Urban Design
Kimia Haghnegahdar; mahsa sholeh; Sahand Lotfi; Alireza Sadeghi
Abstract
Highlights- The historical design of the Sang-e Siah neighborhood passively harmonized with climatic conditions, ensuring high spatial quality and thermal comfort.- Physical modifications in Shiraz's historical urban fabric have weakened the ability of urban geometry to regulate microclimatic conditions ...
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Highlights- The historical design of the Sang-e Siah neighborhood passively harmonized with climatic conditions, ensuring high spatial quality and thermal comfort.- Physical modifications in Shiraz's historical urban fabric have weakened the ability of urban geometry to regulate microclimatic conditions effectively.- Neglecting the microclimatic effects of urban geometry leads to a decline in both thermal comfort and environmental quality in urban open spaces.- The principles embedded in Shiraz's historical urban design provide valuable insights for sustainable and climate-responsive urban development.IntroductionThe rapid pace of urbanization and its associated environmental challenges, coupled with the rising demand for energy to regulate thermal conditions, have underscored the necessity of addressing the microclimatic consequences of urban development. Given the increasing global temperatures and the urgency of climate adaptation, it is essential to examine the impact of urban form on microclimatic conditions and thermal comfort.The historical urban fabric of Shiraz, particularly in the Sang-e Siah neighborhood, represents an exemplary case of passive adaptation to climatic conditions. Through careful spatial planning, traditional urban layouts optimized thermal comfort by minimizing solar exposure and enhancing ventilation. However, recent modifications to the city's historical districts have undermined these adaptive strategies, leading to increased urban heat stress and a reduction in outdoor comfort levels.Meteorological records from Shiraz indicate a persistent rise in average temperatures, aligning with global climate change trends. These data highlight the importance of incorporating climate-sensitive urban design strategies to improve thermal comfort. The traditional design of Shiraz’s historic districts, characterized by narrow alleys, shaded pathways, and strategically oriented streets, exemplifies an effective response to the city's climatic challenges. This study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of geometric transformations in the Sang-e Siah neighborhood on microclimatic conditions and thermal comfort.Theoretical FrameworkUrban geometry consists of key parameters such as the sky view factor (SVF), height-to-width (H/W) ratio, and street orientation, all of which play a critical role in influencing climatic factors such as solar radiation exposure, wind flow, temperature distribution, and humidity retention. These elements collectively determine the thermal comfort of outdoor urban spaces.A reciprocal relationship exists between urban microclimates and broader climatic systems, with urban geometry serving as a crucial intermediary. By adopting climate-responsive urban design principles, planners and designers can mitigate unfavorable microclimatic effects, ensuring more livable and thermally comfortable urban environments. This study examines the extent to which changes in urban form influence these parameters and provides recommendations for sustainable urban planning practices.MethodologyThis research employs a descriptive-analytical approach and falls within the category of applied studies. Data collection was carried out through a combination of historical document analysis, field surveys, and meteorological data evaluation. The ENVI-met software, a highly reliable microclimate simulation tool, was utilized to model the impact of physical alterations on thermal comfort in the Sang-e Siah neighborhood.To ensure the accuracy of the findings, simulated results were compared against on-site temperature, humidity, and wind speed measurements. The study focused on the hottest day of the year—July 1, 2022—to capture extreme temperature conditions and their effects on urban microclimates. This methodological approach provides a robust basis for assessing the thermal performance of the historical urban geometry and its contemporary modifications.Discussion and FindingsThe findings of this study underscore the significant impact of geometric transformations in the neighborhood on microclimatic conditions. Specifically, the increase in SVF and the reduction in H/W ratios have resulted in the following effects:Elevated ambient temperatures due to increased exposure to solar radiation.Enhanced radiant heat effects, leading to a measurable decline in thermal comfort.Increased wind speeds in specific areas, contributing to dust dispersion while simultaneously reducing humidity levels.Decreased humidity, which intensifies heat stress and exacerbates outdoor discomfort.These combined effects have significantly reduced outdoor thermal comfort in the study area. The results emphasize the importance of maintaining traditional urban design principles to ensure microclimatic stability in historic districts.ConclusionThis study confirms that urban geometry variables such as SVF, H/W ratio, and street orientation play a fundamental role in shaping microclimatic conditions. The historical structures in Shiraz were designed in harmony with local climatic conditions, employing passive cooling strategies that enhanced thermal comfort in outdoor spaces. However, modern transformations—particularly the widening of streets and reductions in building heights—have disrupted this balance, exacerbating urban heat stress.To promote sustainable urban development, urban planners and designers should integrate lessons from Shiraz’s historical urban fabric. Strategies such as limiting SVF through shaded pathways, maintaining optimal H/W ratios for improved thermal regulation, and orienting streets to maximize natural ventilation can serve as effective guidelines for improving urban thermal comfort in Shiraz and other arid cities experiencing similar climatic challenges.
