Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Associate Professor,Department of Social Work, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This article seeks to evaluate the social and cultural impacts of constructing a book parklet as a small, adaptable urban space on Fakhr Razi Street. Quantitative data was gathered through a structured survey utilizing a researcher-designed questionnaire. The target population comprised pedestrians who frequented the area, with a random sample of 200 respondents selected for participation. Additionally, qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to provide further insights. The findings reveal both positive and negative effects of the parklet's development. Positively, the project facilitated the creation of a public space, particularly benefiting marginalized or "silent" groups, while fostering social ties, collaborative actions, and strengthening neighborhood and regional identity. It also enhanced community participation, a sense of belonging, and boosted nearby businesses. However, the study also highlighted challenges, such as increased traffic congestion and conflicts with local businesses, as well as instances of vandalism. These outcomes underscore the complexity of such urban interventions in balancing community benefits with unintended consequences.
Keywords: Socio-Cultural Impact Assessment, Parklet, Urban Public Spaces, Social Interactions, Silent Groups.
Introduction
In contemporary urban environments, there is an increasing need for public open spaces equipped with appropriate amenities and visually appealing landscapes. Parklets, as small, interactive spaces designed alongside city sidewalks and streets, serve as a solution to this demand. The construction of parklets not only enhances the urban landscape and aesthetic quality but also encourages continuous pedestrian activity. These compact urban spaces, which offer citizens areas to meet, relax, eat, or engage socially, play a crucial role in fostering social interactions while mitigating the dominance of automobiles in the urban streetscape. This research aims to explore the key socio-cultural impacts of constructing a book-themed parklet on Fakhr Razi Street. Additionally, it seeks to identify the primary stakeholder groups involved in the parklet's development and usage.
Literature Review
Social Impact Assessment (SIA) examines the effects of development interventions on people's everyday lifestyles and general behavior. Within this framework, parklets, as multifunctional public spaces, have a significant influence on urban life and the overall quality of life for citizens. According to Pratt, parklets are designed to provide public spaces where individuals can sit, relax, and engage with their surrounding urban environment. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review and international case studies, parklet assessment criteria can be categorized into four primary dimensions: (1) Usage, (2) User Diversity, (3) Activity Levels, and (4) Sociability of the project location. These criteria offer a holistic approach to evaluating the socio-cultural impacts of parklets on urban spaces.
Methodology
This study employs both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methodologies to comprehensively assess the socio-cultural impacts of the parklet on Fakhr Razi Street. For the quantitative component, data was collected through a structured questionnaire, with the statistical population comprising all pedestrians who have traversed the street. A sample size of 200 respondents was determined using a random sampling method to ensure representativeness. For the qualitative aspect, thematic analysis was conducted alongside semi-structured interviews. The interviewees included various stakeholders such as nearby business owners, pedestrians, special interest groups (e.g., individuals with disabilities or visual impairments), and experts from relevant organizations. In total, 20 individuals were interviewed, offering diverse perspectives on the project's implementation and its social impact. This mixed-method approach provides a robust analysis of the parklet’s effects on urban life and public space use.
Results
Quantitative Findings:
The demographic analysis of the survey respondents reveals that 51.8% of participants were female, while 48.2% were male. The age distribution indicates that 21.5% of the respondents were between 15 and 25 years old, 40.5% were in the 25 to 35 age group, and 26% were aged between 35 and 45. A smaller proportion of respondents, 8.5%, were between 45 and 55 years old, with 3.5% over the age of 55. In terms of transportation methods, 12.8% of respondents traveled to Fakhr Razi Street on foot, 15.4% by private vehicle, and 37.9% via public transportation. The average walking distance reported along the sidewalks surrounding Fakhr Razi Street was 3 kilometers, suggesting that the parklet can serve as a significant resting area for pedestrians in this high-traffic zone.
Qualitative Findings:
The qualitative analysis reveals both positive and negative socio-cultural impacts stemming from the parklet’s construction. On the positive side, the parklet has facilitated the creation of a public space, particularly benefiting silent or marginalized groups. It has also contributed to the formation of social ties, fostered collaborative actions, and enhanced neighborhood and regional identity. Additionally, the parklet has increased participation across various demographic groups and fostered a sense of belonging to the neighborhood. The economic benefits include improvements in the performance of nearby businesses. However, some negative impacts were also identified. These include increased traffic congestion in the area and emerging conflicts between the parklet and local businesses, as well as issues related to vandalism. This complex set of outcomes underscores the multifaceted influence of such urban interventions on community life.
Project Beneficiaries: Analysis of Winners and Losers
level
Samples
Examples of impacts
the Losers
At the individual level
Residents of Sheikh Hadi neighborhood
Assembly of marginalized individuals
Presence of disruptive individuals
Emergence of social tensions
Diminished sense of peace and comfort
At the group level
low power groups (in case of disturbing groups)
Loss of public space due to the congregation of inappropriate individuals
Decreased pedestrian safety
Students, local businesses, etc. (in case of disturbing groups gathering)
Decrease in revenue
Increased safety risks for the business
Loss of parking availability
At the organizational level
Municipality of Region 11 and associated vice-chairs
Deterioration of parklet space
Assembly of criminal elements
Tehran Municipality
Dissatisfaction with the degradation of the park's urban landscape
Police
Creation of a space for disruptive individuals
Traffic police
Traffic
the winners
At the individual and group level
low power groups, especially the elderly and disabled
Expansion of public spaces for relaxation
Nearby businesses
Increased sales and enhanced business performance
Residents of the area
Improvement of urban furniture
Pedestrians and commuters within the city
Enhanced services along the sidewalk
At the organizational level
District 11 Municipality and Tehran Municipality
Strengthened social legitimacy of the municipality
Increased public trust in the municipality
Students
Creation of a meeting space
Enhanced sense of place attachment
Publishing collections and affiliated cultural institutions
Hosting of cultural events
Keywords
Main Subjects
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