دانشگاه اصفهان جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی محیطی 2008-5362 36 3 2025 09 23 Assessment of the Integration of Main Axes in the Quality of Public Spaces within Historical Context (Case Study: Main Axes of the Historical Context of Khorramabad City) سنجش میزان هم‌پیوندی محورهای اصلی در کیفیت عرصه‌های عمومی ‌بافت‌های تاریخی (نمونه موردی: محورهای اصلی بافت تاریخی شهر خرم‌آباد) 127 156 29994 10.22108/gep.2025.144295.1704 FA عارفه اسمعیل وند کارشناسی ارشد طراحی شهری، دانشکدۀ هنر و معماری، دانشگاه بوعلی سینا، همدان، ایران حسن سجادزاده استاد گروه شهرسازی، دانشکده هنر و معماری، دانشگاه بو علی سینا، همدان، ایران 0000-0002-3989-9389 نرگس حوراسفند دانشجوی دکتری گروه شهرسازی، دانشکدۀ هنر و معماری، دانشگاه بوعلی سینا، همدان، ایران Journal Article 2025 02 13 Abstract Interconnection within the spatial structure of urban environments is vital for ensuring coherence and enhancing the quality of urban spaces. Disruptions to the spatial layout and original character of urban neighborhoods can result in fragmentation and a diminished sense of identity. Consequently, the spatial interconnections along the primary axes of urban fabrics significantly influence the functional quality and vibrancy of these areas. This study employed a descriptive-analytical research method, utilizing both library and field studies for data collection. Specifically, 8 main axes within the historical fabric of Khorramabad City were analyzed using spatial layout techniques. The data were compiled into a block map using AutoCAD software and analyzed through Depthmap software, focusing on key indices like interconnection, connectivity, depth, and selection as essential components of spatial arrangement along these axes. The results indicated that the historical neighborhoods of Khorramabad City exhibited weak continuity and connection with their surrounding elements and streets, primarily due to recent developments. Furthermore, the research findings revealed that physical interventions over the past few decades had diminished interconnections within the historical fabric and its main axes, resulting in only a few axes displaying a high selection index. Overall, the analysis of graphs and maps generated by the software demonstrated a higher degree of connectivity at the local scale compared to the global scale along the main axes. The more interconnected axes showed greater activity quality and functional diversity. Additionally, the findings underscored the importance of connectivity in preserving the coherence of the spatial structure and fostering diverse activities within the historical context of Khorramabad City. Notably, Hafez Street (4.92), Imam Khomeini Street (4.29), Bastan Street (4.81), and Hakim Street (4.81) exhibited the highest values in local connectivity. At the macro scale, Imam Khomeini, Hafez, Ferdowsi, and Mojahedin Islam streets also demonstrated superior connectivity. Therefore, it is recommended that efforts to revitalize the historical textures of Khorramabad City pay special attention to the primary structure and the relationships among the components of these textures. Such consideration can enhance spatial quality and improve the efficiency of activities in these areas. Keywords: Spatial Integration, Public Spaces, Connectivity, Spatial Arrangement, Historical Context of Khorramabad. Introduction Urban growth and expansion are essential processes that transform urban systems fostering continuity and integration. This phenomenon initiates both physical and functional changes within cities. A significant outcome of urban development is the alteration of spatial structures, often resulting in the transformation of historical areas. When disruptions occur in the spatial framework, the fabric of neighborhoods can collapse, leading to deterioration and decline. Neglecting the preservation and revitalization of interconnectivity and integrity in these areas can result in decreased environmental quality and fragmentation. Furthermore, uncoordinated urban expansion has created uneven distributions of services and infrastructure across regions, reflecting a loss of coherence in the spatial development of newly urbanized areas. This fragmentation gives rise to isolated components known as urban blocks. The rise of individualism in urban planning, along with a disregard for historical spatial structures, has led to the neglect of many historical buildings and contexts, significantly eroding the identity and essential character of cities. The historical fabric of each city plays a crucial role in maintaining its identity and culture, as well as attracting tourists and investments. These fabrics shape the city's character and enhance its vibrancy and dynamism. Unfortunately, many of these areas have fallen into disrepair and abandonment, resulting in diminished quality of public spaces. For an integrated system of historical fabrics, it is vital that components are interconnected and hierarchically arranged across all scales. The theory of spatial arrangement provides a framework for analyzing urban spatial structure and configuration, emphasizing the relationship between spatial forms and social dimensions. Within this framework, 4 key indicators—connectivity, accessibility, depth, and choice—are considered essential for effective spatial arrangement. Like many other historical centers, the historical fabric of Khorramabad has experienced damage to its intrinsic values, resulting in significant disintegration today. The quality of public spaces in these areas is often overlooked, despite their potential for