Abstract: (12 Views)
Streets as the primary infrastructure for mobility, access, connectivity, and service provision, are regarded as one of the most critical urban elements and can be considered the most pervasive public urban spaces, supporting countless economic, political, social, and cultural activities. However, since the mid-20th century, the unrestricted use of automobiles has brought undeniable harm to cities and their inhabitants, a crisis that continues to expand across most of the world. Today, this situation is palpably evident in Iranian cities, where the contemporary concept of the "street" is relatively nascent. Despite the ancient origins of the term, its modern usage dates back to the contemporary era. In other words, over recent decades, the "street" has deviated from its fundamental concept and now represents meanings far removed from its original essence—so much so that the primary users of these spaces are no longer "humans," and pedestrians have effectively become the least valued element in the "street." Thus, the reintegration of humans and the concept of "human-centeredness" into streets is imperative, necessitating a critical re-examination of these rich urban spaces. Accordingly, this study seeks to conceptually reinterpret the "street" in contemporary Iranian cities. Functionally, this research adopts a mixed-methods approach in terms of objectives and research strategy. In terms of nature and methodology, it combines library and field-based data collection. After analyzing the theoretical background, 44 influential indicators on the "concept of the street" were identified, and the TOPSIS method—based on expert opinions—was used for preliminary ranking. Subsequently, the VIKOR method was applied to derive the final indicators, yielding nine key factors for conceptual reinterpretation. Crucially, generalizing the term "street" to any urban passage or corridor is misleading. Instead, this study argues that only spaces and pathways embodying the following fundamental characteristics should be deemed a "street": Frequent and continuous pedestrian use, Safety and security, Diverse and small-scale functions and Flexibility and sustainability, Efficient public transportation systems, Inclusive design and accessibility for vulnerable social groups, Traffic management and vehicular calming, Provision of spaces for stopping, walking, and play, A setting for social interaction and environmental comfort. Finally, the nine derived indicators were applied to a real-world case study (Hamzeh Boulevard in Kerman), revealing its strong alignment with the idealized "street" concept.
Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2025/05/28 | Accepted: 2025/08/2 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/08/13
Received: 2025/05/28 | Accepted: 2025/08/2 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/08/13
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