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Mohsen Faizi
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7 records found
1
From empty to empowering
Leveraging vacant land for urban socio-ecological resilience
Urban vacancy, often seen as a challenge, offers unique opportunities for ecological and social enhancements in cityscapes. This study explores the role of small green spaces in urban resilience, particularly in high-density metropolises, through a social-ecological lens. We began with a critical review to develop and validate a questionnaire, drawing on theoretical frameworks and confirming the derived criteria with twenty-two experts. Key resilience attributes identified for urban landscapes included flexibility, efficiency, activity, connectivity, and diversity. Utilizing the Best-Worst Method (BWM), we discerned the most and least significant of these attributes. The study then employed Hierarchical Bayes analysis via XLSTAT software to analyze questionnaire responses (n = 386, 60.36% female) and calculate the part-worth utility and importance ratings for each attribute. Results highlighted water presence, high tree density, and activity areas as vital attributes for small urban parks. These insights are crucial for landscape architects, emphasizing attributes that enhance park visitation and usability. Additionally, the innovative methodological approach of this study offers a new pathway for research in urban planning and the built environment.
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Urban vacancy, often seen as a challenge, offers unique opportunities for ecological and social enhancements in cityscapes. This study explores the role of small green spaces in urban resilience, particularly in high-density metropolises, through a social-ecological lens. We began with a critical review to develop and validate a questionnaire, drawing on theoretical frameworks and confirming the derived criteria with twenty-two experts. Key resilience attributes identified for urban landscapes included flexibility, efficiency, activity, connectivity, and diversity. Utilizing the Best-Worst Method (BWM), we discerned the most and least significant of these attributes. The study then employed Hierarchical Bayes analysis via XLSTAT software to analyze questionnaire responses (n = 386, 60.36% female) and calculate the part-worth utility and importance ratings for each attribute. Results highlighted water presence, high tree density, and activity areas as vital attributes for small urban parks. These insights are crucial for landscape architects, emphasizing attributes that enhance park visitation and usability. Additionally, the innovative methodological approach of this study offers a new pathway for research in urban planning and the built environment.
Small Urban Green Spaces
Insights into Perception, Preference, and Psychological Well-being in a Densely Populated Areas of Tehran, Iran
In metropolitan areas worldwide, abandoned properties are prevalent, prompting a need for small urban green spaces (SUGS) to meet the growing demand. Understanding residents’ preferences and perceptions of transformed spaces is vital for effective urban design. This study delves into residents’ preferences and perceptions regarding the transformation of such spaces into SUGS and their impact on psychological well-being. By examining how these preferences and perceived health benefits shape the value of transformed spaces, the research aims to inform effective urban design strategies. The participants underwent visual stimulation, with psychological reactions recorded through Electroencephalogram (EEG) readings and assessed via Questionnaire. Machine learning techniques analyzed EEG sub-band data, achieving an average accuracy of 92.8% when comparing leftover and designed spaces. Results revealed that different types of transformed spaces provoke distinct physiological and preference responses. Specifically, viewing SUGS was associated with significant changes in gamma wave power, suggesting a correlation between enhanced gamma activity and increased feelings of empathy. Moreover, participants also reported enhanced comfort, relaxation, and overall mood, and a strong preference for SUGS over untransformed spaces, emphasizing the value placed on these areas for their health benefits. This research highlights the positive impact of even SUGS on mental health, using EEG data to assess emotional states triggered by urban spaces. The study concludes with a call for further research to investigate the long-term benefits of SUGS on well-being, alongside an exploration of the gamma band as a neural marker for emotional restoration in urban green spaces. This research highlights the crucial role of urban design in fostering psychological well-being through the strategic development of green spaces, suggesting a paradigm shift toward more inclusive, health-promoting urban environments.