revitalization. This research aimed to identify the key factors influencing the spatial structure of the city within these historical fabrics and explore ways to enhance the connectivity and integration of main areas. Additionally, it sought to clarify the role of spatial structure in linking public spaces within the historical neighborhoods of Khorramabad. The study addressed two primary questions: "What factors contribute to the coherence of the spatial structure in the historical neighborhoods of Khorramabad?" and "What is the relationship between the elements that reinforce the spatial structure of those neighborhoods?" Materials & Methods This study employed a descriptive-analytical research method. The theoretical principles and foundations related to spatial connections were gathered from relevant reference books and scholarly articles. Following this, field observations and engagements were conducted in the selected areas to adapt previous studies and analyze the current state of Khorramabad. Ultimately, the concepts and characteristics of coherence patterns in the spatial structures of the historical neighborhoods of Khorramabad were examined. For data analysis, the Depthmap spatial arrangement technique was utilized to investigate the role of spatial structure in promoting connectivity and coherence among those neighborhoods. Additionally, the validity of the data was ensured by using reliable sources and verifying the accuracy of the collected information. Research Findings The results indicated that Hafez Street with a score of 4.92 was followed closely by Bastan Street and Hakim Street, both scoring 4.81, and Ferdowsi Street at 3.93, all demonstrating the highest levels of integration within the local radius (R3). Notably, streets with greater local connectivity tended to exhibit better accessibility, increased permeability, and more vibrant land uses. Further analysis at the main radius (Rn) revealed that the correlation index for Imam, Mojahedin-e-Islam, Ferdowsi, and Ardeshir Karami streets was increasing due to their interregional functionality, while it decreased at the intersection of Hafez and Bastan streets. Additionally, a significant relationship existed between the connectivity of the radii of Rn and R3. This relationship was influenced by the placement of population-attracting uses along axes that demonstrated a greater connectivity potential compared to others. The quality index and the degree of spatial coherence were directly related to connectivity, spatial depth, and types of land use. According to the spatial depth analysis, it was evident that as one moved away from the main routes into the neighborhood fabric, the spatial depth of the neighborhoods increased. The analysis of the choice index illustrated the degree of selection for each connected space, reflecting a significant level of separation within the studied area. The results established a direct correlation between the choice index of the axes in Rn and R3 influenced by various factors. Examining spatial depth in R3 alongside the choice component revealed a clear relationship: as spatial depth decreased in R3, the choice index increased. This suggested that reducing spatial depth was essential for enhancing user selection along urban axes; thus, improved access to these axes correlated with a higher likelihood of user choices. Based on the findings and analyses conducted across all neighborhoods, Pasangar, Baba Taher, Sabzeh Meydan, and Zayd ibn Ali neighborhoods demonstrated a greater potential for attracting pedestrian movement compared to Qaleh, Darb Delakan, Posht Bazaar, and Bajgiran neighborhoods. This potential signified the ability to effectively direct foot traffic within the historical fabric. In Pasangar and Baba Taher, the elevated connectivity index suggested that residents benefited from multiple routes and options for navigating their paths, indicating a higher level of street permeability. Consequently, the specific layout of Pasangar and Baba Taher neighborhoods might enhance overall coherence within the essential framework of the area. Similarly, Sabzeh Meydan and Zayd ibn Ali neighborhoods exhibited this characteristics, possessing a cohesive main structure that supported and maintained spatial coherence. In contrast, Bajgiran and Posht Bazaar neighborhoods with their less pronounced structural depth exhibited a comparatively lower potential for coherence and connectivity in their passageways. Overall, the core historical neighborhoods of Khorramabad with the exception of Baba Taher and Zayd ibn Ali primarily reflected minimal depth in their spatial configurations. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The results of this study revealed a significant correlation between spatial connectivity indices and elements of spatial integration, consistent with the findings of Abbaszadegan (2002), Farahnaki et al. (2022), Mokhtarzadeh et al. (2018), and Roshani et al. (2017). Additionally, the findings indicated that indices of spatial configuration were effectively related to components of spatial structure, including the main framework and types of fabric. A lack of connection between the spatial structures of neighborhood fabrics and main streets in certain areas resulted in diminished spatial continuity. Generally, connectivity was higher along main axes, while it was lower in secondary axes and residential neighborhoods characterized by greater spatial depth. The connectivity map illustrated that streets with higher degrees of connectivity provided users with better options. The analysis