GHD1x_2021_Module_3_Shuhstar_township_neighbourhood-video

Summary

The Shushtar New Town project, located near the ancient city of Shushtar in Iran, features a unique urban design aimed at fostering community interaction. Planned by Kamran Diba, the town includes a pedestrian spine connecting it to the old city, although the pedestrian bridge was never built. The layout segregates cars from residential life, focusing on public squares, gardens, and a network of pedestrian pathways. Designed to accommodate about 4,200 residents, the town integrates diverse income groups with various housing types, while public functions like a mosque and bathhouse enhance the community's identity.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Shushtar New Town is located near the ancient city of Shushtar, Iran, and covers approximately 200 hectares.
• 🚶 Kamran Diba envisioned a linear pedestrian spine to connect the new town with the old city, though the pedestrian bridge was never built.
• 🛣️ The town features a network of main roads to provide car access while promoting movement towards a social spine with squares and gardens.
• 🏞️ Public buildings and commercial activities are situated along an east-west pedestrian boulevard to enhance social interaction.
• 🚗 The design minimizes automobile traffic in residential areas, concentrating parking in strategic locations.
• 🏠 Construction began in 1976, with part of the first phase completed in 1978 to accommodate around 4,200 inhabitants.
• 🗺️ The town's layout includes a north-south axis and subdivides the neighborhood into four urban clusters.
• 🏢 A taller building serves as the main meeting point, surrounded by 4-storey apartments and shops to foster community engagement.
• 🌍 The neighborhood integrates people from different income groups and was primarily designed for employees of a single firm.
• 🏡 The living quarters feature a mix of one- and two-storey patio dwelling types, emphasizing communal living and neighborhood activities.

Q & A

What is the location of Shushtar New Town?

Shushtar New Town is located just across the Karun river, approximately 2km from the ancient city of Shushtar in southwest Iran.

What are the dimensions of Shushtar New Town?

The site measures approximately 2.3 x 1.4 kilometers, covering nearly 200 hectares.

Who planned the layout of Shushtar New Town?

The town was planned by architect Kamran Diba.

What was the main feature of the town's design?

The design features a linear pedestrian spine that connects the new town to the old city.

Was the pedestrian bridge ever constructed?

No, the planned pedestrian bridge was never built.

How is automobile traffic managed in Shushtar New Town?

Automobile traffic is segregated from community life as much as possible, with all parking concentrated in strategic areas.

What facilities are included in the town to promote social interaction?

The town features a social spine with squares, lush gardens, fountains, and various public buildings and commercial activities along a pedestrian boulevard.

How many inhabitants was the first phase of construction intended to accommodate?

The first phase was planned to accommodate about 4,200 inhabitants.

What types of housing are present in the living quarters?

The living quarters consist of a mix of one- and two-story patio dwelling types with three to five rooms, along with two-story apartments.

What public functions are included to create a sense of community?

Three living quarters include public functions such as a bathhouse, a kindergarten, and a mosque, contributing to the town's identity.