Examining the Order of Urban Blocks from the Perspective of Environmental Perception in Comparison between 2 Districts: Khaneh-Esfahan and Mardavij of Isfahan

When a designer is dealing with organizing urban blocks in designation of districts in the projects of urban design (particularly ground preparation plans), there are numerous guidelines and patterns for the order of blocks from different views such as energy, efficiency, permeability, security, social interaction, etc. However, there is no guideline and pattern available to the designer regarding the order of blocks from the perspective of environmental perception. A designer, facing organization of the order of urban blocks, does not have access to required comments from the environmental perspective and has no idea about which kind of order is appropriate for the blocks from this perspective. According to the defined problem, the question arises that which type of order (simple or complex) is more appropriate in the process of designing a district and from the perspective of environmental perception. Has Mardavij district, with its simple order, acquired functionality from the perspective of environmental perception, or is this functionality more highlighted in Khaneh Esfahan district, with its complex order? To reach an answer for the research question, thorough examination has to be done so as to which one of the abovementioned districts has provided the required perceptions for a district. Therefore, this study is aimed at identification of proper order for the purpose of designing a district from the perspective of environmental perception of 2 districts, namely Khaneh Esfahan and Mardavij, by utilizing descriptive-analysis method, and with the help of using cognitive map drawing technique as well as interviewing inhabitants of both districts. The conclusion was reached that Khaneh Esfahan district, with its complex order, features concepts such as coziness, calm, and friendliness; and therefore, this complex order is more appropriate for a district from the perspective of environmental perception.