Male-Behavior Patterns and Tools in Routing

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Department Of Art and Architecture, Tehran, Iran.

2 Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Department of Art and Architecture, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Routing in the urban area is possible by having environmental information. Information such as current location, destination and connections between them, facilitates the route selection process. Environment perception and data storage in mind would be impossible without this information. So the spectator would be disoriented in way- finding if he doesn’t have access to clear environmental information. To have an accurate way- finding behavior, explicit environmental information is necessary. Environment should be designed for men as users of space such a way they find their path to success. The results of such studies can have a significant impact on urban planning and design. The combination of environmental information in the process of identifying the environment and accessible way-finding aids are both lead to ease the way-finding process. All the accessible tools and aids are valuable for individuals. Getting lost in an environment is not an appropriate feeling. When a person can find his/her way with no difficulties, she/he can have a comfortable feeling and is eager to find out more about the environment. In contrast, having difficulty in finding one’s way around can lead to anxiety and stress. Familiarity with the environment can lead to peace in mind, ease in navigation, and would reduce the mistakes along the path also in selecting the path. Repeating the same path can increase the familiarity of a path and this is particularly valuable for the complicated environments and paths. When people are familiar with the path, they tend to use their cognitive map in their way-finding process. In contrast, when the environment is new for individuals, they tend to ask others along the route or utilizing way-finding aids in their way-finding. Unfamiliar people would select their path based on environmental information or their previous knowledge of that place. Information (or knowledge???? which one do you mean?) people get from the environment result from their perception of different parts of the city. The way-finding aids that people are using differ depending on the familiarity of them with the environment. Most of the way-finding aids such as maps, street signs, and other signage are utilized among people who are less familiar with the environment. The combination of environmental information in the process of identifying the environment and accessible way-finding aids are both lead to ease the way-finding process. All the accessible tools and aids are of value and have unique value for individuals. Searching in the environment and asking passengers were the examples of way-finding aids. Normally men were searching for their way through following the clues and the tendency in way-finding. The purpose of this study is to determine the relation between environmental information, environmental perception and behavioral patterns of men in way- finding process. The data collection in this study is based on the qualitative methods such as questionnaire, observation, interview and simulation. This study includes 150 randomly selected individuals in Imam Reza, Daneshgah and Imam Khomeiny streets in Mashhad downtown. Data analyzed by chi-square analysis and the v-test crammers’ done. The results of this study show the importance of physical factors and Routing Guide for Men choosing a different path. The men in the urban area are associated with the selected route. There are signs in the third priority is to reach the destination. In the men’s final of the signs and directional signs will help. The presence of men in urban areas is associated with the selection of their routing practices. On the other hand, men prefer to search through the use of principal directions in the environment and to identify its direction. Visual guide to male factors, the location at the junction, distinctive architectural style and distinction in routing performance are considered. Also, buildings with high levels of visibility from adistance with white color can guide men better as well as guidance to be used in reaching the correct destination. There is a correlation between way-finding aids and the aim of the travel among the male participants. Men with the aim of working in the area were mostly utilized coordinate system, land makrs and visual features of the built environment in their navigation. In comparison, those who were travelling to the area with the aims of working or worshiping were looking for clues in their way-finding. Men because of the tendency of using clues were mostly used coordinate systems and environmental features. Men were trying to utilize environmental and visual features of the environment in order to find their way. In some cases they were not tended to utilize oral aids like asking others.

Keywords


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