Motaleate Shahri

Urban Design

Conceptual Framework of Social Interactions in Urban Open Spaces: A Meta-Synthesis Analysis of the concepts of Presence, Sociability, and Environmental Quality

mehrdad hedayatian; Alireza Einifar

Volume 14, Issue 55 , August 2025, Pages 23-18

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.142266.5094

Abstract

HighlightsThe concepts of presence, sociability, and environmental quality often overlap and lack clear conceptual boundaries in domestic urban studies.Recent theoretical shifts regard urban space not as a passive backdrop, but as an active agent in shaping social interactions.Canter’s place model ... Read More HighlightsThe concepts of presence, sociability, and environmental quality often overlap and lack clear conceptual boundaries in domestic urban studies.Recent theoretical shifts regard urban space not as a passive backdrop, but as an active agent in shaping social interactions.Canter’s place model is integrated with key dimensions of social interaction in urban open spaces.Presence, sociability, and environmental quality each align most strongly with one of the spatial, behavioral, or perceptual dimensions.Sustainable social interaction requires balanced integration of presence, sociability, and environmental quality in urban design. IntroductionUrban open spaces constitute vital arenas for everyday social life, enabling a wide range of encounters, collective practices, and cultural expressions. However, the conceptualization of the mechanisms through which these spaces facilitate social interactions remains fragmented. Among the most frequently invoked but ambiguously defined concepts are presence, sociability, and environmental quality. While often mentioned in research, these constructs are applied inconsistently, with overlapping meanings and unclear boundaries.This study aims to clarify their conceptual positions and interrelations by constructing an analytical framework grounded in Canter’s theory of place. Through a qualitative meta-synthesis of 373 domestic articles, supplemented by insights from international scholarship, the research develops a five-component model of social interactions in urban open spaces. The goal is to contribute a theoretically informed and practically applicable framework that can guide urban designers, planners, and policymakers toward creating spaces that are both socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Theoretical FrameworkEvolution of Theories on Social Interaction in Urban Open SpacesThe relationship between space and social interaction has been theorized through several distinct phases:Classical and Structuralist Theories (pre-1960s): These approaches treated space as a passive container, with social interactions determined largely by societal structures, hierarchies, and institutions rather than spatial form.Human-Centered and Experiential Approaches (1960s–1980s): Inspired by Jane Jacobs and others, this perspective emphasized urban space as an active setting for lived experience, spontaneous encounters, and informal social life.Spatial and Quantitative Approaches (1980s–2000s): Analytical methods such as Space Syntax highlighted the relationship between spatial configuration and behavioral patterns, focusing on how design and layout influence movement and interaction.Contextual and Participatory Approaches (2000s–present): Recent theories integrate notions of spatial justice, sustainability, digital technology, and community agency, reflecting a multi-layered and dynamic understanding of urban interactions.Components of Social Interactions in Open SpacesBased on theoretical and empirical studies, five overarching components shape social interactions in urban open spaces:Spatial–EnvironmentalBehavioral–ActivityPerceptual–PsychologicalContextual–CulturalTechnological–DigitalInterpretation via Canter’s Place Model: This study aligns three primary components with Canter’s model of place:The spatial–environmental dimension corresponds to form;The behavioral–activity dimension relates to spatial actions;The perceptual–psychological dimension aligns with meaning.Contextual–cultural and technological–digital dimensions are treated as moderating factors, influencing the intensity and quality of interactions. The final model conceptualizes social interaction as a triad of form–activity–meaning, surrounded by cultural and technological mediators. This holistic perspective allows for a deeper explanation of how urban open spaces foster social life. MethodologyThe research adopts a qualitative, fundamental–descriptive approach, employing the meta-synthesis method based on Sandelowski and Barroso’s (2006) seven-step model.Data Collection: An initial pool of 687 domestic articles was identified. After applying PRISMA-based inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles were selected for detailed analysis.Analysis Tool: MAXQDA software was used to code, categorize, and interpret findings.Key Gap: Domestic literature often uses presence, sociability, and environmental quality without systematic differentiation, leading to conceptual ambiguity.The analysis demonstrates that each of the three core concepts is structured around the three main dimensions (physical–environmental, activity–behavioral, and perceptual–psychological), supported by seven sub-dimensions. Importantly, each concept exhibits a dominant orientation:Presence → Physical–EnvironmentalSociability → Activity–BehavioralEnvironmental Quality → Perceptual–Psychological Results and DiscussionPresence: Presence reflects the capacity of a space to attract and retain users. It is strongly associated with the physical–environmental dimension, including amenities, accessibility, and spatial organization. Yet, mere physical occupation does not guarantee meaningful interaction; it is a prerequisite rather than a sufficient condition.Sociability: Sociability corresponds to the activity–behavioral dimension, emphasizing participatory environments, collective events, and opportunities for face-to-face engagement. This highlights the role of programming and design for activity in enabling vibrant urban life.Environmental Quality: Closely tied to the perceptual–psychological dimension, environmental quality involves users’ perceptions of safety, comfort, attractiveness, and belonging. These subjective evaluations strongly influence whether individuals choose to linger, engage, or avoid a space.Together, these findings underscore that social interaction is a multidimensional phenomenon, shaped by an interplay of physical, behavioral, and perceptual elements. Recognizing the distinct but complementary orientations of presence, sociability, and environmental quality provides a theoretical foundation for integrated urban design strategies. ConclusionThe proposed conceptual framework clarifies the overlapping domains of presence, sociability, and environmental quality while situating them within a multidimensional model of social interaction in urban open spaces.Key conclusions include:Each concept exerts a distinct influence on social interactions, yet they are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.Presence functions as a prerequisite, enabled by spatial accessibility and environmental amenities.Sociability is enhanced through participatory programming, collective activities, and inclusive design.Environmental Quality shapes users’ psychological perceptions and willingness to remain, creating conditions conducive to interaction.Sustainable social interaction requires balanced integration across physical, behavioral, and perceptual domains. Overemphasizing one while neglecting others produces limited results.By adopting this integrated perspective, urban planners and designers can create spaces that are not only functionally efficient but also socially inclusive and psychologically engaging. Such environments form the backbone of sustainable and socially resilient cities.

Urban Planning

Developing a Conceptual-operational model of Critical Urbanism Pedagogy: A Case study of the creative city of Rasht, Iran