Urban Planning
Fatemeh Shams; Mohammad Reza Pourjafar; Seyed Mahdi Khatami; ali soltani
Abstract
Highlights- The prevailing understanding of neighborhoods has lacked a dialectical perspective and has been devoid of social and semantic layers.- Over time, the concept of a neighborhood has evolved from a purely physical entity to a more complex semantic, perceptual, and mental construct.- The traditional ...
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Highlights- The prevailing understanding of neighborhoods has lacked a dialectical perspective and has been devoid of social and semantic layers.- Over time, the concept of a neighborhood has evolved from a purely physical entity to a more complex semantic, perceptual, and mental construct.- The traditional neighborhood, as an identifiable civic entity, comprises four key elements: space, time, citizen, and activity.- Revisiting the core themes of the social ontology of traditional neighborhoods can contribute to the revitalization of contemporary urban neighborhoods.- The social capacities and sociability of a neighborhood form the fundamental themes of the social ontology of traditional neighborhoods.IntroductionOver the past decades, numerous discussions have attempted to define the concept of a neighborhood. Initially, the definition of a neighborhood was rooted in the principle of separation, emphasizing the presence of social boundaries. However, as urban development advanced, the transformation of neighborhoods in the modern era signaled the emergence of new conceptualizations, where planning and design often preceded social structures.Despite extensive academic discourse, a universally accepted definition of a neighborhood remains elusive. Examining the spatial aspects of neighborhoods requires a well-defined theoretical framework that captures the lived experiences of residents and the interrelationship between people, activities, and spaces. The ambiguity in defining neighborhoods stems from the absence of a standardized conceptual framework, resulting in varied interpretations and applications across disciplines. This challenge has hindered the ability of urban scholars to fully grasp the implications of neighborhood effects on social interactions and urban cohesion.Theoretical FrameworkNeighborhoods have long been a focal point of social science research. Sociologists have regarded neighborhoods as "genuine phenomena" with intrinsic social significance. The scientific study of neighborhoods as independent subjects gained traction in the late 19th century. By the 1960s, the concept of the neighborhood had gained prominence within professional communities, yet definitions increasingly overlooked its locational aspects.In the 21st century, social theorists revisited early neighborhood conceptualizations, such as those formulated by the Chicago School, which emphasized demographic characteristics as defining factors. This approach viewed neighborhoods primarily through socio-economic, moral, and racial transformations. However, the perception of neighborhoods gradually shifted from being purely physical constructs to more perceptual and mental entities, characterized by four key dimensions: space, time (history), citizens (individuals, groups, and institutions), and activities or functions.Historical research suggests that the concept of a neighborhood is best understood as a dynamic and evolving process. The "accumulation of similar behavioral patterns" and a "valued perception of a fixed territory" contribute to the neighborhood's identity. Modernity has introduced additional complexities, reinforcing the importance of reevaluating traditional neighborhood frameworks.MethodologyThis study is classified as fundamental research with a qualitative approach. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical method, it employs a systematic review and thematic analysis technique to analyze 36 primary sources. The research follows a six-step process:Immersion in the dataGeneration of primary codesIdentification of themesExamination and refinement of themesDefinition and naming of themesReport preparationResults and DiscussionThe research findings indicate that the social ontology of traditional neighborhoods revolves around two main themes:Capacities of Local Communities, encompassing:Social attachment, which includes attitudinal and behavioral attachment, neighborhood satisfaction, emotional investment, preservation of neighborhood assets, social belonging, pride, and the willingness to defend neighborhood boundaries.Social cohesion, which