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Identifying the criteria for the perception of a sense of place in Ahvaz urban parks: A case study of four parks: Zeyton, Laleh, Kianpars Coast, and Naft City
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Abstract: (225 Views) |
As the most important and extensive public open spaces, urban parks play a fundamental role in improving the quality of urban life, shaping social interactions, and creating meaningful spatial experiences for citizens. Fulfilling these functions requires creating a sense of place and strengthening the emotional and perceptual bond between users and the environment. Despite the large number of urban parks in Ahvaz, significant differences are observed in the level of citizens' attendance and acceptance of these spaces; some parks are always the center of social activity and presence, while others, despite having relatively similar facilities, are less used. The present study aimed to identify and analyze key criteria affecting the perception of a sense of place in urban parks in Ahvaz, focusing on four parks: Zeytoon, Laleh, Kianpars Coast, and Oil City. The main research questions are: What are the criteria that affect the perception of a sense of place in Ahvaz urban parks? And from the visitors' perspective, which criteria play a more decisive role in their presence, permanence, and belonging? The research method was descriptive-analytical and survey, and data were collected from 330 visitors and a sample of park design experts through a researcher-made questionnaire, with reliability confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Research findings show that ten key components, including identity (perceptual-cognitive), readability, accessibility, natural elements and environmental comfort, variety of activities, visual beauty, memorability, security, interactivity, and furniture and equipment, are effective in forming a sense of place in urban parks. From the users' perspective, the components of identity and legibility had the greatest impact on the sense of place, while furniture and equipment were rated as the least important factor. In contrast, design experts have considered "spatial body" to be the main priority in creating a sense of place, which indicates a significant gap between users' perceptions and designers' approaches. The results of the study indicate that the difference in the level of acceptance of Ahvaz urban parks is directly related to the level of realization of the components of the sense of place, especially identity, accessibility, and legibility. These findings emphasize the need to simultaneously pay attention to the perceptual, physical, and functional dimensions in the design and improvement of the quality of future urban parks.
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| Keywords: Sense of Place, Zeyton, Laleh, Kianpars Beach and Oil Town Parks, Ahvaz |
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Full-Text [PDF 1253 kb]
(29 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Accepted: 2026/05/14 | Published: 2026/05/14
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