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Volume 25, Issue 91 (12-2025) |
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Strengthening the exploitation of cultural ecosystem services in urban parks with an emphasis on semantic organization and cultural values
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Solmaz Ahmadi Barough1   , Mehdi Haghighat Bin *1 |
| 1- Tarbiat Modares University |
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Abstract: (16 Views) |
Abstract
This study investigates the enhancement of Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) utilization in urban parks through the lens of semantic organization and cultural values. Employing a comparative case study of Zanjan (Turkish cultural context) and Sanandaj (Kurdish cultural context), Iran, the research analyzes the relationship between a park's semantic organization encompassing symbolism, historical memory, usage patterns, narratives, and cultural context and user-perceived CES benefits. A mixed-methods approach integrated qualitative data from expert interviews with quantitative data from questionnaires and cognitive mapping collected from 300 park visitors (150 per city). Quantitative analysis revealed a strong, significant positive correlation between semantic organization and CES utilization in both Zanjan (r=0/733, p<0/001) and Sanandaj (r=0/816, p<0/001). Regression analysis indicated that semantic organization explained 53/3% and 66/6% of the variance in CES utilization for Zanjan and Sanandaj, respectively. An independent t-test showed significantly higher mean scores for both variables in Sanandaj (p<0/001). ANOVA results further identified education level and visit frequency as significant factors influencing CES perception (p<0/05). The higher mean score for items like "ethnic ceremonies" in Sanandaj underscored the determinative role of specific cultural context. Complementing qualitative findings on collective memory, the results robustly support that context-specific semantic design strategies are crucial for enhancing non-material ecosystem service benefits. Consequently, this study advocates for evidence-based planning that integrates indigenous narratives and community participation in park management.
Keywords: Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES), Semantic Organization, Cross-Cultural Analysis, Mixed Methodology, Exploitation of Cultural Ecosystem Services, Urban Parks.
Introduction
Urban parks, as vital components of green infrastructure, provide numerous ecological, social, and cultural benefits to residents. With increasing urbanization, their role has evolved beyond mere recreational spaces to critical refuges that facilitate social interactions, improve air quality, host cultural events, and enhance physical and mental health. The concept of Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) – the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems – has gained significant attention in landscape and urban design studies. However, despite Iran's rich ethnic and cultural diversity, research on CES has primarily focused on environmental features or psychological impacts, often neglecting the profound role of culturally specific semantic organization – the symbolic, historical, and narrative layer of a landscape. This study addresses this gap by investigating how the semantic organization of urban parks, encompassing symbolism, historical memory, usage patterns, narratives, and cultural context, influences user perception and utilization of CES. The primary research question is: How is semantic organization defined and perceived in urban parks, and what relationship does it have with the level of CES utilization? This research aims to provide an evidence-based framework for enhancing CES benefits through context-sensitive semantic design strategies in park planning and management.
Methodology
This study employed a descriptive-analytical and correlational research design, utilizing a mixed-methods approach to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis. The research was conducted as a comparative case study of two urban parks in culturally distinct Iranian cities: Park-e Melat in Zanjan (representing a Turkish-Azeri cultural context) and Park-e Mellati (also known as Didgah) in Sanandaj (representing a Kurdish cultural context). The sample consisted of 300 park visitors (150 from each city), selected via simple random sampling. Data collection tools included:
1.Structured questionnaires with three sections: demographic information, cognitive questions based on images and cognitive mapping (using a 5-point Likert scale), and an evaluation of the "memory-making cultural context" index with 6 items (also on a 5-point Likert scale).
2.Semi-structured interviews with local experts and specialists in landscape architecture and urban planning.
Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation), Pearson's correlation coefficient, independent samples t-test, linear regression, and one-way ANOVA. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed to provide depth and context to the quantitative findings, focusing on themes like collective memory and cultural symbolism.
Results and discussion
Quantitative analysis revealed a strong, significant positive correlation between semantic organization and CES utilization in both Zanjan (r =733/0, p <0/01) and Sanandaj (r = 816/0, p <0/01). Regression analysis indicated that semantic organization explained %53/3and %66/6 of the variance in CES utilization in Zanjan and Sanandaj, respectively. An independent t-test showed significantly higher mean scores for both variables in Sanandaj (p < 001/). ANOVA results identified education level and visit frequency as significant factors influencing CES perception (p <05/0). A detailed analysis of questionnaire items revealed the most significant disparities in items related to "opportunities to observe/participate in native live arts" and "capability to hold ethnic ceremonies," with Sanandaj scoring markedly higher. This underscores the determinative role of specific cultural context (Kurdish culture's emphasis on collective identity and social rituals) compared to Zanjan's focus on aesthetic and recreational experiences. Qualitative findings complemented these results, highlighting the importance of collective memory-making through elements like public art, flexible spaces for cultural activities (e.g., local folklore performances, handicraft workshops, Nowruz celebrations), and the integration of native narratives. The synergy between physical design (e.g., ceremonial amphitheaters, native walking paths) and intangible cultural expressions was identified as key to successful CES provision.
Conclusion
This study robustly demonstrates that semantic organization is a crucial determinant of the type and intensity of CES utilization in urban parks. It is not merely an additive decorative layer but an integrated design and management strategy that must be rooted in identifying and reinforcing the specific signs, narratives, and social interaction patterns unique to each cultural context. The findings advocate for a paradigm shift in urban park planning: from viewing parks merely as "green spaces" to recognizing and managing them as "living cultural ecosystems." Practical recommendations include: 1) Conducting field studies and oral histories to identify local narratives and symbols before (re)designing parks; 2) Designing multifunctional and flexible spaces that accommodate both spontaneous and planned ceremonies and social gatherings; 3) Establishing sustainable community partnerships, involving local residents in the design and management process; 4) Developing ecological-cultural indicators for park quality assessment that encompass semantic and cultural dimensions alongside ecological criteria. Future research should expand this methodology to other cultural contexts in Iran and employ innovative tools like social media data analysis and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to further understand user experiences.
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Article number: 2 |
| Keywords: Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES), Semantic Organization, Cross-Cultural Analysis, Mixed Methodology, Exploitation of Cultural Ecosystem Services, Urban Parks. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1345 kb]
(20 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/10/13 | Accepted: 2026/01/13 | Published: 2026/01/13
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