involves fostering deep interpersonal bonds, shared traditions, community participation, and a collective sense of kinship.Community Neighborhood Acceptance, comprising:Social obligations, which include collective goals, participatory social practices, neighborhood honor, tolerance, mutual trust, crisis unity, and resident engagement in shaping the neighborhood’s future.Public good and empowerment, which pertains to the enhancement of interpersonal resources, skill development, neighborhood loyalty, social support systems, local entrepreneurship, and the sustainability of cultural and economic self-sufficiency.These thematic elements highlight the critical role of neighborhood sociability in fostering cohesive, resilient, and sustainable urban communities. The study underscores that social attachment and cohesion serve as foundational elements for the vitality of traditional neighborhoods.ConclusionThis study aimed to reinterpret the concept of the traditional neighborhood and examine its transformation across different historical periods. By exploring the social aspects of traditional neighborhoods, it identified four primary components that shape their ontology: space, time, citizen, and activity. These elements interact dynamically, influencing both urban structure and citizenship practices.Over time, the understanding of neighborhoods has transitioned from being purely physical constructs to more semantic, perceptual, and mental entities. However, despite this conceptual evolution, neighborhoods remain tangible manifestations of social and spatial dynamics. The increasing divergence between social and physical structures, coupled with enhanced mobility and technological advancements, has complicated the definition and lived experience of neighborhoods in contemporary urban contexts.The findings suggest that revitalizing urban neighborhoods requires a return to the foundational principles of traditional neighborhood design. By integrating social ontology into modern urban planning, policymakers and designers can cultivate more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban environments.
Islamic- Iranian Cities
seyed mojtaba hosseini; Mahmud Rezaei; Alireza Bandarabad
Abstract
Highlights
- The Iranian-Islamic utopia of Isfahan features symbolic historical centers rooted in narrative-mystical, rational-philosophical, and scientific paradigms. Beyond the semantic components of the place, it also encompasses spiritual dimensions.
- Spiritual perception in historical symbolic ...
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Highlights
- The Iranian-Islamic utopia of Isfahan features symbolic historical centers rooted in narrative-mystical, rational-philosophical, and scientific paradigms. Beyond the semantic components of the place, it also encompasses spiritual dimensions.
- Spiritual perception in historical symbolic centers can be explored by referencing "meta-place" components, such as a language intended for the audience.
- The "meta-place" language may shift the "agency" of the place from an "iconic” mode into a "symbolic" one, allowing the audience's "activism" to engage in a state of "becoming" rather than merely "being." As a result, all experiences become detached from perception except for the experience of "no-thingness" or a sense of uniqueness. Ultimately, it culminates in a heightened state of spiritual perception.
Introduction
Historical cities, and the utopia of Isfahan in particular, feature symbolic centers with values that transcend time and space. These values emerge from a fusion of narrative-mystical, rational-philosophical, and scientific paradigms. In contrast to such deeply semantic historical urban planning and architecture, modern urban planning has generalized human needs into materialistic demands, often neglecting historical continuity. This shift has led to the excessive dispersion of people and activities, creating identity-less built environments.
Historical symbolic centers offer meaning and provide spaces that sustain life. This phenomenon is vividly manifested in Isfahan’s symbolic centers, which have been preserved to this day. Thus, studying Isfahan’s historical centers provides a meaningful case for understanding value-creating rules. This research examines the symbolic historical centers of Isfahan by analyzing the city’s development during the Al-Buyyid and Safavid periods, revealing the semantic perception embedded in these spaces. These places hold identity through fantasy, thought, and historical continuity, shaping unique urban experiences.