Aliakbar Salaripour; Mani Talebi Somesaraei

Volume 14, Issue 55 , August 2025, Pages 19-34

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.142096.5080

Abstract

HighlightsThe creative city of Rasht possesses material, spiritual, and social capital necessary for the development of Critical Urbanism Pedagogy.Recognition and acceptance of socio-cultural conflicts can help correct ineffective approaches in urban planning education.Expanding critical awareness of ... Read More HighlightsThe creative city of Rasht possesses material, spiritual, and social capital necessary for the development of Critical Urbanism Pedagogy.Recognition and acceptance of socio-cultural conflicts can help correct ineffective approaches in urban planning education.Expanding critical awareness of power mechanisms is central to sustaining and developing urban spaces through Critical Urbanism Pedagogy.Creating learning environments and mainstreaming urban planning education requires infrastructure, content production, events, tool-building, and capacity-building in both physical and virtual spaces.Extended Abstract IntroductionUrbanism pedagogy represents a fundamental infrastructure for informed public participation in urban development processes. It reduces the likelihood of errors on the part of both urban management authorities and citizens during the planning and implementation stages. Despite its importance, urbanism education in many contexts—including Iran—has not received sustained attention. Its long-term impacts are often underestimated, and there exists a weak culture of continuous learning. Moreover, a significant gap persists between academic environments and operational fields.In this context, the city of Rasht, recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, provides a valuable case for exploring how Critical Urbanism Pedagogy can be developed. The city’s unique combination of material resources, cultural heritage, and vibrant social capital makes it a fertile environment for piloting innovative approaches to urban education.The central aim of this study is to conceptualize the role, functions, and actors of Critical Urbanism Pedagogy in Rasht and to propose a conceptual–operational model that integrates theory with practice. Theoretical FrameworkThe research builds on several related conceptual traditions:Urban Critical Literacy: enabling citizens to question dominant urban narratives and uncover hidden power relations.Critical Urban Learning: fostering awareness of the socio-political dimensions of urban development.Critical Pedagogy of Place: emphasizing the spatial dimensions of justice, belonging, and cultural identity in education.Critical Consciousness (Freirean tradition): promoting awareness of systemic inequalities and the capacity for transformative action.Analysis of these traditions indicates that global concerns around equity, sustainability, and justice require translation into locally meaningful pedagogical practices. Thus, developing a specific language or grammar of pedagogy is crucial. For Rasht, this means situating urbanism education in the socio-cultural realities of the city while fostering awareness of citizenship rights and responsibilities.The process entails:Recognizing and addressing socio-cultural conflicts, rather than suppressing them.Revising outdated pedagogical approaches that fail to connect education with lived urban experience.Creating educational environments where critical awareness of space, power, and governance can be nurtured.Ultimately, critical pedagogy in urbanism should result in both physical and symbolic spaces where citizens engage in collective reflection and action. MethodologyThe study adopts a qualitative grounded theory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 15 experts, including NGO representatives, university professors, education officials, and urban managers.Open coding: 102 codes identified.Axial coding: reduced to 29 categories.Selective coding: condensed into 8 central themes.This systematic process allowed the extraction of a coherent conceptual–operational model tailored to Rasht’s socio-cultural and institutional context. Results and DiscussionThe proposed model of Critical Urbanism Pedagogy in Rasht unfolds in five sequential stages, each linked to a specific pedagogical approach:Identifying problems through Critical Urban Literacy: encouraging recognition of structural inequalities and deficiencies in urban governance.Accepting and adjusting socio-cultural conflicts through Critical Urban Education: reframing conflicts as opportunities for constructive dialogue and learning.Modifying ineffective pedagogical approaches through Critical Global Citizenship Education: aligning local education with global discourses on sustainability, equity, and democratic participation.Transforming implementation models through Critical Urban Learning: empowering accountable institutions and promoting collaborative governance.Developing learning environments through Critical Pedagogy of Place: creating inclusive physical and virtual environments that support long-term knowledge exchange.These stages highlight that pedagogy is not limited to formal education but extends into urban space itself, conceived as a dynamic learning environment.Operational strategies identified include:Establishing civic discourse spaces, neighborhood educational centers, and specialized urban planning schools.Mobilizing governmental support, philanthropic contributions, and private investment for civic infrastructure.Producing content through traditional forms (documentaries, films, art) and contemporary tools (animations, apps, games, interactive platforms).Expanding discourse-oriented virtual spaces to complement physical environments.The findings suggest that while reforming curricula and institutional structures is necessary, it is not sufficient. True transformation in urban pedagogy requires creating learning environments where citizens, officials, and experts can interact critically and collaboratively. ConclusionThe conceptual–operational model of Critical Urbanism Pedagogy for Rasht provides both theoretical insight and practical guidance. It underscores the need to cultivate critical awareness among citizens, enabling them to engage meaningfully with urban governance and planning processes.The main outcomes are:Establishing learning environments that maximize stakeholder participation.Raising critical consciousness to challenge and revise existing educational and governance structures.Linking local efforts with global agendas, particularly the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.Harnessing the creativity of Rasht’s citizens to co-produce knowledge and sustain educational initiatives.In sum, Critical Urbanism Pedagogy is not merely an academic concept but an operational tool for fostering democratic, equitable, and sustainable urban environments. By integrating cultural assets, critical awareness, and participatory infrastructures, Rasht can serve as a model for other creative cities seeking to align urban development with educational innovation.

Urban Planning

The role of power in the reproduction of elite informality in the urban planning system: ‎A discourse analysis of vested rights in the revision of the Samen district plan, ‎Mashhad

sara vosoughi; Farshad Nourian

Volume 14, Issue 55 , August 2025, Pages 35-50

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.141880.5073

Abstract

HighlightsDrawing on a Foucauldian framework, power dynamically reconstitutes legality through competing discourses.Elite urban informality becomes legitimized where power actors construct competing discourses of vested rights during the revision of the Samen district plan.Elite informality is reproduced ... Read More HighlightsDrawing on a Foucauldian framework, power dynamically reconstitutes legality through competing discourses.Elite urban informality becomes legitimized where power actors construct competing discourses of vested rights during the revision of the Samen district plan.Elite informality is reproduced through conflicts of power rooted in contradictions within the formal urban planning system.The dualities of central vs. local authority, public vs. private interests, enforcement vs. non-enforcement, and regulation vs. deregulation reinforce elite informality.The reproduction of elite informality challenges the conventional formality/informality binary in urban governance.Extended Abstract IntroductionA significant portion of the literature on informality emphasizes the state’s role in suspending or manipulating the law. Much of this scholarship portrays informality as “from above,” where the state is considered a unified actor with control over legality, and law itself is treated as an objective, stable, and neutral framework for bureaucratic action.However, more recent approaches have shifted toward de-centering the state, conceptualizing power as dispersed and law as indeterminate. In this perspective, law is not a fixed foundation but a socially constructed and continuously contested phenomenon shaped by diverse actors.This article follows this newer trajectory by analyzing the dynamic interconnections between law and power in urban governance. Specifically, it investigates how competing actors—state and non-state alike—mobilize discourses of legality to reproduce elite informality. The case of the Samen district plan in Mashhad provides an instructive example, as it reveals how law, informality, and power interweave in large-scale redevelopment projects. Theoretical FrameworkThis study draws upon a Foucauldian understanding of power and truth to explore how legality is not simply imposed but continuously reconstructed through discursive struggles. Power relations, rather than being external to law, are embedded within it. They determine:Who has authority to interpret legal norms;How concepts such as vested rights are defined;Whose interests are privileged in practice.From this perspective, urban planning processes are not only technical or administrative but discursive arenas where actors compete to shape legality. Informality, therefore, does not merely exist outside formal systems; it emerges from within them, sustained by contradictions and conflicts in governance. MethodologyThe study applies Foucauldian discourse analysis to the concept of vested rights (haghe maktasabeh) in the revision of the Samen district plan.Case context:The Samen district redevelopment project, initiated in the 1990s around the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, covered 360 hectares.Conceived as a self-financed scheme using land value capture (rent-gap), it envisioned 365 high-density commercial-residential buildings (9–12 floors).To attract investors, Mashhad Municipality implemented extensive deregulation, including:A guaranteed 30% internal rate of return (IRR);Zoning exceptions and exemptions from building regulations;Unauthorized transactions involving third-party assets without owner consent.By the 2010s, the municipality had signed nearly 300 agreements with private entities, banks, and state-owned enterprises. When the plan was revised (2013–2019), disputes arose over whether prior agreements constituted vested rights. Competing claims produced four distinct legal discourses, reflecting deep conflicts between actors.Data collection:15 narrative in-depth interviews with experts and stakeholders;200 official documents (plans, correspondence, approvals, reports);130 unofficial sources (press reports, speeches, institutional websites).Through discourse analysis, the study identifies intra-, inter-, and extra-discursive contestations shaping legality and informality. Results and DiscussionThe findings reveal that the revision of the Samen plan was characterized by competing discourses of vested rights, each linked to specific power configurations. These were classified as:Extralegal discourse – justifying actions outside formal law under exceptional conditions;Extended discourse – expanding prior agreements into broad claims of vested rights;Reconciliatory discourse – seeking compromise between legality and expedience;Argumentative discourse – contesting definitions of legality through legalistic reasoning.Together, these discourses illustrate how elite informality is reproduced not in opposition to the formal planning system but through it. Power struggles embedded in contradictions within the system generate overlapping zones of legality and illegality.Key contradictions include:Central vs. local authority: conflicts between national institutions and municipal power.Public vs. private interests: competing claims over whose rights and benefits are prioritized.Enforcement costs: debates over who bears the burden of compliance and regulation.Regulation vs. deregulation: shifting boundaries between “customary” deregulated practices and formal legal requirements.Through these contestations, vested rights were selectively legitimized, enabling elite actors to pursue projects outside standard planning procedures while maintaining a veneer of legality. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that elite informality in Mashhad’s Samen district was not simply an illegal deviation but a product of discursive power struggles within the planning system itself. Structural contradictions in governance—central/local, public/private, enforcement/non-enforcement, regulation/deregulation—generated competing legal claims that ultimately legitimized elite practices.The result is a reproduction of informality from within formality, where illegal actions are gradually normalized and incorporated into planning processes. This challenges the binary distinction between formal and informal, suggesting that urban governance operates through a fluid continuum of legality and illegality.Power, in this context, does not merely suspend law but actively reshapes it, redefining the boundaries of what counts as legal or illegal. By analyzing vested rights discourses in Mashhad, this article highlights how elite informality is discursively reproduced, posing critical challenges for urban planning systems that seek to uphold legality while accommodating economic and political power.

