The Legibility Efficacy of Historical Neighborhoods in Creating a Cognitive Map for Citizens

Article


Askarizad, Reza, He, Jinliao and Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, Elham. 2022. "The Legibility Efficacy of Historical Neighborhoods in Creating a Cognitive Map for Citizens." Sustainability. 14 (15), pp. 1-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159010
Article Title

The Legibility Efficacy of Historical Neighborhoods in Creating a Cognitive Map for Citizens

ERA Journal ID41498
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsAskarizad, Reza (Author), He, Jinliao (Author) and Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, Elham (Author)
Journal TitleSustainability
Journal Citation14 (15), pp. 1-20
Number of Pages20
Year2022
PublisherMDPI AG
Place of PublicationSwitzerland
ISSN2071-1050
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159010
Web Address (URL)https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/15/9010
Abstract

Nowadays, historical neighborhoods in Iran are in a state of decay due to the lack of spatial legibility with respect to their organic spatial layout. Hence, the level of interaction among people and their perception of the environment has gradually diminished. Historical neighborhoods no longer possess their former prosperity and function, and citizens prefer to inhabit neighborhoods with newer configurations to meet their demands. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the spatial legibility of historical neighborhoods in creating a suitable cognitive map for citizens. Quantitative and qualitative methods were applied using a questionnaire and simulation test instruments. In addition, in order to analyze the spatial configuration of the target areas, the Space Syntax method was implemented using Depthmap 10. The findings indicated that landmarks and navigation signs were identified as the most important factors affecting legibility from the viewpoint of users. Furthermore, the correlation between integration and connectivity illustrated that the studied areas possessed poor spatial legibility due to the organic texture of their spatial configurations. Accordingly, solutions such as enhancing the interaction between highly integrated streets and identified landmarks were emphasized to ameliorate the legibility of these spaces. The present study contributes to sustainable urban design with respect to the rejuvenation of historical districts by proposing a set of pragmatic alterations of urban spatial configurations. This research may be fruitful for urban designers, planners and managers seeking to revitalize historical neighborhoods.

Keywordscognitive map; historical neighborhood; intelligibility; landmark; legibility; mental image; permeability; space syntax; spatial configuration; sustainable development
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020330409. Transport planning
330411. Urban design
330410. Urban analysis and development
330404. Land use and environmental planning
330413. Urban planning and health
Byline AffiliationsEast China Normal University, China
University of Southern Queensland
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Funding source
Grant ID
42171214
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