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mehrabanigolzar M. When Beautification Sacrifices Identity and Legibility
A Critique of Contemporary Urban Beautification Approaches in the City of Tehran. مکتب نقدنظر 2026; 1 (5) : 3
URL: http://jcr-sj.com/article-1-50-en.html
URL: http://jcr-sj.com/article-1-50-en.html
Imam Khomeini International University of Qazvin
Abstract: (49 Views)
Urban visual quality can be enhanced through artistic interventions in the urban environment, serving as a fundamental strategy to prevent the disconnection between aesthetics and the physical fabric of the city. Urban beautification should not be regarded merely as decoration; rather, it functions as a comprehensive and overarching concept embedded within all physical interventions in the urban environment. However, reducing the concept of beautification to context‑free visual embellishments, without consideration of the spirit of place and local identity, generates significant challenges in citizens’ perception and understanding of the city.
This study adopts a critical approach and, through field observation, evaluates the initiatives undertaken over the past two decades by the Tehran Municipality’s Beautification Organization, particularly in two domains: “façade calming and organization” and “nighttime lighting.” These interventions are assessed based on two widely recognized theoretical frameworks in the urban design literature: Kevin Lynch’s theory of urban legibility and Bentley’s principles of responsive environments.
According to these criteria, homogenizing interventions in commercial signage, through the removal of semiotic codes, have undermined functional legibility, while lighting schemes that are inconsistent with the character and dignity of place have produced visual disturbance in citizens’ aesthetic experience rather than reinforcing the spirit of place. The findings indicate that such prescriptive and homogenizing interventions in shop signage, along with lighting designs incongruent with the character of their settings, although intended to enhance visual appeal, have ultimately reduced environmental legibility and weakened the functional identity of urban spaces.
Furthermore, urban spaces that appear visually ordered yet lack meaning and identity have proven ineffective in fostering a sense of belonging. The prevailing rigid approaches have also diminished opportunities for citizen participation. Consequently, a transition from superficial beautification toward a meaningful and context‑sensitive approach to urban beautification emerges as an unavoidable necessity for urban management in Tehran.
This study adopts a critical approach and, through field observation, evaluates the initiatives undertaken over the past two decades by the Tehran Municipality’s Beautification Organization, particularly in two domains: “façade calming and organization” and “nighttime lighting.” These interventions are assessed based on two widely recognized theoretical frameworks in the urban design literature: Kevin Lynch’s theory of urban legibility and Bentley’s principles of responsive environments.
According to these criteria, homogenizing interventions in commercial signage, through the removal of semiotic codes, have undermined functional legibility, while lighting schemes that are inconsistent with the character and dignity of place have produced visual disturbance in citizens’ aesthetic experience rather than reinforcing the spirit of place. The findings indicate that such prescriptive and homogenizing interventions in shop signage, along with lighting designs incongruent with the character of their settings, although intended to enhance visual appeal, have ultimately reduced environmental legibility and weakened the functional identity of urban spaces.
Furthermore, urban spaces that appear visually ordered yet lack meaning and identity have proven ineffective in fostering a sense of belonging. The prevailing rigid approaches have also diminished opportunities for citizen participation. Consequently, a transition from superficial beautification toward a meaningful and context‑sensitive approach to urban beautification emerges as an unavoidable necessity for urban management in Tehran.
Article number: 3
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/02/17 | Accepted: 2026/02/26 | Published: 2026/03/17
Received: 2026/02/17 | Accepted: 2026/02/26 | Published: 2026/03/17
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