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The Legibility Efficacy of Historical Neighborhoods in Creating a Cognitive Map for Citizens

Author

Listed:
  • Reza Askarizad

    (The Center for Modern Chinese City Studies, Institute of Urban Development, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China)

  • Jinliao He

    (The Center for Modern Chinese City Studies, Institute of Urban Development, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China)

  • Elham Mehrinejad Khotbehsara

    (Faculty of Health Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba 4350, Australia)

Abstract

Nowadays, historical neighborhoods in Iran are in a state of decay due to the lack of spatial legibility with respect to their organic spatial layout. Hence, the level of interaction among people and their perception of the environment has gradually diminished. Historical neighborhoods no longer possess their former prosperity and function, and citizens prefer to inhabit neighborhoods with newer configurations to meet their demands. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the spatial legibility of historical neighborhoods in creating a suitable cognitive map for citizens. Quantitative and qualitative methods were applied using a questionnaire and simulation test instruments. In addition, in order to analyze the spatial configuration of the target areas, the Space Syntax method was implemented using Depthmap 10. The findings indicated that landmarks and navigation signs were identified as the most important factors affecting legibility from the viewpoint of users. Furthermore, the correlation between integration and connectivity illustrated that the studied areas possessed poor spatial legibility due to the organic texture of their spatial configurations. Accordingly, solutions such as enhancing the interaction between highly integrated streets and identified landmarks were emphasized to ameliorate the legibility of these spaces. The present study contributes to sustainable urban design with respect to the rejuvenation of historical districts by proposing a set of pragmatic alterations of urban spatial configurations. This research may be fruitful for urban designers, planners and managers seeking to revitalize historical neighborhoods.

Suggested Citation

  • Reza Askarizad & Jinliao He & Elham Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, 2022. "The Legibility Efficacy of Historical Neighborhoods in Creating a Cognitive Map for Citizens," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:15:p:9010-:d:869317
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Reza Askarizad & Jinliao He, 2022. "Perception of Spatial Legibility and Its Association with Human Mobility Patterns: An Empirical Assessment of the Historical Districts in Rasht, Iran," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Maria Sinou & Katerina Skalkou & Roumpini Perakaki & Sébastien Jacques & Zoe Kanetaki, 2023. "Holistic Strategies Based on Heritage, Environmental, Sensory Analysis and Mapping for Sustainable Coastal Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-20, June.

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