Semantic Ambiguity and its impact on Readability of Metropolitan Space (Case Study: Valiasr Crossway Pedestrian Underpass in Tehran)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 MA graduate, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The research aims to analyze the readability of Valiasr Crossroads Pedestrian Underpass. Valiasr crossroads is one of the most populated centers of Tehran; to solve the traffic problem in this urban space, Municipality decided to separate pedestrian movements and constructed the underpass in 2012; but users resist entering the underpass because they find it inconvenient in directing them. So the main question is about the role of the applied semiotic systems in the readability of the crossroad and its underpass. For the analysis, three criteria of identity, structure and compatibility have been recognized for the concept of readability and they have been evaluated in both function and physical form of the case study. The methodology of research is ethnography and field data have been gathered by observation. Results show that the Pedestrian Underpass has increased illegibility of Valiasr crossroads because of : 1- the monotonous, single colored form of underpass, and using only written signs for directing people 2- creating several new formal and informal activities inside and outside the underpass 3- not being able to make compatibility between the function of underpass and its form.

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