Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Strategic requirements for improving the self-organizing capacity of cities for smarter urban development; Case study: Ahvaz metropolis

Mahyar Sajadian; Mohamad Ali Firoozi; Ahmad Pourahmad

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 5-21

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.338329.1912

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Today, smart cities are a new paradigm in the global urban planning system. Based on the capabilities of information and communication technology, ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Today, smart cities are a new paradigm in the global urban planning system. Based on the capabilities of information and communication technology, these smart cities try to improve the quality of life in places which are immersed in numerous problems with social, economic, environmental and other dimensions. However, a comprehensive, multidimensional, complex smart city is based on the urban planning paradigm of complexity and chaos which can lead to successful planning and management. The present study, from the perspective of modern chaos theory, is aimed to formulate strategic requirements for the realization of the smart city in Ahvaz metropolis.Methods: This article is in the category of applied-developmental research, which is question-based. It has been accomplished using bibliographic and survey method, using exploratory factor analysis, one-sample t-test and Friedman ranking test in SPSS software. The survey instrument was a 5-point Likert questionnaire whose final content validity was confirmed by professors and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.906. The statistical population consist of the experts of the institutions involved in the smartening process of Ahvaz metropolis. A combination of clustered snowball sampling methods and monitored network was used in this research. Finally, 380 questionnaires were completed. The adequacy of the number of samples was confirmed by KMO method.Findings: Based on the findings of the research, in relation to the theory of chaos, it is possible to conclude that Ahvaz metropolis is affected by the non-linear effect in the smartening process; also, the butterfly effect is significant in this metropolis. Moreover, in connection with the modulating variable of the power of universities and research institutes, sensibly, it can be accepted that the condition of this component is also not inappropriate. Using Friedman’s ranking test, the authors ranked the components and indicators including the butterfly effect of social and ethnic pluralism, social moderators, steady flow of energy, people, non-linear effect, variable modulating power of universities and research institutes, contexts, structural forces, institutional forces. Finally, the use of communication and information technology capabilities in promoting environmental quality (motivators) are located.Conclusion: Based on the results of the research, nonlinear effects govern the process of smart city development in Ahvaz significantly. This implies that a nonlinear system, influenced by variables such as conflicting interests, developmental contradictions, ownership conflicts, and the level of technology acceptance by the public, dominates the realization of the smart city in Ahvaz. These factors have led to turbulent conditions in this metropolis. In this context, the impact of two key factors, namely, government and oil, on this process and system, as well as the central-peripheral dynamics shaped in the country, particularly in connection with the oil-rich city of Ahvaz, cannot be overlooked. As many researchers have emphasized in their studies, the government has commercialized money and capital in the cities through the vast banking system. It has helped the expansion of cities and urbanization more than ever. This extensive and unmatched influence of the government originates above all from the way of obtaining its revenue sources, i.e. the export of crude oil, the resulting national surplus has an important contribution to the accumulation of capital and expanding reproduction in the economic process of the country. In such an atmosphere, the military creation of the center and the periphery has caused the emergence of an unbalanced national development model. Therefore, as observed in the analytical research model, the government and oil entities, in addition to their impact within the framework of internal structural institutions of the Ahvaz metropolis, are considered external influential factors in the overall drivers of smart city realization in Ahvaz. The presence of these two entities, due to their interactions with each other and the factors of conflicting interests, developmental contradictions, ownership conflicts, and the level of technology acceptance by the public, intensifies the nonlinear effects in the process of smart city development in Ahvaz. Inside, the stimuli have stimulated the drives and the drivers - based on the theoretical foundations of smart cities - with the goal of achieving a more efficient, sustainable, livable and fairer city in an urban framework with dimensions of smart environment, smart life, smart economy, smart mobility, smart governance and smart people to mobilize resources and facilities. But in the meantime, the factor of social and ethnic pluralism as a factor with a butterfly effect can be effective in this movement from drivers to a smart city. Also, in this transformation, two social moderator variables and the power of universities and research institutes are effective in this movement. In addition, the internet access flows as a constant flow of energy on the entire system.

Analysis and evaluation of effective indicators on the realization of a healthy city; Case study: Rasht city

