Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
M.Sc. Student, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
2
Full Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
Abstract
Night-time urban life, as a key component of urban quality of life—particularly within pedestrian-oriented public spaces—depends on factors that enhance citizens’ experience of presence at night. This study evaluates the role of walkability in improving night-time urban life along Bu-Ali Pedestrian Street in Hamedan. A descriptive–analytical mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected via a questionnaire (n = 400) and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, factor analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Qualitative data were obtained through 40 semi-structured interviews and targeted field observations during peak nighttime activity (19:00–24:00), and analyzed thematically. The quantitative results showed that walkability indicators explained a substantial share of variance in night-time urban life quality (R² = 0.64). “Safety and security” (β = 0.22), “lighting quality” (β = 0.20), and “comfort” (β = 0.18) had the strongest effects. Qualitative findings yielded three overarching themes—environmental, functional, and managerial factors—with “lighting and visibility” as the most frequent category. Inadequate lighting, limited surveillance, insufficient nighttime amenities, and poor cleanliness and waste management were identified as major challenges. Overall, night-time urban life in historic pedestrian corridors depends less on activity presence and more on the quality of nighttime conditions and service-related prerequisites. Thus, improving Bu-Ali Street requires an integrated approach combining enhanced lighting, strengthened surveillance, improved amenities, and systematic cultural–tourism programming, providing a basis for interventions in similar historic contexts.
Highlights
- The study examined the relationship between pedestrianization and nightlife quality for the first time.
- The study was able to explain 64% of the nightlife quality variance.
- The study showed that in the historical-social context of the Bu Ali axis, “reducing perceived risk” and “increasing nighttime usability” are the most important logics determining the nighttime presence of users.
- The research showed that in the historical axes of Iran, nightlife is first formed through the path of "improving the quality of the conditions of presence", not simply through the path of "increasing activity".
- The research showed that the two indicators "safety and security" (β=0.22) and "quality of lighting" (β=0.20) showed the greatest effect on the quality of nightlife.
Keywords
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