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Evaluation and Explanation of the Factors Affecting Sociability in Urban Public Spaces: A Case Study of the Historic-Cultural Fabric of Ardabil, Iran
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Pouya Hajisattari   , Dariush Sattarzadeh *1 , Lida Balilan Asl |
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Abstract: (15 Views) |
Urban public spaces, as arenas for social interaction, play a crucial role in strengthening social bonds, improving quality of life, and sustaining collective urban life. Despite the importance of these spaces, many historical urban fabrics in Iranian cities have experienced a decline in their capacity to facilitate everyday social interactions due to physical transformations, changes in activity patterns, and reduced social presence. Therefore, identifying the factors influencing the sociability of public spaces can provide a basis for improving environmental quality and enhancing the sociability of historical urban fabrics. This study aims to explain the factors affecting the sociability of public spaces within the historical-cultural fabric of Ardabil. The research is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of its methodology. The required data were collected through library research, questionnaires, and systematic field observations. The statistical population consisted of users of public spaces within the historical-cultural area of Ardabil, from which 384 respondents were selected based on Cochran’s formula. In addition, patterns of users’ presence, activities, and social interactions were observed over a four-week period at different times of the day. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation test, linear regression, and factor analysis. The findings indicate that the overall level of sociability in the studied public spaces is below the desirable level. Among the examined dimensions, the perceptual-semantic dimension demonstrated the most favorable condition, highlighting the significant role of historical identity, collective memory, and sense of belonging in sustaining social relationships. In contrast, environmental, physical-spatial, and activity-related dimensions revealed weaknesses in urban furniture quality, opportunities for staying and lingering, diversity of activities, and environmental conditions. Therefore, enhancing the sociability of public spaces in Ardabil’s historical fabric requires an integrated urban regeneration approach that simultaneously addresses spatial quality improvement, strengthening of social and cultural activities, enhancement of comfort and security, and preservation of the place’s identity values. The findings can provide an analytical framework for urban planners and designers seeking to improve the quality of public spaces in historical urban fabrics.
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Article number: 12 |
| Keywords: Sociability, Urban Public Spaces, Historical-Cultural Fabric, Ardabil |
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Full-Text [PDF 2742 kb]
(4 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/11/12 | Accepted: 2026/05/31 | Published: 2026/06/21
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