The Third Place in Iran’s Urban Landscape: Theory, Practice, and Contemporary Perspectives; Case Study of the Urban Landscape of Hamedan

Abstract

In the contemporary era, human life is intertwined with modernization, which has profoundly transformed the spatial and functional structure of cities, including those in Iran. These transformations highlight the need for intermediate spaces within the urban landscape—referred to as “third places,” situated between home and workplace. The third place encompasses multipurpose functions that foster social capital, neighborhood resilience, and enhance urban landscape quality. Historically, Iranian cities such as Hamedan have possessed local institutions—mosques, bazaars, and small public spaces—which performed these roles; however, modernization and shifting behavioral patterns have gradually weakened their functionality. This research adopts a design‑oriented and interdisciplinary approach, integrating theoretical studies and spatial analyses with field methods such as interviews, questionnaires, and behavioral mapping. The study identifies design indicators that enable the creation of third places within the urban and landscape context of Hamedan. Establishing such spaces requires the integration of spatial and functional criteria, including pedestrianization and multimodal access, flexibility of urban use, temporal diversity of activities, and landscape identity enriched by cultural and historical elements. From a policy and management perspective, realization of third places necessitates supportive legal, financial, and participatory frameworks. The study emphasizes the synergy among urban design dynamics, local service connections, and climate‑responsive landscape features. Ultimately, successful third‑place strategies depend on coordinated action across physical, institutional, and participatory dimensions, positioning these spaces as fundamental components of social infrastructure and sustainable urban landscape development.