What is an urban element or symbol?

What is an urban element or symbol?

What is an urban element?

Urban elements or urban furniture or urban elements in English (Urban elements) include all the components that are considered in cities to meet the needs of citizens and provide services. These elements include things such as streets, squares, parks, neighborhoods, buildings, public spaces, urban facilities (such as post offices, bus and subway stations, parking lots, government buildings, hospitals, etc.) and other elements that exist in a city in order to provide The needs of the city’s citizens and visitors have been considered.

Urban elements can improve the living space of citizens and improve their living conditions. The design and construction of urban elements should be done in a way that suits the needs of citizens and helps to create spaces for social interaction and recreation.

Definition of urban element:

An element or an urban symbol or a physical combination, which in its construction includes the internal characteristics of volumes and geometric shapes – vertical or curved plates – structural components – cables – putters and frames, and in general everything that can have a decorative and constructional aspect. The above items are used as a unified whole and above all, this combination has a stable and beautiful geometric and balance system in such a way that after showing off in the city, it attracts people and their minds. It involves itself that for a long time in that area of the city, it becomes a characteristic symbol for knowing the city in the desired area. In fact, it is one of the urban characteristics, in such a way that the mind will subconsciously visualize the desired element after the specific characteristics of that region.

This characteristic is especially important for tourists and those who rarely visit the desired area, because it is important in the correct routing and addressing to find a specific urban area, the characteristic and special symbol of that area… The symbol is important in the knowledge of the region, and it may be derived from a specific event or history in the desired place, and it points to a specific point in that place and is associated with a history, so one of the purposes of the elements can be information and introduction. It is a special region in terms of history-geography-culture and the special characteristics of the people of that region, or it refers to a special incident or event in the said region, all of which help establish a better communication between the contacts and those who travel to the place with the region. The target is effective.

Perhaps this symbol itself will become a historical and lasting work after some time and its fame will spread in other cities, there are many examples of this type of elements, such structures are also called monumental structures. .

But another feature of such symbols is to create a beautiful atmosphere and an artistic atmosphere in the cities, which makes different parts of the cities out of monotony and repetition… It gives each part of the city a special identity and characteristic, in the body of the city. The spirit breathes life, and most importantly, it gives a biological and human scale to urban environments, in an atmosphere mixed with art, man breathes more easily, because art is in the blood of every human being and he is unconsciously attracted to greatness and beauty.

What urban elements can improve the living conditions of citizens?

Urban elements can help improve the living conditions of citizens in various dimensions such as cultural, economic, social and environmental. Some urban elements that can improve the living conditions of citizens are:

1. Parks and green spaces: Creating green spaces and parks as recreational and interactive spaces can improve the living environment of citizens and encourage them to outdoor activities and outdoor recreation.

2. Beautiful neighborhoods and access to services: Beautiful and orderly buildings, clean and beautiful neighborhoods, and easy access to basic services such as schools, parks, hospitals, and stores, ensure the improvement of citizens’ living conditions.

3. Public transportation: Effective and efficient public transportation helps citizens to easily access workplaces, schools, recreational spaces, and shopping, and reduces traffic and air pollution.

4. Large public spaces: Large public spaces such as squares and boulevards can provide space for social interaction, holding events and festivals, and promoting art and culture.

5. Urban facilities: Urban facilities such as parking lots, post offices, bus and metro stations, hospitals and libraries can help citizens to easily use basic services.

6. Recreational and cultural centers: Recreational and cultural centers such as cinemas, theaters, museums, and stadiums allow citizens to hold recreational and cultural activities.

Therefore, the planning and design of urban elements should be done in a way that meets the needs of citizens and helps create spaces for recreation, interaction and social communication.

Are urban elements different in different parts of the world?

Yes, urban elements may be different in different parts of the world. These differences may be due to differences in culture, history, architecture, and community needs in each region. For example, in some regions of the world, street layouts and public spaces are designed for walking and cycling, while in others, priority is given to automobile transportation. Also, in some areas, green spaces and parks are considered as recreational and creative spaces, while in other areas, large public spaces are used as venues for public events.

Anyway, in all regions of the world, urban elements are taken into consideration in order to meet the needs of citizens and provide spaces for social interaction, recreation and the realization of economic and cultural goals.

Is the element different from the statue?

Unfortunately, misperceptions and mismanagement and to some extent the lack of sufficient knowledge and awareness of these two categories have caused our city planning and architecture managers to deal with the above issue very lightly and trivially and so to speak A few statues with the names of the main squares will bring the matter together in a way! Sculptures that directly express their meaning without creating any thought or attraction in the person, and as a result, they cannot keep the audience’s gaze on them even for a moment, and of course, they cannot be a lasting effect and one of the characteristics of the region in the long run. be considered

The main difference between the sculpture and the element is in the abstract and indirect view of the elements to a subject! A look that engages the human mind as a thinking being. A morsel is not ready to be put in the human mouth! It requires human thought and reflection in dealing with it, it creates a pause and reflection in human movement, and this characteristic makes it permanent, because what causes the conflict of the mind remains in the mind.

