معيارهاي شناخت و ارزيابي هويت كالبدي شهرها

THE CRITERIA FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL IDENTITY OF CITIES

Identity, as a normative concept, can be inter-preted and evaluated through different approaches. In this paper, identity is observed in conjunction with the physical structure of city and the term "physical identity" is pro-posed which is synonymous with "character" and "sense of place".Physical identity encompasses attributes and characteristics, which distinguishes a city from "others" and confirms its similarity with its origins. The attributes should lead to the emergence of an urban form in which continuity and evolution coexist and reinforce each other, leading to the appearance of an integrated whole. Consequently, the criteria for the evaluation of the physical identity of cities are: 1-Difference/similarity, meaning difference from others and similarity with the self. 2-Continuity/evolution, meaning connection with the past (continuation of the original meanings and values) together with innovation and creativity, reflecting the contemporary situation (to remain the self, but not the same). 3-Unity/multiplicity meaning the relationship between different, heterogeneous and even opposing components, leading to the emergence of a whole. Contextualism and Regionalism define the theoretical basis within urban design and architecture realm, which lead to the description and interpretation of the mentioned criteria.