Research Paper
Masoud Safaeepour; aghil gankhaki
Abstract
The rapid growth of urbanization and the increasing urban population in Iran have led to various challenges, such as the decline in the quality of urban spaces caused by different forms of pollution, as well as fast-paced urban development with little consideration for cultural and historical values. ...
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The rapid growth of urbanization and the increasing urban population in Iran have led to various challenges, such as the decline in the quality of urban spaces caused by different forms of pollution, as well as fast-paced urban development with little consideration for cultural and historical values. The concept of livability is recognized as an effective approach that can enhance the quality of life in urban environments across multiple dimensions, ultimately improving residents’ satisfaction. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the livability of public spaces in Bushehr city based on the Iranian–Islamic approach, using a descriptive–analytical method. The statistical population consists of selected public spaces in Bushehr, identified through a non-random sampling process by experts and specialists in urban management and planning. For data analysis, multi-criteria decision-making methods were employed, including the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for criteria weighting and the COPRAS method for ranking the public spaces according to the defined criteria. The results indicate that the criteria of “human scale in design” and “accessibility to public spaces,” with weights of 0.125 and 0.120 respectively, were of the highest importance. Among the studied public spaces, “Lian Pedestrian Street” and “Coastal Public Spaces,” with weights of 0.860 and 0.747 respectively, demonstrated the highest levels of livability. Finally, a set of recommendations is provided to enhance the livability of these urban spaces.
Research Paper
Aliakbar Anabestani; Seyedeh Parvin Hosieni; Hamid Shayan; Omid Ali Kharazmi
Abstract
Spatial regeneration is a modern approach to producing spatial organization aligned with new conditions and emerging characteristics. It plays a significant role in establishing new urban relations or redefining existing ones. The aim of this study is to identify the key drivers of place identity influencing ...
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Spatial regeneration is a modern approach to producing spatial organization aligned with new conditions and emerging characteristics. It plays a significant role in establishing new urban relations or redefining existing ones. The aim of this study is to identify the key drivers of place identity influencing spatial regeneration in the peri-urban settlements of Shirvan. The research is applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical in nature. Theoretical foundations were developed through documentary and library studies, while key drivers were extracted through field surveys and questionnaires. The study sample consisted of 25 experts and rural planners from North Khorasan Province and Shirvan Township. Data analysis was conducted using MicMac software, and spatial mapping was performed with GIS. The findings indicate that, based on the degree of direct and indirect influence, 83 factors were identified and categorized into four main components as key drivers. The results show that: - improving satisfaction through enhanced rural–urban and inter-village interactions (direct effect: +17, indirect effect: +1683); - improving rural income sources and reducing poverty among peri-urban households (direct: +9, indirect: +3272); - promoting mixed land uses and enhancing access to services within the physical fabric of settlements (direct: +8, indirect: +3852); - participation in local council elections as an indicator of increased voluntary activities (direct: +8, indirect: +6272); - satisfaction with the visual quality of public spaces (direct: +8, indirect: −926); - and reducing environmental pollution to enhance rural living conditions (direct: +7, indirect: +2892) were identified as critical drivers across five dimensions—economic, socio-cultural, spatial–physical, and environmental—towards achieving the sustainability of peri-urban settlements.
Research Paper
َAmirreza beiranvand; amir tayebi
Abstract
Urban street networks, as the backbone of city morphology, play a crucial role in spatial development, accessibility improvement, and the reduction of spatial inequalities. This study adopts a multiscale approach to analyze the street network of Khorramabad City using Space Syntax techniques combined ...
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Urban street networks, as the backbone of city morphology, play a crucial role in spatial development, accessibility improvement, and the reduction of spatial inequalities. This study adopts a multiscale approach to analyze the street network of Khorramabad City using Space Syntax techniques combined with K-Means clustering in order to identify spatial patterns influencing urban physical development at local, intermediate, and global scales. Street data were extracted from OpenStreetMap and modeled as axial lines in DepthmapX. Core indices—including integration, choice, and connectivity—were calculated at each scale. The findings reveal that at the local scale, streets with high accessibility (55%) function as primary axes for local mobility and service provision; at the intermediate scale, highly integrated streets (48–52%) balance inter-district connections and traffic flow; and at the global scale, streets with high choice values (55%) support city-wide connectivity and major infrastructural development. However, the absence of real traffic data limited performance validation. The results highlight the necessity of strengthening intermediate-level streets, improving traffic infrastructure, and enhancing accessibility in peripheral zones to foster balanced urban development. This research provides a novel framework for optimizing street networks in developing cities and recommends the use of GPS-based mobility data or traffic counts in future studies, particularly in mountainous urban contexts.
Research Paper
Seyyed Mehdi Moussakazemi; Mostafa Taleshi; Hossain Rahimi; Masoud Tofigi; Ali Hamed Moghadam
Abstract
Cities are experiencing unprecedented growth, creating major challenges for national and local policymakers in terms of the quality of the urban living environment. These challenges are particularly critical for urban planners and decision-makers. This study addresses the question of the current status ...
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Cities are experiencing unprecedented growth, creating major challenges for national and local policymakers in terms of the quality of the urban living environment. These challenges are particularly critical for urban planners and decision-makers. This study addresses the question of the current status of urban living environment quality in the districts of Mashhad metropolis. Using a descriptive–analytical approach combined with field surveys and expert questionnaires, the key components of urban quality of life were prioritized across three selected districts (and three neighborhoods within each district). Subsequently, the quality of urban life was assessed through a survey of Mashhad’s residents. The findings indicate that the quality-of-life indicators in the selected districts and neighborhoods, measured across six domains—physical, economic, transportation, social, institutional, and environmental (according to the study’s conceptual model)—are unevenly distributed. These spatial inequalities are reflected in unequal access to essential services such as housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and employment opportunities. As a result, the quality of life of residents, particularly in disadvantaged areas (such as District 5), is significantly affected. Overall, District 1 demonstrates a more favorable living environment compared to Districts 5 and 11. This disparity is also evident in the selected neighborhoods within each district.