But the statue is very ordinary and, as the famous saying is, washed, as if it puts a ready morsel in the person’s mouth and offers the concept directly to him. A person’s engagement with the subject drops to the level and in such a situation and such a work cannot be expected to remain and leave an impression on the mind. In addition to this, the sculpture is carved from stone or a type of special material, usually it does not have a special variety and the body is uniform if the elements are used in terms of forms and arrays and even in terms of materials, colors and architectural decorations. They can be full of variety and beauty.

The element is an architectural composition because it uses geometry and internal features of shapes and volumes, while the art of sculpture and sculpture is another category that is not directly classified in this group. But in some cases, we have to use a statue to show a specific place, for example, places that are named after a specific character and the purpose is to show the face or figure of a specific character. This character cannot be shown with lines and pages! But in most cases, it is necessary to use arrays and elements to show concepts and topics, especially what does not have a specific form and only expresses a concept.

Are urban elements always considered to meet the needs of citizens?

Yes, urban elements are mainly intended to provide and support the needs of citizens. For example, streets and roads are designed to facilitate the movement and transportation of citizens and goods. Parks and green spaces are designed to create recreational and interactive spaces for citizens and help improve the air quality of the city. Hospitals and medical centers are designed to provide healthcare services to citizens. Bus and subway stations are designed to facilitate public transportation of citizens and reduce urban traffic.

But in some cases, urban elements are also considered in order to attract tourists, provide artistic and cultural spaces and develop economic and commercial activities. For example, art galleries, museums, local markets and tourist shops are designed to attract tourists. Also, large public spaces such as squares and boulevards can be used as a place to hold public and cultural events and promote economic and commercial activities.

Therefore, urban elements may be considered to meet the needs of citizens or to develop economic and commercial activities or to attract tourists.

Types of urban elements:

All types of urban elements are divided into different categories. Below I mention some types of urban elements for you:

1. Driving elements: This includes streets, roads, bridges, tunnels, parking lots and bike paths.

2. Pedestrian elements: This includes public spaces, squares, parks, green spaces, sidewalks, crossings, pedestrian bridges, and recreational and sports spaces.

3. Transportation elements: This includes bus stops, taxis, private cars, trains, subways, and railway stations.

4. Lighting elements: This includes urban lighting, flags, billboards, signposts, and bulletin boards.

5. Green space elements: This includes trees, plants, flowers, bushes, grass, vegetation, food buffets, support forces and irrigation.

6. Smart city elements: This includes surveillance cameras, license plate tracking systems, smart parking systems, and smart city communication systems such as notification systems and city service systems.

7. Decorative elements: This includes statues, artwork, fountains, angel paintings and other decorative elements.

8. Public equipment elements: This includes trash cans, traffic signs, information displays, hospital and pharmacy signs, escalators, and elevators.

This division is an example of the types of urban elements. Also, each city may have other urban elements according to its needs.

Characteristics of urban elements:

The characteristics of urban elements are:

1. Meeting the needs of citizens: urban elements are designed to meet the needs of citizens in order to facilitate movement and transportation, provide health and treatment services, create recreational and interactive spaces, etc.

2. Attractiveness and beauty: urban elements are designed to create attractiveness and beauty, as well as improve citizens’ experience of the urban space, using color and light, different building materials, landscape design and green spaces, etc.

3. Accessible: Urban elements should be easily accessible to all citizens. For example, the streets should be wide and have enough facilities and facilities for the passage of citizens and the movement of vehicles.

4. Sustainability: Urban elements should be designed in such a way that they contribute to the sustainability of the urban space. For example, using recycled materials, creating green and cooling spaces, reducing urban traffic, etc. can contribute to the sustainability of urban space.

5. Diversity: urban elements must have enough diversity in design and implementation. For example, public spaces, streets, parks, etc. should have enough diversity in design to improve citizens’ experience of the urban space.

6. Safety: Urban elements must be designed in such a way that they ensure the safety of citizens. For example, streets should improve the safety of citizens by installing traffic signs, creating sidewalks and bike lanes.

In general, urban elements should be designed to meet the needs of citizens, improve the attractiveness and beauty of the urban space, be accessible and sustainable, and contribute to the safety of citizens.

What are the important points in buying urban elements?

To buy urban elements, you can pay attention to the following:

1. Urban needs: Before buying urban elements, you should identify urban needs and choose the elements that provide the best response to urban needs.

2. Quality and durability: urban elements must be made of high quality and durable materials so that they can continuously meet urban needs. For example, elements made of high quality metals are more resistant to wear and rust.

3. Design and beauty: Urban elements should be designed in such a way that they contribute to the beauty and attractiveness of the urban space. For example, elements with modern and creative design can contribute to the beauty and attractiveness of the urban space.

4. Ability to install and maintain: Urban elements should be designed in such a way that they can be easily installed and maintained. For example, elements designed to be easily replaceable and repairable can reduce maintenance costs.

5. Cost: The cost of buying and installing urban elements should be calculated according to the city budget and city needs. You should also pay attention to maintenance and repair costs.

6. Safety standards: urban elements should be designed and built based on safety standards to help the safety of citizens. For example, elements designed according to driving and walking standards can contribute to the safety of citizens in the urban space.

In general, in purchasing urban elements, attention should be paid to urban needs, quality and durability, design and beauty, installation and maintenance, cost and safety standards.