Impact of Urban Open Spaces on City Spatial Structure (In Case of Isfahan)

Abstract

Public spaces can be considered as important elements to improve the quality of the environment and increase the sense of citizenship. On the other hand, the cohesive network of urban spaces shows the integrated structure of a city’s spatial organization, in which not only the connection of form and function is considered, but also meaning finds its place in a complex urban system. Since the spatial structure of the traditional Iranian cities is ingrained in geographical factors and culture of the settlements, the evolution of this structure in Isfahan as one of the most famous historical cities in Iran is examined. The aim of this study is to answer this question: How do urban open spaces impact city spatial structure? The research method is descriptive-analytical, which has been concluded in a process of content analysis. The development of Isfahan’s structure over time and role of urban spaces in its formation has been studied. Entrances, key points, roads, and water edges as main urban spaces impact on city structure direction. The structure has changed from linear-nuclei to central-radial and finally, an integrated network to the Safavid era, but cohesive nature of the structure has changed from the Pahlavi period with multiple sections of streets.