Theoretical Framework
The sense of place consists of three key components: physical, social, and conceptual. These elements have been widely analyzed in architectural and urban planning studies. However, most research has examined them in isolation, without integrating all three into a phenomenological model that accounts for intuitive perception in Iranian historical places. This study addresses this gap by proposing a metaspatial ontology of place perception, as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Perception of Dimensions of Place with a Metaspatial Ontology
Semantic Perception
Sensory Perception
Spatial Perception
Imagination – Creating images
Readability, memories, ritual establishment
Mental perceptions
The unity of the observer and the view
Peace, comfort, people's actions
Social perceptions
Life, natural and climatic comfort
Body quality, variety, coverage
Physical perceptions
The world of the senses and the world of intuition
Visual diversity
Morphology and spatial openness/closure
The journey from material to spiritual worlds
Spatial confinement
Spatial order and authenticity
Methodology
This study employs a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, utilizing historical-interpretive methods and an in-depth case study strategy. The analysis is based on a systematic review of historical texts and field observations. The symbolic historical centers of Isfahan—including the Old Square, Bazaar, and Naghsh-e Jahan Square—were selected for study based on direct observation, first-hand researcher experience, and audience perceptions.
Results and Discussion
The semantic perception of Isfahan’s symbolic historical centers arises from an interplay of semantic and sensory components. A transspatial language—characterized by its spatial transcendence and actionability—forms the foundation for an enriched semantic experience, adaptable to different existential perspectives. This perception is shaped by linguistic elements, including trans-spatial stability, trans-functional-social dynamics, metamorphological positioning, individualistic semantics, and metaspatial typology.
Table 2: Coding of Semantic Perception Components in Isfahan’s Symbolic Historical Centers
Linguistic Components of Place
Selected Codes
Pivotal Codes
Urban Space Open Codes
Isfahan Historical Center Open Codes
Trans-contextual sustainability
Action
Possible-liquid
Peace/Nature/Comfort
Manifestation of heaven on earth in Baghshahr and Chaharbagh; Si-o-Se Pol’s role in urban unity
Transfunctional-social
Fluidity
Dialogue/
Attraction
Sociability/Dynamics/Diversity
Unity of nation, religion, and politics; Integration of material and spiritual elements
Metavisual imagery
Fantasy
Perspective/Identity
Historical identity/Memory
Visual complexity and spatial continuity
Metaphysical positioning
Transfiguration
Symbol
Historicity/Unity of Being
Spatial structure, coherence, and hierarchical balance
Hyperspace typology
Sacredness
Authenticity
Wisdom/Enclosure/Identity
Connection between earthly and celestial realms, cosmic design principles
Conclusion
In traditional Iranian cities, perception was deeply intertwined with the components of place, resulting in a supraspatial aspect that extended beyond material existence. This quality, rooted in Islamic-Iranian ontology and epistemology, enables the recreation of ancient symbolic centers by focusing on linguistic, agency, and action concepts. The historical centers of Isfahan function as a symbolic language, embodying a profound grammar that connects the earthly and celestial realms. In contrast, contemporary urban centers often lack this depth due to the absence of such a foundational language.
Urban Tourism
leila Oveisi; akbar Pourfaraj; mohammadamir oveisi
Abstract
Key Highlights- Examination of child-friendly tourism in commercial and recreational complexes.- Identification of 39 key indicators for child-centered design and planning.- Application of a mixed-method approach (Thematic Analysis and FMEA) for prioritization.- Recommendations for private and public ...
