Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health; 2018:5;12
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Role of environmental psychology in strategic development of urban public spaces based on aesthetic needs of citizens
Mehdi Alyari
MA in urban design, Azad University of Qazvinlyari
MA in urban design, Azad University of Qazvinlyari
Introduction
Urban spaces have always been the focal point of behavioral patterns, and urban-environmental landscapes have become an important center for developing behavioral patterns. Just as early human life was influenced by factors beyond individual control, such as day and night, darkness and brightness (Max Lüscher, 2015:155), so too are urban landscapes defined by various forces - and policies - that direct human behaviors (Ynetta Rawlings, 2015:11). To understand their impact and meaning, we must consider the creation of urban areas (Alyari.Mehdi, 2016:16). Social science may communicate to environmental aesthetics in three ways: first, in studying, inferring and clarifying aesthetic mechanisms. Second, in studying, inferring and clarifying how people respond to aesthetic materials (Bahreyni.H, 2011:157).
Psychological research has greatly helped to clarify the problems caused by social maladies that cause a variety of mental illnesses. One of these studies is the interaction between man and landscape, which means that beauty is neither inherently in the object, nor in the eye of the beholder, but in the relation between the observer and the landscape. Art can play a prominent role in the modern world, especially in planning for place-making through understanding the aesthetic relationships and forming patterns, according to two influential keys of the present-day world in the current cities, which seek a smart treatment based on the understanding of the urban spatial structure. In other words, the city responds to the treatments and how users use the urban space (Appleton.J.1975:9).
Our surroundings in any place or urban space consist of a variety of forms, such as different structures and colors, each of which visually and semantically contain a message to the observer, which according to its role, provoke different mental and emotional reactions at different times. These reactions begin with the viewing and processing of the form and colors of the environment, and these perceptual processes raise mental schemas which trigger a variety of human emotions. Perceptions of environmental capability depend heavily on the person's or group's personality traits and motivations. Each person has inherent needs that direct his behavior and are called instinctive needs (Maleson, 1954, 1968). Accordingly, perceptions of urban environmental aesthetics can directly affect the feelings of individuals. The psychological processing of this information is measurable, since the basic and main subjects are color, measurable by tonality and personality of each color, and form, identified according to the six Gestalt rules (1944-1964). This enables visual meanings, in the form of ideas and mental acquisitions, to be divided into two physical and semantic parts, responsive to human emotions, which can be assessed (Hashberger, 1946).
Urban spaces, according to their dimensions, allow the formation of various types of activities. In public spaces, where there is space for people to maneuver, we see the activity and emergence of more social and behavioral patterns. The more they become public, the more success they can functionally achieve and the more responsive to the physiological needs of citizens. Establishing a relationship between the aesthetic perception of space and behavior with the design and creation of a behavioral setting is a combination of a particular activity and a place (Barker, 1968).
By examining citizens' visual perceptions, and the impact of reflections of different colors, we explore the context for expanding personal or group spaces to face a variety of environmental challenges in urban spaces and pave the wave for future spatial development.
Urban aesthetics
The term aesthetics refers to how to perceive beautiful elements and images,. Its first level is the visual level, and its last level is the spiritual perception of the essence of any phenomenon that directly affects emotions. How to understand and define an aesthetic phenomenon is related to space and the user of that space as the center of perception and understanding of these phenomena, as the relationship between spatial elements and how to correctly understand the needs of citizens can be considered as an important factor for enhancing the quality of urban life. For this reason, the aesthetics have oriented from the one-sided model towards generalism based on environmental psychology and can play a central role in the development of space by understanding the psychological indicators.
The space environment must be compatible with the human biological structure and must provide for human needs such as sleep, consciousness, neglect, and so on. Hence, it needs to provide visual information in a desirable manner, so that neither it does not force a person nor deprive him of the necessary stimuli (Lynch.2008:154). Visual attractions can appear richer in visual tendencies, which is calming, guiding visual activity to find visual invitations created by the harmonies (Steve Tiesdell.2003:158). Human performance depends on information provided by the immediate environment and create an information processing environment, transforming visual patterns into perceptions of the world around us (Kaplan.1998:136). These visual patterns are not static but are constantly changing. This is due to special eye movements viewing the objects. The significance of human evaluation is based on the fact that, unlike other measuring instruments, it can adapt itself to a large extent to the environment, and this is often the determining factor in the success rate of design based on the complex human visual system Shahrampour.Deyhami.2014:4).
One of the most important aesthetic effects on the lives of citizens is the experience of a beautiful environment and a sense of beauty and the simultaneous and tangible function. The personal underlying factors involving in the experiences of urban landscapes cause that the aesthetic experience can not be definite and identical for all, since aesthetics is a process that begins from the stage of mental activity and the activity of the senses and continues to the stage of thinking and reactions and practical activities and the emergence of behavioral patterns, and this can be done in the form of a realistic analysis of the aesthetics of behavioral patterns and on the stimulation of the observer so that we can discern to what extent and at what moment the person or persons are aware and alert. Definitely, the potential for stimulation increases when accompanied by a sense of pleasure, and this greatly depends on the way human perception is manifested in different spaces of the city (Aminzadeh, Behnaz, 2015:79).
