Analyzing Lynch’S City Imageability In The Digital Age, Mahbubur Meenar, Nader Afzalan, Amir Hajrasouliha
Apr 2019
Analyzing Lynch’S City Imageability In The Digital Age, Mahbubur Meenar, Nader Afzalan, Amir Hajrasouliha
Amir Hajrasouliha
This paper explores the role of virtual mapping environments in analyzing people’s perception of spaces and their implications
in planning. We examine how people interpret Kevin Lynch’s “city imageability” in the digital age by asking two questions: (1)
how can we create mental images of city elements by using virtual versus physical environments? (2) What are the strengths
and weaknesses of each method? We studied sixty-eight mental maps—created by thirty-four participants—identifying five
factors for disagreements on city elements: scale, eye level, details, accuracy/timeliness, and sensory/movement. We conclude
by suggesting how practitioners can take a balanced approach for city imageability analysis.
Connecting The Dots: Campus Form, Student Perceptions, And Academic Performance, Amir Hajrasouliha
Jul 2018
Connecting The Dots: Campus Form, Student Perceptions, And Academic Performance, Amir Hajrasouliha
Amir Hajrasouliha
This research is an attempt to evaluate the role of campus built environment and its immediate surroundings on a major concern of universities: student retention and graduation. The relationship of both objective and perceived measures of physical campuses with students’ academic performance was examined, using the California State University (CSU) campuses as its sample. The objective campus environment was measured by a Campus Score scale, and the perceived campus quality and perceived restorativeness were measured through an online survey from 446 students. The results demonstrate that both objective and perceived measures were significantly associated with students’ academic performance. However, the …
Master-Planning The American Campus: Goals, Actions, And Design Strategies, Amir Hajrasouliha
Jun 2017
Master-Planning The American Campus: Goals, Actions, And Design Strategies, Amir Hajrasouliha
Amir Hajrasouliha
This research identified common goals, actions, and design strategies of university campus master plans in the USA, by analyzing 50 randomly selected master plans. Four design strategies were distilled, based on the top goals and actions: transition from (1) a deficient campus to a complete campus, (2) an isolated campus to a contextual campus, (3) a fragmented campus to a cohesive campus, and (4) a brown campus to an ecological campus. In addition, seven campus form dimensions were distilled: (1) land use organization (arrangement of space and facilities), (2) compactness, (3) connectivity, (4) spatial configuration, (6) campus living, (7) greenness, …
Campus Does Matter: The Relationship Of Student Retention And Degree Attainment To Campus Design, Amir Hajrasouliha, Reid Ewing
May 2016
Campus Does Matter: The Relationship Of Student Retention And Degree Attainment To Campus Design, Amir Hajrasouliha, Reid Ewing
Amir Hajrasouliha
No abstract provided.
Streetscape Features Related To Pedestrian Activity, Reid Ewing, Amir Hajrasouliha, Kathryn M. Neckerman, Marnie Purciel-Hill, William Greene
Dec 2014
Streetscape Features Related To Pedestrian Activity, Reid Ewing, Amir Hajrasouliha, Kathryn M. Neckerman, Marnie Purciel-Hill, William Greene
Amir Hajrasouliha
By measuring twenty streetscape features and numerous other variables for 588 blocks in New York City, we were able to identify variables that explain pedestrian traffic volumes. We found significant positive correlations between three out of twenty streetscape features with pedestrian counts after controlling for density and other built environmental variables. The significant streetscape features are the proportion of windows on the street, the proportion of active street frontage, and the number of pieces of street furniture. This study provides guidance for streetscape projects that aim to create walkable streets and pedestrian-friendly environments.
