Explaining the Cultural Identity Dimensions of Public Spaces Based on the Principles of Citizen-Centered Urban Planning: A Case Study of the Historical Fabric of District 12, Tehran

Public spaces, as the heart of cities, play a crucial role in shaping urban identity, fostering social interactions, and creating a sense of belonging among citizens to their living environments. One effective approach to enhancing the identity of these spaces is adopting a citizen-centered urban planning perspective. This approach focuses on addressing the needs, demands, and values of the local community, aiming to design and create spaces that not only meet the needs of diverse social groups but also preserve their cultural and historical identity. Despite the significance of this subject, limited research has explored the impact of citizen-centered urban planning on the identity and quality of public spaces. This study aims to identify the key variables influencing the enhancement of public space identity within the historical fabric of District 12, Tehran. The research methodology is structural and employs the MICMAC software, with purposive sampling of 15 urban planning experts. Seventeen variables across functional, physical, and identity dimensions were identified. The findings revealed that variables such as easy access to urban services and amenities, mixed land use, paving, preservation of historical buildings and spaces, and the design of cycling paths are the primary drivers for enhancing the identity of public spaces in the historical fabric of District 12, Tehran. These results provide valuable insights for sustainable planning and management of public spaces in the area.