دانشگاه اصفهان جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی محیطی 2008-5362 36 4 2025 12 22 A Benchmarking Study of Pedestrian-Oriented Tourism in Historic Urban Squares (Red Square, Piazza del Campo, and Grand Place) Toward the Enhancement of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan بهینه‌کاوی گردشگری پیاده‌مدار میدان‌های تاریخی شهری (میدان‌های سرخ، دل کمپو و رینک گلونی در جهت ارتقای میدان نقش جهان اصفهان) 185 212 30431 10.22108/gep.2026.146059.1738 FA علی زنگی آبادی دانشیار گروه جغرافیا و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشکده علوم جغرافیایی و برنامه‌ریزی، دانشگاه اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران شیوا قنبریان دانشجوی دکتری جغرافیا و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشکده علوم جغرافیایی و برنامه‌ریزی، دانشگاه اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران Journal Article 2025 07 29 <strong>Abstract</strong><br />Historic urban squares as key elements of public spaces play a crucial role in enhancing historical, cultural, and social identity while improving pedestrian-oriented experiences in cities. This study aimed to optimize and conduct a comparative analysis of the spatial and functional characteristics of 4 prominent historic squares—Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Iran), Red Square (Russia), Piazza del Campo (Italy), and Main Market Square (Rynek Główny, Poland)—with a focus on pedestrian-centric and urban tourism approaches. The research was applied in nature and employed an analytical-comparative method. Evaluations of the squares were carried out by using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) and the TOPSIS model with results validated through expert opinions from specialists in urban design, cultural heritage management, and urban tourism. The findings indicated that owing to its human-centered design, spatial cohesion, diversity of land uses and urban services, architectural quality, and harmony with the historic fabric, Naqsh-e Jahan Square was identified as the most suitable square for pedestrian-oriented tourism. The other squares were ranked subsequently based on their geometric forms, connectivity to the urban fabric, and pedestrian infrastructure. The results underscored that integrating spatial design principles, preserving historical values, and enhancing soft tourism infrastructure were key factors in elevating pedestrian experiences in historic squares. These findings can assist urban planners and cultural heritage managers in optimizing historic urban spaces for sustainable, human-centered tourism.<br /> <br /><strong>Keywords<em>:</em></strong> Benchmarking, Historic Urban Squares, Pedestrian-Oriented Tourism.<br /> <br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br />Historic urban squares as paramount elements of public space play a foundational role in shaping the historical, cultural, and social identity of cities. These spaces foster active engagement among citizens and tourists, strengthen social interactions, and serve as central manifestations of urban life. In this context, pedestrian-friendliness—as a human-centered approach in urban design and planning—is essential for enhancing the quality of urban spaces and individuals' lived experiences. This article aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the spatial and functional characteristics of 4 prominent historic squares: Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan (Iran), Red Square in Moscow (Russia), Piazza del Campo in Siena (Italy), and Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) in Krakow (Poland) with an emphasis on pedestrian-friendliness and urban tourism.<br />Through a review of the theoretical literature on public spaces, urban squares, pedestrian-oriented design, and the role of historic squares in strengthening urban identity, the authors described the functions of these squares within the social and cultural fabric of cities. They further emphasized the necessity of a comparative analysis of these spaces from the perspectives of their pedestrian capabilities and tourist attractions. The primary motivation for this research was the lack of comprehensive comparative studies that simultaneously examined the physical, functional, cultural, and perceptual dimensions of these squares.<br /> <br /><strong>Materials & Methods</strong><br />This research was applied in nature and employed an analytical-comparative approach. Data were collected through library research, urban documents, field observations, and questionnaires completed by 30 urban planning specialists. For data analysis, a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model and the TOPSIS technique were utilized to accurately score various criteria by integrating quantitative and qualitative data.