Analyzing the Interplay of Physical and Social Factors in Urban Square Resilience: A Case Study of Imam, Buali, and Babataher Squares in Hamadan

Focusing on the spatial resilience of urban squares, a key component of urban infrastructure, plays a crucial role in maintaining the vitality, identity, and defining characteristics of cities. Addressing how social and physical factors contribute to spatial resilience through scholarly investigation is paramount in urban research. The study at hand is both developmental and applied in its approach, utilizing a mixed-methods research design encompassing qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative segment involved establishing a conceptual framework through comprehensive literature review, employing observational tools, interviews, and questionnaires to elucidate and scrutinize the factors at play. The quantitative analysis utilized software (City Engine) to assess correlations. Noteworthy findings highlight the significance of the cultural aspects of urban square central structures in bolstering spatial resilience through social factors. Moreover, the research underscores that enhancing physical connectivity positively impacts social indicators. The interdependence of social and physical elements in shaping spatial resilience is apparent, as they mutually reinforce each other and compensate for deficiencies in specific indicators. 

The primary objective of this article is to address the following key research inquiries: 1) What specific physical and social factors and components influence the spatial resilience of significant urban squares? 2) What is the current level of spatial resilience indicators in prominent urban locales? To tackle these questions, a comprehensive analysis integrating both qualitative and quantitative physical and social indicators was conducted to elucidate the components contributing to spatial resilience in urban squares. This research delves into the examination of various factors that have played a pivotal role in bolstering the resilience of urban squares within three focal squares in Hamedan city. The outcomes of this study hold relevance for public and urban development initiatives aimed at enhancing the design and functionality of urban squares, thereby fostering environments with heightened levels of spatial resilience.

This investigation serves a practical and developmental purpose as a comparative study and analysis, falling within the realm of qualitative research. Drawing upon library resources, documentation, observational techniques, case studies, and participatory interview methodologies, the research seeks to elucidate the factors influencing the spatial resilience of three prominent urban squares—specifically, Imam Square, Bu Ali Square, and Baba Taher Square in Hamedan. The study aims to identify the physical and social constituents contributing to the resilience of these urban spaces and formulate a model for spatially resilient environments. To facilitate comprehensive data collection, a combination of library research, documentary analysis, on-site observations, and participatory interviews were employed. Initially, qualitative analyses were conducted through meticulous investigation, observation, and description of parameters and characteristics within the aforementioned squares. Subsequently, utilizing the Minnesota method, interviews were conducted with frequent users of the spaces to gain insights into their perceptions and experiences. The target demographic comprised individuals who regularly engaged with these squares on a daily or weekly basis. Recognizing that certain influential parameters in physical and social analyses may elude direct observation, interviews were instrumental in capturing nuanced components. Findings were synthesized based on data retrieved from various sources, including user experiences, observations of pedestrian flows in key pathways surrounding the squares, and layered information analysis techniques.

Upon scrutinizing the quantitative results, it has been discerned that the correlation coefficient values for all three studied urban squares are notably high, predominantly attributable to the social dimension and human presence, thereby enhancing spatial resilience. This study employed a quantitative test to evaluate correlation values on a macro level, alongside a qualitative explanatory approach for environmental analysis within the sample domains. The quantitative test was instrumental in complementing the insights derived from qualitative explanations, revealing that while the correlation indices at the macro level were nearly identical for Bu Ali Square and Baba Taher Square, disparities in their local integration significantly influenced the social presence within these two spaces. This observation underscores the interplay between quantitative correlation analysis and the qualitative measure of social presence. For instance, the bustling human activity at Bu Ali Square, situated near the city center, functions as a focal point due to its diverse functionality and ability to cater to the daily requirements of users and residents.

The findings underscore the significance of both physical and social components in determining the spatial resilience of an urban square, thus substantiating the initial hypothesis posited in this study regarding the pivotal role played by the amalgamation of physical and social factors in spatial resilience. Optimal spatial resilience in an urban setting, such as a square, necessitates a harmonious blend of functionality, physical structure, symbolic meaning, and social engagement. Examination of the constituent elements and sub-elements discussed in both the qualitative and quantitative segments of this research elucidates the mutually reinforcing relationship between the social and physical dimensions, whereby factors conducive to physical well-being ultimately contribute to enhanced social interaction, thus elevating the overall spatial resilience. In essence, the reciprocal influence between the physical and social dimensions is paramount in bolstering spatial resilience.
Moreover, a square's ability to endure and maintain its spatial resilience amidst physical transformations and developments is contingent upon fostering acceptance, shared memory, and a sense of social belonging among the populace. When the social fabric weaves a tapestry of connection and belonging, it effectively sustains and surpasses physical alterations. Noteworthy is the pivotal role played by architectural structures imbued with cultural significance and responsive to social needs in fortifying the spatial resilience of an urban square. The results highlight that while spatial integration significantly impacts the formation and sustenance of social networks, other factors such as the diversity of functions, integration of uses, the presence of primary and secondary activities along access paths to the square, and the cultivation of a distinct sense of place through thoughtful design and community engagement all wield substantial influence. Evidently, deliberate planning to encourage social interaction and a sense of communal ownership plays a decisive role in shaping the vibrant social life and spatial resilience of urban squares.