Examining the rhythm of behavioral hangouts in urban parks (Case study: Baharestan and Ibn Sina Zanjan Gardens)

The three key concepts of time, place, and human behavior together shape space. The urban space and its changes are the result of human movement in time and space. Although there have been many discussions about the concept of space, the theories of time-geography and Lefebvre have had the most significant impact on urban issues.Urban parks, as one of the urban public spaces, are a suitable environment for the formation of behavioral camps. The presence of different human groups with diverse ages and genders in such spaces leads to the formation of specific places for individual and group socialization, creating a space of consumption with a special character. The surrounding environment as a result of time is very effective in the formation of the type of camp and its way of functioning.This research examines the rhythm of the behavioral hangouts of urban parks with regional (multi-neighborhood) function, using the case study of Ibn Sina and Baharestan parks in Zanjan city. This is because no special studies have been done on the subject of behavioral camp rhythm and the functional structure of rhythms in camp spaces, and most of the research has focused on explaining the formation of camps or the rhythm of spaces.

The current research is a type of qualitative research based on the descriptive-analytical method with the nature of discovery and the method of rhythm analysis. Data collection using field observation and continuous interview during the formation hours of the camp. Data analysis was done with qualitative methods based on communication matrix, rhythm and qualitative information tables with three main components of structure, dynamics and sociability of the environment.

The rhythm of the behavioral camp in the studied gardens is significant, active and explorable mainly in the spring and summer seasons. The use of space is different according to the type of camp, but they have functioned in connection with each other. Sports camps have more durability and annual continuity. The temporal continuity of the rhythm of the elderly-based behavioral camp has more daily and seasonal continuity in terms of the number and stability of people. In terms of the space allocation and the number of people, the youth behavioral camp has less space compared to other camps. Waterfront furniture elements, trees, play equipment, sports equipment, stones, chairs, trees, the smoothness of the park ground, grass, besides the spatial security factor, have a greater impact on the durability and daily continuity of the camp. Spatial dependence of camps based on the elderly, children and family have the highest ratio. The geographical distance of the residence in Tharbahank is less than that of the other centers. The type of space consumption in the studied rhythms is mainly social and sports in nature. The structural morphology of gardens (regular, irregular or linear geometric shape) is effective in the formation of the type of behavioral camp and its rhythm. The rhythm of the studied camps is mainly in daily and afternoon time sequence and has a specific location with fixed and variable people. Based on the correlation matrix, there is functional correlation and coherence between the variables. The rhythm of space use in the monthly time period shows that the behavioral settlements based on collectivism mainly have the starting point in April and the peak in August, and with the gradual change of climate (from heat to cold) they move to temporary disintegration and again with climate change. (from cold to heat) forms and peaks.

This research examined the rhythm of the social and age groups of the urban parks of Baharestan and Ibn Sina Zanjan. The study found that the rhythm of behavioral hangouts in urban parks is affected by a variety of factors, including:- The type of park: Parks with a focus on social activities, such as playgrounds and picnic areas, tend to have a more active and explorable rhythm than parks with a focus on sports or other passive activities. The time of year: Parks tend to be more crowded in the spring and summer months, when the weather is warmer and more pleasant. The weather conditions: Parks may be less crowded in inclement weather, such as rain or snow. The age and gender of park users: Parks tend to be more crowded with families and children during the day, while they may be more crowded with adults in the evening.The findings of this study suggest that the rhythm of behavioral hangouts in urban parks is an important consideration for park planners and managers. By understanding the factors that influence the rhythm of park use, park planners can better design and manage parks to meet the needs of their users.