Journal of Urban Studies on Space and Place

Abstract Introduction
Due to the dangers of homogenization of urban spaces resulting from globalization processes during urban developments, the need to preserve local identities for urban spaces is increasingly felt, and the preservation of local identities is necessary. Koy-e Golestan as a settlement for the minority group of Romanians in the historical center of Sabzevar city, has unique architectural features specific to the indigenous residents of this area.
Also, urban studies show that building facades have a prominent role on physical identity of urban areas. The case study- Golestan neighborhood- is a settlement for Romani people in the center of the city of Sabzevar which due to its deterioration needs urgent spatial-physical interventions. While the aforementioned neighborhood is located in the historical center of the city and has several valuable historical monuments, studies show implementing spatial-physical interventions in areas like this without considering their local spatial identity will have adverse effects on reducing the identity of these areas, and provoking a sense of delocalization in the form of alienation from the place and so on.
So in these regards, this research to serve as a proper urban preservation policy for the future interventions, has tried to explore the identifying components of the building facades of the Golestan neighborhood. According to the studies, facades, as the most important part of the city's physical mass, is considered an important part of its identity. Also, in this study regarding previous research, the identity components of the building facades of Golestan has been explored on the basis of seven categories of its overall components: 1- overall shape of the facade, 2- main lines, 3- dividing lines, 4- openings and apertures, 5- details and extensions, 6- materials and textures, and 7- colors.
In general, in Golestan neighborhood, we see two types of building facades: old and renovated. While Most of the renovated building facades in the neighborhood are made of brick, and sometimes ceramic or stone, this is a characteristic of older buildings with brick or thatched roofs. Also, as what has been discussed in the research findings, in the neighborhood's native and old architecture, we see a variety of designs and architectural details such as railings, turned windows, brickwork, and shelters with brick knots. In the renovations carried out in new buildings, we see the use of new materials such as stone, ceramics, and metal doors and windows, along with a noticeable difference in the patterns of building facades with other areas of the city.
Research Methodology
Totally, this study in order to achieve the study goal, by reviewing the literature on physical identity, building facades and the facades constituent components on physical identity of buildings, has conducted a field study on the case study of Golestan. As mentioned above, in the field study phase, the research was conducted to collect and record data based on two parts of uncontrolled (free) observation, and controlled observations and recordings with the help of photography. In case of mentioned field study, a two-round Delphi technique has been carried out among 14 experts based on 80 selected images in 8 general categories of facade components which has been taken from the building of the neighborhood. At this stage, 15 experts in the field of architecture and urban planning working and living in Sabzevar, familiar with the historical architectural features of this neighborhood, and who also have a relative knowledge of Golestan and its residents were identified and selected that 14 people collaborated with this research.
Result and discussion
According to the findings, the identifying components of Koy-e Golestan building facades could be conceptualized in 17 initial and 7 main concepts. The initial concepts consists of natural and historical symbolism, using of floral and plant elements, using of images of the religious characters, using of religious symbols, ostentatiousness, colorfulness, luxurious, variety in lines, sharp geometry, unconventional geometric combinations, excessive use of arrays, richness in patterns, excessive attention to detail, imitation, variety in patterns, fineness, and repetition. Also The findings showed that the concepts of natural-historical symbolism, religious symbolism, the desire to show off, shape and form fashionism, heavy attention to details, eclecticism, and emphasis on creating a dense texture, are the recognizable aspects of the physical identity of the building facades of Koy-e Golestan.
Concolusion
According to this study, while building facades are deeply connected with the cultural and social contexts, the physical identity components identified in Golestan neighborhood are related to the cultural-identity characteristics of the ethnic community living in Golestan. Based on the results of this research, in general, religious orientation and devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUH), the desire to self-expression and to be seen, and the personalization of the lived environment are the ethnic community grounded context which is effective on the creation of specific architecture patterns of Koy-e Golestan. This study by exploring the identifying components of Golestan neighborhood building facades, points out to the distinctive and coherent dimensions of the physical identity components of Golestan, in which are necessary for urban design policies and guidelines in terms of urban tourism, regeneration, and housing in the future decision making and decision taking by the authorities about the area.

Abstract  
 
Neighborhood identity can be affected by two types of factors: Physical and non-physical (social) factors. Each of these factors have their nique impact on the identity of a place or a neighborhood. Understanding the relationship between factors and their effect size might lead to a more effective planning in order to improve neighborhood identity. The main goal of this research is providing profound perception of physical and social factors effects on neighborhood identity. However, it is not possible to put all factors in a research. So, we have selected critical factors through field work, which includes neighbors’ relationship and security as social factors and neighborhood landscape, safety, and accessibility as physical factors. This research is based on a quantitative analysis of 100 questioners by using SmartPLS software. Sample size was determined by employing a Cochran formula. It emerges that, all factors havesignificant effect on neighborhood identity except for safety.