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Key Highlights- Examination of child-friendly tourism in commercial and recreational complexes.- Identification of 39 key indicators for child-centered design and planning.- Application of a mixed-method approach (Thematic Analysis and FMEA) for prioritization.- Recommendations for private and public sector collaboration to enhance child tourism.- Emphasis on comprehensive design to improve the family and child experience in urban environments. IntroductionChildren, as the bridge between past and future generations, are highly vulnerable and possess unique needs, attitudes, and expectations. The rise of child-friendly tourism is a response to the modern need for structured leisure opportunities, influenced by lifestyle changes such as the shift from extended to nuclear families, increased migration and urbanization, apartment living, and reduced play spaces for children.Urban expansion, population growth, and evolving patterns of leisure and consumption have made commercial and recreational complexes integral to tourism and urban entertainment. However, inadequate design and failure to address children’s needs in these spaces not only hinder tourism development and community welfare but can also lead to economic, cultural, and social setbacks. Poorly designed spaces contribute to behavioral issues, dissatisfaction among visitors, and diminished overall experiences.Given the competitive nature of the tourism industry, businesses are increasingly focusing on child-centered products and services. This study aims to analyze the feasibility of child-friendly tourism indicators in the Persian Gulf Commercial and Recreational Complex in Yazd, one of the largest urban centers, by identifying key factors influencing child-centered space development. Theoretical FrameworkUrban tourism, particularly in commercial-recreational environments, serves as a catalyst for economic, cultural, and social development. From a child tourism perspective, these spaces should not only be safe but also stimulating and participatory.Previous research highlights the significant impact of child-centered environments on learning, personal growth, and social interactions. Theories from child psychology and urban design emphasize the importance of appropriately scaled spaces and environments that cater to children’s physical, psychological, and social needs. This study employs frameworks related to social justice, participatory design, and sustainable tourism to analyze the development of child-friendly spaces. Research MethodologyThis study employs a mixed-method approach consisting of two main phases: Qualitative Phase:Methodology: Thematic Analysis using Clarke and Braun’s six-stage framework.Data Collection: In-depth interviews with 31 experts in child tourism, architecture, and psychology.Outcome: Identification of 39 indicators categorized into seven key themes:InfrastructureManagementSafetyEducationSocio-Cultural AspectsVisual DesignRecreation Quantitative Phase:Methodology: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for prioritizing indicators based on risk assessment.RPN Calculation:Data Collection: Expert evaluations of the 39 indicators using a 5-point Likert scale.Outcome: Prioritization of key indicators to develop practical policies and strategies. Results and DiscussionFindings indicate that commercial-recreational complexes hold significant potential to become child-friendly spaces, provided that comprehensive planning addresses children’s specific needs. The main indicators identified include:Physical Infrastructure: Easy accessibility, child-friendly restrooms, safe play areas, facilities for children with special needs, and surveillance systems.Management and Planning: Development of guidelines for child-centered spaces, child-friendly marketing, and incentive policies for families.Safety and Security: Installation of safety barriers, regular sanitation, and electronic monitoring systems.Education and Personal Growth: Implementation of creative educational activities, social skill development programs, and interactive play opportunities.Socio-Cultural Needs: Promoting social interactions through group activities, parental involvement in recreational programs, and fostering local cultural values.Visual Design: Use of bright colors, child-appropriate scales, and appealing lighting.Recreation and Events: Organizing competitions, festivals, and artistic activities to strengthen children’s sense of belonging.Prioritization of Indicators Using FMEA:Development of comprehensive child-centered management guidelines (RPN: 370.58)Design of appropriately scaled child spaces (RPN: 368.69)Creation of interactive spaces to enhance place attachment (RPN: 346.99)The results suggest that intelligent and holistic design can significantly improve the family and child experience while increasing the economic and social appeal of these complexes. ConclusionThis study underscores the necessity of developing child-friendly tourism in urban environments and commercial-recreational complexes. These spaces play a critical role in fulfilling the needs of families and children, fostering social interactions, learning, and leisure activities.Key Recommendations:Comprehensive Child-Centered Design: Spaces should be designed with children’s physical, psychological, and social needs in mind, ensuring accessibility, safety, and engagement.Strategic Management and Planning: The development of child-focused management policies and long-term planning is crucial. Public-private sector collaboration can enhance resource allocation.Investment in Safe and Sustainable Infrastructure: Ensuring the presence of safety measures, sanitation, and inclusive play areas can improve family participation and satisfaction.Enhancing Social and Cultural Engagement: Organizing events such as competitions, festivals, and educational programs can enrich children’s social experiences and encourage parental involvement.Economic and Social Benefits for Local Communities: Well-designed commercial-recreational complexes can attract tourists, stimulate local economies, and create employment opportunities.Long-Term Sustainability: As children’s needs evolve alongside technological advancements, continuous investment in research and innovation is vital to maintaining the appeal and functionality of child-friendly spaces.The case study of the Persian Gulf Commercial and Recreational Complex in Yazd demonstrates that with careful planning, these spaces can be transformed into child-friendly destinations. While steps have been taken to integrate child-friendly features, further improvements in management, design, and investment are necessary.This research advocates for urban planners and policymakers to prioritize child-centered design and management as a strategy for enhancing urban quality of life and promoting sustainable tourism. Effective collaboration between government entities, private sectors, and child tourism experts can create inclusive and sustainable environments that increase family satisfaction and boost global competitiveness.
