Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Sociology phd candidate,Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The quality of urban public spaces especially historical squares, has faced a crisis in recent decades, as many interventions have been purely physical and the social and cultural consequences of project implementation have been ignored, which has created problems for residents, businesses, and users of the space. This study aimed to assess the social and cultural impacts of the reorganization plan of Shahr-e Rey Square, as one of the historical and religious squares of Tehran. The study used a mixed quantitative-qualitative approach and data were collected through a questionnaire (270 respondents including residents, businesses, and users of the space), semi-structured interviews with 30 experts, and field observation. Data analysis was conducted based on the theories of social impact assessment of vankeli, sense of place and place belonging of Ralph and Tuan, social capital of Putnam, spatial justice of Soja, and public spaces and urban life of Jacobs and Gel. The findings showed that, in addition to improving physical and environmental conditions, the reorganization of the square had limited positive effects on the sense of belonging, social interactions, and cultural identity, but spatial inequality and some dissatisfaction of the business community were also identified as negative consequences that, in the medium term, could increase public dissatisfaction and disrupt the implemented reorganization plan. Considering these results, while emphasizing the importance of simultaneously paying attention to the social, cultural, and physical dimensions of urban regeneration projects, it is necessary to provide solutions to enhance the positive effects and reduce the negative consequences.
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