Urban Planning

Analyzing the transformation of place-based urban uses in the age of cyberspace: a case study ofthe libraries of three principal universities in Zahedan

Amirhamzeh Shahbazi

Volume 14, Issue 55 , August 2025, Pages 51-62

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.143060.5131

Abstract

HighlightsStudent visits to university libraries are low across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.Students’ field of study significantly affects the frequency of library visits.The functional necessity of precise library location (neighborhood/district/city) is diminishing.University ... Read More HighlightsStudent visits to university libraries are low across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.Students’ field of study significantly affects the frequency of library visits.The functional necessity of precise library location (neighborhood/district/city) is diminishing.University libraries are rapidly adapting their operations to the demands of cyberspace and digital services.Fixed, limited opening hours are decreasingly relevant for library service delivery.Extended Abstract IntroductionThe accelerating diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has transformed how scientific and cultural products are produced, disseminated, and consumed. In the early decades of the twenty-first century—marked by the proliferation of broadband connectivity, social networks, and cloud platforms—individuals and institutions increasingly create and circulate digital content independently of traditional publishers. For urban planners, this raises a critical question: do university libraries—longstanding place-based urban uses—face functional decline similar to once-ubiquitous facilities such as public baths or caravanserais?The emerging practice of “research without visiting the library,” enabled by online databases and virtual services, challenges the historic coupling of library functions with specific locations, radii of influence, and time-bound service windows. This study examines these shifts through a case analysis of three major universities in Zahedan, probing how cyberspace is reconfiguring the spatial and temporal logics of university library use. Theoretical FrameworkAdvances in cyberinfrastructure—high-performance computing, broadband networks, and mass data storage—have catalyzed the rise of digital and smart libraries. These technologies enable accelerated resource discovery, remote access to collections, and user-centered service personalization. In this framework, library management transitions from a primarily place-anchored, schedule-bound model to a platform-based service regime that privileges ubiquitous access, immediacy, and interoperability with research workflows. Consequently, the value proposition of libraries shifts from where services are delivered to how they are integrated into the digital research ecosystem. MethodologyThis applied study employs a descriptive–analytical design. A two-stage random sampling strategy produced a sample of 480 students (undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral) from the University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, and Islamic Azad University of Zahedan. Data were collected via a researcher-developed questionnaire. Content validity was established through expert review by university faculty; reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha = 0.752.Data analysis combined distributional checks and non-parametric inference: Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests assessed normality; given non-normal distributions, the study used Mann–Whitney U, Kendall’s tau-c, Cramér’s V, Kruskal–Wallis (H test), the Sign test, Chi-square, and crosstab analyses to test hypotheses regarding visit frequency, education level and field, device ownership, and access to scientific databases. Results and DiscussionFindings indicate a marked erosion of the traditional, place-dependent model of university libraries:Low visitation rates: 58% of students reported never or rarely visiting the library. Moreover, 44% perceived the role and position of libraries as “much decreased” or “decreasing substantially.”Digital access and perceived decline: There is an inverse, significant relationship between students’ access to scientific databases (e.g., Scopus, SID, ScienceDirect) and their perception of the library’s standing—greater database access corresponds with stronger perceptions of decline.Devices and home infrastructure: Ownership/access to desktop or laptop computers, printers, modems, and smartphones is inversely associated with perceived library centrality. Notably, 39% of students reported having none of these devices; conversely, among those with complete equipment, 75% rated the library’s position as declining—suggesting that digital readiness amplifies functional substitution away from physical facilities.Internet use for academic work: The intensity of Internet use correlates positively with the perception of a diminishing library role (Cramér’s V, p = 0.002): only 35% of students with very low Internet use perceived decline, compared with 69% among heavy users.Education level and visits: Contrary to expectation, higher education level did not translate into more frequent visits. The second hypothesis—linking visit frequency to degree level—was rejected (Kendall’s tau-c, p = 0.16).Field of study effects: The Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed significant differences in visit frequency across fields and faculties, indicating disciplinary variation in the necessity of in-person library use.Overall trend: A Sign test (error level 0.033) supports the conclusion that the position of the library is decreasing as a place-based urban use within the studied university context.Taken together, these results depict a system-level transition: the radius of influence and population thresholds that historically defined library catchments are becoming less predictive of use. Instead, digital access, platform literacy, and disciplinary norms drive engagement patterns, with cyberspace services substituting for on-site visits. ConclusionTraditionally, libraries have been defined by three attributes: (1) a population threshold, (2) a spatial radius of influence, and (3) limited, specific service hours. The cyber revolution decouples all three. University libraries can now deliver core functions independent of place and time, offering 24/7/365 access across effectively unlimited service radii. Evidence from the three Zahedan universities shows that as students’ digital equipment and database access improve, their reliance on physical library spaces declines—and their perception of the library’s centrality diminishes accordingly.These dynamics reframe libraries from location-based land uses into platform-based service providers, a shift likely to intensify with the diffusion of artificial intelligence into discovery, summarization, and recommendation workflows. For urban planners and university library managers alike, the implication is clear: planning, investment, and service design should prioritize hybrid models—robust digital infrastructures complemented by targeted, high-value in-person services (e.g., makerspaces, data labs, scholarly communication support, quiet study environments).Future research should extend the analysis to public libraries and broader citizen populations to assess the generalizability of these findings beyond the university setting and to inform city-wide cultural and educational planning.

environmental psychology

Prioritizing components to enhance place attachement in urban Behavioral Spaces Based on citizens' perceptions: A case study of Western side of Imam Khomeini Street, Ardabil

nasrin mohammadi; Rouhollah Rahimi; Vahid Vaziri

Volume 14, Issue 55 , August 2025, Pages 63-76

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.142717.5116

Abstract

HighlightsExamines the role of urban behavioral settings in strengthening place attachment.Employs a hybrid method combining Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).Case study: western façade of Imam Khomeini Street in Ardabil, Iran.Identifies three key components ... Read More HighlightsExamines the role of urban behavioral settings in strengthening place attachment.Employs a hybrid method combining Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).Case study: western façade of Imam Khomeini Street in Ardabil, Iran.Identifies three key components of behavioral settings influencing citizens’ mental maps.Provides a ranked set of strategies to reinforce place identity and urban legibility. Extended Abstract IntroductionIn recent decades, the rapid transformation and uncontrolled expansion of cities have weakened citizens’ emotional bonds with urban spaces, particularly in historic contexts with strong cultural identities. Urban planning practices have often overlooked these affective connections. Imam Khomeini Street in Ardabil—one of the oldest and most vital urban axes—illustrates this challenge. This study seeks to identify and prioritize the components of behavioral settings that strengthen place attachment, using citizens’ mental maps as a key analytical tool. Theoretical FrameworkPlace attachment refers to the emotional bonds people establish with specific environments. It is shaped by both cognitive and affective processes, closely linked to perceptions of safety, identity, and satisfaction.Behavioral settings are urban spaces that accommodate spontaneous public interactions and reflect diverse user needs, thereby influencing behavior and collective memory.Mental maps represent individuals’ cognitive and emotional perceptions of urban environments, typically consisting of nodes, landmarks, edges, and paths.This study draws on phenomenological and environmental psychology perspectives to highlight the interconnectedness of urban form, human perception, and behavior. MethodologyThis applied-developmental research employs a mixed-method approach combining quantitative analysis and expert evaluations:Survey: A sample of 384 Ardabil residents responded to a Likert-scale questionnaire, designed from existing literature, validated via CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis), and with strong reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.9).Structural Equation Modeling (SEM): Used to examine relationships between urban facades, mental images, and place attachment. Indicators including RMSEA, CFI, and GFI confirmed model fit.Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP): Based on SEM outcomes, AHP was employed to rank the identified factors. Fifteen urban planning experts conducted pairwise comparisons, with weights and consistency indices calculated using Expert Choice software.Case study area: The western side of Imam Khomeini Street, from Shariati Junction to Imam Khomeini Crossroad, a historically and spatially significant axis in Ardabil. Results and DiscussionSEM findings confirmed three hypotheses:Urban facades significantly influence mental images (β = 0.611).Urban facades significantly affect place attachment (β = 0.240).Mental images mediate the relationship between urban form and place attachment (β = 0.536).AHP results identified three ranked dimensions of behavioral settings:B. Enhancing place attachment and spatial legibility through key land uses and iconic buildings (Weight: 0.453) – highest rank.A. Preserving identity and highlighting site-specific characteristics (Weight: 0.366).C. Strengthening mental images of urban facades (Weight: 0.181).Among 11 sub-criteria, the most influential were:Functionally unique urban spaces (0.270).Incorporating citizens’ needs into design (0.188).Visual distinctiveness (0.183).The results demonstrate a layered relationship between built form, perception, and emotional bonds, mediated by visual cues, iconic nodes, and functional identity. These findings align with Lynch’s (1960) theory of legibility, Relph’s (1976) work on place identity, and more recent studies by Ramkissoon, Mouratidis, and Mehta. ConclusionThis research developed and tested an operational framework to identify and prioritize components of place attachment in urban behavioral settings, focusing on Imam Khomeini Street in Ardabil. The integrated use of SEM and AHP provided both statistical validation and practical prioritization of factors influencing attachment.Key findings emphasize that:Spatial legibility and iconic landmarks are the strongest contributors to place attachment.Functional responsiveness to citizens’ needs enhances both perception and satisfaction.Visual distinctiveness reinforces mental imagery and strengthens symbolic value.Importantly, the study underscores that place attachment is not reducible to physical form alone. Instead, it emerges from the dynamic interplay between tangible elements (facades, land uses, urban design), subjective perceptions (mental maps, imagery), and socio-cultural context (identity, tradition, community engagement).From a planning perspective, these insights call for a holistic, multi-layered approach to urban regeneration—one that integrates physical coherence with cultural continuity and participatory engagement. The proposed framework is both theoretically innovative and practically adaptable, offering a transferable tool for other cities with historic and cultural significance.Ultimately, by embedding citizens’ lived experiences and perceptual maps into the planning process, urban designers and policymakers can create spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically coherent but also emotionally resonant, culturally grounded, and socially inclusive. Such environments foster deeper bonds between people and place, ensuring urban resilience and sustainable identity in the face of rapid change.