Urban spaces
Human beings need to move and discuss and conduct social and economic activities in order to express their existence and activity throughout the day, and therefore, they successively need to move; moving in centers where they stop and express their common feelings. That is why in addition to activity, the structure forms the spirit of urban spaces, which, in general, consists of paths, centers of activity and hangouts. The more effective these spaces functionally play a role in shaping a variety of characteristic behaviors, as well as in meeting their psychological and biological needs, the richer they are and become a kind of excellent interface between the environment and the observer.
Public spaces consist of a number of functional spaces that have a variety of functions, such as sales and social visits, which will eventually require a physical environment for their definition (Henry Shafto.2008:57). The spatial sense variables are explored in terms of semantic and activity. In the semantic group, location identity and beauty are in the category of social activities, sense of community, satisfaction, and comfort of the people (Chiesura Anna, 2004:128). Other effective factors like social characteristics of users also address the behavior and reactions of individuals in space and further contribute to caring the space. One of these important factors is the perception of individuals from an environment that is influenced by what with which they are accustomed, that is, space is defined by activities that human beings perform in particular (Alireza Norozy.2016:5).
Some of these activities belong to characteristic traits that are not manifestly contradictory to human beings, but isolate the human being in an adversarial manner and are classified as non-aggressive characteristic traits. These behaviors are divided into categories such as isolationism, cowardice, lack of sense of co-operation, and their opposites, such as passion and enthusiasm in which individuals tend to feel cooperative and glorify others, which makes it important for relationships to be established in a variety of social environments. The formation of such constructive characteristic traits requires places in the city that have the same characteristics in terms of the quality of urban life; the successful examples based on the perceptions and imaginations influenced by environmental experiences and influences determine the types of visual perceptions and their mental predictions on citizens (Alfred Adler 1937:190).
In this study, we seek to discover the proposed meanings of space by assessing the impact of environmental perceptual factors, especially the effects of ambient colors in public spaces, which are closely related to physical environmental quality. The measure of people's emotions in different types of spaces will be evaluated in the context of their visual perceptions in those spaces. This will prepare the ground for future measurements and evaluations.
Environmental psychology and colour
The way in which people live in cities from the very beginning of urbanization has always been associated with the perceptions and influence of their feelings, as in various historical periods, the spatial elements are used to induce a sense of environmental domination and sometimes to stimulate common feelings in the day and night activities. Environmental psychology is a science whose basic foundations are human and space, and space, especially landscape, is a functional environment for measuring these aesthetic perceptions. Human characteristic behaviors are manifested in the form of patterns such as happiness, anger, jealousy, and isolation. Therefore, in order to guide citizens' behaviors, environments and urban spaces must embrace different types of human tastes focusing on improving their behavior. Hence, environmental psychology can play an important role in the strategic planning and development of urban spaces.
Environmental perception is the process by which a person chooses the necessary data based on his needs from the environment. Therefore, perception is a process that is purposeful and very close to the attitudes and values that govern people's thoughts, and the perceptual process is associated with human recognition of the environment.
The behavioral setting is an environmental analyzer element used to describe the core functions of architecture space and urban design, a concept first devised by Roger Barker (Matlabi Ghasem.2001:4). Acquiring information from the human environment is based on the needed data and on the aligned individual and group needs of its users, which will affect its behavior through biological, environmental and social mechanisms. Therefore, the perception originated from a place and feeling is guided by the capabilities of the environment and the inner personality of human (Cohen Brown, 2010:66). The human nervous system automatically consists of two complementary branches that act on the basis of opposition, namely the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. For example, heart rate depends on the balance between these two branches of the automated nervous system, which regulates physical effects such as work and effort, or feelings and emotions such as anger and so on. Accordingly, the necessity of recognizing the nervous system based on color is more than ever before, because the color is really seen and categorized in the area of perception in the visual sector, which is the most important sense of humans in the environments and urban spaces (Max Lüscher.1923:23
The human eye can not recognize mixed colors, while the ear is able to recognize each tone of sound in a musical mix set. The colors are caused by the interference of light waves that generate a special optical wave of electromagnetic force which the eye can see and their wavelength is between 400 and 700 millimicrons (Itten.1967:60). The famous physicist Old Henrik said about the effect of color on the nerves: The eyes and nerves are always more attracted to gray colors, and the lack of this color creates discomfort. Color harmony gives the nerve a peace of mind, and this is a psychophysical state that is opposite to complementary and contrasting colors. Color harmony is related to the physiological response of the human nerves; when natural stimulation and neuronal activity occurs, the spontaneous reactions arise. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of colors depends on the stimulation of vision nerves, and each person is categorized depending on the mental effect according to feelings and desires that are different based on the personality and genetic experiences of individuals (Itten, 1967:77).