Urban livability
Zeinab Kia; Aliakbar Shamsipour; Ghasem Azizi
Abstract
Highlights
- Tehran exhibits significant climatic diversity due to variations in elevation, morphology, and physical features.
- The geomorphological characteristics of Tehran's substratum play a critical role in shaping homogeneous climate response units.
- The city's compact urban texture and developmental ...
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Highlights
- Tehran exhibits significant climatic diversity due to variations in elevation, morphology, and physical features.
- The geomorphological characteristics of Tehran's substratum play a critical role in shaping homogeneous climate response units.
- The city's compact urban texture and developmental patterns contribute significantly to the formation of Tehran's urban heat island.
- The climate response units of Tehran are influenced by elevation, surface morphology, and urbanization patterns.
- The middle strip of Tehran, featuring hills and constructed parks, creates distinct local climatic conditions.
Introduction
Understanding the natural characteristics of urban areas, especially their climatic features, is crucial for effective land management. Urban climate plays a fundamental role in shaping ventilation patterns, air quality, and thermal comfort. To enhance urban planning strategies, a suitable climatic classification system is essential for distinguishing different zones based on their environmental conditions. Climatic zoning facilitates the identification of distinct climatic features, enabling region-specific planning and management.
Traditional climate zoning methods are insufficient for modern urban environments due to variations in land use, land cover, urban geometry, and structure. This research employs an applied approach, using descriptive and analytical methodologies. The study integrates multiple spatial data layers, including digital elevation models, land use/cover, building density, green spaces, and hydrographic networks, to classify urban climate zones effectively. These parameters provide a comprehensive understanding of Tehran's climatic conditions and their spatial distribution.
Study Area
Tehran, spanning 615 square kilometers, is situated between mountainous zones and arid plains, leading to diverse climatic conditions. The city's climate is primarily influenced by its topography, with the northern highlands experiencing more favorable conditions than the central and southern low-altitude plains.
Local climatic differences arise due to varying land uses, such as green spaces, barren lands, asphalt surfaces, and residential zones. Building density significantly impacts the urban climate, contributing to distinct microclimatic conditions across different localities. The city's morphology and topography play a decisive role in shaping its climatic response units.
Discussion
A geomorphological map provides valuable insights into the shape, structure, and texture of Tehran’s urban landscape. This map illustrates the relationship between natural features, built environments, and climatic conditions. Different neighborhoods within Tehran exhibit unique topographic characteristics, construction patterns, traffic densities, and accessibility, all of which influence local climate variations.
Key homogeneous climate response units in Tehran include mountains (class 3), green spaces (class 16), and riverbeds/lakes (class 17). These units contribute positively to reducing air temperature, enhancing air quality, and promoting natural ventilation. Preserving these areas is crucial for mitigating urban heat island effects and improving urban climate resilience.