Urban Planning

The role of citizenship education in urban development plans: A case study of Harandi neighborhood development projects in Tehran

mitra azimi; mohsen afshari

Volume 14, Issue 55 , August 2025, Pages 77-90

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.141805.5067

Abstract

HighlightsDespite the implementation of more than 18 development projects, citizenship education in Harandi has not received sufficient attention.Planners often prioritized physical infrastructure over educational empowerment, weakening long-term social sustainability.For neighborhoods such as Harandi—characterized ... Read More HighlightsDespite the implementation of more than 18 development projects, citizenship education in Harandi has not received sufficient attention.Planners often prioritized physical infrastructure over educational empowerment, weakening long-term social sustainability.For neighborhoods such as Harandi—characterized by multiple social and physical vulnerabilities—citizenship education is an inevitable necessity for sustainable local development.Extended Abstract IntroductionThe Harandi neighborhood, located on the southern threshold of Tehran near the Cave and Customs Gates, holds both historical and strategic significance within the city’s urban network. Yet, it is simultaneously regarded as one of the main centers of social harm and deprivation. Over the past two decades, municipal authorities have attempted to address its challenges through the preparation and implementation of more than 18 development projects.Despite these efforts, the neighborhood continues to suffer from deep-rooted problems such as drug abuse, poverty, unemployment, and marginalization. While physical and infrastructural projects have been extensively emphasized, the non-material dimensions of development—particularly citizenship education—have remained underexplored. This imbalance has limited the sustainability and long-term effectiveness of the implemented projects.Accordingly, this study investigates the position of citizenship education in Harandi’s development projects, guided by three central questions:What role does citizenship education occupy in Harandi’s development plans?What are the key indicators of citizenship education at the neighborhood level?What strategies can strengthen the position of citizenship education within future urban development programs? Theoretical FrameworkCitizenship education is widely recognized as a process through which individuals develop the knowledge, values, and skills required to engage constructively in society. From a democratic perspective, it is a cornerstone of building social capital, enhancing civic participation, and ensuring long-term urban sustainability.The literature highlights six interrelated dimensions of citizenship education:Legalism – awareness and compliance with laws and regulations;Patriotism and collective responsibility – cultivating loyalty and attachment to the nation and neighborhood;Respect for beliefs, minorities, and customs – fostering tolerance and cultural inclusiveness;Responsibility – encouraging active commitment to personal and collective duties;Civic awareness – understanding social rights, responsibilities, and public affairs;Participation – promoting active involvement in decision-making and community improvement.Democratic theories stress that citizens should be educated not only about their rights but also about their obligations, enabling them to contribute actively to society. In neighborhoods with high levels of vulnerability, such as Harandi, these dimensions are particularly vital, as they can mitigate social harms and empower residents to engage in positive and constructive behaviors. MethodologyThis study is qualitative in nature and employs a multi-step research strategy. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three groups: neighborhood mayors, members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) active in Harandi, and urban studies experts. Five participants were selected purposefully from each group, yielding a total of 15 interviews.Thematic saturation was achieved with this number of participants. Data were analyzed using coding techniques in MAXQDA software, allowing for the identification of recurrent themes, patterns, and gaps in citizenship education within existing development plans. Document analysis of 18 neighborhood projects further complemented the interview findings, offering a comprehensive picture of planning practices in Harandi. Results and DiscussionThe findings reveal a significant gap between the stated objectives of Harandi’s development plans and their actual implementation.Among the six indicators of citizenship education, civic awareness and participation were relatively more emphasized in official documents. For instance, some plans included provisions for community workshops or participatory decision-making sessions.However, critical components such as respect for beliefs and cultural diversity and legalism received minimal attention. This neglect has arguably reinforced cycles of distrust between residents and institutions, further exacerbating social harms.Indicators such as patriotism and responsibility were superficially mentioned but rarely operationalized in concrete programs.Interviewees, particularly municipal managers, acknowledged that physical improvements (e.g., road construction, façade rehabilitation, park creation) were prioritized over educational empowerment. NGO representatives emphasized that without strengthening civic responsibility and awareness of rights, infrastructural interventions alone cannot ensure sustainable transformation.Comparative analysis of the 18 plans shows that those with modest educational components achieved relatively better outcomes in terms of community acceptance and participation. For example, initiatives involving local NGOs in training sessions for youth and women demonstrated higher levels of trust-building compared to purely physical projects.These findings resonate with global research indicating that development projects in marginalized areas fail when social empowerment and citizenship education are overlooked. Scholars such as Banks and Holston have shown that without civic inclusion, physical regeneration often leads to displacement or deepened inequality. ConclusionThe study highlights the critical role of citizenship education in the sustainable regeneration of socially vulnerable neighborhoods such as Harandi. Based on the analysis, six major contributions of citizenship education to local development can be identified:Strengthening responsibility: Encouraging residents to take responsibility for their environment and community well-being.Increasing participation: Enabling active engagement in civic and political affairs, thereby fostering collaborative governance.Reducing social harms: Empowering individuals with knowledge of rights and responsibilities, which can reduce behaviors linked to addiction, violence, and marginalization.Enhancing solidarity: Promoting mutual trust and cooperation among residents, reducing social fragmentation.Raising legal awareness: Informing citizens of their rights and responsibilities under the law, thus improving compliance and social justice.Empowering communities: Building local capacity to collectively address neighborhood problems and influence urban policy.In summary, the neglect of citizenship education in Harandi’s past development projects has limited their effectiveness. Future planning must integrate educational empowerment alongside physical interventions, ensuring that residents are equipped not only with better infrastructure but also with the civic skills and awareness required for sustainable neighborhood transformation.