Urban strategy
The activity of organizing human habitats has existed since the very beginning of human urbanization and has always appeared in all societies and civilizations throughout history (Bahreyni Hossen, 2011:131). One of the main driving forces of design is according to the type of perfect behaviors performed by the concerned people (Josenuno Berrdo.2012.84). Accordingly, strategic organizational approaches are taken to issues such as land use and social justice in urban development and construction processes (Hiescra Anna, 2004:138). Strategic planning attempts to express and introduce the external aspects of the city, which, considering the role of the city in the future, determines the internal structures and, in general, structural-strategic design, based on the nature of the system attitude, maintains the integrity of the city and creates a dynamic interaction between socioeconomic trends that rely on the long-term plan (Unece.2016:117).
Hypothesis
Visual perception is one of the main foundations of urban aesthetics and is currently associated with environmental psychology as an effective factor in the future development of urban spaces. Accordingly, the following assumptions are made:
1. Assessing the visual perceptions of citizens based on their psychotic tendencies and behavior patterns can establish the relationship between public spaces and behavioral diversity among individuals.
2. Considering the development of environmental experiences through visual perception, the factor affecting the color diversity of the environment is one of the important factors in the development of aesthetic experiences, and ultimately, the enrichment of the living environment.
Psychological research has greatly helped to clarify the problems caused by social maladies that cause a variety of mental illnesses. One of these studies is the interaction between man and landscape, which means that beauty is neither inherently in the object, nor in the eye of the beholder, but in the relation between the observer and the landscape. Art can play a prominent role in the modern world, especially in planning for place-making through understanding the aesthetic relationships and forming patterns, according to two influential keys of the present-day world in the current cities, which seek a smart treatment based on the understanding of the urban spatial structure. In other words, the city responds to the treatments and how users use the urban space (Appleton.J.1975:9).
Our surroundings in any place or urban space consist of a variety of forms, such as different structures and colors, each of which visually and semantically contain a message to the observer, which according to its role, provoke different mental and emotional reactions at different times. These reactions begin with the viewing and processing of the form and colors of the environment, and these perceptual processes raise mental schemas which trigger a variety of human emotions. Perceptions of environmental capability depend heavily on the person's or group's personality traits and motivations. Each person has inherent needs that direct his behavior and are called instinctive needs (Maleson, 1954, 1968). Accordingly, perceptions of urban environmental aesthetics can directly affect the feelings of individuals. The psychological processing of this information is measurable, since the basic and main subjects are color, measurable by tonality and personality of each color, and form, identified according to the six Gestalt rules (1944-1964). This enables visual meanings, in the form of ideas and mental acquisitions, to be divided into two physical and semantic parts, responsive to human emotions, which can be assessed (Hashberger, 1946).
Urban spaces, according to their dimensions, allow the formation of various types of activities. In public spaces, where there is space for people to maneuver, we see the activity and emergence of more social and behavioral patterns. The more they become public, the more success they can functionally achieve and the more responsive to the physiological needs of citizens. Establishing a relationship between the aesthetic perception of space and behavior with the design and creation of a behavioral setting is a combination of a particular activity and a place (Barker, 1968).
By examining citizens' visual perceptions, and the impact of reflections of different colors, we explore the context for expanding personal or group spaces to face a variety of environmental challenges in urban spaces and pave the wave for future spatial development.
Urban aesthetics
The term aesthetics refers to how to perceive beautiful elements and images,. Its first level is the visual level, and its last level is the spiritual perception of the essence of any phenomenon that directly affects emotions. How to understand and define an aesthetic phenomenon is related to space and the user of that space as the center of perception and understanding of these phenomena, as the relationship between spatial elements and how to correctly understand the needs of citizens can be considered as an important factor for enhancing the quality of urban life. For this reason, the aesthetics have oriented from the one-sided model towards generalism based on environmental psychology and can play a central role in the development of space by understanding the psychological indicators.
The space environment must be compatible with the human biological structure and must provide for human needs such as sleep, consciousness, neglect, and so on. Hence, it needs to provide visual information in a desirable manner, so that neither it does not force a person nor deprive him of the necessary stimuli (Lynch.2008:154). Visual attractions can appear richer in visual tendencies, which is calming, guiding visual activity to find visual invitations created by the harmonies (Steve Tiesdell.2003:158). Human performance depends on information provided by the immediate environment and create an information processing environment, transforming visual patterns into perceptions of the world around us (Kaplan.1998:136). These visual patterns are not static but are constantly changing. This is due to special eye movements viewing the objects. The significance of human evaluation is based on the fact that, unlike other measuring instruments, it can adapt itself to a large extent to the environment, and this is often the determining factor in the success rate of design based on the complex human visual system Shahrampour.Deyhami.2014:4).
One of the most important aesthetic effects on the lives of citizens is the experience of a beautiful environment and a sense of beauty and the simultaneous and tangible function. The personal underlying factors involving in the experiences of urban landscapes cause that the aesthetic experience can not be definite and identical for all, since aesthetics is a process that begins from the stage of mental activity and the activity of the senses and continues to the stage of thinking and reactions and practical activities and the emergence of behavioral patterns, and this can be done in the form of a realistic analysis of the aesthetics of behavioral patterns and on the stimulation of the observer so that we can discern to what extent and at what moment the person or persons are aware and alert. Definitely, the potential for stimulation increases when accompanied by a sense of pleasure, and this greatly depends on the way human perception is manifested in different spaces of the city (Aminzadeh, Behnaz, 2015:79).
