Reconstruction of Urban Plazas with an Emphasis on Social Interaction Based on the Principles of New Urbanism (Case Study: Imam Square of Bandar Anzali)

Some of the urban organs can play a key role in creating city attractions in order to increase social interaction. One of the most important of these types of organs is urban plaza the reconstruction of which can serve as an approach to increase social interaction in city center. Increasing social interaction in reconstruction is one of the most important concerns of urban designers. Plazas are a mirror of culture, customs, and cultural heritage of cities; as such, the presence of population can spread and enhance these cultural factors. However, they are currently known as squares and only play a traffic role; they are, in fact, not considered as an opportunity for social promotion. Reconstruction of Imam Khomeini Square of Bandar Anzali, a central and traditional square, which has witnessed significant cultural and historical events, can lead to an increase in social interactions. In the present study, descriptive-analytical method was utilized. In this survey-based and library research, SWOT table, AHP analysis and Expert Choice software were used to weigh the new urbanism factors which influence social interactions. Based on the findings, seven main factors including increasing density in texture, walkability, maintaining valuable texture, preserving and increasing green space, connection and continuity, sense of security and physical security, and intelligent transportation were found to play a significant role in reconstructing the urban plaza. Connection and continuity indicator had the highest weight (.203) and was in an optimal state whereas sense of security and physical security indictor had the lowest weight (.084) which was indicative of its undesirable status among the aforementioned factors.