Identification and investigation of new urban design viewpoints since early 21th century based on conceptualization boundary criteria

As social paradigm matured during 3 past decades and place making approach promoted, there have been new urban design viewpoints established. However, it seems that they are not highly credited in this field. Hence, the main objective of this research is to investigate the place of these viewpoints based on conceptualization boundary criteria. This research is an applied and developmental one in term of goal and a descriptive-analytic in term of methodology. Data is qualitative and the theoretical framework in this research is library studying. Accordingly, there was 7 new urban design viewpoints evaluated based on conceptualization boundary criteria using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and consulting with 8 members of faculty board. It was detected which viewpoint was in conscious or unconscious urban design and which is not urban design. This research was required since the researchers of other areas would be provided with knowledge on validity and place of these viewpoints so that addressing new viewpoints doesn’t mean their application and they may not be referenced. However the viewpoints are new, there are no places for them in urban design realm. It is obvious that incorrect selection and application of viewpoints can block the way toward sustainable urban design principle.