Volume 14, Issue 52 (8-2025)
Haft Hesar J Environ Stud 2025, 14(52): 25-40 |
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Rashvand Z, Hamidi B. Urban landscape and the impact of informational environmental graphics on
enhancing its identity. Haft Hesar J Environ Stud 2025; 14 (52) :25-40
URL: http://hafthesar.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-2241-en.html
URL: http://hafthesar.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-2241-en.html
Abstract: (123 Views)
Introduction: Paying attention to social life and identity is one of the most essential dimensions of urban development. The urban landscape, functioning as a medium between individuals and the city, provides the visual and symbolic context in which environmental graphics manifest. Numerous elements can influence identity and social cohesion within the urban environment, among which environmental graphic design plays a pivotal role. When applied appropriately and systematically, the visual and functional aspects of environmental graphics—aligned with identity-based concepts—can be leveraged as strategic tools in urban development and large-scale spatial planning. Key functions of environmental graphics include facilitating communication, guiding movement, disseminating information, and enhancing aesthetic appeal to shape a distinct visual identity. This study aims to investigate the impact of informative environmental graphics on reinforcing the urban landscape identity within the jurisdiction of Rasht Municipality. The focus is particularly on improving wayfinding, citizen orientation, and creating a memorable visual experience in public and high-traffic urban spaces.
Methodology: This research employs a theoretical or conceptual sampling approach, selecting sources based on their relevance and depth in addressing the research questions. In qualitative studies, participants are referred to as knowledge holders rather than subjects, as they actively contribute to the research process without undergoing any form of intervention. Interviewees were chosen based on specific expertise criteria: a minimum of five years of experience in urban-related fields, graphic design, or cultural management, along with at least a bachelor’s degree. A total of ten experts, including municipal managers, members of urban beautification organizations, and university professors, were selected using the snowball sampling method, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved.
Results: Findings revealed that due to the absence of identity-forming components, citizens feel little sense of belonging or responsibility toward cultural and informational graphic elements. There is also a lack of connection or associative network between individuals and these graphic components. As such, the role of graphic designers—as intermediaries between citizens and policymakers—must focus on fostering identity through the design of environmental and informational graphics.
Discussion: Based on the Friedman ranking test and validation of design components, the study concludes with the following prioritized findings: Concepts shaping informative environmental graphic signs ranked first. Components shaping environmental furniture and cultural volumes ranked second. Components shaping collaboration between graphic designers and citizens ranked third. Components shaping the identity of graphic signs ranked fourth.
Methodology: This research employs a theoretical or conceptual sampling approach, selecting sources based on their relevance and depth in addressing the research questions. In qualitative studies, participants are referred to as knowledge holders rather than subjects, as they actively contribute to the research process without undergoing any form of intervention. Interviewees were chosen based on specific expertise criteria: a minimum of five years of experience in urban-related fields, graphic design, or cultural management, along with at least a bachelor’s degree. A total of ten experts, including municipal managers, members of urban beautification organizations, and university professors, were selected using the snowball sampling method, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved.
Results: Findings revealed that due to the absence of identity-forming components, citizens feel little sense of belonging or responsibility toward cultural and informational graphic elements. There is also a lack of connection or associative network between individuals and these graphic components. As such, the role of graphic designers—as intermediaries between citizens and policymakers—must focus on fostering identity through the design of environmental and informational graphics.
Discussion: Based on the Friedman ranking test and validation of design components, the study concludes with the following prioritized findings: Concepts shaping informative environmental graphic signs ranked first. Components shaping environmental furniture and cultural volumes ranked second. Components shaping collaboration between graphic designers and citizens ranked third. Components shaping the identity of graphic signs ranked fourth.
Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2025/08/3 | Accepted: 2025/08/1 | Published: 2025/08/1 | ePublished: 2025/08/1
Received: 2025/08/3 | Accepted: 2025/08/1 | Published: 2025/08/1 | ePublished: 2025/08/1
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