Introduction
Balancing citizens’ social lives and fostering a peaceful urban environment are essential components of creating a human-centered city. In this context, pedestrian axes play a fundamental role in enhancing social livability. Today, the vibrancy of urban public spaces is considered one of the most important indicators of quality of life in cities. Pedestrian streets, as key social intersections, can inject excitement and vitality into central urban areas, encourage voluntary public engagement, and ultimately contribute to the sustainability of urban centers. This research aims to examine the role of pedestrian axes in promoting social interactions, a sense of place, and urban tourism. Functional organization of mobility and public space to improve the quality of life, health and accessibility of urban areas. The impacts of car traffic on the livability of cities and neighborhoods in terms of safety, air, noise, as well as in terms of consumption and quality of public and pedestrian space in particular are directly addressed. In the meantime, the sidewalk is one of the most important urban spaces and public arenas in cities. It is important to find that the excessive development of urban physical space, the increase in public and private vehicles and the environment have brought about a detrimental effect on the city structure. The program, the creation of workable environments becomes an important strategy to advance human development goals in cities. Social interactions in public spaces are citizens' only revenge against the adverse effects of urban life. Urban public spaces are the shock absorbers of adversity and mental and physical stress.Public spaces are the savior and hope of contemporary machine cities, which all urban science experts and managers have reached a consensus on in implementing strategies for providing and developing public spaces. Pedestrian interactive axes can free citizens from the captivity of technology and lead citizens to public spaces.
Methodology
This study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach and is applied in nature. Data were collected through field studies, including questionnaires and direct observation. Additionally, documentary and library research was conducted to extract indicators related to social interactions and livability. The statistical population comprises all citizens of Tabriz, with a sample size of 384 individuals determined using Cochran’s formula. Sampling was conducted randomly among citizens present along the Tarbiyat Pedestrian Axis. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing ANOVA and T-tests to assess the status of each component.
Results and Discussion
Urban prosperity and livability are influenced by multiple factors. One significant contributor to social livability in the Tabriz metropolis is the pedestrian infrastructure—particularly the Tarbiyat Pedestrian Axis, which is notable for its historical character and long-standing presence. The findings of this study indicate that the Tarbiyat Axis plays a meaningful role in enhancing social interactions among citizens. Furthermore, the study explores the axis’s impact on residents’ sense of place attachment. Results show a positive and significant relationship between the pedestrian environment and increased place attachment among Tabriz citizens, who report feelings of safety, vitality, and identity when present in this space. In today’s fast-paced world, individuals seek environments that reflect their identity and provide a sense of belonging. Public spaces like the Tarbiyat Pedestrian Axis fulfill this need. Beyond fostering social interaction and place attachment, the axis also plays a vital role in attracting both domestic and international tourists. Evaluations highlight the area’s historical architecture, preserved facades, diverse urban elements, and a wide array of commercial centers as key factors contributing to its popularity, making it one of the most visited areas in Tabriz.
Conclusion
The study confirms a positive and significant impact of the Tarbiyat Pedestrian Axis on enhancing the spatial belonging of Tabriz citizens. The space fosters a sense of security, vibrancy, and identity. Analysis of variables such as social interaction, spatial belonging, and tourism—disaggregated by gender—reveals that only the correlation between gender and spatial belonging is statistically significant. Notably, women report a higher sense of spatial belonging to the Tarbiyat Pedestrian Axis compared to men.
Funding
There is no funding support.
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.