Visual Impact Assessment of building’s facade on the natural landscape (Case study: Namaz Boulevard of Mashhad)

One of the most important challenges regarding recent urban developments is the issue of urban facades, which has become more and more important due to the lack of harmony and coordination of urban facades with the natural context of cities. The main issue of the present study is the study and analyzing of the effects of urban views of recent constructions on the natural landscape and the visual effects of the urban landscape.

The methodology of the present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. And the research area is Namaz Boulevard located in the southern heights of Mashhad metropolis. First, in order to identify the visual qualities of the study area, field sampling method and photography tools were used, Then, the data were analyzed using graphic software and finally, using the VIA visual impact assessment method, the effects of urban facades on the natural landscape of the area were evaluated.

Findings show that the components of the relationship in the urban landscape of recent constructions have positive and direct effects and in some areas of influence due to lack of coordination and non-observance of rhythm and visual continuity and other adjacent criteria, direct, negative and medium-term effects. It has been left and in terms of components such as harmony and unity in architectural style, the type of materials and color palette used in urban facades, long-term negative effects are predicted for it.

The results of the present study indicate that in recent years, the elevation in Namaz Boulevard on the one hand and the inconsistency of construction patterns and architectural style with the urban context, have negative, direct and long-term effects on the natural landscape and lead to obstruction of vision and disturbances. Visual and loss of landscape and ecological structures are limited.