<br />The selection of the studied squares was based on historical similarities, geometric form, diversity of uses, level of pedestrian-friendliness, square size, and cultural significance. The evaluation criteria comprised 10 main indicators: quality of pedestrian infrastructure, perception of safety, accessibility, visual attractiveness, amenities, connectivity to attractions, density and diversity of uses, tourism infrastructure, cultural significance, and diversity of urban events. Each indicator was scored separately and the results were analyzed by using the TOPSIS model. Furthermore, to enhance the validity of the analysis, a questionnaire consisting of 18 measurement variables on a Likert scale was designed and completed by specialists in spring 2025. The results of this questionnaire were subsequently compared with the model's output.<br /> <br /><strong>Research Findings</strong><br />Naqsh-e Jahan Square achieved the highest final score of 0.700, ranking first in terms of pedestrian-friendliness, spatial coherence, diversity of uses, and historical identity. Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) in Krakow with a score of 0.550 placed second due to its square design, diverse amenities, excellent accessibility, and optimal connection to the urban fabric. Piazza del Campo with its shell-shaped and intimate design but smaller size and more limited amenities secured third place (0.375). Red Square in Moscow, despite its high historical significance and iconic attractions, such as the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral, ranked fourth (0.250) due to a lack of green spaces and limitations in pedestrian access and mobility.<br />This research revealed a direct relationship between indicators like geometric form, architectural quality, diversity of uses, spatial security, accessibility, and service facilities and the level of satisfaction among pedestrian tourists. The questionnaire results further confirmed the findings of the quantitative model, particularly regarding Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which scored highest on indicators including architectural quality, spatial coherence, cultural identity, and human scale. However, some weaknesses were also observed in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, such as a lack of multi-language signboards, weak night lighting, and the absence of digital information infrastructure.<br /> <br /><strong>Discussion of Results & Conclusion</strong><br />Historic squares, through principled design and a re-evaluation of their functions, can play a more prominent role in meeting the needs of pedestrian tourists. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, despite its high historical and architectural value, can have the potential to become a successful international model for pedestrian tourism if its green spaces are redesigned, movement paths are optimized, information infrastructure is improved, and spaces for pause and social interaction are increased. Recommended interventions include installing multi-language digital signboards, enhancing night lighting, revitalizing canals and shaded tree plantings, adding urban furniture, and organizing cultural events.<br />In conclusion, by combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies, this research provided a structured model for evaluating historic public spaces from a pedestrian perspective. This model can serve as a basis for the analysis and optimal design of other urban squares with high cultural value. The findings are particularly significant for developing countries that are on a path toward revitalizing historical spaces with a human-centered approach. میادین تاریخی شهری، به‌عنوان اجزای اصلی فضاهای عمومی، نقشی حیاتی در تقویت هویت تاریخی، فرهنگی و اجتماعی شهرها و بهبود تجربه پیاده‌روی در آنها ایفا می‌کنند. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی بهینه و مقایسه ویژگی‌های فضایی و عملکردی چهار میدان تاریخی برجسته، یعنی میدان نقش جهان، میدان سرخ، دل کامپو و میدان رینک گلونی، از منظر پیاده‌محوری و گردشگری شهری انجام گرفته است. پژوهش حاضر کاربردی بوده و روش آن تحلیلی - تطبیقی است. ارزیابی این میدان‌ها با استفاده از روش تصمیم‌گیری چندمعیاره (MCDM) و مدل TOPSIS صورت پذیرفت و نتایج با دیدگاه‌های کارشناسان متخصص در زمینه طراحی شهری، مدیریت میراث فرهنگی و گردشگری شهری تأیید شد. نتایج نشان می‌دهد که میدان نقش جهان، با طراحی انسان‌محور، یکپارچگی فضایی، گوناگونی کاربری‌ها و خدمات شهری، کیفیت معماری و همخوانی با بافت تاریخی، به‌عنوان بهترین گزینه برای گردشگری مبتنی بر پیاده‌روی شناخته شده است. دیگر میدان‌ها نیز براساس شکل هندسی، اتصال به بافت شهری و امکانات پیاده‌محوری در رتبه‌های بعدی قرار گرفتند. یافته‌های این تحقیق بر اهمیت ترکیب اصول طراحی فضایی، حفاظت از ارزش‌های تاریخی و بهبود زیرساخت‌های نرم گردشگری تأکید دارد که این عوامل کلیدی برای ارتقای تجربه پیاده‌محور در میادین تاریخی مهم محسوب می‌شوند. این نتایج می‌تواند به برنامه‌ریزان شهری و مدیران میراث فرهنگی در بهینه‌سازی فضاهای تاریخی شهری برای گردشگری پایدار و انسان‌محور یاری رساند. https://gep.ui.ac.ir/article_30431_50157fc3eef89d06b2d62447bf95296f.pdf