Age-Gender Inclusiveness in City Centres – A comparative study of Tehran and Belfast

Sanaz Shobeiri
Queen’s University Belfast
https://doi.org/10.51596/CBP2021.XWNG8060
Abstract
Keywords
Age-gender, Inclusiveness, Sociocultural, City Centre, Urban Heritage, Tehran, Belfast

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

A city centre or town centre has been recognised as the beating heart and public legacy of an urban fabric either in a small town, medium-sized city, metropolis or megalopolis. Within this spectrum of scales, city centres’ scopes significantly vary in the global context while considering the physical as well as the intangible and the spiritual features. Concerns such as the overall dimensions, skyline, density and compactness, variety of functions and their distribution, comfort, safety, accessibility, resilience, inclusiveness, vibrancy and conviviality, and the dialectics of modernity and traditionalism are only some examples that elucidate the existing complexities of city centres in a city of any scale (overall dimension) (for further details see for instance Behzadfar, 2007; Gehl, 20210; Gehl and Svarre, 2013; Hambleton, 2015; Lacey et al., 2013; Madanipour, 2010; Roberts, 2013).

Regardless of the issue of the context, Gehl (2010) defines city centres as interconnected with new concepts such as “better city space, more city life”, and “lively and attractive hub for the inhabitants” (pp. 13–15). Roberts (2006) explains the notion of a city centre or town centre as a space “in which human interaction and therefore creativity could flourish”. According to her, the point can be realised by creating or revitalising 24-hour city policies that can omit the “‘lagerlout’ phenomenon, whereby drunken youths dominated largely empty town centres after dark” (pp. 333–334). De Certeau (1984) explains that a city and, subsequently, a city centre is where “the ordinary man, a common hero [is] a ubiquitous character, walking in countless thousands on the streets” (p. V). Paumier (2004) depicts a city centre, particularly a successful and vibrant one, as “the focus of the business, culture, entertainment … to seek and discover… to see and be seen, to meet, learn and enjoy [which] facilitates a wonderful human chemistry … for entertainment and tourism and [has] the potential to stimulate local and regional economies” (p.3).

These few examples represent a wide range of physical, mental and spiritual concerns that need to be applied in city centres’ current and future design and planning of city centres. The term ‘concern’ here refers to opportunities, potentials, problems, and challenges. On the one hand, we —the academics and professionals in the fields associated with urbanism— are dealing with theoretical works and planning documents such as short-to-long term masterplans, development plans and agendas. On the other hand, we face complicated tangible issues such as financial matters of economic growth or crisis, tourism, and adding or removing business districts/sections. Beyond all ‘on-paper’ or ‘on-desk’ schemes and economic status, a city centre is experienced and explored by many citizens and tourists daily. This research aims to understand the city centre from the eyes of an ordinary user —or, as explained by De Certeau (1984), from the visions of a “common hero”.

In a comparative study and considering the scale indicator, the size of one city centre might even exceed the total size of another city. However, within all these varieties and differences, some principal functions perform as the in-common formative core of city centres worldwide. This investigation has selected eight similar categories of these functions to simultaneously investigate two different case study cities of Tehran and Belfast. This mainly includes: 1) an identity-based historical element; 2) shopping; 3) religious buildings; 4) a residential area; 5) a network of squares and streets; 6) connection with natural structures; 7) administrative and official Buildings; and 8) recreational and non-reactional retail units. This would thus elaborate on if/how the dissimilarities of contexts manifest themselves in similarities and differences of in-common functions in the current city centres.

Focusing on the age-gender indicator, this investigation studies the sociocultural aspect of inclusiveness and how it could be reflected in future design and planning programmes of the case study cities. In short, the aim is to explore the design and planning guidelines and strategies —both identical and divergent— for Tehran and Belfast to move towards sociocultural inclusiveness and sustainability. In this research, as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the studies of the current situation of inclusiveness in Belfast city centre have remained incomplete. Thus, this presentation would like to perform either as an opening of a platform for potential investigations about Belfast case study city or as an invitation for future collaborations with the researcher for comparative studies about age-gender inclusiveness in city centres worldwide.

In short, this research tries to investigate the current situation by identifying unrecognised opportunities and how they can be applied in future short-to-long plans, as well as by appreciating the neglected problems and proposing design-planning solutions to achieve age-gender inclusiveness. The applied methodology mainly includes the direct appraisal within a 1-year timespan of September 2019 – September 2020 to cover all seasonal and festive effects. Later, however, to consider the role of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the direct appraisal was extended until January 2021. The complementary method to the direct appraisal is photography to freeze fast the moments of the ordinary scenes of the life of the case study city centres (John Paul and Caponigro Arts, 2014; Langmann and Pick, 2018). The simultaneous study of the captured images would thus contribute to a better analysis of the age-gender inclusiveness in the non-interfered status of Tehran and Belfast.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This investigation is based on the researcher’s findings through an ongoing two-year postdoctoral research (2019 – 2021) as a part of the Government Authorised Exchange Scheme between Fulmen Engineering Company in Tehran, Iran and Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland. The postdoctoral research title is “The role of age and gender in designing inclusive city centres – A comparative study of different-scale cities: Tehran and Belfast” in the School of Natural and Built Environment of the Queen’s University of Belfast and is advised by Dr Neil Galway in the Department of Planning. Fulmen Company financially supports these works as a sabbatical scheme for eligible company’s senior-level staff.

