The influence of the discord in building distinctivness on the perception of tehran’s city identity

Abstract

This research examines the concept of city’s image and identity in the capital city of Iran, Tehran. In this research, identity was defined as the qualities of a place that is recognized or recalled as being distinct by the individuals. Identity is a critical issue in Tehran. The overall image of the city, which includes similar forms, has no identity. The new developments in Tehran have no distinctive character. The first objective of this research was to find out the distinctive city’s elements. The second objective of this research was to discover the qualities associated with those distinctive elements. The third objective of this research was to ascertain the variation between different respondents and their identification of distinctive city’s elements. Finally, the last objective is to find out residents’ evaluation and feelings regarding the city. The research adopted mixed methodology using both the quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection and analysis. The quantitative approach adopted a survey using a questionnaire on a sample of the Tehran's residents. A total of 204 residents from different parts of the city were involved in the sample survey. The qualitative approach used three techniques; interview, free sketch task, and visual survey. A total of thirty professional residents were involved in the interview. The data were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Statistic Package for the Social Sciences for cross analysis and content analysis for convergence of both quantitative and qualitative data. Eighteen buildings were identified as the imageable buildings of Tehran. The results indicated that the physical features and the appearance of the distinctive buildings were the most important factors in the process of recalling the distinctive buildings. Meanings and activities attached to those buildings were also important. It was found that residents’ age and their period of residency in the city have important effect on the identification of distinctive elements of the city. The study suggests that the buildings in Tehran have been important elements in people’s mental cognition. The study found that the characteristics of distinctive physical elements are influenced by the physical appearance of the buildings more than non-physical attributes. Singularity has the most effect on the imageability. It is hoped that these findings would reveal some knowledge of the elements of identity characteristics and inspire city planners and designers and community leaders to improve the image of the city