CHENAR STREET – DEDICATED PEDESTRIAN

Design Frim: Cama Circle

Role: Coordinate the Design Team, Design, and Advise Public-Sector Client

Location: Isfahan, Iran

Date: 2020

The Isfahan Municipality initiated a project to transform the area alongside Mirzataher Street into a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly space. This area featured a 4-meter-wide dirt path running parallel to the street. One side was bordered by a century-old thatched wall, and beyond that wall lay the gardens and agricultural lands of the Najvan region. On the other side of the path, there was an irrigation ditch used for transporting water to the nearby gardens.

Before

Cross Section

Survey

In the initial survey, it was determined that this area was the only public space along the street directly linked to the Najvan region. Allowing vehicular access to this area could potentially lead to changes in land use for the surrounding agricultural lands and gardens.

Over the past 50 years, the physical changes and development of cities into green areas have given rise to several challenges and problems. Some of the key issues associated with this transformation include:

Loss of Green Spaces: Urbanization and development have often led to the loss of green and open spaces in cities. This can result in reduced access to parks, recreational areas, and natural environments for residents.
Environmental Impact: Urban development in green areas can have a detrimental impact on the environment. It can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the loss of biodiversity. Additionally, the expansion of concrete and asphalt surfaces can contribute to the urban heat island effect and worsen air quality.
Traffic Congestion: Increased development in green areas can lead to higher population densities, which, in turn, can exacerbate traffic congestion and put additional stress on transportation infrastructure.
Pressure on Agricultural Land: The conversion of green areas into urban spaces can put pressure on nearby agricultural land. As cities expand, valuable farmland may be lost, affecting food production and supply.
Social Displacement: Urban development in green areas can sometimes result in the displacement of communities, particularly those with lower incomes. Rising property values and rents can make it difficult for long-term residents to remain in their neighborhoods.
Loss of Cultural and Historical Heritage: Green areas often contain cultural and historical landmarks, such as old buildings, monuments, or archaeological sites. The development may lead to the destruction or neglect of these heritage assets.
Infrastructure and Services: Expanding into green areas may require significant investments in infrastructure and services, including roads, utilities, schools, and healthcare facilities. The cost of providing these services can strain municipal budgets.
Stormwater Management: The conversion of green areas into impervious surfaces can disrupt natural stormwater management processes. This can lead to increased runoff, flooding, and water pollution.
Quality of Life: Rapid urbanization and the loss of green spaces can impact residents’ quality of life. Lack of access to parks and natural areas can reduce opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and physical activity.
Long-Term Sustainability: Development in green areas should be carefully planned to ensure long-term sustainability. This includes considerations for energy efficiency, sustainable design practices, and the preservation of green corridors and natural habitats.

To address these challenges, urban planning and development must prioritize sustainability, environmental conservation, and community well-being. Comprehensive planning that balances urban growth with the preservation of green spaces is essential for creating livable and sustainable cities.

Project Site in 1956

Project Site in 2020

Design

To address these concerns, the decision was made to design a platform exclusively for pedestrians, creating a space for social interactions among the local community while preserving the existing historical identity.

Restoration and Strengthening of Thatched Wall: The century-old thatched wall was renovated and reinforced, effectively turning it into a historical artifact showcased in an outdoor museum setting.

Brick Paving: The path was paved with red bricks, providing comfort to users and contributing to the overall ambiance of the space. The red color of the bricks was chosen to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Visual Accessibility: Visual access to the lands behind the wall was enhanced through the installation of shaded doors made from a combination of wood and metal.

The wall as a screen: Using the wall as a screen is an innovative approach in urban design and landscape architecture. It involves repurposing existing walls or structures to serve as screens for various purposes.

A Platform for Social Interactions

As mentioned, our goal was to create a platform for social interactions with local people. In order to increase the rate of social interactions, the duration of using the space should be increased. For this purpose, two measures were taken. One is that Benches were strategically placed along the path to accommodate individual or group seating, encouraging people of different ages and genders to rest or engage in casual interactions.

Another issue was the interaction of people with space. For this purpose, lights were installed at the height and alongside the water stream. These lights cast shadows on the wall, creating an engaging and interactive element that encourages people to interact both with each other and with the space.

To further promote community interaction, some of the landowners behind the wall were provided with sales spaces to sell products grown on their lands, including flowers, plants, and crops.

The project’s primary focus was to minimize interference with the natural environment, allowing the edge of the road to blend seamlessly with the natural elements. Additionally, the design aimed to facilitate interactions among people and between people and the space, fostering a sense of community and connection within the area.