Over the centuries, urban spaces have served as platforms for social interactions and have shaped different behaviors within their structure. The physical and qualitative characteristics of urban space play an important role in shaping these activities. This study addresses the lack of consideration of behavioral and human factors in the design of Gohardasht (Azadi) Street in Karaj, Iran. The authors aim to investigate the role of behavioral patterns in this environment and provide insights for urban design practices in similar cultural contexts. The study is applied research in terms of objective and analysis, using descriptive-analytical and survey research methods for data collection. The variables studied include physical, functional, and environmental factors. The theoretical aspects of urban space and behavioral patterns were researched using library studies, reliable websites, and relevant articles. Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and information from relevant organizations were used to identify and study the area. Field methods, questionnaires, and direct observation were used to accurately determine the scope of the study and answer the research questions and hypotheses. According to the Cochran formula, 193 questionnaires were analyzed for this study, using stratified sampling to include different segments such as residents, users, and shopkeepers. Analysis of the questionnaires revealed an average overall satisfaction rate of 37.3% for the combined functional, physical, and environmental variables, indicating unfavorable and weak conditions in the area studied. The satisfaction rate was 40.7% for the functional variables, 38.7% for the physical variables, and 32.5% for the environmental variables, indicating insufficient design quality and adherence to design principles and criteria. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive urban design strategies that prioritize pedestrian needs and social interactions in Iranian cities.
Rahbari-Shishvan et al. (Wed,) studied this question.