The Need for Architects and Experts in Municipal Government to Reform Urban Planning

Fereydoun Azari, architect of Ekbatan Town, referring to the lived experience of people in urban fabrics such as Ekbatan, believes that these spaces create a sense of identity and belonging, and that by emulating them, the quality of urban spaces can be improved without heavy costs. He emphasized the necessity of the presence of elites and architects in municipalities and government offices to reform incorrect urban planning structures.

Fereydoun Azari, architect of Ekbatan Town, in an interview, referring to the characteristics of urban fabrics such as Ekbatan, said: “People feel a sense of identity and belonging toward these spaces, and this very issue shows that urban space design can affect the daily experience of citizens.” Referring to the alleys and pedestrian paths in these fabrics, he emphasized the importance of designing public spaces where people can move about, and added: “By utilizing appropriate patterns, the quality of urban spaces can be improved without heavy costs.”

A Model for Enhancing Urban Space

This architect, stating that previous experiences in urban design can serve as a basis for improving the current situation, said: “Some of these patterns belong to several decades ago, but today they can be utilized even better.” He proposed that with planning over a period of about fifteen years, routes that are currently allocated to cars should be transformed into parks and public spaces.

Azari continued by raising the question of whether engineering system organizations and municipalities can help in the discussion of construction quality, saying: “A mayor cannot accomplish a fundamental task within a two- to three-year period, and this time limitation makes structural reforms difficult.”

Criticism of the Planning System and Article Five

Criticizing what he called the incorrect planning system in the country, he stated: “In many countries around the world, there are comprehensive plans, detailed plans, and urban strategic plans, but in Iran this structure does not exist in a desirable form.” According to him, Article Five is also among the items that have a place in this flawed system.

Inviting Elites to Enter Municipal Government

In conclusion, Azari recommended that elites and those who have the necessary capability should be present in government offices and municipalities and offer their ideas for the development of the country. He emphasized: “If these individuals enter the field and implement their ideas, they can play an effective role in the development of the country.”