Journal of Greater Khorasan

Journal of Greater Khorasan

A reflection on the cultural function of Mellat Park in Mashhad based on spatial analysis methods

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohamadreza Arab 1
Mostafa Amirfakhrian 2
roholah asadi 2
1 PhD student in geography and urban planning at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
2 Assistant Professor of the Education Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
10.22034/jgk.2023.387659.1106
Abstract
Among the functions of urban gardens, cultural functions are important due to their role in social cohesion and conveying valuable messages to the audience. Based on this, the present study examines the cultural function of the Mellat Garden in Mashhad (as the most important urban garden) and seeks to determine the pattern of manifestation of cultural elements and the level of understanding by the audience, ultimately defining the position of the cultural function of this garden. The study is descriptive-analytical in nature, with research variables including the situationalism of various elements in the garden and criteria related to the effectiveness of cultural elements from the perspective of visitors. The study scale includes all elements present in the Mellat Garden. The sample size, based on the number of visitors and the type of statistical tests used in the study, was determined to be 200 people. After document studies and the development of a "research conceptual model," all elements present in the garden (including 920 locations) were surveyed using GPS devices and stored in a spatial information database. The initial classification showed that overall, 23% of the spatial elements of the garden have a cultural function. Analysis of the data from questionnaires (using statistical tests such as the t-test) and spatial data (using models of correlation, spatial allocation, network analysis, and spatial arrangement criteria such as connection, selection, co-linkage, length, and depth) showed that, in terms of manifestation, cultural elements do not have desirable conditions and do not show integration with the space like a "linking member." This undesirable situation has also affected the position of these elements in the eyes of visitors. The findings from the questionnaires showed that these elements were unable to effectively convey their message to the audience. The results indicate that there is no clear plan or idea for establishing and conveying the message of cultural elements. The outcome of these findings suggests doubt in achieving the functional goals of the cultural function of the Mellat Garden as an influential urban space in Mashhad.
Keywords
Mellat Park of Mashhad
cultural elements
spatial arrangement
spatial analysis

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 29 February 2024
  • Revise Date 04 September 2024
  • Accept Date 22 October 2024