Research Paper
saadi mohammadi
Abstract
Enhancing rural resilience by reducing vulnerability has been widely adopted by development planners as a key strategy to promote sustainability, enabling rural areas to adapt to and withstand economic and natural pressures. In this context, the present study investigates tourism development as a transformative ...
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Enhancing rural resilience by reducing vulnerability has been widely adopted by development planners as a key strategy to promote sustainability, enabling rural areas to adapt to and withstand economic and natural pressures. In this context, the present study investigates tourism development as a transformative activity in the rural environment of Oraman District, Sarvabad Township, in order to identify its effects on changes in local resilience. Data were collected through documentary research in the theoretical section and by questionnaires and interviews in the fieldwork. The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Qualitative data were analyzed using Grounded Theory, while quantitative analysis employed the Wilcoxon test, path analysis, and regression methods. The findings revealed that the mean resilience level of the studied villages significantly increased (p < 0.05) from 2.81 before tourism development to 2.95 afterward. Thus, tourism has contributed to improving rural resilience; however, this improvement remains relatively limited and fragile, indicating the existence of constraints that hinder tourism’s full potential in strengthening resilience. In total, 62 barriers and challenges were identified, which were grouped into four main categories: (1) managerial deficiencies, weak planning, and lack of essential services and facilities; (2) insufficient financial resources and prevailing security constraints; (3) social shortcomings and an unfavorable business environment; and (4) weaknesses in marketing, education, and demand generation for tourism development.
Research Paper
Hamdollah Sojasi Qeidari; Majid Parishan; Hamid Reza Ghasemi; Ahmad Romiani
Abstract
The implementation of rural master plans (Hadi Plans) has generated various economic, social, and environmental impacts in rural areas. This study aims to examine the effects of the Hadi Plan on reducing the vulnerability of villagers in Shandiz District, Binalud Township, to natural hazards, specifically ...
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The implementation of rural master plans (Hadi Plans) has generated various economic, social, and environmental impacts in rural areas. This study aims to examine the effects of the Hadi Plan on reducing the vulnerability of villagers in Shandiz District, Binalud Township, to natural hazards, specifically earthquakes. The research employed a descriptive–analytical method, with data collected through library research (theoretical studies) and fieldwork (questionnaires and observations). The statistical population consisted of five villages in Shandiz District that had implemented the Hadi Plan. Based on Cochran’s formula with a margin of error of 0.06, the sample size was determined as 97 households. Data were analyzed using one-sample t-test, multiple regression, and path analysis. The findings revealed that the Hadi Plan has contributed to reducing villagers’ vulnerability to earthquakes; however, the impacts varied across different indicators. The one-sample t-test indicated that for some indicators, the effect was below the desirable level (3), and the differences were statistically significant for all indicators. Regression analysis showed a coefficient of determination of 0.894, indicating that the independent variable explained 89% of the variance in the dependent variable. Path analysis demonstrated that the greatest direct and indirect impact of the Hadi Plan on reducing vulnerability was related to the indicator of “improvement of physical security” (0.424). Other influential factors included “strengthening of road networks” (0.414), “increase in investment” (0.268), “participation in space management” (0.232), “satisfaction with physical development” (0.198), “enhancement of perceived physical security” (0.195), and “reduction of migration” (0.061), ranked from second to seventh, respectively.
Research Paper
hojjat sheikhi; Mina Abdoli
Abstract
In recent years, urban planning and design knowledge has increasingly sought methods to reduce earthquake-induced damages in cities, the primary habitats of human life. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the seismic vulnerability of Ilam city. The research is applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical ...
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In recent years, urban planning and design knowledge has increasingly sought methods to reduce earthquake-induced damages in cities, the primary habitats of human life. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the seismic vulnerability of Ilam city. The research is applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical in nature. Primary data were collected from existing documents and maps obtained from relevant organizations. For data analysis, the Fuzzy DEMATEL model and Geographic Information System (GIS) were employed. To determine the seismic vulnerability of Ilam city, a set of indicators was considered, including population density, land use, building density, street network, distance from green spaces, distance from faults, building age, number of floors, building quality, construction materials, geology, and slope. The results revealed that 19.04% of the total area of Ilam city falls within high and very high vulnerability zones. These areas are mostly concentrated in the central parts of the city, where the urban fabric and construction materials used make them less resistant to seismic hazards.
Research Paper
Abdolreza kazeminia korrani; Mohammad Najafi torghi
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify optimal locations for urban cultural–religious centers and to design a geometric street network for determining the nearest center and the best access routes in District 1 of Kerman City. To evaluate and spatially distribute cultural–religious land ...
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The purpose of this study is to identify optimal locations for urban cultural–religious centers and to design a geometric street network for determining the nearest center and the best access routes in District 1 of Kerman City. To evaluate and spatially distribute cultural–religious land uses, four qualitative matrices—suitability, compatibility, capacity, and dependency—were employed. These matrices were ranked using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) inverse method and subsequently modeled within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. After developing a georeferenced database of the urban street network, constraints such as route length and the presence of traffic signals were incorporated into the network analysis. The results indicate that integrating the fourfold qualitative matrices with the inverse AHP method provides higher accuracy and efficiency in spatial analysis and access network design compared to conventional approaches. This research ultimately introduces suitable areas for establishing cultural–religious centers in District 1 of Kerman and offers a practical and scientific framework to support managerial decision-making and the implementation of urban development policies.
