The Theories Investigation on Urban codes and Their Adaptation with the Contemporary Iranian Cities

The purpose of this study is to identify the theoretical foundations of different approaches to urban codes and to examine their applicability in contemporary Iranian city, using descriptive and analytical-comparative method with documentary studies. Theoretical bases of the research were used to explain the role of urban codes and to compare different approaches, by introducing the components of place, city as a sustainable place and placemaking. The study of the developments showed that, comprehensive planning theory aimed at creating order in traditional cities put "function" on the basis of the urban codes, but its inefficiency initially led to the creation of flexible zoning techniques and Since 1960s with Complexity theory and the design of the two approaches of relation- based and norm-based, the new urbanism theory with the Form-based approach, and the evolutionary theory with a hybrid approach, were critically criticized. Comparison of different approaches shows that, given the lack of an integrated approach to the city and public and private spaces in the contemporary Iranian city,choosing the theory of New urbanism and prioritizing 'form' over 'function' in the form-based approach as a holistic approach to public and private spaces, with a clear structure and a participatory process, has transformed it into a tool of placemaking and realization of sustainable development, while creating flexibility in function codes. It has the potential to provide a suitable form of "Urf"-custom- as a supporter of urban codes in the contemporary Iranian city and the quality of the public spaces can be made more achievable and less susceptible to private abuse.