The evaluation of environmental quality factors on the Behavioral patterns in urban parks- Case study: Mardom park of Hamadan City

Volume 3, Issue 11 , August 2014, , Pages 3-18

Abstract

Nowadays, a faster pace of changes and transformations in different phenomena such people's lifestyles has meant changes in their thinking and needs also. Since people’s lifestyles are more oriented toward isolation, it is more important to reflect at their lives collectively. People's need for ... Read More Nowadays, a faster pace of changes and transformations in different phenomena such people's lifestyles has meant changes in their thinking and needs also. Since people’s lifestyles are more oriented toward isolation, it is more important to reflect at their lives collectively. People's need for places of social interaction and meeting psychological needs have become one of the requirements of urban life. Public spaces are the only spaces where all citizens of every class, age, race, and association have the right to use without any limitation. Environmental quality of urban public spaces is one of the focuses of recent urbanism research and attempting to create an urban public space that meets users desires behavior has always been considered as one of the main strategies of urban projects. Urban parks as a part of public spaces in cities have a fundamental role in resolving human needs. Most urban theorists believe that urban parks are one of the main components of an urban system because in addition to their functional role they increase socialization in urban spaces. Thus, in order to make these spaces more dynamic and to meet the needs of the people, the behaviors shaping the spaces should be noted and examined. Since most parks’ compliance with the needs of users and environmental qualities is, there is a need for a systematic program based on the behavior of users. Furthermore, issues such as neglect of social values, cultural - identity values, and the neglect of physical and structural values have lead to the formation of public spaces that do not meet people’s needs in urban areas. In addition, neglecting to improve the environmental quality of urban public spaces such as urban parks, not taking into account the effective qualities of urban transportation and connections, and the exclusive emphasis on the subjective perception by urban planners and designers has resulted in the formation of urban areas which does not have the capacity to be responsive and flexible in the accordance with people’s expectations and behaviours. For the purposes of this research, Mardom Park in the city of Hamadan was selected as a case study. This study aims to identify and assess the stimulants and patterns of user behavior in terms of their needs and the environmental quality of urban parks. This study was based on fieldwork with a cross-sectional approach and seeks to answer the following question: “what effects do behavioral patterns and domains have on improving the environmental quality of urban parks?” In this study, in order to provide a conceptual framework document-based research was carried out, theoretical issues explored in detail and then analyzed using existing approaches. For this purpose, in addition to the qualitative analysis of urban spaces and behaviors formed in space because of spatial characteristics, quantitative analysis of indicators using questionnaires was used. The quantitative indicators was analyzed by SPSS. The results show that the quality and amount of the influence of environmental quality factors on the quality of activities, which are primarily behaviors or behavioral patterns, are not the same. In addition, the analyses outcomes show direct influence of behavior on environmental quality and environmental quality on behavior. The results indicate on the one hand, human needs are the outcome of behaviorial influences on space and environment and the ability of underlying environment. On the other hand, enhancement of environmental quality and influence of environmental factors on areas and behaviorial patterns in urban parks are not only a quantitative and technical concepts.

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Improvement of Pedestrian Walkway Spatial Quality and Pedestrian-oriented Spaces, in order to Increase the Social Interactions Level of People (The case study: Tarbiat & Valiasr axis, Tabriz metropolitan)

Volume 1, Issue 4 , March 2012, , Pages 95-104

Abstract

With the onset of industry revolution, automobile invention and development of cities, the pedestrian and pedestrian-oriented spaces and urban spaces role priority gradually faded and the quality of urban public spaces, urban open spaces, and the pedestrian walkways decreased. Lack of pedestrian-oriented ... Read More With the onset of industry revolution, automobile invention and development of cities, the pedestrian and pedestrian-oriented spaces and urban spaces role priority gradually faded and the quality of urban public spaces, urban open spaces, and the pedestrian walkways decreased. Lack of pedestrian-oriented spaces and current low quality pedestrian spaces affect citizens' social interactions in contemporary metropolitans. Pedestrianism is a part of daily journey and activity of citizens in metropolitans, however, pedestrians' need and security is ignored in current cities. In doing so, majority of current urban spaces in our cities are defined as road way, where the presence of automobile is preferred on designs of high-quality and appropriate pedestrian-oriented spaces. Nevertheless, these spaces play an essential role in increasing contacts and citizens’ social interaction level. In this regard, ignoring human scale and the pedestrians' needs are the problems ahead. Lack of quality in pedestrian-oriented open spaces has led to poor citizens’ presence and social interactions. Hence, identifying factors affecting the quality of mentioned spaces for meeting citizens’ needs and increasing the presence and social interaction level is more important than before. Tabriz metropolitan is not an exception either. Having more roadway spaces compared with pedestrian-oriented way has made the life difficult for the citizens. By conducting rigorous literature review, the study derived influential factors forming theoretical framework of the research (including factors affecting urban pedestrian-oriented spatial quality: vitality, legibility, security, and permeability factors). Research utilized mixed-method approach, where aforementioned influential factors extracted from literature review, formed the qualitative part of the study. In the quantitative part used as the validity of the research, Tarbiat & Valiasr axes in Tabriz metropolitan were studied and evaluated. In other words, the study examined the verification of extracted theoretical framework from literature review, through conducting a survey in quantitative part. In this regard, a questionnaire was used to gather the data about pedestrian-oriented spatial quality and citizens’ satisfaction of the mentioned spaces. G*POWER software and Cochran sampling technique were used to calculate the sample size of the study. Ultimately, using SPSS software the data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical methods. This study indicated that vitality, legibility, and permeability factors, the main factors of urban spaces qualities, play an important role in Tabrizian citizens’ satisfaction of pedestrian-oriented spaces. The finding of this research can be utilized for designing more sociable and friendly atmosphere pedestrian-oriented spaces, where citizens' social interactions are concentrated.

Physical–EnviromentalRehabilitaion Of The Central Core Of City Textures ,Toward Urban Sustainable Development (Case Study: Centeral Texture Of The Khorramabad City)

Volume 2, Issue 7 , July 2013, , Pages 73-88

Abstract

Abstract: The history of the old city centers , due to the geographical center , easy access , and feature historic center of economic gravity - the cultural potentials are high , despite the positive features of downtown , the texture of physical problems ( exhaustion ),environmental problems , in the ... Read More Abstract: The history of the old city centers , due to the geographical center , easy access , and feature historic center of economic gravity - the cultural potentials are high , despite the positive features of downtown , the texture of physical problems ( exhaustion ),environmental problems , in the context of complexity and poor infrastructure suffer. With such a central feature of the city center is the city of Khorramabad The core fabric of the city is mostly worn and in need of restructuring andRehabilitation. The main objective of this research is to broaden the scope of the problem in this context the following objectives of sustainable development is the development of these tissues . In this regard, research on how to achieve physical and environmental dimensions of sustainable development in the context of Rehabilitation core has Khorramabad. The purpose of this study applied descriptive - survey is to introduce the basic concepts and methods of data collection in the library and in the documentation gathered through field studies (questionnaires, interviews and observation's). Methods This study was a descriptive - survey and data collection documents two studies and field) Interview questionnaires and observation's (Population of residents part of the fabric core with a population of over 2797 people in Khorramabad are. According to consider the characteristics of the economical, social , physical and environmental scope of the case study and data analysis of the combined AHP-SWOT methods, the results of the final evaluation of SWOT within the AHP model shows that in the group of strengths , the existence of valuable historical element ( final weight ,./ 272) , existence of activity axis along the Imam Khomeini and Shohada streets ( final weight , ./176 ) and easy access to other parts of the city ( final weight , ./134) are the most important strengths and low quality buildings ( final weight ,./206 ) , microlithic parts ( final weight , ./161) and the narrow and impermeable streets ( final weight , ./135) are the most important weaknesses . However, the high potential of uncultivated area ( final weight ,./ 239) , the potential of constructing tourism spaces ( final weight , ./183 ) and the historical area and promoting an inclusive culture ( final weight , ./139 ) in series are the most important opportunities of the case study, also neglecting adapt to changing demands (final weight ,./266 ) , insecurity and impermeability passages ( final weight , ./194 ) and not defining public open space in quarters ( the final weight ,./143) are the most important threas to the desired range .The overall results indicate that most physical problems and After that, the environmental problems ,economic problems , management problems, social problems , most of it is devoted to . Well as the physical aspects of, poor quality buildings , including the most difficult passages microlithic parts and impermeable tissue study.are . According to final analysis,in this study pivotal offers in order to exploit these strengths, opportunities, reducing weaknesses and threats in the form of SWOT model key strategies for improving the old texture of the city of Khorramabad in the text has been stated in detail which the components of sustainable urban development have been applied.To achieve the goal of sustainable urban development in the sustainable urban development will be stable with a high quality of life for all residents. Thus, in order to improve the quality of life offered as a guide decisions on development strategies, planning and creating new instruments of communication between decision-making factors, decision making and enforcement of the emphasis is.