REFERENCES

Behzadfar, M. (2007). Case-Study: Tehran, The Identity of City. Tehran: Nashr-e-Shahr.

De Certeau, M. (1984). The Practice of Everyday Life (Translated by Steven Rendall). Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press.

Gehl, J. (2010). Cities for people. Washington: Island Press.

Gehl, J. and Svarre, B. (2013). How to study public life (Translation by Karen Ann Steenhard).Washington: Island Press/Centre for Resource Economics.

Hambleton, R. (2015). Leading the inclusive city: place-based innovation for a bounded planet.Bristol: Policy Press.

John Paul and Caponigro Arts. (2014, March 21). 29 Quotes By Photographer Henri Cartier Bresson. https://www.johnpaulcaponigro.com/blog/12018/29-quotes-by-photographer-henri-cartier- bresson/

Lacey, A. et al. (2013). From Gender Mainstreaming to Intersectionality: Advances in Achieving inclusive and Safe Cities. In C. Whitzman, C. Legacy, C. Andrew, f. Klodawsky; M. Shaw and K. Viswanath (Eds.), Building inclusive Cities: women’s safety and the right to the city (pp. 143–159). Abingdon: Routledge.

Langmann, S. and Pick, D. (2018). Photography as a social research method. Singapore: Springer.

Madanipour, A. (2010). Introduction. In A. Madanipour (Eds.), Whose public space? : international case studies in urban design and development (pp. 1–6). Abingdon: Routledge.

Paumier, C. (2004). Creating a Vibrant City Center: Urban Design and Regeneration Principles. Washington: The Urban Land Institute.

Roberts, M. (2006). From ‘Creative City’ to ‘No-Go Areas’ – The Expansion of the Night-Time Economy in British Town and City Centres. Journal of Cities, 23(5), 331–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. cities.2006.05.001

Roberts, M. (2013). Making Convivial Places. In M. Roberts and C. Greed (Eds.), Approaching Urban Design: The Design Process (pp. 39–50). Abingdon and New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.

Sign in to continue

Not a member yet? Sign up now

Deniz Bol

Administrative Assistant

Deniz Bol is the Administrative Assistant at SPACE Studies, where she supports the day-to-day operations and contributes to the smooth functioning of the organization. Alongside her administrative role, Deniz is an artist with a passion for creative expression. She is currently pursuing her studies at the University of the Arts London (UAL), where she continues to develop her artistic practice. Her organizational skills, paired with her artistic background, make her a valuable asset to the SPACE Studies team, helping bridge the worlds of administration and creativity.

Murat Oktay

Digital Marketing Consultant

Murat Oktay is the Digital Marketing Consultant at SPACE Studies, where he provides strategic guidance to enhance our digital presence and community engagement. With a keen eye for digital marketing trends and best practices, Murat plays a key role in refining our content strategy, expanding our online reach, and connecting with a wider audience. His expertise in digital tools and innovative marketing techniques aligns with SPACE Studies’ mission as a social enterprise, ensuring that our campaigns are impactful and resonate with our commitment to social responsibility in architecture and design. Outside his work with SPACE Studies, Murat stays at the forefront of digital marketing advancements, continually exploring new tools and sharing his insights with peers.

Santa Noella Matabaro

Marketing Manager

Santa Noella Matabaro is the Marketing Manager of SPACE Studies, bringing her expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, and relationship-building to the organization’s mission as a social enterprise. With a background in Politics & Law from the University of Kent, Santa combines analytical insights with a creative approach to advancing SPACE Studies’ vision of fostering interdisciplinary dialogue in architecture, design, and urban planning. In her role, she develops targeted campaigns and strategic partnerships, building brand presence and fostering meaningful connections with the community. Santa’s collaborative and people-centered approach enhances SPACE Studies’ impact, aligning with its commitment to social responsibility and innovation in the built environment.

Erica Martins

Content Creator & Researcher

Betul Uckan

Academic Content Coordinator

Betul Uckan is an architect and dedicated academic with a background in both architectural practice and research. She holds a Master of Science in Architectural Design and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Istanbul Technical University, where she cultivated her interests in architectural theory and design. Betul has gained experience as a research assistant in various universities, contributing to design studios and foundational courses. She has also worked in the field as an architect with projects focused on design, modeling, and construction, and has been involved in notable projects, including Maltepe Piazza and Emaar Square in Istanbul. With her expertise spanning both digital and material architecture, Betul brings a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to her role as the Academic Programme Coordinator.