Urban spaces
Human beings need to move and discuss and conduct social and economic activities in order to express their existence and activity throughout the day, and therefore, they successively need to move; moving in centers where they stop and express their common feelings. That is why in addition to activity, the structure forms the spirit of urban spaces, which, in general, consists of paths, centers of activity and hangouts. The more effective these spaces functionally play a role in shaping a variety of characteristic behaviors, as well as in meeting their psychological and biological needs, the richer they are and become a kind of excellent interface between the environment and the observer.
Public spaces consist of a number of functional spaces that have a variety of functions, such as sales and social visits, which will eventually require a physical environment for their definition (Henry Shafto.2008:57). The spatial sense variables are explored in terms of semantic and activity. In the semantic group, location identity and beauty are in the category of social activities, sense of community, satisfaction, and comfort of the people (Chiesura Anna, 2004:128). Other effective factors like social characteristics of users also address the behavior and reactions of individuals in space and further contribute to caring the space. One of these important factors is the perception of individuals from an environment that is influenced by what with which they are accustomed, that is, space is defined by activities that human beings perform in particular (Alireza Norozy.2016:5).
Some of these activities belong to characteristic traits that are not manifestly contradictory to human beings, but isolate the human being in an adversarial manner and are classified as non-aggressive characteristic traits. These behaviors are divided into categories such as isolationism, cowardice, lack of sense of co-operation, and their opposites, such as passion and enthusiasm in which individuals tend to feel cooperative and glorify others, which makes it important for relationships to be established in a variety of social environments. The formation of such constructive characteristic traits requires places in the city that have the same characteristics in terms of the quality of urban life; the successful examples based on the perceptions and imaginations influenced by environmental experiences and influences determine the types of visual perceptions and their mental predictions on citizens (Alfred Adler 1937:190).
In this study, we seek to discover the proposed meanings of space by assessing the impact of environmental perceptual factors, especially the effects of ambient colors in public spaces, which are closely related to physical environmental quality. The measure of people's emotions in different types of spaces will be evaluated in the context of their visual perceptions in those spaces. This will prepare the ground for future measurements and evaluations.
Environmental psychology and colour
The way in which people live in cities from the very beginning of urbanization has always been associated with the perceptions and influence of their feelings, as in various historical periods, the spatial elements are used to induce a sense of environmental domination and sometimes to stimulate common feelings in the day and night activities. Environmental psychology is a science whose basic foundations are human and space, and space, especially landscape, is a functional environment for measuring these aesthetic perceptions. Human characteristic behaviors are manifested in the form of patterns such as happiness, anger, jealousy, and isolation. Therefore, in order to guide citizens' behaviors, environments and urban spaces must embrace different types of human tastes focusing on improving their behavior. Hence, environmental psychology can play an important role in the strategic planning and development of urban spaces.
Environmental perception is the process by which a person chooses the necessary data based on his needs from the environment. Therefore, perception is a process that is purposeful and very close to the attitudes and values that govern people's thoughts, and the perceptual process is associated with human recognition of the environment.
The behavioral setting is an environmental analyzer element used to describe the core functions of architecture space and urban design, a concept first devised by Roger Barker (Matlabi Ghasem.2001:4). Acquiring information from the human environment is based on the needed data and on the aligned individual and group needs of its users, which will affect its behavior through biological, environmental and social mechanisms. Therefore, the perception originated from a place and feeling is guided by the capabilities of the environment and the inner personality of human (Cohen Brown, 2010:66). The human nervous system automatically consists of two complementary branches that act on the basis of opposition, namely the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. For example, heart rate depends on the balance between these two branches of the automated nervous system, which regulates physical effects such as work and effort, or feelings and emotions such as anger and so on. Accordingly, the necessity of recognizing the nervous system based on color is more than ever before, because the color is really seen and categorized in the area of perception in the visual sector, which is the most important sense of humans in the environments and urban spaces (Max Lüscher.1923:23
The human eye can not recognize mixed colors, while the ear is able to recognize each tone of sound in a musical mix set. The colors are caused by the interference of light waves that generate a special optical wave of electromagnetic force which the eye can see and their wavelength is between 400 and 700 millimicrons (Itten.1967:60). The famous physicist Old Henrik said about the effect of color on the nerves: The eyes and nerves are always more attracted to gray colors, and the lack of this color creates discomfort. Color harmony gives the nerve a peace of mind, and this is a psychophysical state that is opposite to complementary and contrasting colors. Color harmony is related to the physiological response of the human nerves; when natural stimulation and neuronal activity occurs, the spontaneous reactions arise. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of colors depends on the stimulation of vision nerves, and each person is categorized depending on the mental effect according to feelings and desires that are different based on the personality and genetic experiences of individuals (Itten, 1967:77).