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In metropolitan areas worldwide, abandoned properties are prevalent, prompting a need for small urban green spaces (SUGS) to meet the growing demand. Understanding residents’ preferences and perceptions of transformed spaces is vital for effective urban design. This study delves into residents’ preferences and perceptions regarding the transformation of such spaces into SUGS and their impact on psychological well-being. By examining how these preferences and perceived health benefits shape the value of transformed spaces, the research aims to inform effective urban design strategies. The participants underwent visual stimulation, with psychological reactions recorded through Electroencephalogram (EEG) readings and assessed via Questionnaire. Machine learning techniques analyzed EEG sub-band data, achieving an average accuracy of 92.8% when comparing leftover and designed spaces. Results revealed that different types of transformed spaces provoke distinct physiological and preference responses. Specifically, viewing SUGS was associated with significant changes in gamma wave power, suggesting a correlation between enhanced gamma activity and increased feelings of empathy. Moreover, participants also reported enhanced comfort, relaxation, and overall mood, and a strong preference for SUGS over untransformed spaces, emphasizing the value placed on these areas for their health benefits. This research highlights the positive impact of even SUGS on mental health, using EEG data to assess emotional states triggered by urban spaces. The study concludes with a call for further research to investigate the long-term benefits of SUGS on well-being, alongside an exploration of the gamma band as a neural marker for emotional restoration in urban green spaces. This research highlights the crucial role of urban design in fostering psychological well-being through the strategic development of green spaces, suggesting a paradigm shift toward more inclusive, health-promoting urban environments.
The development of educational-recreational complexes for children has a significant impact on their cognitive growth and behaviour. Proper site selection is essential to ensure the success of such projects. This paper aims to identify the best location for a children’s educational-recreational complex in Shiraz, Iran. The study used a descriptive-comparative and survey method to determine effective criteria for site selection. A questionnaire was administered to experts in architecture, urban design, and planning to identify appropriate sites. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was then employed to select the best location. The hierarchical model included three levels: goal (educational-recreational site selection), criteria (natural potential, accessibility, land size, neighbourhood and social context, expansibility, appropriate land use (the neighbourhood between proposed and master plan land use)), and three alternative sites. The results showed that a site located near residential areas, green spaces, and natural elements is suitable for the development of an educational-recreational complex for children. The study recommends the use of the SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) - AHP method for site selection in children’s complexes. The paper highlights the need for a reliability test or table/figure to support the research findings.
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The development of educational-recreational complexes for children has a significant impact on their cognitive growth and behaviour. Proper site selection is essential to ensure the success of such projects. This paper aims to identify the best location for a children’s educational-recreational complex in Shiraz, Iran. The study used a descriptive-comparative and survey method to determine effective criteria for site selection. A questionnaire was administered to experts in architecture, urban design, and planning to identify appropriate sites. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was then employed to select the best location. The hierarchical model included three levels: goal (educational-recreational site selection), criteria (natural potential, accessibility, land size, neighbourhood and social context, expansibility, appropriate land use (the neighbourhood between proposed and master plan land use)), and three alternative sites. The results showed that a site located near residential areas, green spaces, and natural elements is suitable for the development of an educational-recreational complex for children. The study recommends the use of the SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) - AHP method for site selection in children’s complexes. The paper highlights the need for a reliability test or table/figure to support the research findings.
Tectonic theory is an integrative philosophy that examined the relations formed between design, construction, and space while create or experience architecture. Various tectonic perspectives since 1852 considering ‘space’ as an important parameter in tectonic were reviewed. This study aimed at proposing a new definition of landscape tectonics and exploring ways of developing new related aspects in future research. Hence, in order to promote new aspects of landscape, the tectonic approach was first subdivided into distinct concepts and a systematic analysis of the literature was then conducted to identify the knowledge gaps. A descriptive-relative study was, further, carried on including a bibliometric methodology collecting qualitative and quantitative methods of 54 articles; and the related themes and trends were determined via a qualitative comparison of the co-occurrence of the term maps. Moreover, the cluster maps from the VOS viewer program revealed the coalescence of the concepts. Finally, the most frequently cited keywords, along with the ones encoded from the articles, were pointed out based on the Web of Science (WoS) database. Based on this database, the most cited keywords were configuration, distribution pattern, land and fragment; whereas encoding the articles pointed out the terms architecture, building, space, material and environment. This study, therefore, proposes a new definition of landscape tectonic. Investigating new interactions between keywords and areas of tectonic and opened a new page for the development of the new aspects of this field in future researches.
