Urban spaces quality enrichment based on aesthetic values of historical fabrics of Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Historical fabrics are precious cultural heritages of each country that have aesthetic value, which deserves to be protected. Aesthetic values are categorised as objective and subjective, where subjective value is about aesthetics that is perceived by the beholder. Therefore, this study emphasises the subjective aspect of historical fabrics. From previous research studies, much remained in providing some aesthetic principles, so the basic issue discussed in this study is to investigate the methodology of implementing the principles of aesthetics in the design of urban fabrics. The fundamental purpose of this research is to attain the component of the concept of beauty in historical fabrics by understanding the subjective preferences of residents and offering practical guidelines on various aspects of urban design framework. Therefore, the factors that the residents view in three historical fabrics of Isfahan with different physical and social characteristics led to the formation of aesthetic values, derived from survey procedure, library and field studies and the questionnaire method. Finally, these factors were arranged in different dimensions of urban design. It resulted in proposing some strategies about the methods of applying the aesthetic principles in urban design of recently built areas and also in the preservation of historical fabrics.