Enhancing Urban Nightlife of Historical-Cultural Axes by Improving Citizens’ Image at Night: A Case Study of Enghelab Street, Tehran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master of Urban Design, Department of Urban Planning, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study examines the role of cultural and historical corridors in enhancing urban social life at night, with a focus on Enghelab Street in Tehran. Urban design has historically prioritized daytime activities, often neglecting the unique spatial and psychological needs of nighttime environments. This research explores how mental imagery of urban spaces differs between day and night, highlighting the role of key urban elements such as paths, nodes, edges, landmarks, and districts.

Using surveys, interviews, and mental mapping techniques with 150 participants, the study identifies significant contrasts in citizens’ perceptions. While landmarks like the University of Tehran and City Theater strongly influence mental images during the day, their impact diminishes at night due to inadequate lighting, reduced social activity, and safety concerns. The findings underscore the critical role of lighting design, vibrant activities, and safety measures in creating engaging and inclusive nighttime spaces.

Recommendations include dynamic lighting to enhance visibility and emphasize landmarks, introducing diverse cultural and recreational activities, and improving public safety through visible surveillance and active foot traffic. Additionally, leveraging the cultural and historical identity of Enghelab Street can foster collective memory and create a meaningful nighttime environment.

This research offers actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers, demonstrating how cultural corridors can simultaneously preserve their historical significance and adapt to contemporary social needs, setting a benchmark for nighttime urban design in Tehran and beyond.

Highlights

  • Day-Night Perception Differences: Landmarks like the University of Tehran and City Theater shape strong mental images during the day, but at night, poor lighting, reduced activities, and safety concerns diminish their impact.
  • Challenges for Nighttime Use: Limited visibility, lack of vibrant activities, and safety issues hinder social engagement and the formation of clear mental imagery at night.
  • Enhancing Nighttime Vitality: Proposed solutions include dynamic lighting, diverse cultural and recreational activities, improved safety measures, and fostering public interaction to revitalize Enghelab Street at night.
  • Leveraging Cultural Identity: By emphasizing its historical and cultural significance, Enghelab Street can become an inclusive, dynamic hub for nighttime activity, setting a model for similar urban corridors.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Urban Design Studies
Volume 1, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
September 2024
Pages 141-160

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 July 2024
  • Revise Date: 06 August 2024
  • Accept Date: 15 August 2024
  • First Publish Date: 16 September 2024
  • Publish Date: 16 September 2024

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