Saber Mohammadpour; Arman Hamidi; Hamidreza Sabouri

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 117-128

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.320826.1835

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the indicators of a healthy city in Rasht in and finally to examine the relationships between ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the indicators of a healthy city in Rasht in and finally to examine the relationships between the indicators of a healthy city, including identifying the most important factors affecting the realization of a healthy city. For this purpose, the city of Rasht has been chosen as a case study in this research.Methods: The current research is considered an applied research in terms of purpose and, according to the method of answering research questions, it is considered a descriptive-quantitative research. In this study, the information was collected through surveys and documents. In order to investigate and evaluate the indicators of a healthy city, a questionnaire with a 5-level Likert scale was designed. The information obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed and evaluated by SPSS software. First, in order to confirm the accuracy of the questionnaire, the value of Cronbach’s alpha was checked, and this value with a coefficient of 0.913 indicated the very favorable and reliable internal validity of the questionnaire questions. Then, by using binomial tests, Pearson correlation and linear regression test, the findings have been analyzed step by step. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula of 384, according to the population of Rasht in the latest population and the housing census in 2015, that was reported to be 679,995 people.Findings: According to the average results of the indicators, the “housing quality” index has the highest average value of 3.12. On the other hand, the “organizational-managerial” index has the lowest average among the indices, with an average of 2.52. Also, according to the average results of the research items, the item of “residential unit’s access to facilities such as water, electricity and gas” from the housing quality index has the highest average with a number of 4.15, as well as the item “the existence of special bicycle paths in the place of residence”. The environmental and physical index with an average of 1.93, they have the lowest average among all items. And finally, the average of all items in the current research is equal to 2.86. Then, a step-by-step regression test was used to investigate the relationship between the “health and hygiene” index and other research indicators. At first, by entering the index of “health and sanitation” as a dependent index and 5 other research indices as independent indices, the effective indices identified by this test are entered into the model in order of effect. According to findings, “organization and management” index had the greatest impact on the health and hygiene of the citizens, as it was able to predict 34.4% of the variance share of the “health and hygiene” index alone with a correlation coefficient of 0.586. Also, in the fourth model, where all the effective indicators are included in the model, the model has a correlation coefficient of 0.704, which shows the high correlation between these factors and the health of the citizens; It could form 49.5% of the share of the variance of the “health and sanitation” variable. Finally, only the “economic” index has been removed from the model due to its insignificant effect on the “health and sanitation” index.Conclusion: Based on the step-by-step regression test, firstly, the “management and organizational” index alone is able to predict 34.4% of the variance share of the “health and hygiene” index. Also, these two indicators have the highest correlation among all the indicators of this research, which indicates the continuity and high influence of these two indicators on each other. Therefore, Rasht’s urban management can place special emphasis on the topic of a healthy city and the health indicators of the citizens in its planning, in order to ultimately improve the health and health status of the city and its citizens. In the next step, the indicators of “housing quality” and then “environmental and physical” have the greatest effect on the health status of citizens, which indicates the importance of physical issues and the quality of life of citizens in addition to environmental issues. But at the last stage, the “social” index has an undeniable effect on the health index. Based on this, it is possible to improve the indicators of a healthy city with proper planning in order to increase interactions between citizens and raise the level of people’s participation in urban affairs and provide a suitable platform for the direct relationship between citizens and city officials to increase two-way interaction between them. The point to be pondered in this research is the exclusion of the economic index from the final model, which shows the insignificant and negligible impact of this index on the health status of the citizens, which indicates that this index has a lower priority than other indices, and can be a suitable subject for future research in this city.

Quantitative analysis of the physical development pattern in Yazd city

Mehrab Mehrabi; Mohsen Rafieian

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 233-246

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.346590.1932

Abstract

Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: The dynamic and rapid growth of urbanization and, as a result, the physical changes in cities have led to many challenges and problems. ... Read More Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: The dynamic and rapid growth of urbanization and, as a result, the physical changes in cities have led to many challenges and problems. Physical development is manifested in varied forms, ranging from scattered to dense and intelligent. Each form of development has its advantages and disadvantages. Accordingly, without proper planning and consideration of the existing context, unmanaged city growth can cause direct and indirect harm to the urban environment, with citizens and resources being the primary victims and potential future heritage. Iranian cities have also contributed to this global experience based on many variables, such as demographic, social, and economic movements. In the meantime, the historical city of Yazd, as a precious legacy of its predecessors, has experienced a coherent and sustainable form of development by relying on creativity and initiative. The physical structure has been transformed into different types in the last few decades. Continuing this situation not only disrupts the city’s physical cohesion but also exacerbates the economic, social, and legal issues. Therefore, the present research seeks to answer whether the findings of different models in the analysis of the physical development pattern in Yazd City yield a unified result or deviate from one another.Methods: The current research is an applied research in terms of purpose and adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. The data and information required for analysis in the research have been collected through bibliographic and field studies. Aligned with the research objectives, the study employs quantitative analytical models, namely Shannon entropy, Heldren, Moran’s coefficient, and a comparison of filled and empty urban land. Additionally, multi-time satellite images have been incorporated to analyze the data and investigate the physical development pattern of the city.Findings: In this research, various quantitative analytical models such as Shannon’s entropy (2006-2021), Heldren’s (1996-2016), Moran’s coefficient (2006-2016), comparison of full and empty urban land (1398) and multi-temporal satellite images in the period 1990-2000-2013 and 2021 have been used to study the physical development pattern of the city. The results of the study of the city’s physical development using multi-temporal satellite images in 1990-2000-2013-2021 indicate a 71.46% growth of the city during these 31 years. Contrasting Shannon’s entropy model between 1385 and 1400 reveals the city’s dispersed growth over the 15-year period. In accordance with Heldron’s model, using 1345 as the starting point and 2016 as the endpoint, it is observed that 59% of the overall physical development or city size increase is attributed to population growth, while the remaining 41% is linked to the scattered development of the city. The findings from the comparison of Moran’s coefficient in 2006 and 2016 indicate a shift in the spatial distribution pattern of Yazd city’s population density, transitioning from a random pattern to a scattered one. Additionally, when evaluating the ratio of dense tissue area to the total city size in Yazd (coefficient 0.015), the comparison reveals that the growth rate of the city area corresponds proportionally to the growth rate of the population during the specified period.Conclusion: The results of all these methods indicate that the city of Yazd experiences scattered and unbalanced physical development. According to the results of the study, Yazd City is located in an area where the town’s per capita services and facilities are high, with a large volume of services that can serve twice its population. Examining the results, it becomes evident that in Yazd City, the speed of inactive urban levels increases in favor of the active groups as one moves from the central area to the surrounding regions. These functional levels not only exhibit significant potential for internal development but also present a viable option to prevent the sprawling expansion of the city.