Urban strategy
The activity of organizing human habitats has existed since the very beginning of human urbanization and has always appeared in all societies and civilizations throughout history (Bahreyni Hossen, 2011:131). One of the main driving forces of design is according to the type of perfect behaviors performed by the concerned people (Josenuno Berrdo.2012.84). Accordingly, strategic organizational approaches are taken to issues such as land use and social justice in urban development and construction processes (Hiescra Anna, 2004:138). Strategic planning attempts to express and introduce the external aspects of the city, which, considering the role of the city in the future, determines the internal structures and, in general, structural-strategic design, based on the nature of the system attitude, maintains the integrity of the city and creates a dynamic interaction between socioeconomic trends that rely on the long-term plan (Unece.2016:117).
Hypothesis
Visual perception is one of the main foundations of urban aesthetics and is currently associated with environmental psychology as an effective factor in the future development of urban spaces. Accordingly, the following assumptions are made:
1. Assessing the visual perceptions of citizens based on their psychotic tendencies and behavior patterns can establish the relationship between public spaces and behavioral diversity among individuals.
2. Considering the development of environmental experiences through visual perception, the factor affecting the color diversity of the environment is one of the important factors in the development of aesthetic experiences, and ultimately, the enrichment of the living environment.
Case study
The Punak neighborhood of Qazvin, Iran is a newly built neighborhoods, but although it exhibits some new urban planning criteria (mainly modern) such as high density, increased accessibility and prioritization to the car, due to the lack of attention to aesthetic issues and failure to predict suitable behavioral places according to the type of population, such as children, young people, women and the elderly, it lacks the attraction for daily recreation and social interactions. This neighbourhood was chosen for study due to the lack of observer's appeal, and the feasibility of a strategic development based on the aesthetics of the neighborhood. This neighborhood is geographically located in the northeast of Qazvin in Barajin region with pleasant weather, overlooking on one side the Qazvin-Karaj highway and on the other side the Qazvin green fields. The city has a regular texture, moderate grading, four-story building density, checked grid and open spaces. Daily traffic in this range is low and moderate, and overall it is desirable. The population (both permanent and temporary) is approximately 184,036.
Figure 1: The Ponak neighborhood has a variety of land uses, including residential, commercial, green spaces, etc., whose commercial use is primarily in the first layer facing the main street in its main structure, and is typified by regular typography arranged together by aggregating the parts with two different types, both in terms of residential and commercial applications.
Figure 2: Typology map of intervention area; Source: Author
Aesthetic patterns
In terms of aesthetic patterns, this range has a major weakness due to the presence of 90 -degree angles and reduced observer view in spaces with 2:1 and 1:1 spatial proportions. Other major weaknesses are the lack of climatic comfort for the observer during daily activities due to atmospheric changes such as direct sunlight and snow and rain in the cold years of the year, which is intensified due to the relatively high elevation in terms of topography, minimizing the possibility of daily activity during active hours. On the other hand, due to lack of environmental-identity experiences, the possibility of enjoyment in the event of daily activities and the formation of daily gatherings is minimized, which in some cases is limited to daily purchases and daily face-to-face visits.
In terms of aesthetic patterns, this range has a major weakness due to the presence of 90 -degree angles and reduced observer view in spaces with 2:1 and 1:1 spatial proportions. Other major weaknesses are the lack of climatic comfort for the observer during daily activities due to atmospheric changes such as direct sunlight and snow and rain in the cold years of the year, which is intensified due to the relatively high elevation in terms of topography, minimizing the possibility of daily activity during active hours. On the other hand, due to lack of environmental-identity experiences, the possibility of enjoyment in the event of daily activities and the formation of daily gatherings is minimized, which in some cases is limited to daily purchases and daily face-to-face visits.
Figure 3: Photos of daily meeting points; Photo: Author
Spatial organization
In terms of spatial organization, the range has a public open space, proper mass and space ratio, and a good opportunity for walking around the day, which can be considered as strengths for future development with respect to the aesthetic component. Another noteworthy feature is the availability of suitable public spaces and adequate visibility in the main axis of the neighborhood, which in this case does not have spatial sequencing and spatial contrast necessary for creating environmental experiences when walking
In terms of spatial organization, the range has a public open space, proper mass and space ratio, and a good opportunity for walking around the day, which can be considered as strengths for future development with respect to the aesthetic component. Another noteworthy feature is the availability of suitable public spaces and adequate visibility in the main axis of the neighborhood, which in this case does not have spatial sequencing and spatial contrast necessary for creating environmental experiences when walking
Figure 4: spatial organization of the Ponak neighborhood in the city of Qazvin
The study area, which is considered to be one of the new and developing textures of Qazvin, was developed to accommodate the increasing population, taking into account the climatic conditions of the last decade, its unique geographical location, and its suitable urban network system in relation to the main structure of the city. However, its aesthetics suffer due to its compliance with the modern urban system, which prevails in the mass construction and priority of roadway. Thelack of feasibility study of future development according to the forming activity-social system has led to a lack of active population centers and space elements necessary to guide these behaviors. For this reason, most of the time at day and night, the streets, and public centers are quiet and without gathering.