La teoria tectònica és una filosofia integradora que examina les relacions que es formen entre el disseny, la construcció i l'espai en crear o experimentar l'arquitectura. Es van revisar diverses perspectives tectòniques des de 1852 considerant l'espai com un paràmetre important en la tectònica. Aquest estudi va tenir com a objectiu proposar una nova definició de tectònica del paisatge i explorar maneres de desenvolupar nous aspectes relacionats en futures investigacions. Per tant, per promoure nous aspectes del paisatge, l'enfocament tectònic primer es va subdividir en conceptes diferents i després es va fer una anàlisi sistemàtica de la literatura per identificar les llacunes de coneixement. Es va realitzar a més un estudi descriptiu-relatiu incloent una metodologia bibliomètrica recollint mètodes qualitatius i quantitatius de 54 articles; i els temes i tendències relacionats es van determinar mitjançant una comparació qualitativa de la coexistència dels mapes de termes. A més, els mapes de conglomerats del programa de visualització VOS van revelar la fusió dels conceptes. Finalment, es van assenyalar les paraules clau més citades, juntament amb les codificades als articles, a partir de la base de dades Web of Science (WoS). Segons aquesta base de dades, les paraules clau més esmentades van ser configuració, patró de distribució, terreny i fragment; mentre que la codificació dels articles assenyalava els termes arquitectura, edificació, espai, material i medi ambient. Aquest estudi, doncs, proposa una nova definició de paisatge tectònic. Investigar noves interaccions entre paraules clau i àrees de tectònica i va obrir una nova pàgina per desenvolupar nous aspectes d'aquest camp en futures investigacions. ...
La teoria tectònica és una filosofia integradora que examina les relacions que es formen entre el disseny, la construcció i l'espai en crear o experimentar l'arquitectura. Es van revisar diverses perspectives tectòniques des de 1852 considerant l'espai com un paràmetre important en la tectònica. Aquest estudi va tenir com a objectiu proposar una nova definició de tectònica del paisatge i explorar maneres de desenvolupar nous aspectes relacionats en futures investigacions. Per tant, per promoure nous aspectes del paisatge, l'enfocament tectònic primer es va subdividir en conceptes diferents i després es va fer una anàlisi sistemàtica de la literatura per identificar les llacunes de coneixement. Es va realitzar a més un estudi descriptiu-relatiu incloent una metodologia bibliomètrica recollint mètodes qualitatius i quantitatius de 54 articles; i els temes i tendències relacionats es van determinar mitjançant una comparació qualitativa de la coexistència dels mapes de termes. A més, els mapes de conglomerats del programa de visualització VOS van revelar la fusió dels conceptes. Finalment, es van assenyalar les paraules clau més citades, juntament amb les codificades als articles, a partir de la base de dades Web of Science (WoS). Segons aquesta base de dades, les paraules clau més esmentades van ser configuració, patró de distribució, terreny i fragment; mentre que la codificació dels articles assenyalava els termes arquitectura, edificació, espai, material i medi ambient. Aquest estudi, doncs, proposa una nova definició de paisatge tectònic. Investigar noves interaccions entre paraules clau i àrees de tectònica i va obrir una nova pàgina per desenvolupar nous aspectes d'aquest camp en futures investigacions. ...
Tectonic theory is an integrative philosophy that examined the relations formed between design, construction, and space while create or experience architecture. Various tectonic perspectives since 1852 considering ‘space’ as an important parameter in tectonic were reviewed. This study aimed at proposing a new definition of landscape tectonics and exploring ways of developing new related aspects in future research. Hence, in order to promote new aspects of landscape, the tectonic approach was first subdivided into distinct concepts and a systematic analysis of the literature was then conducted to identify the knowledge gaps. A descriptive-relative study was, further, carried on including a bibliometric methodology collecting qualitative and quantitative methods of 54 articles; and the related themes and trends were determined via a qualitative comparison of the co-occurrence of the term maps. Moreover, the cluster maps from the VOS viewer program revealed the coalescence of the concepts. Finally, the most frequently cited keywords, along with the ones encoded from the articles, were pointed out based on the Web of Science (WoS) database. Based on this database, the most cited keywords were configuration, distribution pattern, land and fragment; whereas encoding the articles pointed out the terms architecture, building, space, material and environment. This study, therefore, proposes a new definition of landscape tectonic. Investigating new interactions between keywords and areas of tectonic and opened a new page for the development of the new aspects of this field in future researches.