A Patterns of housing and neighborhood selection among special groups; A review of housing selection models in Tehran city

Reza Asadi; Atoosa Modiri; Farhad Hosseinali; Ali Akbar Gholizadeh

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 285-299

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.327472.1864

Abstract

Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: With changing living conditions, households develop diverse needs, prompting moves within the city that involve changes in residential ... Read More Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: With changing living conditions, households develop diverse needs, prompting moves within the city that involve changes in residential units and the socio-economic environment of surrounding residents. In this paper, the identification of housing pattern selection and the differentiation of households’ preferences are explained based on the life course theory, which describes the general cycle of life changes and housing needs for all households. In the development of the mentioned theory, every urban household is divided into distinct categories with socio-economic characteristics, and these distinctions are the source of various housing choices. Identifying the effects and relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of households and the characteristics of neighbors explains the main discourses and currents of the city; such as the homogeneity of localities and spatial separation. In this paper, the choice of housing for certain groups in Tehran is discussed, emphasizing the socio-economic context of their chosen neighborhood. Therefore, the target household groups of the research are immigrants to Tehran, those born outside of Tehran, simple workers, single-parent households, individuals with disabilities and renters.Methods: Housing choice modeling employs discrete choice methodology and utilizes “quantitative multivariate regression” techniques, allowing for the analysis of multiple dependent variables. The model’s input data is sourced from the 2013 general population and housing census of Tehran city, as well as urban facility data from the detailed plan. The variables pertaining to the residential unit group include infrastructure size and building sustainability. Socio-economic structure variables encompass the female literacy rate, female employment rate, higher education attendance rate, private vehicles per capita, and student attendance rate.Findings: The research findings indicate that variables related to the “residential unit” group apply the most significant influence on housing choice. Additionally, all socio-economic variables demonstrate a significant relationship, validating the model’s accuracy. Notably, “personal car per capita” and “women’s literacy rate” contribute the highest percentage of explanation within this group. Among certain groups, there is a higher likelihood of selecting residential units with limited infrastructure and unstable buildings within the “residential unit” group. Similarly, the probability of choosing neighborhoods with lower socio-economic contexts increases. An exception to this trend is observed among immigrants who arrived within the last five years. Overall, the research suggests that, for certain groups, the priority lies in selecting a suitable residential unit over the neighborhood. However, for immigrants who have lived in the area for the past five years, prioritizing the socio-economic context of the neighborhood becomes more prevalent.Conclusion: The research findings highlight that, within the housing selection model, the characteristics of the residential unit show a significantly greater influence compared to the socio-economic context of the neighborhood. This prioritization of housing unit characteristics over other housing attributes aligns with observations made in third-world countries (Coulomb, 1998; Jacob & Saved off, 1999; Koizumi & Asadi et al., 2021). Reasons cited include the lack of premeditated planning for urban development, ineffective zoning regulations, and challenges within city neighborhoods. Furthermore, the pattern of residential unit selection remains consistent across the research groups, with an increased likelihood of choosing units with limited infrastructure and greater building instability. It appears that, for all groups, selecting appropriate housing takes precedence over choosing an ideal living environment. Within the socio-economic context of neighborhoods, car ownership and the literacy rate of women emerge as significant indicators of socio-economic differentiation in urban environments. Car ownership serves as a tangible marker of household wealth and is closely aligned with the city’s wealth distribution pattern, making it the primary index for defining the residential environment. Following closely, the literacy rate among women emerges as the second most influential indicator, impacting all target groups studied in this research. This underscores the importance of women’s education and their role within household structures in shaping Tehran’s socio-economic landscape, ultimately influencing household decisions in selecting a neighborhood. In analyzing the selection pattern of the socio-economic environment for residence, it was observed that nearly all independent variables and household characteristics align. Notably, as the quality of socio-economic neighborhood characteristics decreases, the likelihood of selection by research groups increases. However, an exception is noted among recent immigrants within the last five years, suggesting a divergence in the pattern of selecting the socio-economic environment among households-an important finding of this study.

Investigating the position of housing brand from the perspective of residents using perceptual mapping technique Complex of long apartments with houses and short apartments in Ardabil

