Changing the Sustainable Perspective from Outcome to Process; the Experience of Designing Urban Spaces based on Social Participation in Shiraz

Volume 21, Issue 134
August 2024
Pages 21-36

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department ofArchitecture, School of Arts and Architecture, Shiraz University, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, School of Arts and Architecture, Shiraz University, Iran.

3 M.A. in Architecture, Department of Architecture, School of Arts and Architecture, Shiraz University, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: Following the rapid increase in urban population, numerous social issues have arisen in large cities, leading to a focus on sustainable development concepts. The key to success in revitalizing social sustainability in urban spaces lies in supporting projects that integrate local conditions, and mobilize local skills, and knowledge. Additionally, the heterogeneity and density of cities have reduced cohesion, interaction, and individuals’ attention to each other. Nowadays, there is a shift in perspective from prescriptive approaches to participatory ones, and from architect-centric solutions to problem-solving methods emphasizing community initiatives. Therefore, it is imperative to move from the prescriptive role of architects as constructors and directors of all social affairs towards a role as one of the important social partners.
Research objective: This study aims to address the creation of urban spaces using the Participatory Design Method (PDM) to facilitate social interactions and move towards social sustainability.
Research method: This study, with its applied nature, adopted a combined approach based on a qualitative strategy relying on field research, using the “Design Workshop” or “Charette” model.
Conclusion: This research focused on presenting the process model of the “Charette Design Workshop” by designing an urban space located in the northern part of Mottahari Street, Shiraz. This process involved a pre-workshop, four main workshops, and an informal interim session, resulting in the design of the aforementioned space. The research findings recommend the necessity of having a pre-workshop to organize the main workshops and establish guidelines to prevent session deviation and straying from the main objectives. The presence of professional designers as leaders in the workshop, with their ability to design and articulate, formed the most important elements of workshop sessions, among other achievements of this research. Providing additional solutions for improving and enhancing participatory design processes is among the outcomes of this research.

Keywords

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