Figure 5: Problems of aesthetics and spatial organization in study area (photos by author)
This SWOT analysis indicates the necessary contexts for determining the appropriate solutions to the functional system in respect to their aesthetic elements.
Indicator |
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
Opportunities |
Threats |
Spatial scales |
Field-scale neighborhood - human-scale buildings |
Failure to observe space sequences |
- Local hangouts - Arrangement of furniture based on situations and behavioral patterns |
Loss of vision in places with 90° angles |
Behavioral patterns |
Presence of citizens for daily shopping |
Lack of diversity in behavioral patterns |
Formation of children's playground |
Lack of interesting public spaces |
Activity in time |
Formation of traffic for daily purchases |
Reduced daily activities during day |
Hangouts in one to multiplayer recreational spaces |
Risk of behavioral variation at different times |
Environmental experiences |
Placing next to amusement hotspots with pleasant weather |
Lack of previous good experiences |
Strengthen formation of aesthetic issues in public spaces |
Reduced sense of human |
Ambient light |
Placing in a convenient geographic position |
Inappropriate shading in some parts |
Use natural light to enhance mental perspective system |
Reduce share of light |
Age of people |
Diversity in age of residents |
Average age over 40 years |
Variation in environmental design for different ages |
Risk preferences and needs of elderly and children |
Green space |
Appropriate spaces for green space development |
Not considering recreational needs and development of green space |
Design to meet recreational needs and create green spaces |
Not considering justice in design of green space |
Spatial elements |
Enough space |
Lack of appropriate design in terms of environmental conditions |
Opportunities for creation of social spaces |
Loss of space function |
Space Sequence |
Pleasant landscape suitable for climatic and geographical situation |
Lack of suitable varieties in repeated spatial elements |
Opportunity to experience a different environment with spatial sequencing |
Lack of space diversity |
Case study and data analysis
The neighborhood design was considered in terms of citizens' environmental perception throughout the day, with a particular focus on the time when the ambient light reaches its maximum, because with this timing, we are able to obtain a wider range of reflections based on the angle of sunshine. Thus, in this regard, several points of public spaces, which are likely to have the most citizen activity throughout the day in those areas, are determined by their functional nature in the main structure of the neighborhood. Another reason for choosing these points is to pay attention to the principle of environmental planning based on the age and gender of the participants, who may require fewer trips for their daily activities. Therefore, an operating radius of 300 meters is considered for walking.
The neighborhood design was considered in terms of citizens' environmental perception throughout the day, with a particular focus on the time when the ambient light reaches its maximum, because with this timing, we are able to obtain a wider range of reflections based on the angle of sunshine. Thus, in this regard, several points of public spaces, which are likely to have the most citizen activity throughout the day in those areas, are determined by their functional nature in the main structure of the neighborhood. Another reason for choosing these points is to pay attention to the principle of environmental planning based on the age and gender of the participants, who may require fewer trips for their daily activities. Therefore, an operating radius of 300 meters is considered for walking.
Figure 6: intervention area
The visual and perceptual analysis of citizens were assessed using a questionnaire, targeted at citizens of different ages.
The visual perceptions of subjects were explored by means of their color perceptions of their surroundings in public spaces, especially in the main structure according to the points marked on the map, in accordance with the laws of optics and landscaping sciences focusing on the provided scientific documentation.
The visual perceptions of subjects were explored by means of their color perceptions of their surroundings in public spaces, especially in the main structure according to the points marked on the map, in accordance with the laws of optics and landscaping sciences focusing on the provided scientific documentation.
Figure 7: Analysis of radiation and optical reflectance in study area
Due to the six-point color spectrum resulting from the reflection of different colors under the light, and thus, visible to the observer, most of the reflections of the existing spatial elements and surroundings approximately range in average between 130 and 131.83, which indicates, in accordance with the color scheme, that this number is between green and blue green colors, and these colors are, in fact, more obvious and more sensually pleasant to the observer, especially in more open spaces.
In order to complete the information in this research, having the theoretical-practical nature, two field study methods have been used based on the theoretical foundations. First, by analyzing the SWOT table, we have identified the strengths and weaknesses, because identification of behavioral patterns of users is one of the main effective factors in this research. Then, according to the contents of the tables, the characteristic behaviors of the citizens by default are matched to the results of perceptual environmental analysis and the results are matched to those obtained from the questionnaire.
Population
The population in this study consists of the whole region, including residents and people who have the permanent and temporary residence, who travel daily in this area. According to this identification, which includes the immediate area of the study area, this includes 184,036 people. Accordingly, the Cochran formula was used to calculate the sample with the standard error of 5% and the 95% confidence level. The number of people calculated is 322, and this sampling was conducted among different people at different ages and at the maximum time of day activity.
