An Analysis of Indicators Affecting the Creation of the Third Place Using an Evidence-Based Approach (Case Studies: Mellat and Didgah Park/ Hills in Sanandaj city)

Problem statement: 

Third place is a key concept for understanding the functioning of the relationship between the environment and society. Cities are complex socio-environmental systems and have always been a platform for social interaction, space for meeting, and spending leisure time. Looking at different areas of Sanandaj, the social inequalities in different neighborhoods, which are due to the unequal distribution of urban facilities and facilities, can be seen. This is sometimes associated with the authorities’ view of locations and mismatches between actions taken and the concept of place and users’ needs.

The main goal of this research is to identify and validate the effective indicators in creating a third place.

The research method of this study is survey. This study is applied-developmental in terms of purpose and futuristic in terms of time. Data was collected through documentary and survey methods. Accordingly, “thematic” and “content” methods were used in evaluating the content of the subject literature, and also the “evidence-based” method was used in evaluating the case study and survey based on observation, documentation, and questionnaires. Qualitative information evaluation was performed in Maxqda 18 software.

The results of the study show the difference between the perspectives of influential groups including officials and users’ opinions about the status and characteristics of the third place. One of the reasons for changes in urban spaces and place creation is the level of society’s awareness of the effects of urban design as well as their demands. Such awareness will lead to the growth and development of people-oriented and the creation of urban places. Also, the set of users’ requests, based on the evidence-based evaluation of Didgah park hills and Mellat, is in line with the indicators of creating a third place based on the content analysis of the relevant literature. Based on this, suggestions for the environmental and indigenous features of Sanandaj are presented.