Explanation and Evaluation of Factors influencing the Desirability of Urban Squares (Case Study: Saa'at Square, city of Tabriz)

Squares play an important role in improving the quality of urban environments, but most of current urban environments, including squares, especially central and historical squares, do lack of proper quality and desirability. This study aims at identifying the affective factors, on the squares' desirability, and offering solutions for increasing the desirability of current status of Tabriz's central and historical square, called Saa'at Square. The present study is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection from a semi-structured interview with 50 residents of Tabriz city using purposeful sampling and data saturation method. To analyze the data obtained from the interview, the content analysis method has been used, and for the quantitative method, the TOPSIS method has been used. Results show that two factors of location attachment, and sociality, have the most and the least effect on the desirability of Tabriz Square. Among the threefold components affecting the attachment to the field, the component of the field's symbolism is the most significant indicator in this field. Therefore, results of the research to improve the desirability of this square, call for paying more attention to socializing factors -in particular the component of the sense of security in it, as well as the diversity of activities and uses, as well as the factors of visual attraction and creating collective memories in it, especially the component of the sense of survival in its space, and responsiveness to the needs of users by the urban authorities and planners. In this regard, solutions such as creating more green spaces and more pedestrians, creating recreational and cultural spaces, increasing the size of the square, preserving its historical texture, creating uses such as traditional market in order to preserve the city's culture and ..., are offered to promote the desirability of the Tabriz Saa'at Square. Innovational aspect of the present research, is in paying attention to the desirability of this historical square, using a quantitative-quantitative combinational research method.