in the diversity of social, commercial, and religious uses at the neighborhood level and the transfer of activities to the city center have resulted in functional concentration and a decline in neighborhood life, disrupting local access, reducing security, and increasing non-local users. However, interventions in the southern part, such as sidewalk construction and revitalization of Sabzeh-Meydan, have improved urban access and strengthened visual communication, enhancing presence and social activities on a trans-neighborhood scale.
Conclusion: The results of the study emphasize that the success of development programs in historical contexts requires a balance between physical and functional considerations, maintaining neighborhood social ties, and enhancing the quality of life. This study shows that place-based interventions and attention to spatial development components can help maintain the integrity of the historical context while improving urban performance.
Article number: 3
Editorial: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/10/4 | Accepted: 2025/11/11 | Published: 2025/11/12
Received: 2025/10/4 | Accepted: 2025/11/11 | Published: 2025/11/12
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