Samira Saeidi Zaranji; Mohammad Hassan Yazdani

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 367-383

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.317109.1829

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: As urban populations increase and cities tackle with environmental crises and instabilities, achieving sustainable urban development hinges ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: As urban populations increase and cities tackle with environmental crises and instabilities, achieving sustainable urban development hinges on understanding and promoting a sustainable physical city layout. The concept of the compact city has drawn significant attention and support. However, in our country, traditional patterns embedded in comprehensive urban plans, along with influences from current urban management, have led to the horizontal expansion of cities, resulting in a scattered urban pattern. Addressing the numerous challenges cities face may necessitate transitioning towards denser urban environments. The “positioning” process plays a crucial role for companies, enabling them to select a strategic market position and enhance their brand’s success.Methods: The current study adopts an applied approach in terms of its purpose and utilizes a descriptive-analytical method. Regarding the study’s nature, data was collected by means of survey method using a questionnaire. To ensure the questionnaire’s validity, it underwent scrutiny by professors and experts, due to the absence of prior research in this area. Additionally, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was employed to assess questionnaire reliability, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.723 for high-rise apartments and 0.782 for houses, indicating high reliability of the questionnaire. The study’s statistical population comprises residents of high-rise towers in Ardabil (District 2) who have previously resided in houses or apartments, as well as house residents who have previously lived in high-rise towers. Snowball sampling was employed to determine the sample size. The research questionnaires consist of two parts: the first part pertains to personal characteristics such as age, marital status, gender, income, occupation, and education, while the second part focuses on research variables, including brand image and loyalty, cultural and social factors, security, economic aspects, infrastructure facilities, open spaces, spatial identity, physical characteristics, lighting and ventilation, management and maintenance, landscape, and transportation access for high-rise buildings and houses. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing one-sample t-statistical methods and a Pearson correlation coefficient. Perceptual mapping was employed to depict the brand positioning of high-rise complexes and low-rise apartments from residents’ perspectives, aiming to address the research question.Findings: According to the findings, houses and low-rise apartments are positioned favorably in terms of image and housing brand compared to high-rise towers, as indicated by perceptual maps. However, satisfaction with high-rise towers is ideal in comparison to houses and low-rise apartments on perceptual maps. The one-sample t-test results indicate that the significance level for most variables is below 0.05, leading to the confirmation of the alternative hypothesis (H1) at a confidence level of 95%. This confirms a significant relationship between the average rank of residents’ perspectives and housing pattern dimensions. Consequently, an obvious difference exists between residents’ perceptions of brand positioning for houses and low-rise apartments against high-rise residential towers, with the former showing better image and brand loyalty. Additionally, Pearson correlation tests reveal a positive and significant correlation between image and brand loyalty variables, as well as housing satisfaction with individual characteristics such as marital status, income, occupation, age, and education. However, no significant negative correlation was found between image and loyalty with regards to gender. The results indicate a significant relationship between image variables, brand loyalty, and satisfaction with individual characteristics at a 95% confidence level, with significance levels of 000, 0.001, 000, 0.001, 0.003, and 0.001 for gender, marriage, income, job, age and education respectively, and with respective correlation coefficients of 0.46, 0.605, 0.337 0.250, 0.652 0.561.Conclusion: Peripheral and horizontal urban development not only leads to the reduction of agricultural lands surrounding cities but also gives rise to various other significant issues. These include rising costs associated with urban infrastructure creation and maintenance, intensifying congestion and traffic, and increasing the length and frequency of commutes. In response to the negative effects of urban over-expansion, which have economic, social, and environmental consequences, new approaches to urban development planning have emerged since the 1990s. These methods, inspired by the principles of sustainable urban development introduced in the 1970s, advocate for mixed land use development, prioritization of public transportation-centered development, and intra-city sustainable development initiatives, saving widespread support. Recent census data from 1976 to 2006 indicates that Ardabil city has experienced horizontal expansion over the years, resulting in the loss of agricultural lands and inadequate services in suburban areas. This underscores issues of spatial injustice and suboptimal land use distribution in certain areas. The research suggests that by promoting the branding of high-rise residential towers and apartments, cities can curb horizontal expansion and promote vertical development. Interestingly, residents perceive houses more favorably than high-rise residential towers. Utilizing effective advertising campaigns can potentially alter citizens’ perceptions of tall buildings, facilitating urban development while minimizing the need for further horizontal expansion.

Explaining the relationship between land use mixing and urban stress; Case study: Zone 8, Municipal District 1, Tehran

