Architectural and Environmental  Research

Architectural and Environmental Research

Explaining the Conceptual Model of Architectural Memorability Realization in Urban Environments: Assessing the Role of Urban Monuments

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
2 Associate Professor of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Art University of Isfahan, Iran.
3 Professor Of Landscape Architecture Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, I.U.S.T, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: The Influential role of memorable architecture on visualization and consequently legibility as desirable criteria of urban environments is undeniable. Its realization, in addition to giving meaning to the environment, creates a more attractive experience of being in urban environments. Therefore, what does architectural memorability comprise of and how it can be realized is a very important issue for architects and designers.

Objectives: The present study aims to explain the relationship between architecture and memorability in urban environments and provide a conceptual framework and model of this relationship in the realm of Realization.

Method: The present study has a qualitative approach and has a theoretical-applied orientation. Therefore, using the literature review method and with qualitative-inductive method to analyze them and content analysis, the relevant concepts have been read and by using the descriptive-analytical and descriptive-comparative methods, a suitable setting was established through logical discovery of new structures and relationships. Then, this model has been adapted and refined for urban monuments as one of the most important architectural examples which is effective in making urban environments memorable.

Result: An interactive model based on a logical balance between the top-down and down-top approaches with emphasis on cognitive and conceptual aspects is proposed to explain this realization in the field of design and evaluation of urban monuments. In this model, the realization can be achieved through the effectiveness of architectural examples in urban environments on human cognition, emotions and attention. In the case of urban monuments, due to their cognitive aspects such as the effectiveness on spatial cognition, they have salience experiences (direct, visualized or experience of similar environment) of the environment. In these approaches, the concept of saliency has been found a common concept that can be traced with various interpretations in order to achieve the goals.

Conclusion: The saliency cognition approach or determining what and how urban monuments become salience based on the various aspects presented in the proposed research model and also measuring its extent is very effective in explaining architectural memorability and can be used as a criterion for evaluating and providing design solutions in this area. It seems that its role in achieving goals such as the qualitative development of visual and urban spaces in the field of architectural and urban research is undeniable.
Keywords

  • Receive Date 07 January 2025
  • Revise Date 09 March 2025
  • Accept Date 03 February 2025