Safe City

Safe City

Explanation of Form-Based Code Components for the Revitalization and Organization of Facades in the City's Central-Historic Streets (Case Study: Ferdowsi Street, Tabriz)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
University of Tabriz
Abstract
Introduction: The facade of a city's buildings reflects its identity, making its organization a key focus for both preserving historical contexts and guiding the work of urban designers today. In this context, form-based code is one of the mechanisms advocating a return to traditional models. Ferdowsi Street in Tabriz, situated in the heart of the city's historic and commercial fabric, has significant potential to attract people. However, due to neglect of its defining characteristics and facade issues, it has gradually become more of a transitory space, highlighting the need for attention and intervention.

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to identify the components of form-based code to guide the modification of Ferdowsi Street's facade, ensuring it aligns with its historical conditions and identity.
Methods: This research is applied and developmental in purpose and type, utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach in its nature and methodology. Data collection involved both documentary and field methods. Due to the severe conditions of the coronavirus pandemic and the reliance on mental mapping, a limited sample of 40 participants was randomly selected for the statistical population.

Discussion: In light of the article's objectives and the study area's significance, the findings underscore the crucial role of the identified components in creating a cohesive and environmentally compatible urban space. The approach under review, form-based code, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive focus on all dimensions and formal details to revitalize and organize street facades and their spaces. The research demonstrates that implementing the diverse components of form-based code, as opposed to previous performance-oriented policies, can foster a harmonious environment that addresses the shortcomings of earlier plans. Additionally, this section highlights the theoretical nature of this approach in past studies and stresses its importance for improving the visual landscape in future urban design. The research's innovative aspect lies in addressing the previously neglected considerations, resulting in the development of a comprehensive three-dimensional plan for the entire street. Ultimately, by comparing both approaches, it becomes evident that incorporating this policy into city design can lead to a visually compatible environment that aligns with its surroundings.
Results: After extracting the conceptual model in three dimensions (environmental, functional, experiential-aesthetic) it was examined for each of the extracted criteria and Finally, the results of the dimensions of the questionnaire indicated that the people were dissatisfied with the condition of the street walls and paid the most attention to the Ustad Shagerd Mosque as an identity element in the mental map, which has a high legibility for the citizens.

Conclusion: The analyses conducted on the extracted components and the principles of form-based code across four areas (form, streets, green spaces, and land use) indicate that the form-based code principles effectively addressed the deficiencies and challenges of the area. This was achieved by incorporating the opinions and suggestions of individuals through open-ended questionnaire questions, mental mapping, and creating a participatory environment for the public, who are the primary users of the space. Additionally, the context-driven nature of the approach ensured that the proposed plans for the area paid close attention to past styles and cultures, drawing inspiration from traditional practices. These features have positively influenced the compatibility of the proposed designs with other structures in the area. Ultimately, based on the results and the evaluation of the components, three-dimensional simulations were provided for all three areas, considering all details and regulations, and addressing all relevant issues. This demonstrates the desirability of the components and their compatibility with the existing fabric.
The analysis of the criteria revealed numerous inefficiencies in the existing zoning, such as the absence of a cohesive pattern and form. In contrast, the form-based code, with its emphasis on formal criteria and detailed guidance, offers clearer and more understandable principles. This approach helps eliminate visual confusion and strengthens the physical identity of the area by drawing inspiration from traditional and historical patterns. Additionally, it incorporates public opinion and participation in the design process. Overall, considering the above results and using a comparative method to assess the current state of the area, it can be stated that form-based code components can effectively address existing issues and enhance the organization of street facades by incorporating key environmental elements into the design. This approach not only improves the legibility of the environment but also increases land use diversity, countering the current single-functionality. As a result, it alters the hours of use in the area, promotes greater presence in the space, and ultimately leads to increased social interactions on the street.
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