Khatereh Moghani Rahimi; Mostafa Behzadfar; Samaneh Jalilisadrabad

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 385-397

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2024.367384.2001

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Urbanization is growing rapidly in this world (Evans et al., 2020a, 1). In 2007, half of the world’s population lived in cities (Chinomnso, ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: Urbanization is growing rapidly in this world (Evans et al., 2020a, 1). In 2007, half of the world’s population lived in cities (Chinomnso, 2014, 4). This ratio will reach 70% in 2050 (Adli & Schondorf, 2020, 2). Cities are exposed to many issues and problems due to the many advantages they have (Mahmoudzadeh and Harishchian, 2017, 60). For example, urban life affects mental health (Kyriakou & Resch, 2019, 1) and exposure to stress is the most important factor in increasing mental disorders in cities (Streit et al., 2014, 352). In fact, the stress of modern urban life or urban stress can be a basis for mental disorders (Kennedy & Adolphs, 2011, 452). Urban stress is one of the important causes of physical and mental diseases, moral anomalies, reduction of security and waste of human capital in cities. For this reason, it is necessary for urban planners and designers to pay special attention to this issue in their plans and projects. The location of land uses also has a great impact on the quality of life and the efficiency of related services, and one of the basic tasks of urban planners is to allocate land to different uses (Javadi et al., 2013, 23, 24). Today, with the expansion of new urbanism, smart growth and sustainable development approaches, the application of land use mixing as one of the important principles of these approaches in urban planning in advanced countries has increased (Pourmohammadi et al., 2014, 34) and land use mixing has become one of the important cases in the model Spatial planning has become. which includes many benefits such as reducing intra-city trips and reducing dependence on cars, increasing productivity in land use, strengthening the efficiency of land use and increasing social relations of citizens (Javadi et al., 2013, 25). Also, mixing of uses reduces the cost of providing infrastructure in the city (Zarafshan et al., 2019, 175) and improves the sense of belonging of citizens (Kotharkar & Bahadure, 2012, 1). But even though in recent years, many studies have separately dealt with urban stress and mixed use, no study has been done to explain the relationship between the two. For this purpose, this research has been conducted with the aim of explaining the relationship between urban stress and land use mix in district 8 of district 1 of Tehran municipality, which is the most stressful district of this district based on the conditions of Tehran city and the opinion of experts. Considering the importance of the subject, this research has been done with the aim of measuring the amount of mixed use and urban stress in the studied sample and explaining the relationship between these two subjects.Methods: The research method in this research is descriptive-analytical and based on the purpose of applied research. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data and regression analysis method was used to analyze them. First, in order to select the sample to be studied, Delphi method was used and by summarizing the opinions of a group of experts in district 8 of one district of Tehran municipality, it was selected as the sample to be studied. For the overall analysis of the research, 37 urban stress indicators have been identified, of which information on 15 cases has been collected through questionnaires and surveys from area residents, and others through quantitative methods such as field sampling, spatial analysis, and library studies. Also, the information related to the mix of uses has been obtained through the entropy coefficient method. According to the population of the area in the last census (59,429) and Cochran’s formula (with a confidence level of 95%, an error of 0.05% and a normal variable rate of 1.96), the minimum number of questionnaires was 381, and finally 413 questionnaires that provided information about It questions 20 measures, distributed in blocks as a simple random sampling. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the questionnaire, which was calculated as 0.73. Finally, in order to measure the relationship between mixed use and urban stress reported by citizens, regression analysis has been done. In fact, the analysis used in this article is a simple linear regression analysis. In this analysis, the degree of dependence and the direction of the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable are examined.Findings: The findings of the research indicate that the value of the correlation coefficient between the independent and dependent variable is 0.738, which shows that there is a high correlation between mixed use and urban stress. Also, the adjusted or modified coefficient of determination shows that 54% of the total changes in the stressfulness of people’s living environment are related to the mix of uses of their living areas, and the remaining 46% of the changes are related to other variables. In other words, the mix of uses predicts 54% of the variance of the dependent variable. These two variables have an inverse relationship with each other, and the greater the mix of uses in a block, the less urban stress. In fact, it can be said that the user mix index is able to predict changes in citizens’ stress.Conclusion: As a result, by improving the mix of uses in urban blocks, urban stress can be significantly reduced and the mental health of citizens can be improved. In order to improve the mix of users, effective solutions can be used such as: 24-hour users, or the placement of compatible users in floors, etc. Also, conducting this study in other study samples can be very effective. Considering that the measurement of mixed use and stress in this study was investigated in one area, it seems that conducting this study in other areas or at the city level will clarify the hidden aspects of the relationship between these two variables.

Confronting with uncertainties and unknowns in the planning of the Tehran’s growth boundary by participative foresighting

Sahar Nedae Tousi; Hamid Mirmiran

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 419-437

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.324649.1848

Abstract

Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: Low robustness and the loss of appropriateness of spatial development plans facing chaotic and unpredictable conditions emerging from unrecognized ... Read More Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: Low robustness and the loss of appropriateness of spatial development plans facing chaotic and unpredictable conditions emerging from unrecognized uncertainties and unknowns in positivism approaches, has necessitated rethinking about epistemological concepts and fuzzy alternative methods. In the existing legal regulations, the 1200 square kilometers Tehran’s growth boundary, with all the complexities and similarities that it has to a multi-nodal urban area, is considered the same as other cities whose social, economic and political relations are much simpler. To meet this challenge, a broader concept of capital growth area of 6000 square kilometers has been introduced in the planning discourse of this metropolitan area, which has not been realized so far for various reasons, but the preparation of this plan is on the local authority’s agenda. Accordingly, the present study tries to present multiple future narratives and scenarios regarding geopolitical condition, technological progress, divisiveness and managerial and institutional conflict as different types of uncertainties in a new way and with the intention of imaging the plausible futures ahead.Methods: In order to identify the driving forces affecting the future of the capital’s growth boundary, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 institutional actors and the main expert from Tehran. Using the structural analysis method or ccross-impact balanced analysis, the drivers identified by the main actors were classified based on two factors: importance and uncertainty. The MicMAC software is utilized to determine the degree of influence and importance, ultimately identifying the most effective variables. In this method, the internal relationships between the elements are explained using a matrix and the opinions of the participants and experiences of different specialists are considered to determine the key variables or, in other words, the key uncertainties. Next, alternative scenarios were determined by the participants in the future workshop and entered into the scenario wizard software. Finally, among them, three scenarios—optimistic, middle, and disaster—were developed.Findings: One of the most important uncertainties in planning the capital’s growth boundary revolves around institutional and legal factors. These uncertainties encompass various aspects, including the effectiveness of existing laws in addressing boundary issues, the accountability and transparency of trustee institutions, political determination and willingness to establish management structures for the metropolitan area within the boundary, the legal obligations regarding the allocation of financial resources to regional settlements, the official definition of the growth boundary, cooperation and coordination among different organizations, the role and responsibilities of the general department of the growth boundary in managing developments, the provision of necessary financial resources, and the alignment of territorial-functional decision-making procedures. As a result, three scenarios were developed: an optimistic scenario, a pessimistic scenario, and a probable scenario. Paying attention to these scenarios during the decision-making process regarding Tehran’s growth boundary will lead to more resilient and robust plans and strategies.Conclusion: Finally, to increase the robustness of Tehran’s growth boundary plan against the selected compatible scenario, the following strategic suggestions were presented;- Creating legal support by redefining the law regarding the definitions of limit zones and growth boundaries. This would involve excluding the metropolitan area of Tehran from the inclusion Notes 1 and 4 of Article 3 of the Law on Definitions of Boundaries and Privacy, aligning it with the executive regulations on definitions of territory and growth boundaries (removing the legal discrepancy from the definition of the capital’s growth boundary);- Creating an integrated organization for the management of the capital urban growth boundary; coordination and cooperation and participation of all organizations and institutions as integrated management with maximum adherence to the principles of the plan;- Upgrading the role and position of Tehran Mayor as the executive director of the metropolitan area of Tehran with the supervision of the integrated organization on the realization of the integrated space development plan of the growth boundary;- Defining common growth boundary region based on the criteria of functional connectedness and the need to manage the growth boundaries of the cities located in the region according to the plan and requirements of the upstream documents;- Defining a sustainable revenue model by considering and guaranteeing the proportional share and rights of all the cities located in the region;- Making an agreement on prioritizing issues in the form of a joint document.