La teoria tectònica és una filosofia integradora que examina les relacions que es formen entre el disseny, la construcció i l'espai en crear o experimentar l'arquitectura. Es van revisar diverses perspectives tectòniques des de 1852 considerant l'espai com un paràmetre important en la tectònica. Aquest estudi va tenir com a objectiu proposar una nova definició de tectònica del paisatge i explorar maneres de desenvolupar nous aspectes relacionats en futures investigacions. Per tant, per promoure nous aspectes del paisatge, l'enfocament tectònic primer es va subdividir en conceptes diferents i després es va fer una anàlisi sistemàtica de la literatura per identificar les llacunes de coneixement. Es va realitzar a més un estudi descriptiu-relatiu incloent una metodologia bibliomètrica recollint mètodes qualitatius i quantitatius de 54 articles; i els temes i tendències relacionats es van determinar mitjançant una comparació qualitativa de la coexistència dels mapes de termes. A més, els mapes de conglomerats del programa de visualització VOS van revelar la fusió dels conceptes. Finalment, es van assenyalar les paraules clau més citades, juntament amb les codificades als articles, a partir de la base de dades Web of Science (WoS). Segons aquesta base de dades, les paraules clau més esmentades van ser configuració, patró de distribució, terreny i fragment; mentre que la codificació dels articles assenyalava els termes arquitectura, edificació, espai, material i medi ambient. Aquest estudi, doncs, proposa una nova definició de paisatge tectònic. Investigar noves interaccions entre paraules clau i àrees de tectònica i va obrir una nova pàgina per desenvolupar nous aspectes d'aquest camp en futures investigacions.
La teoria tectònica és una filosofia integradora que examina les relacions que es formen entre el disseny, la construcció i l'espai en crear o experimentar l'arquitectura. Es van revisar diverses perspectives tectòniques des de 1852 considerant l'espai com un paràmetre important en la tectònica. Aquest estudi va tenir com a objectiu proposar una nova definició de tectònica del paisatge i explorar maneres de desenvolupar nous aspectes relacionats en futures investigacions. Per tant, per promoure nous aspectes del paisatge, l'enfocament tectònic primer es va subdividir en conceptes diferents i després es va fer una anàlisi sistemàtica de la literatura per identificar les llacunes de coneixement. Es va realitzar a més un estudi descriptiu-relatiu incloent una metodologia bibliomètrica recollint mètodes qualitatius i quantitatius de 54 articles; i els temes i tendències relacionats es van determinar mitjançant una comparació qualitativa de la coexistència dels mapes de termes. A més, els mapes de conglomerats del programa de visualització VOS van revelar la fusió dels conceptes. Finalment, es van assenyalar les paraules clau més citades, juntament amb les codificades als articles, a partir de la base de dades Web of Science (WoS). Segons aquesta base de dades, les paraules clau més esmentades van ser configuració, patró de distribució, terreny i fragment; mentre que la codificació dels articles assenyalava els termes arquitectura, edificació, espai, material i medi ambient. Aquest estudi, doncs, proposa una nova definició de paisatge tectònic. Investigar noves interaccions entre paraules clau i àrees de tectònica i va obrir una nova pàgina per desenvolupar nous aspectes d'aquest camp en futures investigacions.
Leftover spaces are constitutive elements of the city structure. The accurate selection of and intervention in certain hotspots can lead to an urban development that slowly takes over. The design intervention has a special effect on preventing the transition into vacancy; hence, user preferences should be properly considered. In 2017, the global population of adults aged 60 and upper reached 962 million. To address the needs of the elderly, we need to define local relevant design approaches. This research seeks to identify the elderly's preferences, particularly their use of open spaces. Application of the mixed-methodology with the BWM-questionnaire to vacant lands resulted in: a natural landscape with diverse vegetation and other facilities, gentle leisure activities, and community gardening as essential intervention attributes, leading to an ideal environment for the elderly. The innovation is implementing a mixed approach, BWM questionnaire, and considering both experts and public preferences to represent the demands of the elderly in cities. The kind of intervention and the needs of the elderly, particularly in restricted outdoor spaces, have still not been intensively reported. As these areas are too restricted, design components will play a greater role. Consequently, temporary, flexible, and experimental responses to leftover spaces are provided.
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Leftover spaces are constitutive elements of the city structure. The accurate selection of and intervention in certain hotspots can lead to an urban development that slowly takes over. The design intervention has a special effect on preventing the transition into vacancy; hence, user preferences should be properly considered. In 2017, the global population of adults aged 60 and upper reached 962 million. To address the needs of the elderly, we need to define local relevant design approaches. This research seeks to identify the elderly's preferences, particularly their use of open spaces. Application of the mixed-methodology with the BWM-questionnaire to vacant lands resulted in: a natural landscape with diverse vegetation and other facilities, gentle leisure activities, and community gardening as essential intervention attributes, leading to an ideal environment for the elderly. The innovation is implementing a mixed approach, BWM questionnaire, and considering both experts and public preferences to represent the demands of the elderly in cities. The kind of intervention and the needs of the elderly, particularly in restricted outdoor spaces, have still not been intensively reported. As these areas are too restricted, design components will play a greater role. Consequently, temporary, flexible, and experimental responses to leftover spaces are provided.