of spatial depth graphs and field observations varied significantly across different neighborhoods. For example, while increasing spatial depth led to reduced traffic and functional diversity in peripheral neighborhoods like Bajgiran and Pasangar, central neighborhoods, such as Baba Taher and Zayd ibn Ali, showed no significant impact on traffic flow and functional diversity with increased depth. This research underscored the critical role of connectivity in maintaining the coherence of spatial structures and fostering a diversity of activities within the historical fabric of Khorramabad. Therefore, it is recommended that efforts to revitalize historical urban fabrics prioritize attention to the framework and interconnections among various components. Axes characterized by high connectivity and visibility, particularly those adjacent to historical elements, should be prioritized by organizations as they play a crucial role in unifying the overall structure. A significant challenge for these axes is the lack of land uses that reflect identity of the area. This can be addressed by creating spatial sequences and incorporating diverse facade and flooring elements to avoid uniformity along pathways while enhancing physical and visual permeability. In instances where distinctive landmarks are absent, a new prominent feature should be strategically introduced in relation to notable buildings, ensuring it stands out within the designated area. The secondary priority axes, which offer high accessibility but lack engaging landmarks, serve both connective and recreational-touristic functions, facilitating links between historical spaces and valued areas. Based on the research conducted, the answers to the two questions posed were as follows: The analysis highlighted several key factors that significantly impacted the spatial coherence of the historical neighborhoods of Khorramabad. These factors contribute to the formation of cultural identity, foster social interactions, and enhance the overall quality of life within the neighborhoods. A vital aspect of these neighborhoods was the presence of a central area, which served as an appropriate venue for gatherings, social interactions, and communication among residents. Another important element of the spatial structure was the hierarchical arrangement of streets and alleys, which delineated public and private spaces within the neighborhood, determining accessibility for citizens. Connectivity emerged as a key component from the perspective of spatial arrangement in relation to the objectives of this study. It was recognized as a primary indicator of spatial arrangement and was closely linked to the concept of spatial coherence. In any area, higher connectivity signifies greater cohesion and integration between the designated space and the overall unit, facilitating social interactions and enhancing the quality of life in the neighborhoods. The fundamental elements of spatial structure comprise land use zones, road networks, axes, centers, landmarks, and edges, all of which are interconnected, forming the urban spatial framework and creating a cohesive whole. As one of the most critical components of spatial structure and urban configuration, the road network plays a vital role in shaping and organizing various parts of a city, including its historical fabric. Therefore, the first step in understanding the complexities of spatial form is to analyze the spatial values of pathways. هم‌پیوندی در ساختار فضایی بافت‌های شهری، نقش مهمی ‌در انسجام و کیفیت‌بخشی به محیط‌های شهری دارد. اختلال در ساختار فضایی و بافت اصیل محلات شهری، ازهم‌گسیختگی و بی‌هویتی فضاها و عرصه‌های شهری را به‌ دنبال خواهد داشت و بنابراین، هم‌پیوندی و اتصالات فضایی در محورهای اصلی بافت‌های شهری، تأثیر بسزایی در کیفیت عملکردی و فعالیتی این گونه بافت‌ها به دنبال خواهد داشت. روش تحقیق به کار گرفته شده در این مقاله، به‌صورت توصیفی‌تحلیلی بوده و از مطالعات کتابخانه‌ای و میدانی برای گردآوری اطلاعات استفاده شده است. به این منظور، ‌هشت محور اصلی در بافت تاریخی شهر خرم‌آباد از طریق تکنیک چیدمان فضا تحلیل شده است. بر این ‌اساس، داده‌ها به شکل نقشه بلوک‌بندی شده در نرم‌افزار Autocad تهیه شده و سپس در نرم‌افزار Depthmap شاخص‌‌هایی چون هم‌پیوندی، اتصال‌پذیری، عمق و انتخاب به‌عنوان اصلی‌ترین شاخص‌های چیدمان فضایی به‌صورت محوربندی، تحلیل شده‌اند. نتایج نشان می‌دهد بافت محلات تاریخی شهر خرم‌آباد، در اثر توسعه‌های جدید، پیوستگی و اتصال ضعیفی با عناصر و اجزای درون‌بافتی و خیابان‌های اطراف خود دارد. ازطرفی، نتایج تحقیق حاکی از آن است که به دلیل مداخلات کالبدی در دهه‌های اخیر که منجر به کاهش هم‌پیوندی در بافت تاریخی و محورهای اصلی بافت شده است، تعداد کمی‌از محورهای بافت تاریخی، از شاخص انتخاب بالایی برخوردارند. به‌طور کلی، نتایج حاصل از تحلیل گراف‌ها و نقشه‌ها در نرم‌افزار، نشانگر درجه هم‌پیوندی بالاتری در مقیاس محلی به نسبت مقیاس سراسری در درون محورهای اصلی بافت بوده است و محورهایی که از اتصال و هم‌پیوندی بیشتری برخوردارند، کیفیت فعالیت و تنوع عملکردی آنها نیز بالاتر است. همچنین نتایج نشان‌دهنده اهمیت هم‌پیوندی در حفظ انسجام ساختار فضایی و تنوع فعالیت‌های موجود در بافت تاریخی شهر خرم‌آباد است. یافته‌های عددی نشان می‌دهد که خیابان حافظ (4.92)، امام خمینی (4.29)، باستان (4.81) و حکیم (4.81) دارای بالاترین مقادیر در هم‌پیوندی محلی است. همچنین خیابان‌های امام خمینی، حافظ، فردوسی و مجاهدین اسلام در مقیاس کلان از هم‌پیوندی بیشتری برخوردارند. بر این اساس، پیشنهاد می‌شود که در فرآیند بازآفرینی بافت‌های تاریخی شهر خرم‌آباد، باید به‌طور خاص به ساختار اصلی و روابط بین اجزای این بافت‌ها توجه شود. این توجه می‌تواند به بهبود کیفیت فضایی و افزایش کارایی فعالیت‌ها در این مناطق کمک کند.

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