Identification of factors influencing urban facade's design with an emphasis on aesthetics and ecological dimensions Case study: Valiasr (a.s.) Street –Free Region of Qeshm

Volume 3, Issue 10 , May 2014, , Pages 15-26

Abstract

Outward-oriented architecture has a short history in Iran and the history of establishment of outward-oriented buildings placed next to one another in the margin of a phenomenon called street is even shorter. Urban facades are considered as the most influential elements affecting the quality of urban ... Read More Outward-oriented architecture has a short history in Iran and the history of establishment of outward-oriented buildings placed next to one another in the margin of a phenomenon called street is even shorter. Urban facades are considered as the most influential elements affecting the quality of urban spaces, the modification of which can enhance the aesthetic qualities of the city. In recent decades, developments whether in materials, variety of styles or acceleration in construction have resulted in addressing the issue of façade and reorganization of urban facades. A review into the objectives of the study shows that the urban landscape aesthetic and environmental goals are essential in realizing the desired landscape. Therefore, urban facades as an example of urban micro perspective are not an exception to this rule. The goal of the present research is to address special characteristics of Qeshm city with an emphasis on aesthetical and ecological dimensions and identifying effective factors in the design of urban facades in Vali-e Asr Street in Qeshm as the most prominent street of that city. Looking at the landscape and urban facades of Qeshm Island as well as other cities and metropolises which meet the functional characteristics at national and international levels, it is evident that these urban facades are not in good aesthetical and ecological conditions. This emphasizes the importance and necessity of the present research. It should be noted that method used in the aforesaid research is an analytical-applied one. A surveying method was used in field studies. Data collection was based on field observations and a questionnaire survey of experts and users examining data dispersion indices of the data under study. The questionnaires were randomly (with an in-depth interview) distributed among different segments of the island at different hours. Finally, the obtained data was analyzed using SPSS-20 software. Findings regarding the the viewpoints of people and experts of the aesthetical dimension are presented. The index includes the following criteria as evaluation priorities in aesthetic (façade) beauty: proportions, cleanliness, balance and order in aesthetical dimension and attachment to place, meaningfulness, serenity, legibility and mental attraction in subjective dimension. From an ecological view, indices such as material resistance against moisture, green space to provide heat comfort, resistant materials against heat and green and oxygen generator walls are priorities in the design of urban facades according to experts. In conclusion, understanding priorities in the aesthetical and ecological points of view, a desirable urban perspective can be created. It can be stated in a general survey that it is important to address ecological and aesthetical dimensions in the design of urban facades.

Integrated Transportation Approach: Achieving Sustainable Transportationو Case study: Metropolitan Shiraz

Volume 2, Issue 5 , March 2013, , Pages 47-60

Abstract

In comparison with the past, the public awareness and public sensitivity have notably increased through sustainability. In this regard, different departments have discussed their problems via the approach of sustainability. Sustainable development considers economic, social and environmental dimensions ... Read More In comparison with the past, the public awareness and public sensitivity have notably increased through sustainability. In this regard, different departments have discussed their problems via the approach of sustainability. Sustainable development considers economic, social and environmental dimensions simultaneously. The same is true with sustainable transportation whose sustainable development policies in transportation area seek ways to provide all groups of society with appropriate access, to adjust economic costs and ,more importantly, to reduce the negative environmental impacts. However, almost all indicators show that the current experience of the transportation in our country and the consistent trend in the world are not only in the wrong direction but are also unstable in the longer term. One of the most efficient approaches to achieve sustainability is the strategy of integrating transportation system. "Integrated transportation strategy" is suggested to provide a more sustainable model of transportation to achieve sustainability and address major concerns. This research will study the case study of metropolitan Shiraz which is located in the southwest of Iran, with a population of almost 1.5 million. Facing numerous problems in the domain of urban transportation, Metropolitan Shiraz's current trend is not stable due to the city's struggling with some specific problems such as low share of public transport usage and dependency on car, high level of car ownership, growing population and density in central districts, high level of fuel usage, and increasing pollution. Several actions and plans including some action plans , special and technical programs and software have been carried out to address the aforementioned urban problems in the hope of reducing these problems , but they had not achieved enough efficiency. This study investigates the current situation of the transportation system in Shiraz using information collected via an expert opinion survey, questionnaires and interviewing some managers and experts in public or private organizations, companies, and consulting offices using special method called Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to evaluate the system and define the priorities for future considerations. The results confirm that current set of policies undertaken by urban management and urban governance system in Shiraz almost fails to conform to the desirable criteria of Integrated Transport Approach. Although certain models have been recommended to achieve integration of transportation system, this article opted for a more comprehensive model by Potter and Skinner ( 2000 ). The finding of this research shows that, according to experts’ viewpoints, integration policies should be oriented to improving the public transport system. These policies include basic policies which will be presented as follows: the increase of the accessibility and efficiency of public bus system for potential demand areas; allocation of part of Municipality incomes to public transport sector; and establishment of separated bus lanes especially throughout the central district of the city.

The flexibility indicators of Madies (water channel) on the housing configuration system in Isfahan city

Nasim Leilieyoun; Ahmad Danaeinia

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 May 2025

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.142089.5079

Abstract

The formation and development framework of the historical core of Isfahan is based on the system of (water channels) called "Madi". On a macro scale, Madi has had a direct impact on the configuration and organization of urban spaces, and on a micro scale, it has influenced the settlement of ... Read More The formation and development framework of the historical core of Isfahan is based on the system of (water channels) called "Madi". On a macro scale, Madi has had a direct impact on the configuration and organization of urban spaces, and on a micro scale, it has influenced the settlement of residential units. This element, during changes that primarily occurred after the 1960s, has gradually become a barrier to the development of urban-local spaces. The aim of this research is to clarify the characteristics of Madi flexibility and its impact on the housing configuration, thereby revealing the necessity of re-linking housing architecture with this vital element. The research combines quantitative and qualitative methods and is based on observation and analysis methodologies. Data were collected in two phases: library studies and field surveys, aimed at finding the housing pattern and how residential units are organized, with results extracted based on two methods of inference and content analysis. Basic information was obtained through aerial photographs from the 1960s and analyzed using software such as AutoCAD, GIS, and Depthmap. The findings indicate that the housing configuration system is shaped based on four indices: building pattern, area, the ratio of built space to open space, and spatial integrity and coherence. The most compatible housing construction pattern is the single-row construction and fully constructed, followed by U-shaped and L-shaped patterns. Regarding the area index, residential plots with an area of 200-500 square meters and subsequently 500-1000 square meters, and in the index of built-to-open space ratio, areas with values between 0.70-0.96 have the highest flexibility. As for the index of spatial integrity and coherence, the maximum index includes the axis of Madi, passages connected to Madi, and passages connected to the main streets bordering the neighborhood. The results show that Madi architecture is in complete connection with the city and the neighborhood, representing the most important natural pattern influencing the formation of residential units and creating interconnection throughout the neighborhood. In order to create or strengthen this pattern, housing design based on the four enumerated indices plays a significant role. Conversely, neglecting these indices will have numerous negative effects on the housing configuration and the system of neighborhoods.

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Exploring the components of low-carbon urban tourism: a meta-synthesis approach

esmaeel ghaderi; boshra mohajer

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 06 July 2025

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.143031.5135

Abstract

Low-carbon urban tourism, as one of the prerequisites for sustainable development in Iran, holds special significance due to the environmental challenges stemming from greenhouse gas emissions in urban destinations. This type of tourism is introduced as an innovative solution to mitigate environmental ... Read More Low-carbon urban tourism, as one of the prerequisites for sustainable development in Iran, holds special significance due to the environmental challenges stemming from greenhouse gas emissions in urban destinations. This type of tourism is introduced as an innovative solution to mitigate environmental impacts and improve the quality of life for both residents and tourists. The present study examines low-carbon urban tourism by utilizing the meta-synthesis method, a qualitative approach for integrating and analyzing previous studies. Employing this method is essential, as the existing information in this field is scattered, and a comprehensive and coherent perspective is critical for policymaking and planning. Given the lack of comprehensive and systematic approaches to managing low-carbon tourism in urban destinations, this paper aims to pave the way for the development and implementation of low-carbon urban tourism. The research objective and main question focus on identifying the key components of low-carbon urban tourism to provide a comprehensive framework for policymaking and management in urban destinations. The proposed conceptual framework of this study, based on the analysis of 79 research articles on low-carbon tourism and low-carbon urban destinations, encompasses macro-level factors (including policymaking, economic, environmental, technological development, and legal aspects) and micro-level factors (such as low-carbon tourism service supply, demand, and destination management). The findings reveal that achieving low-carbon tourism requires collaboration and coordination across different levels and adopting a systemic perspective that integrates macro- and micro-level factors. This research, by presenting a comprehensive framework, assists policymakers and urban managers in designing and implementing related programs, potentially leading to increased tourist satisfaction, reduced environmental impacts, and the realization of sustainable development in urban destinations.