Arghavan Pournaderi

Senior Researcher & Managing Editor

Arghavan Pournaderi is a senior researcher in the field of architectural conservation and restoration, with an academic foundation in architecture and specialized expertise in historic sites and buildings. Completing her PhD at the Art University of Isfahan, Iran, in 2019, her research has contributed to the understanding of Iran’s architectural heritage, with a focus on Isfahan’s urban and architectural evolution during the Safavid period. In addition to her extensive research, Dr. Pournaderi has held academic positions at various institutions in Isfahan, teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her work extends beyond academia as she contributes to SPACE Studies as Senior Researcher & Managing Editor, where she oversees scholarly initiatives that foster deeper interdisciplinary dialogue in architecture and heritage conservation.

Gregory Cowan

Senior Researcher & Educational Consultant

Gregory Cowan is a Senior Researcher and Educational Consultant at SPACE Studies, where he leads initiatives that bridge academic research and practical application in architecture and urban design. He contributes his extensive experience to mentoring postgraduate students, designing educational workshops, and guiding community-focused projects. Gregory is also a freelance academic at the University of Wales Trinity St David and the University of Westminster, and founder of The Architects Coach. His expertise spans architectural workspace analysis, professional development, and positive intelligence coaching.

Alison Hand

Senior Researcher

Alison Hand is a Senior Researcher at SPACE Studies. She is a painter and writer with an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art. Alison’s work focuses on creating absurd, unstable heterotopic spaces and dialogues with painting history. She is currently the Artist in Residence for King’s College London Philosophy Department on the Dreams and Wakeful Consciousness Research Project, exploring themes of time and simultaneity in new work. Alison has received numerous awards for her painting and is currently working with Bloomsbury Publishers on a major essay on Drawing in Contemporary Art. She is also the BA Fine Art Programme Leader at Art Academy London and co-director of Cement Arts. Her role at SPACE Studies involves leading research projects, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing to our artistic and academic initiatives.

Julian Wild

Senior Researcher

Julian Wild is a Senior Researcher at SPACE Studies and the Sculpture Program Leader at The Art Academy London. With over 30 years of experience in creating and exhibiting sculptures, Julian has worked with high-profile clients such as Cate Blanchett and the University of Oxford. A fellow and former vice president (2015-2019) of the Royal Society of Sculptors, his work has been featured at venues like Modern Art Oxford and Chatsworth House. At SPACE Studies, Julian leads research projects, mentors junior team members, and conducts workshops that blend art and urban studies. In his free time, he enjoys attending academic conferences and crafting new sculptures.

Elif Suyuk Makakli

Director of Publications & Senior Researcher

Elif Suyuk Makakli (Associative Professor) earned her PhD in Architecture from the Vienna University of Technology, where she studied the impact of technology on architecture under Prof. William Alsop. With extensive experience in architectural practice in Istanbul and Vienna, she is now an Associate Professor at FMV Isik University, focusing on design education and technology. At SPACE Studies, Elif serves as both the Head of Publications and Senior Researcher, guiding scholarly content and contributing to research initiatives. She is dedicated to mentoring and fostering design innovation.

Sanaz Shobeiri

Director of Research

Sanaz Shobeiri is an architect, urban designer, and landscape urbanist, currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Planning at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research focuses on age-gender inclusiveness and the interplay of architectural, historical, political, and sociocultural dimensions in urban spaces, exemplified by her project on city centres in Belfast and Tehran. Sanaz holds a PhD in Urban Planning from the University of Tehran and has a robust portfolio in sustainability and urban theory. As Head of Research at SPACE Studies, she leads innovative research initiatives, fostering collaboration and academic excellence. In her free time, Sanaz enjoys exploring urban landscapes and supporting community development.

Selin Gulce Sozmen

Creative Director

Selin Gulce Sozmen is the Creative Director at SPACE Studies, where she leads the artistic vision and design strategy for the organisation. With a background in graphic design and visual arts, Selin has been instrumental in creating visually captivating books, journals, and event posters. Her role extends to developing and coordinating workshops and creative projects, ensuring that all visual materials meet the highest standards of quality and innovation. Selin’s dedication to creativity and excellence drives the visual and creative direction of SPACE Studies, making her an essential part of the team.

Pinar Engincan

Founder & Executive Director

Pinar Engincan is the Founder and Executive Director of SPACE Studies, an innovative social enterprise focused on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and education in architecture and urban design. With extensive experience as a lecturer and researcher, Pınar holds a PhD in Architecture and has led numerous academic initiatives. Her career includes curriculum development, international collaborations, and research on housing and urban policies. Passionate about bridging academia and community, she champions accessible education and consultancy services, empowering individuals to shape the built environment.