Developing mechanisms for improving the distribution and access to neighborhood commercial services in Tehran

Zahra Azad Takcho Olia; Kourosh Asefvaziri; Mohammad Saeid Izadi

Volume 14, Issue 1 , August 2023, , Pages 377-399

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.365017.1997

Abstract

Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: Commercial services play a significant role in the daily lives of neighborhood residents. However, when we look at the city of Tehran’s ... Read More Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: Commercial services play a significant role in the daily lives of neighborhood residents. However, when we look at the city of Tehran’s development plans regarding local services, they primarily focus on services directly provided by public and government institutions. This has led to an uneven distribution of commercial services in various neighborhoods. As a result, it becomes essential for the municipal authorities to intervene in the distribution and accessibility of neighborhood commercial services. Thus, this research aims to develop a strategic plan for the appropriate distribution and allocation of commercial services within neighborhoods.Methods: This research, considered an applied research, adopts a mixed-method approach, with a qualitative emphasis. It incorporates various data collection methods, including documentary research, secondary data analysis, non-participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires. Data analysis encompasses statistical analysis, qualitative content analysis, and comparative analysis. In order to formulate a strategic plan for the spatial distribution of neighborhood services in Tehran, various aspects affecting the access to neighborhood services have been examined through the bibliographic review of global experiences. In addition, the models for evaluating the pedestrian access to neighborhood services have also been reviewed so that the model suitable for the context of Tehran’s neighborhoods is formulated as a model for measuring pedestrian access to services. After developing the relevant conceptual framework, this framework was used to identify neighborhood commercial services and ways of accessing these services in the selected neighborhoods. In addition to this investigation, the current state of access to neighborhood services, the causes of the formation of services in the current situation of neighborhoods and the needs, demand, patterns and tendencies of the people in using services were identified, and the pathology of the distribution of neighborhood services in the sample neighborhoods was made. This pathology, which led to the classification of problems in the field of distribution of neighborhood services, became the basis for developing a strategic plan for the appropriate spatial distribution of neighborhood commercial services in Tehran.Findings: In order to formulate a strategic plan for the spatial distribution of neighborhood services in Tehran, various aspects affecting the access to neighborhood services have been examined through the bibliographic review of global experiences. In addition, the models for evaluating the pedestrian access to neighborhood services have also been reviewed, adapting them to suit the unique context of Tehran’s neighborhoods, thus creating a suitable model for measuring pedestrian access to services. After developing the relevant conceptual framework, this framework was used to identify neighborhood commercial services and ways of accessing these services in the selected neighborhoods. In addition to this investigation, the current state of access to neighborhood services, the causes of the formation of services in the current situation of neighborhoods and the needs, demand, patterns and tendencies of the people in using services were identified, and an assessment and pathology of the distribution of neighborhood services within the chosen neighborhoods was conducted. This pathology, which led to the classification of problems in the field of distribution of neighborhood services, paved the way for developing a strategic plan for the appropriate spatial distribution of neighborhood commercial services in Tehran.Conclusion: The study results show that improving the distribution of pedestrian-based neighborhood services requires formulation and implementation of short-term, medium-term and long-term programs. In the short term, it is necessary to approve and communicate guidelines in relation to the distribution of neighborhood commercial services, access to neighborhood commercial services and needs assessment of neighborhood commercial services in the neighborhood development plan of the city of Tehran, respectively, under the detailed plan of the city of Tehran, the comprehensive plan of integrated transportation of the city of Tehran and the regulations of the neighborhood development plan of Tehran. In order to operationalize the mechanisms related to the promotion of smart access to neighborhood services, it is also necessary to revise the guidelines of Tehran Municipality for the support of startups based on the proposals of this project in the short term. Considering that currently the municipality has no intervention in the process of issuing licenses to commercial services, medium-term plans and measures to promote the distribution of neighborhood services based on the definition of the position of the municipality in the process of distributing neighborhood services (through the issuance of licenses for space acquisition or provision) is considered. In this regard, three scenarios have been proposed. In the first scenario, Tehran Municipality can be added to the process of issuing a business license as one of the permanent authorities for issuing a business license. In other words, the request to set up a commercial business in the neighborhood must be approved by the municipality. In the second scenario, it is not necessary to get an approval from the municipality of the region, but if the license applicants receive documents from the municipality indicating the need for the relevant services, they will be subject to a discount in the four municipal services. In other words, receiving approval from the municipality to obtain a business license will result in taking advantage of the municipality’s incentives. The operationalization of the first and second the scenario requires the revision of the executive regulations on the manner of issuing and extending the business license (the subject of Article “12” of the Trade Union Law) in the medium term. In the third scenario, the municipality does not interfere in issuing a license for local commercial activities. In this particular scenario, the municipality is actively involved in supplying the necessary space for setting up local commercial services, such as fruit and vegetable markets and neighborhood stores. In the medium term, this scenario requires the revision of fruit and vegetable fields services in the statutes of the fruit and vegetable fields management organization of Tehran municipality and the local Shahrvand markets. Long-term plans and measures also rely on the change of the laws in order to grant the municipality the authority to issue business licenses.

