Social Vitality in Historic Urban Fabrics: Assessing Spatial, Cultural, and Environmental Drivers in Tajrish, Tehran

This study investigates the critical role of historic place quality in the Tajrish neighborhood of Tehran in promoting spontaneous social interaction and community cohesion. Historic fabrics are theorized as essential social condensers, and this research validates this function within a contemporary urban context. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach—integrating quantitative resident perception surveys, qualitative thematic analysis of open responses, and structured field observations—the study analyzed the relationship between specific spatial attributes and social outcomes. The findings strongly affirm that Tajrish’s historic core operates as a highly effective social magnet. This success is primarily driven by excellent accessibility and the dense distribution of mixed-use amenities, evidenced by high mean scores for service attractiveness and social density. This confirms the positive role of cultural landmarks and active frontages in generating continuous, spontaneous public life. However, this inherent social vitality is critically compromised by environmental degradation. The lowest perception scores were recorded for the quality of air and noise pollution and the complete lack of routes for non-motorized activity. Qualitative data further revealed that excessive traffic and overcrowding are the predominant factors weakening the social experience. The study concludes that historic place quality is a necessary precondition for a vibrant public life, but it is insufficient without modern environmental management. To ensure the long-term sustainability of social cohesion in Tajrish, future interventions must urgently address critical infrastructural deficits—such as mitigating traffic congestion and establishing safe, comprehensive non-motorized mobility routes—alongside preserving the unique cultural identity that drives the area's ongoing social success.

کلیدواژه ها:

Spontaneous Social Interaction ، Community Cohesion ، Historic Urban Fabric ، Environmental Quality ، Tajrish ، Tehran