Scientific Quarterly Journal

Development and Road Landscape(The Role of Development on Road Landscape Changes, Case Study: Natanz City)

Volume 6, Issue 22
Autumn 2025
Pages 30-41

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Landscape Architecture, Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture, and Urbanism, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Roads, as one of the main elements of the urban landscape structure, play a fundamental role in the perceptions of space, urban identity, and citizens’ quality of life. However, contemporary urban developments in many Iranian cities, including Natanz, have often overlooked a holistic approach, leading to significant physical and semantic changes in the city structure. This study aims to analyze the impact of road development measures on the landscape of Natanz on three scales: macroscale (intercity road network), mesoscale (streets and principal axes), and microscale (alleys and local paths). The research method is qualitative and based on a descriptive-analytical approach, and by relying on documentary studies, comparative analysis of texts, and field observation, changes in the city’s landscape over time have been examined. The findings show that recent development plans in Natanz, especially the construction of wide boulevards and the widening of passages, have caused a break in the city’s historical and cultural connection with the traditional road network and have reduced spatial coherence, historical identity, and the concept of a garden city. At the microscale, the historic alleys and organic paths have given way to geometric and uniform patterns that have reduced legibility, sense of place, and social interactions. Overall, the results indicate that the development of roads in Natanz, despite facilitating movement, has led to physical, visual, and perceptual breaks. The research emphasizes that preserving the road landscape as part of the city’s cultural heritage and identity requires institutionalizing a holistic approach in urban planning and design.

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  • Receive Date 07 October 2025
  • Revise Date 24 October 2025
  • Accept Date 29 September 2025