In order to complete the information in this research, having the theoretical-practical nature, two field study methods have been used based on the theoretical foundations. First, by analyzing the SWOT table, we have identified the strengths and weaknesses, because identification of behavioral patterns of users is one of the main effective factors in this research. Then, according to the contents of the tables, the characteristic behaviors of the citizens by default are matched to the results of perceptual environmental analysis and the results are matched to those obtained from the questionnaire.
Population
The population in this study consists of the whole region, including residents and people who have the permanent and temporary residence, who travel daily in this area. According to this identification, which includes the immediate area of the study area, this includes 184,036 people. Accordingly, the Cochran formula was used to calculate the sample with the standard error of 5% and the 95% confidence level. The number of people calculated is 322, and this sampling was conducted among different people at different ages and at the maximum time of day activity.
The validity of the alpha research items is 0.84, which is a measure of 8 indicators appropriate to environmental psychology. The alpha obtained from these items is 0.90, which indicates the acceptable validity and internal stability of the items. The sampling in this research is a randomized one in which SPSS software was used by the inferential statistical method and Pearson correlation coefficient.
Based on the distributed questionnaire in the area, 8 indicators have been proposed that emphasizes the impact of environmental psychology on visual perceptions and are based on the five-point Likert scale. The results are presented in the table below.
Based on the distributed questionnaire in the area, 8 indicators have been proposed that emphasizes the impact of environmental psychology on visual perceptions and are based on the five-point Likert scale. The results are presented in the table below.
Based on the results from the questionnaire carried out for the citizens (users), as well as the results obtained from expert reviews of the amount of light reflected in the study area, it was found that three indicators of ambient light, green space and space scale are the best indicators for the current situation, which can rationally prepare the conditions for a more desirable spatial development. According to the above, the analytical tables in SWOT, based on the indicators and analyses, are presented to provide strategies that are appropriate to the goals and assumptions discussed below.
Review Strategy
In this category of strategies, while having internal weaknesses, attempts have been made to use external conditions for capacity building. By comparison, in addition to the importance of daily activity in spaces, especially in public spaces, it focuses on enhancing the aesthetics of public spaces based on the visual perceptions in terms of existing indicators, which is a kind of review for the concept of quality of life to solve problems caused by the lack of activities and social participation.
Defensive Strategy
In this strategy, we have tried to provide strategies in line with the initial goals in light of the vulnerability due to the lack of attention to the aesthetic principles. Hence, from the studies, we have come to the necessity of using ambient light and green space to enrich the study space.
Competitive / aggressive strategy
In this strategy, based on external opportunities and internal strengths, we will present ways to strengthen the strengths and improve the opportunities of the development strategy design, which, following the comparisons, provides a strategy for strengthening the elements of environmental aesthetics and applying diversity in environmental design.
Diversity Strategy
In this category of strategies, internal strengths and external threats are addressed in order to present a strategy. In this regard, the study proposes to diversify for considering the development of attractive participatory spaces and the organization of individual and group hangouts following the ambient light and green space
Conclusion
Considering the research and analysis process, it was found that the result of the visual analysis of the study area in terms of the largest daily activity of residents in public spaces indicates their tendency to spend time in open and public spaces and to be in areas which are visually inspiring and relaxing for them. Therefore, by analyzing the reflections of different colors in the best state of the direct sunlight, the colors that are more soothing and calming in public spaces and in the vicinity of the green space can create a sense of relaxation. This is consistent with the development of public spaces based on the sense of aesthetics. Considering the necessity of infill development, we conclude that public spaces, having the proper functional conditions, can meet the spiritual needs of different people from different classes and cause the expansion of their characteristic constructive behaviors and, in fact, enhance their sense of social participation, and pave the way for the emergence of various positive human emotions, including joy and passion. Therefore, strategic development of public spaces in the form of behavioral and spatial modeling appropriate to environmental conditions can lead to understand the aesthetic and psychological needs of individuals and generalize the emergence of more healthy environments.
In this category of strategies, while having internal weaknesses, attempts have been made to use external conditions for capacity building. By comparison, in addition to the importance of daily activity in spaces, especially in public spaces, it focuses on enhancing the aesthetics of public spaces based on the visual perceptions in terms of existing indicators, which is a kind of review for the concept of quality of life to solve problems caused by the lack of activities and social participation.
Defensive Strategy
In this strategy, we have tried to provide strategies in line with the initial goals in light of the vulnerability due to the lack of attention to the aesthetic principles. Hence, from the studies, we have come to the necessity of using ambient light and green space to enrich the study space.
Competitive / aggressive strategy
In this strategy, based on external opportunities and internal strengths, we will present ways to strengthen the strengths and improve the opportunities of the development strategy design, which, following the comparisons, provides a strategy for strengthening the elements of environmental aesthetics and applying diversity in environmental design.