Spatial fragmentation as an opportunity for resilience building through urban acupuncture
Learning from Tehran and Bucharest
The rapid urbanization of metropolitan environments worldwide has led to increasing spatial fragmentation. Disconnected spaces have revealed spatial and social voids that reduce the adaptive capacity of a region. However, these spaces also offer latent potential for urban resilience. Accordingly, this study reveals how urban acupuncture promotes resilience in leftover spaces to reduce or embrace spatial fragmentation. This paper reviews spatial fragmentation and urban resilience from descriptive-analytical and normative perspectives. It proposes urban acupuncture to locate critical spatial structures and processes on a small scale. The study develops a conceptual framework around fragmentation and urban acupuncture. It investigates the assumptions behind the concepts of spatial fragmentation and proposes a dialectical framing of vacancy based on resilience and urban acupuncture, along with a reassessment of leftover space as a planning tool. The framework’s application is demonstrated in Tehran and Bucharest. As a result, spatial fragmentation significantly influences urban resilience to prevent expansion. Urban acupuncture opens the possibility of developing optimistic scenarios by considering leftover spaces and the broader opportunities they generate for urban resilience. Depending on the urban context, this strategy can be applied through a single intervention in a specific place or a network of coordinated interventions in different locations.
...
The rapid urbanization of metropolitan environments worldwide has led to increasing spatial fragmentation. Disconnected spaces have revealed spatial and social voids that reduce the adaptive capacity of a region. However, these spaces also offer latent potential for urban resilience. Accordingly, this study reveals how urban acupuncture promotes resilience in leftover spaces to reduce or embrace spatial fragmentation. This paper reviews spatial fragmentation and urban resilience from descriptive-analytical and normative perspectives. It proposes urban acupuncture to locate critical spatial structures and processes on a small scale. The study develops a conceptual framework around fragmentation and urban acupuncture. It investigates the assumptions behind the concepts of spatial fragmentation and proposes a dialectical framing of vacancy based on resilience and urban acupuncture, along with a reassessment of leftover space as a planning tool. The framework’s application is demonstrated in Tehran and Bucharest. As a result, spatial fragmentation significantly influences urban resilience to prevent expansion. Urban acupuncture opens the possibility of developing optimistic scenarios by considering leftover spaces and the broader opportunities they generate for urban resilience. Depending on the urban context, this strategy can be applied through a single intervention in a specific place or a network of coordinated interventions in different locations.
Concerning resilient urban landscapes, current research emphasizes that we can no longer ignore ecological systems and social aspects. Thus, planning and design approaches must fundamentally address public needs and preferences. This research focuses on resilience from a community, infrastructure, social-ecological perspective, while there are still considerable gaps in integrated and holistic views on resilience. Moreover, providing more public spaces is a challenge, especially in cities with a high population density. Considering vacancy as an underexplored resource for socio-ecological benefits, this study intends to demonstrate how intervention in urban leftover spaces can transform into socio-ecological landscapes contributing to urban resilience. Moreover, choosing the design intervention will directly influence the vacancy; therefore, user preferences should be considered. With an analysis of critical aspects through experts’ opinions of landscape resilience in leftover spaces, the paper shows that Flexibility was the most effective, while Activity affected most properties. Also, to focus on human preferences, a questionnaire was distributed among 386 residents. The findings suggest that the diversity and density of trees, type of activity, and water may create resilient urban landscapes and provoke satisfaction. The study results might inform particular research projects and interventions that consider landscape as a resource for resilience.
...
Concerning resilient urban landscapes, current research emphasizes that we can no longer ignore ecological systems and social aspects. Thus, planning and design approaches must fundamentally address public needs and preferences. This research focuses on resilience from a community, infrastructure, social-ecological perspective, while there are still considerable gaps in integrated and holistic views on resilience. Moreover, providing more public spaces is a challenge, especially in cities with a high population density. Considering vacancy as an underexplored resource for socio-ecological benefits, this study intends to demonstrate how intervention in urban leftover spaces can transform into socio-ecological landscapes contributing to urban resilience. Moreover, choosing the design intervention will directly influence the vacancy; therefore, user preferences should be considered. With an analysis of critical aspects through experts’ opinions of landscape resilience in leftover spaces, the paper shows that Flexibility was the most effective, while Activity affected most properties. Also, to focus on human preferences, a questionnaire was distributed among 386 residents. The findings suggest that the diversity and density of trees, type of activity, and water may create resilient urban landscapes and provoke satisfaction. The study results might inform particular research projects and interventions that consider landscape as a resource for resilience.