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The approach of Transformative Spatial Planning for Iran’s Sustainability

Mozaffar Sarrafi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 24 July 2025

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.143620.5160

Abstract

There are pervasive trends in Iran’s development which cause unsustainability and the socio-ecological unbalance. Many of these trends like the reduction of water per capita, environmental pollution, vast unemployment, ethnic cleavages, pauperization and marginal settlements, have spatial manifestation, ... Read More There are pervasive trends in Iran’s development which cause unsustainability and the socio-ecological unbalance. Many of these trends like the reduction of water per capita, environmental pollution, vast unemployment, ethnic cleavages, pauperization and marginal settlements, have spatial manifestation, creating mal-development especially in urban areas. While the determinants of these situation cannot be reduced to spatial dimension, but in the framework of spatial planning, by relying on space as the seedbed of phenomena and their interactions, sustainability solutions can be made on its part. In this inquiry, to prevent redundancy of difficulties, being limited by the present knowledge and the consequent inability for radical solutions, the research method of problematization has been taken. Base on this method, a critical approach towards ontology and epistemology of the research subject is taken and the origins of problematic for the subject are elaborated and as a result, alternative actions by spatial planners has construed. In this vain, this article is a hypothetical effort at two abstract and concrete level for understanding the problematic of unsustainable production of space in Iran. In light of this, the approach of transformative spatial planning for Iran’s sustainability described as follows: Hindering the ongoing unsustainable production of space in Iran requires production of space on the foundation of another development pattern which is a synthesis of updated “Iran-Shahri” traditions (i.e., the philosophy and living experience of Iranian civilization persistence in history) with the global science and experience for sustainability. This should be on the basis of inclusive participation in community units across the country. In this process, due to social and ecological values in the environmental crisis, spatial institution building is essential for the partnership and agency of local communities to realize the transformation. It is important that spatial planners as agents of the great transformation towards another development, focus on placemaking as public space to instigate social interaction and community spirit. They should prioritize the socio-ecological logic to the economic and engineering logic at all spatial scales.

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Assessment and smart management of energy demands in buildings in Marivan City using energy maps

Salah Vaisi; Somayeh Hosseinipour; Negar Khiabanchian; Seyyed Mohammadmahdi Hosseinikia

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 29 July 2025

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.143406.5144

Abstract

Iran faces fundamental challenges in energy production, supply, and management on a large scale. Estimating and visualizing the energy needs on a city scale using real data based on energy benchmarks is an accurate method for smart urban planning and management. This study estimates the energy consumption ... Read More

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The Role of Events in Shaping Collective Urban Visions: A Case Study of the 'Rasht 1422' Public Event

Aliakbar Salaripour; Sara Nikmard Namin; Mohammad Nouripour sedehi; Zahra Ahmadi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 29 July 2025

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.143548.5154

Abstract

In recent decades, a strategic approach based on developing collective urban visions has been introduced within Iran's urban planning system. In this context, the present research investigates the "Public Event: Rasht 1422" and explores the significance of event-driven approaches in shaping ... Read More In recent decades, a strategic approach based on developing collective urban visions has been introduced within Iran's urban planning system. In this context, the present research investigates the "Public Event: Rasht 1422" and explores the significance of event-driven approaches in shaping these visions. Consequently, by adopting a policy analysis method within a broader model that includes textual analysis, four distinct stages in the visioning process and implementation of the Rasht 1422 public event were carried out and analyzed. The first stage involved a comprehensive review of theoretical foundations. In the second stage, through refining the conceptual model for developing Rasht's public event, the critical interplay of three key elements – space/place, citizens, and urban institutions/management – was elucidated in creating discursive and interactive spaces for vision formulation. This stage further included a qualitative review and systematic categorization of policy documents using textual analysis techniques. Following the document analysis, the third stage focused on pre-defining the event framework through: Completing and analyzing citizen questionnaires and in-depth interviews Conducting working group sessions and interviews with key stakeholders Incorporating insights from urban elites and influential figures in Rasht This participatory visioning approach ensured that the core vision axes were developed through inclusive engagement with the majority of stakeholders and decision-makers. The fourth and final stage involved executing the main event, where three primary activities were conducted: Finalizing and prioritizing 29 key vision axes Developing the comprehensive vision statement Formalizing the collective urban vision Through this step-by-step implementation of the participatory event model, the study presents a practical framework for enhancing citizen engagement and multi-stakeholder participation in urban visioning processes. The research demonstrates how such event-based approaches can effectively bridge the gap between urban institutions, citizens, and physical spaces to co-create sustainable urban futures.

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Recreating Social Hope in Urban Space Using Culture and Art With a Sense of Place Approach (Case Study: Cities of Isfahan and Rasht)

Yasaman Paknejad; hossein abeddoost

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 August 2025

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.143024.5140

Abstract

Strengthening the sense of participation and social activity in urban space can be effective in the development and progress of the country. It has been emphasized that increasing the sense of hope of citizens leads to strengthening social hope in Iran. Social hope is formed by economic conditions, social ... Read More

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Analyzing the Impacts of Tourism on the Environment in Historic Contexts: A Meta-Method Study

Hamideh Boghrati; Toktam Hanai

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 25 August 2025

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.143886.5174

Abstract

Increased environmental pressures and threats to cultural heritage in historic areas have affected the social, cultural, and economic dimensions of these regions, making a comprehensive assessment of these consequences challenging. The complexity arising from the multitude of local and regional variables ... Read More Increased environmental pressures and threats to cultural heritage in historic areas have affected the social, cultural, and economic dimensions of these regions, making a comprehensive assessment of these consequences challenging. The complexity arising from the multitude of local and regional variables has made it difficult to form integrated and operational analytical frameworks. This research aimed to design a new methodological framework to improve the accuracy and efficiency of assessing the environmental impacts of tourism in historic contexts. It did so through a meta-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was gathered through a systematic review of 28 selected articles from reputable databases like Web of Science and was qualitatively analyzed using MAXQDA software within a thematic coding framework. The research process had three main stages: first, identifying methodological considerations in previous studies; second, critically analyzing methodological challenges (data collection tools, sampling, and analysis); and finally, designing a hybrid model based on integrating quantitative data (e.g., the contribution of influencing factors) and qualitative data (e.g., the perspectives of local stakeholders). The findings show that previous studies primarily focused on the quantitative measurement of variables such as tourist consumption of natural resources (56%), transportation systems (68%), and economic development (60%). In contrast, the socio-cultural dimensions and the role of local stakeholders were not systematically addressed. This research's methodological innovation lies in combining a systematic review with in-depth qualitative analysis, using hybrid tools (structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews), and incorporating the results of studies that included the views of local stakeholders in their analysis. This approach provided a deeper understanding of the social and cultural dimensions. It allowed for the simultaneous identification of macro patterns through quantitative data and the hidden layers of conflicts through qualitative data, which were mostly studied separately in previous research. The results emphasize that using adaptive frameworks and a hybrid methodology in future studies can bridge the gap between purely quantitative assessments and passive qualitative analyses, leading to sustainable policies in managing historic tourism.

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Analysis of the Role of Smart Urban Governance in Enhancing Social Resilience (Case Study: Borujerd City)

leila sahraei cheshmehsardeh; alireza Sheikholeslami; Ahmad Pourahmad; Hassan Piriaei

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 07 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.143995.5182