Diversity Strategy
In this category of strategies, internal strengths and external threats are addressed in order to present a strategy. In this regard, the study proposes to diversify for considering the development of attractive participatory spaces and the organization of individual and group hangouts following the ambient light and green space
Conclusion
Considering the research and analysis process, it was found that the result of the visual analysis of the study area in terms of the largest daily activity of residents in public spaces indicates their tendency to spend time in open and public spaces and to be in areas which are visually inspiring and relaxing for them. Therefore, by analyzing the reflections of different colors in the best state of the direct sunlight, the colors that are more soothing and calming in public spaces and in the vicinity of the green space can create a sense of relaxation. This is consistent with the development of public spaces based on the sense of aesthetics. Considering the necessity of infill development, we conclude that public spaces, having the proper functional conditions, can meet the spiritual needs of different people from different classes and cause the expansion of their characteristic constructive behaviors and, in fact, enhance their sense of social participation, and pave the way for the emergence of various positive human emotions, including joy and passion. Therefore, strategic development of public spaces in the form of behavioral and spatial modeling appropriate to environmental conditions can lead to understand the aesthetic and psychological needs of individuals and generalize the emergence of more healthy environments.
References
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Smithson, h, E/2013. Perceptual organization of color/Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, uk/2-10-15-16
Steve Tiesdell/2013/Public place urban spaces the dimension of urban design/architectural press.131-134-159
UNECE. Mayors of global cities commit to cooperate on the regional implementation of the New Urban Agenda. https://www.unece.org/info/media/presscurrent-press-h/housing-and-land-management/2016/mayors-of-global-cities-commit-to-cooperate-on-the-regional-implementation-of-the-new-urban-agenda/doc.html /18 October 2016
APA. Report of the taskforce on urban psychology-toward an urban psychology-APA associate/10-12-14-21-30-39
Applton J/The experience of landscape. London: Wiley/1957
Behnaz Aminzadeh (faculty of Tehran University) / 2015 / Values in Urban Landscape Design / Tehran University / 77-79
Bahraini, S. / Urban Design Process / Tehran University Press / Seventh Edition / 139
Jos Nun Beirdo/city maker, designing grammars for urban design/October 16th 2012/architecture and the built environment/61-83-84
Anna Chiescra/2004/the role of urban parks for sustainable city/landscape and urban planning vol 68/129-133
Hadi Choddusifar/2016/impact of location-behavior on sense of belonging to place/Canadian center of since and education/2-6-7
Bronwen Cohen./2010. Space to develop: how architecture can play a vital role in young children’s lives, OECD Library https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/space-to-develop_5kmbjxzzs9d6-en
Shahrampour Deihami - Fariborz Haji Seyyed Javadi / 2014 / Impact of Light on Human (Perceptual and Biological Processes) / SID Database / 3-5
DPSIR table, Europe environment agency (EEA)
Grimm B. Quantifying the visual effects of wind farms. A theoretical process in an evolving Australian visual landscape thesis . School of Architecture and Urban Design. University of Adelaide, 2009
Mohammad Hossein Halimi / 2016 / Book of color (Itten) / Translation by Dr. Mohammad Hossein Halimi / Print and Publish Organization / 60-77
Leyla Beygom Hashemian / July 28, 2016 / Role of visual elements on landscape and street view in creating a sustainable city focusing on dimensions of aesthetics / international conference. Civilization and urban planning / Istanbul University / 3
Hossein Hataminezhad / 2011 / Feasibility study for implementation of Urban Development Plan of Iran / Urban and Regional Studies / Second year. 18th issue.
Kaplan R. The experience of nature. New York. Cambridge University Press/1989
Max Lüscher / 2011 / Color Psychology / Translation by Vida Abizadeh / Dorsa Publications / 20-23
Fatemeh Matlabi / 2001 / Environmental Psychology: New Knowledge in Service of Architecture and Urban Design / 11
Alyari Mehdi / July 28, 2016 / Identification of Indicators Effecting Quality of Urban Life Based on Pattern of Urban and Rural Life / International Conference of Istanbul University / 16
Alireza Norouzi, Dr Siroos Bavar / July 28/2016 / Impact of public spaces of residential complexes on increased social interactions of residents / International Conference on Civil Engineering. Istanbul University / Istanbul University / 5
Porteous, J. Douglas. 1st edition, 2012 / Environmental aesthetics: Landscape Architecture / Translation by Leila Agha Dashi / Kalhor Publication / 65
Lynettea Rawlings/February 2015/Understanding the environmental contexts of boys and young men of color/urban institutes/www.urban.org.washington /2-11-12
Henry Shafted/2008/Creating effective public places-convivial urban spaces/published in association with the International Institute for Environment/earth scan/51-52-53-54-55-56
Site C. The Art of City, translated by Charles Stewart. New York/van Nostrand Reinhold, 1945
Smithson, h, E/2013. Perceptual organization of color/Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, uk/2-10-15-16
Steve Tiesdell/2013/Public place urban spaces the dimension of urban design/architectural press.131-134-159
UNECE. Mayors of global cities commit to cooperate on the regional implementation of the New Urban Agenda. https://www.unece.org/info/media/presscurrent-press-h/housing-and-land-management/2016/mayors-of-global-cities-commit-to-cooperate-on-the-regional-implementation-of-the-new-urban-agenda/doc.html /18 October 2016