The Role of Form Structure in the Formation of Place Identity and the Emergence of Social Interactions in Qazvin Bazaar

The transformation of urban living patterns and the decline of social interactions in contemporary urban spaces have heightened the urgent need to reassess the role of formal structure in creating meaning and strengthening place identity. This study aims to explore how the components of formal structure contribute to enhancing the significance of social interactions that stem from place identity. The importance of this research lies in recognizing that formal structure, beyond its physical dimension, holds perceptual, cultural, and behavior-oriented potentials for generating meaning, shared experiences, and collective memory. Employing a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) with a descriptive-analytical framework, data were collected through field studies, technical surveys, and analyzed statistically using SPSS software. The historic Qazvin Bazaar, with its rich historical and social identity, was selected as the representative case study. The findings reveal that seven dimensions of formal structure—centrality, functionality, movement, visual and sightlines, physical form, spatial connections, and spirituality—significantly influence social interactions and the overall sense of belonging to place. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the interrelation between physical form, spatial legibility, and perceptual experience provides a fertile and dynamic ground for the reproduction of collective memory. In this respect, historic spaces such as the Qazvin Bazaar are capable of sustaining cultural values while simultaneously playing a more active role in strengthening and revitalizing social interactions. Consequently, attention to the qualitative and multidimensional aspects of formal structure should be regarded as a fundamental strategy for future urban planning and design, positioning it as a key factor in enhancing place identity and ensuring the long-term sustainability and vitality of urban life.