Assessing Visual-Spatial Perception of the Imam Hussein Square

Taking into consideration the aesthetic aspect of a physical environment is to deal with the sense of sight which leads to a cognitive-perceptual link of urban spaces for users of space. In analyzing the environmental aspects of visual themes, factors affecting perception of space, mechanisms of the visual system, social and environmental characteristics play a significant role. Thus, this article analyses the visual quality of the newly designed “Imam Hussein Square” and its effect on observers' perceptions, based on parameters that simultaneously monitor both visual and perceptual aspects as a coherent goal. In fact, the strategic role and location of Imam Hussein Square, which was built for the purpose of holding religious, cultural and folkloric ceremonies, calls for providing a well decorated and equipped space for users and so must have capacity of relating to space and users of space in a desirable manner. Thus, the main question of this paper is whether the design of this new cultural-folkloric plaza has established a good relationship with the citizens of the area and is in accordance with the visual and cognitive capacity of its users both in terms of physical space and visually. It further seeks to ask whether its visual-aesthetic components affect users’ cognitive image. Given the nature of the research, the Square was qualitatively surveyed by concepts of “visual perception theories, on the bases of elements of visual organization and the four features of perception". Thus, the authors surveyed the visual quality of Imam Hussein Square based on qualitative method to obtain the assessment goals and data was gathered through observations and interviews. Observation was carried out in the Square at randomly selected times (ordinary days or special events) over a period of 5 months and the visual information gathered was based on elements of visual organization (spatial, structural, regulation) such as sketch, elevation, detailed or panoramic images. In-depth semi-structural interviews based on four perceptual aspects (cognition, emotion, interpretation and evaluation) was undertaken with 24 citizen users of the Imam Hussein Square until saturation point (repeated data) was reached. In conclusion, the researchers found that the most significant incapability of the square`s design is that it is incapable of preparing meaningful communication between its additional elements and context and on another level, between people and the physical environment despite having a pre-determined scheme, special character, and accepted visual characteristics. This fact impacts spatial visual perceptions and results in misunderstanding of space. Therefore, the interactions between the visual and perception features affect other aspects of newly designed squares, such as presence and participation in events. Indeed, the quality of an urban place can be improved by improving its visual quality and positive impact on citizens' perceptions and understanding of an urban space. In other words, because the act of envisioning means receiving meaningful organized elements, the most important duty of an urban designer at that location (The Imam Hussein Square) is coordinating an appropriate relationship between visual and perceptual factors and creating a meaningful place for people according to context.