Abstract

Extendedabstract: Introduction: Social resilience has emerged as a fundamental pillar of sustainable urban development, particularly in addressing complex crises and social disruptions. This research investigates the transformative potential of smart urban governance in enhancing social resilience through ... Read More Extendedabstract: Introduction: Social resilience has emerged as a fundamental pillar of sustainable urban development, particularly in addressing complex crises and social disruptions. This research investigates the transformative potential of smart urban governance in enhancing social resilience through an in-depth case study of Borujerd, Iran. As a mid-sized city with distinctive socio-cultural characteristics and evolving infrastructure, Borujerd presents a compelling laboratory for examining how digital governance solutions can be effectively implemented in urban contexts with limited resources. The study addresses a critical gap in literature by exploring the intersection of technological innovation and community resilience in developing urban settings, where traditional governance models often face significant challenges. Theoretical Framework: The study constructs its theoretical foundation by merging two complementary frameworks: smart governance theory and social resilience theory. The smart governance dimension draws on contemporary urban scholarship (Meijer & Bolívar, 2016; Nam & Pardo, 2011) to examine how information and communication technologies (ICT) can enhance decision-making transparency, administrative efficiency, and public service delivery. The social resilience component builds upon the work of Norris et al. (2008), focusing on a community's capacity to adapt to stressors through robust social networks, institutional support, and collective problem-solving. The integrated framework proposes that smart governance tools act as catalysts for resilience by creating new channels for citizen-state interaction, improving access to critical information during crises, and enabling more responsive institutional frameworks. This theoretical synthesis offers a novel perspective for analyzing urban systems in transition. Methodology: The research employs a comprehensive mixed-methods approach designed to capture both quantitative patterns and qualitative insights: 1. Quantitative Component: o Conducted a stratified cluster survey of 380 Borujerd residents (confidence level = 95%, margin of error = 5%) o Utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with maximum likelihood estimation o Assessed model fit using CFI (0.92), TLI (0.91), RMSEA (0.06) o Reliability analysis showed Cronbach's α between 0.82-0.89 for all constructs 2. Qualitative Component: o 20 in-depth interviews with urban planners, municipal officials, and community leaders o Thematic analysis using NVivo 12 software o Triangulation of interview data with policy documents 3. Case Analysis: o Evaluation of Borujerd's smart city projects (2021-2023) o Infrastructure assessment through GIS mapping o Institutional capacity analysis Results and Discussion: The study reveals several significant findings with important implications: 1. Governance Impact: o Smart governance demonstrates a strong positive effect on social resilience (β = 0.62, p < 0.001) o The model explains 41% of variance in resilience outcomes (R² = 0.41) 2. Key Determinants: o Citizen e-participation emerges as the strongest predictor (β = 0.35) o Managerial transparency reduces crisis response time by approximately 22% o Institutional accountability shows significant but modest effects (β = 0.19) 3. Technology Mediation: o Digital platforms amplify governance effects (β = 0.45) o IoT applications show particular promise in emergency management 4. Implementation Challenges: o Digital divide persists, with 42% of peripheral neighborhoods lacking reliable internet o Cultural barriers affect adoption rates among older demographics (31% resistance) o Centralization tendencies hinder local innovation The integration of smart governance strategies has yielded measurable improvements, increasing overall resilience capacity by 35%. However, the findings suggest that technology alone cannot guarantee resilience - its effectiveness depends on complementary investments in human capital and institutional reform. Conclusion: This study makes three primary contributions to urban governance literature: 1. Theoretical: Develops an integrated framework for analyzing smart resilience 2. Methodological: Demonstrates the value of mixed-methods approaches in urban studies 3. Practical: Provides actionable insights for policymakers Key recommendations include: • Prioritizing LTE network expansion to underserved areas • Developing culturally-sensitive digital literacy programs • Establishing neighborhood resilience hubs with hybrid (online/offline) capabilities • Implementing participatory budgeting through digital platforms The Borujerd case demonstrates that smart governance, when properly contextualized, can significantly enhance urban resilience. However, success requires balancing technological innovation with attention to local socio-cultural realities. This research offers a replicable model for similar cities in developing contexts, highlighting the importance of adaptive, people-centered approaches to urban digital transformation. Keywords: Smart urban governance, Social resilience, Borujerd city, Citizen participation, Digital transformation, Urban sustainability, Crisis management

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Representing the Organizing Themes of Consensus: Towards presenting a Conceptual Model for Achieving Harmony in Urban Planning Practice

Erfaneh Ghanbari; Mehrnaz Molavi; Saber Mohammadpour; Sahand Lotfi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.143721.5166

Abstract

Problem Statement: Extensive economic, social, and political transformations in urban societies, along with the emergence of conflicting interests, values, and needs, have shifted urban planning approaches toward consensus and the convergence of stakeholders to achieve common benefits. Although it is ... Read More Problem Statement: Extensive economic, social, and political transformations in urban societies, along with the emergence of conflicting interests, values, and needs, have shifted urban planning approaches toward consensus and the convergence of stakeholders to achieve common benefits. Although it is a prominent necessity in participatory planning, this topic does not have adequate theoretical support. Some studies have examined consensus as a part of the conflict resolution process, but it has rarely been explored as an independent and multidimensional concept. This represents one of the key gaps in the urban planning literature. Objective: The study aims to identify the organizing themes and propose a conceptual model for achieving consensus among stakeholders in the urban planning process. Research Method: Through a systematic search and review of the literature and employing a qualitative thematic analysis approach with an inductive, bottom-up reasoning, initial consensus themes were extracted via manual coding of the texts. The process continued until acheiving the theoretical saturation and yielding a well-defined and comprehensive set of the “organizing themes of consensus in planning.” Codes were then categorized based on their role in fostering consensus, leading to the formation of sub-themes and likwise subsequently overarching main themes. Subsequently, the themes were validated through theoretical triangulation and cross-referenced with prior studies. By elucidating the relationships and internal linkages among these themes, a conceptual model for the realization of consensus was developed. Findings: "Facilitated participatory process," "stakeholders and actors," "discourse and communicative action," "conflict management," "power relations and dynamics," and "adaptive management" were identified as the main organizing themes of consensus, all of which are interrelated. The absence of any one of these themes may disrupt the process of achieving consensus. The validity of these themes is supported by Habermas’s “Communicative Action Theory”, Lefebvre’s “Right to the City”, contemporary “Pluralism”, Foucault’s concept of “Power”, and “Complexity Theory”. Results: The proposed model provides a framework to guide the participatory planning process and is adaptable to various scales and diverse cultural, political, and legal contexts. By mitigating conflicts, it facilitates an effective, equitable, and sustainable consensus. According to this model, consensus necessitates a “facilitated participatory process” and the active engagement of “stakeholders and actors.” “discourse and communicative action” and attention to “power relations and dynamics” are prerequisites for the accurate identification of conflicts; neglecting these elements leads to ineffective “conflict management” and the disregard of pluralistic interests. “Adaptive management” enables critical evaluation, continuous monitoring, and learning for policy adjustment. Due to its capacity for localization and deeper analysis of latent power mechanisms, this model can support contemporary planning approaches. Despite its emphasis on theoretical aspects, its methodological and practical limitations should not be overlooked.

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Explaining and Proposing Novel Entrepreneurial-Oriented Models in New Towns with an Emphasis on Sustainable Urban Development (Case Study: Parand New Town)

Ehsan Darvishi; Ali shamsoddini; Mohammad Hemmati

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 13 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.22034/urbs.2025.144018.5183

Abstract

Entrepreneurship plays a key role in the economic and social development of new towns. In the face of multiple challenges in these urban areas—such as the shortage of sustainable employment opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and social issues—entrepreneurship can serve as an effective solution ... Read More Entrepreneurship plays a key role in the economic and social development of new towns. In the face of multiple challenges in these urban areas—such as the shortage of sustainable employment opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and social issues—entrepreneurship can serve as an effective solution for job creation, increased productivity and income, and improved quality of life for residents. It plays a fundamental role in achieving sustainable economic and social development. This study aims to explain and propose novel entrepreneurial-oriented models in new towns, with a focus on sustainable urban development in Parand New Town. From a methodological perspective, the research is applied in purpose and qualitative in nature, employing a descriptive-analytical and explanatory approach. A multi-stage strategy was adopted by combining documentary analysis, analytical reasoning, and fieldwork methods. On the one hand, this approach helped gather theoretical foundations and global experiences in the fields of urban development and entrepreneurship; on the other hand, it allowed for the analysis of local and contextual conditions in order to design context-appropriate models. Documentary findings identified five fundamental dimensions for entrepreneurial development in new towns: (1) Institutional-governance (participatory local institutions and network governance, transparent policymaking and enabling legislation, integration of urban and economic policies); (2) Economic (financial infrastructure and access to capital, emerging markets and links with local and regional economies, entrepreneurial urban branding); (3) Socio-cultural (education and empowerment, entrepreneurial culture, social participation networks, and social capital); (4) Technological-knowledge-based (innovation ecosystems, university-industry linkages, smart urban technologies, and support for start-ups); and (5) Physical-environmental (flexible urban spaces and innovation zones, green and environmentally adaptive infrastructure, legal facilitation, and active local participation). In the fieldwork phase, 136 initial codes were identified, synthesized into 21 intermediate codes and 8 abstract concepts—namely: institutional and managerial fragmentation, weak social participation networks, financial dependence on external capital, underdeveloped entrepreneurial urban branding, bureaucratic culture and risk aversion, university-to-market skill gaps, weak technology and innovation infrastructure, and inefficiency of shared spaces and innovation zones. These were categorized into five overarching thematic categories. Based on both documentary and field findings, dominant conceptual themes were extracted as the core of the study. A comparative analysis with international cases was conducted to assess localization potential in Parand, and ultimately, a context-specific model for entrepreneurial-oriented development in Parand New Town was proposed.

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