Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism
2
, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran
10.22099/iuds.2026.56107.1208
Abstract
Urban spaces, as primary settings for social interaction, shape citizens’ perceptions and lived experiences through a wide range of sensory stimuli. This study aims to evaluate the sensory qualities of urban spaces and identify the hierarchy of significant urban spaces in Tabriz, Iran. Adopting a multisensory landscape approach, the study assesses the sensory richness of selected urban spaces across five sensory dimensions: visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile. A descriptive-exploratory research design was employed, and quantitative data were collected through an electronic questionnaire using the sensory recall technique. Of the 265 responses received, 141 were considered valid and included in the analysis. The findings indicate that human presence is the predominant factor influencing the selection of urban spaces and represents the most important driver of visual and auditory stimuli. Among the four most prominent sites identified by respondents, the Ilguly Historical-Recreational Complex accounted for the largest share (29%), followed by the Terabit Pedestrian Walkway, Shariati (Shahnaz) Avenue, and Sa'at Square. The findings further indicate that, despite the physical separation of certain pedestrian corridors, such as the Terabit Walkway, from vehicular traffic, traffic noise remains a pervasive and intrusive stimulus that significantly influences citizens’ psychological perceptions of these spaces. Overall, the findings suggest that sensory perception is an integrated process rather than a combination of isolated sensory dimensions. Consequently, sensory recall alone may not fully capture the complex and multilayered nature of environmental perception. The study highlights the need for sensory-oriented urban design and management strategies that account for diverse urban spatial typologies in order to enhance the quality of environmental experience.
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