Conceptualization and presentation of a process model for implementation of urban development projects in the global literature

Amirhousein Bakhshi; Ahmad Khalili

Volume 14, Issue 1 , August 2023, , Pages 401-423

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.396311.2040

Abstract

Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: In 1984, Pressman and Wildavsky conducted a study that directly discussed the implementation of urban development plans (Pressman & ... Read More Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: In 1984, Pressman and Wildavsky conducted a study that directly discussed the implementation of urban development plans (Pressman & Wildavsky, 1984). Since then, the implementation of urban development plans has been studied extensively, with different researchers investigating four general categories of key issues in this field. The first category is the conceptual examination of program implementation based on compliance, performance, or a combination of both (Feitelson et al., 2017; Rudolf & Grădinaru, 2017). The second category includes the evaluation and different methods of urban development plans (Alfasi et al., 2012; Lyles et al., 2015). The third category is the identification of effective and influencing factors in the implementation process of urban plans (Loh, 2019; Chu, 2020). Finally, the fourth category, which has received the least attention, is the implementation system of urban plans, which examines implementation systems as a comprehensive and independent process (Suárez-Rocha et al., 2012; Hersperger et al., 2019; Nikolić et al., 2021). While research has been conducted in different sections, such as evaluation, effective factors, performance, and the role of people, the implementation system of urban plans has been limitedly studied. Thus, the main question of this research is “how to model the ideal system of implementation management” in urban development plans to achieve a general concept in the world. The purpose of this article is to identify and introduce an evaluation model and executive management for urban plans, which has not received much attention.Methods: This research is a descriptive-analytical research in which, by reviewing the documents and the global literature of the investigated field of operationalization and implementation of urban plans, the indicators, systems, and elements of this subject in the global literature have been collected. The main method in this research is documentary studies. In the first stage, the indicators, pillars, definitions, and generality of the subject have been identified in the world literature, and then after identifying these indicators from the bibliographic method using text analysis techniques and the help of experts, in a workshop, a proposed system based on Global literature has been discussed for the implementation and operationalization of urban plans.Findings: The research’s main question is “How to model the ideal system of implementation management” in urban development plans to achieve a general concept in the world? By reviewing the global literature on implementation management and operationalization of urban plans, 74 indicators divided into 17 sections have been identified. Based on the totality of urban plans, studies, and documents reviewed in this research, an 8-step general framework for the implementation management of plans for a city has been presented. The eight stages of the proposed model are respectively; “Initial review of the whole,” “Review of implementation conditions,” “Responsibility and rules,” “Time and resources,” “Operationalization program,” “Effectiveness,” “Implementation,” and “Evaluation and correction.” This model provides a comprehensive system for managing urban plans from preparation to final implementation to ensure complete and correct implementation. The eight main stages also have executive subsets that cover all 74 identified indicators and factors. In addition to the eight steps, this model requires 5 groups of implementation, evaluation, monitoring, training, and participation, which form the executive council of this model. The proposed model’s focus is on program implementation, whereas, in most similar studies, implementation is seen within the preparation of the program and alongside it. Hersperger et al. (2019) proposed a framework (SPlaMI) that represents current planning practices based on two stages of implementation and planning, including ten general frameworks. Although the research conducted by Hersperger et al. and the current research both seek to introduce a logical system for the optimal implementation of urban plans, there are some differences between them. Hersperger’s research was limited to a systematic review of the implementation based on specific and limited criteria, while the current research looked at the subject in a more general way.Conclusion: Operationalizing urban plans is a crucial issue in the modern literature of urban planning worldwide. It is understood as a process in which plans are transformed into (urban) space changes to ensure controlled and anticipated change and development (Clifford & Tewdwr-Jones, 2013). If plans are not implemented, no development will take place. This research provides an initially proposed system by reviewing the world literature in this field. While some studies in this field, such as Hersperger et al. (2019), introduce proposed frameworks for the optimal implementation of urban plans, the focus is often on specific and limited criteria. In contrast, this research looks at the implementation process in a general sense. The current research provides an initially proposed system based on global literature to ensure the implementation and operationalization of urban plans. The proposed model provides a comprehensive system for managing urban plans, from preparation to final implementation to ensure complete and correct implementation. The proposed model can help policymakers and urban planners identify the key factors and indicators required for the optimal implementation of urban plans. The proposed model’s focus on program implementation can make it a valuable tool in improving the quality of life in urban areas.

Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review of Global Theoretical Context in the Field of Urban Health

Marziyeh Fallah Barzeghar; Ahmad khalili

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 351-372

https://doi.org/10.30475/isau.2023.395942.2039

Abstract

Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The definition of health has different meanings. In the simplest case, it is defined as the absence of any disease or illness. The evidence ... Read More Extended AbstractBackground and Objectives: The definition of health has different meanings. In the simplest case, it is defined as the absence of any disease or illness. The evidence indicates the relationship between the components of the urban environment and health and related behaviors, which emphasizes the importance of urban planning and urban interventions in order to face health challenges. Nowadays, health promotion at the community level, considering a wide range of threatening factors in the field of urban health, the need to identify the effective components on human health is considered essential. Based on this, the link between the urban environment and urban planning is emphasized to achieve urban health and well-being. The purpose of this research is to analyze the scientometric analysis of urban health studies, to discover the main issues and developments, as well as to find the emerging performance trends of articles and magazines, to know the patterns of cooperation and research components, and to discover the intellectual structure of urban health in the world literature.Methods: Bibliometric Analysis is a precise method for examining and analyzing a large amount of scientific data. This technique is intended to understand the interrelationship between scientific citations and to summarize the situation according to the current research topic. Researchers use scientometric analysis to find trends in the emerging performance of articles and journals, to recognize collaboration patterns and research components, and to discover the intellectual structure of a specific field in existing literature. In order to check the relationship between articles from a database and to classify different keywords based on their simultaneous citation by following clustering techniques, VOS Viewer software is used. Web of Science Core Collection has been used for the process of searching and extracting data from the Web of Science scientific database. The main focus of this research was scientific data regarding the subject of research with the term “urban health” in the title and abstract. On August 13, 2022, an initial search of 3,102 document titles was extracted, and for a more accurate analysis, among the 3,102 documents obtained, 2,581 documents including articles were extracted as main data, and other professors included books and conference articles, etc. It was removed from the total of primary data.Findings: Co-occurrence results based on keywords show that the keyword “Urban Health” has the highest total link strength and the number of co-occurrences of two items. In other words, this keyword has been seen more times in an article and the probability of this keyword appearing with other keywords in an article is higher. “Mortality” and “prevalence” components are ranked second and third, respectively. The component of Covid-19, green space is one of the common components in the field of urban health, which has been the focus of researchers in recent years. Co-authorship analysis based on countries shows that Asian and African countries have the lowest amount of scientific participation and influence in the production of scientific documents in the field of urban health. Also, the results indicate that the authors of three countries, the United States, England, and Australia, respectively, have the highest level of cooperation with the authors of other countries in the production of scientific documents in the field of urban health. Finally, the co-citation analysis based on co-citations of the authors revealed that the World Health Organization has the highest number of citations.Conclusion: A comprehensive review of global studies in order to discover the emerging performance of researchers in the field of urban health has been one of the study gaps in this field, and this research has tried to answer this need to some extent. This study is considered as a comprehensive review study with co-occurrence analyzes of the occurrence of two items (in three aspects of visualization, data density, network overlap), citation, bibliographic pair and authorship. Paying more attention and examining the individual components of health including healthy diet, life expectancy, body mass index in the search of scientific documents due to the increasing importance of physical health is felt in future studies. Urban health is related to various issues. However, from searching for the keyword of urban health and extracting the keywords of thermal islands, life expectancy, green space and pedestrian circulation using VOS, it can be seen that there are keywords whose publication year is related to the years after 2018, in other words, in the years The latter are still of interest to researchers, and they can be used in the future to expand the research topic as potential subject areas related to urban health. Also, in the future study, the sources of different scientific databases such as Scopus, Dimensions, Lens and PubMed should be used. Future researchers can use each of the existing keywords as potential subject areas of urban health. Henceforth, research will focus on opportunities and challenges, urban health efficiency, and possible solutions to emerging issues.

Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

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Main Subjects = برنامه ریزی

Strategic requirements for improving the self-organizing capacity of cities for smarter urban development; Case study: Ahvaz metropolis

Abstract

Analysis and evaluation of effective indicators on the realization of a healthy city; Case study: Rasht city

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Quantitative analysis of the physical development pattern in Yazd city

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A Patterns of housing and neighborhood selection among special groups; A review of housing selection models in Tehran city

Abstract

Investigating the position of housing brand from the perspective of residents using perceptual mapping technique Complex of long apartments with houses and short apartments in Ardabil

Abstract

Explaining the relationship between land use mixing and urban stress; Case study: Zone 8, Municipal District 1, Tehran

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Confronting with uncertainties and unknowns in the planning of the Tehran’s growth boundary by participative foresighting

Abstract

Developing mechanisms for improving the distribution and access to neighborhood commercial services in Tehran

Abstract

Conceptualization and presentation of a process model for implementation of urban development projects in the global literature

Abstract

Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review of Global Theoretical Context in the Field of Urban Health

Abstract