Assessing the Influence of Murals on Urban Furniture Design and Urban Landscape Quality; The Case of Rasht

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Graphic, Faculty of Architecture and Art ,, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

2 Lecture,, Department of Painting, Faculty of Architecture and Art., University of Guilan , Rasht, Iran

10.22124/upk.2026.31554.2061

Abstract

Introduction:
:  Rasht, the capital of Gilan province, with its rich cultural and natural heritage, has the potential to become a leading model of human-centered urban landscape. Murals, as dynamic elements of urban furniture, can act as catalysts in strengthening place identity by creating a bridge between collective memory and contemporary space. The main issue of this research is to identify strategies to optimize these capacities based on the theoretical frameworks of Relph and Tuan, focusing on three pillars of strengthening place identity, deepening sense of attachment, and achieving authenticity.
Objective: The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of murals on the process of urban furniture design and improving the quality of the urban landscape of Rasht, within the framework of Relph (1976) and Tuan (1977), by analyzing three main dimensions: identity and sense of attachment, visual integrity, and the providing design strategies rooted in local culture and environmental conditions.
Methodology: This research was conducted with a descriptive–analytical and mixed-methods approach (library and field study). A total of 283 four-choice questionnaires were distributed among 64 citizens across six socio-demographic groups. The data were analyzed based on the indicators of cultural harmony, environmental compatibility, identity functions, media roles, aesthetic values, and interaction with the audience and the environment.
Findings & Conclusion: Murals that are in line with local culture (e.g., paintings of women rice farmers and Mirza Kuchak Khan) enhanced the sense of place and authenticity, while abstract works were assessed by 82% of respondents as works that were detached from the historical-cultural context. 
Murals can only play a strategic role in urban furniture design and landscape enhancement if they reflect the local biome, adapt to environmental conditions, and respond to audience preferences. The main recommendation is that murals become “social interaction hubs” through participatory management guidelines.

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Main Subjects

References

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Urban Planning Knowledge
Volume 9, Issue 4
January 2026
Pages 60-78

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History

  • Receive Date: 01 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 23 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 27 September 2025

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