Urban legibility, analyzing urban elements

Abstract

Ambiguous, impersonal and meaningless buildings, idiosyncrasy and poverty, are the problems and imperfections in the way of today's Iranian rooted urbanization. The influence of modernist thinking and imprudential imitation of Western urbanization, the preference of imported patterns to traditional and indigenous patterns can be among the reasons for the ailing urban design in Iran. Improving spatial quality in the paths as one of the indicators of quality of life will play an important role in correcting the current monotonous and inefficient trend. In this paper, it is attempted to improve the quality of legibility in urban areas by designing urban signs. Urban elements enhance the legibility of the environment, form a clear and desirable mental image in the minds of citizens and subsequently enhance the quality of space. The present article aims to use locate and design the physical elements of urban elements in a meaningful, traditional and indigenous style, in a way that has a positive impact on increasing the legibility and quality of the environment. With the adaptation of the generative characteristics of urban elements meaningful urban elements that generate legibility and identity new design criteria have been developed. The results show that designing distinguished, distinct and interesting elements that induce a feeling of memory and belonging and are culturally and functionally compatible with the historical and literary background of Shiraz city and have a meaningful conjunction with the valuable works of the city can enhance the quality of space. Statues of poets and literary and historical characters, spring trees etc. not only create a sense of identity but also enhance legibility and have a traditional and native smell.