Analyzing the historic district of Tehran regarding walkability approach (case study: Naseri fortification)

Abstract

Between human needs, walking is one of the most important ones and has been ignored in present-day cities. The main goal of providing pedestrian walkways is to give priority to pedestrians in order to revive civil life. Pedestrianization will play an undeniable role in the revitalization of urban centers by providing a framework for social interactions in a safe environment. As the historic district of Tehran, Naseri fortification is one of the most important parts of the city with the capability of gathering, shopping and recreation. In this fortification, we can take the advantage of the existing potential of the historic fabric of Tehran and create a vital, stable and secure space, along with physical and functional revitalization. Walkability is the main approach toward achieving this goal, and accordingly, the present research aims to analyze Naseri fortification concerning walkability. The present condition analysis is performed according to several qualitative indicators such as physical-functional, socioeconomic, environmental indicators and moreover, some other indicators like the density of the historical attractions, the type of activities and the accessibility to the metro stations. Afterwards, the passages in this area are prioritized through the multi-criteria approach for adding pedestrian walkways based on the obtained results and eventually, the selected passages are identified in order to construct new pedestrian walkways or widen existing sidewalks. The final plan includes transforming South LalehZar and 30-Tir streets to pedestrian walkways, the widening of the sidewalks of Jomhuri and Imam-Khomeini streets and improving the walkability measures of Imam-Khomeini Square.