To assess Tehran’s climate at a localized scale, topographic and urban structural parameters were analyzed. First, the spatial distribution of building density was classified into five distinct groups. Subsequently, a geomorphological map of Tehran was generated, identifying ten morphological classes. By integrating building density and urban geomorphology data, a homogeneous climate response unit (HCR) map was developed. This map serves as a vital tool for understanding and managing Tehran’s urban climate.
Conclusion
This research introduces a novel approach to urban climate zoning, previously applied in Lisbon, Portugal, for classifying urban climatic conditions. Central Tehran exhibits high building density, limited green spaces, and pronounced urban heat island effects. The primary factors contributing to the urban heat island phenomenon include high population density, intensified urban activities, and dense construction patterns.
The geomorphological analysis highlights that central and southern Tehran, particularly districts with minimal green spaces (e.g., District 9), suffer from poor air quality and inadequate natural ventilation. These areas exhibit unfavorable climatic conditions due to high pollution levels, urban congestion, and limited airflow. Conversely, northern Tehran (e.g., Districts 1 and 4) benefits from superior air quality, attributed to its proximity to mountains, river valleys, and extensive green spaces.
The prevailing wind direction in Tehran originates from the west, influencing pollutant dispersion patterns. Industrial concentrations in the western parts of the city exacerbate pollution levels in adjacent areas. Consequently, central and southern Tehran require strategic urban interventions to enhance climatic conditions. Recommendations include:
- Integrating green spaces on building facades and streets.
- Establishing water features such as ponds and fountains to moderate air temperature.
- Utilizing reflective and cool materials in urban surfaces to mitigate heat accumulation.
- Expanding green areas to improve air quality and humidity levels.
- Regulating urban expansion to prevent excessive development in climatically vulnerable zones.
- Designing transportation networks to facilitate natural air circulation.
In conclusion, effective climate zoning strategies are essential for sustainable urban development in Tehran. Implementing targeted climate-responsive urban planning measures can significantly improve air quality, thermal comfort, and overall environmental conditions in the city.
Urban Planning
esmail DALIR
Abstract
Highlights
- Citizens' bioethics is influenced by various dimensions of social justice.
- The habitual practice of bioethical principles is fostered through fairness.
- Commitment to alleviating the suffering of others is achieved through equality.
- Economic, social, cultural, and educational foundations ...
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Highlights
- Citizens' bioethics is influenced by various dimensions of social justice.
- The habitual practice of bioethical principles is fostered through fairness.
- Commitment to alleviating the suffering of others is achieved through equality.
- Economic, social, cultural, and educational foundations enhance the effectiveness of social justice in bioethics.
Introduction
Bioethics serves as a fundamental pillar in establishing a moral society and fostering a genuine sense of justice. Addressing social and ethical challenges is a priority for global institutions, including the United Nations, which highlights bioethics as a means to uphold human dignity and equality. A critical aspect of bioethics is its relationship with justice, particularly social justice, which involves the equitable distribution of societal benefits among its members. Bioethical principles must therefore encompass multiple ethical standards such as equality, necessity, capability, effort, and social needs. This study aims to assess the influence of social justice on bioethics and evaluate its realization across the urban areas of Ardabil.
Theoretical Framework
Potter posits that humanity faces a moral and ethical crisis, impacting not only socio-economic development but also the ethical integrity of society. Bioethics, in this context, serves as a corrective measure to realign individuals with moral principles. Rentorf and Kemp argue that justice should be the ultimate goal of bioethics and biological rights. Social justice, when framed through the principles of fairness, equality, necessity, and economic individualism, significantly strengthens bioethics by promoting respect, non-exploitation, benevolence, and fairness.
John Rawls' theory of social justice is foundational to this study, emphasizing two key principles: the principle of freedom and the principle of difference. The latter suggests that social and economic disparities should be structured to ensure equitable opportunities for all. In essence, "fair equality of opportunity" dictates that every individual should have the same chances of success, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Methodology
This study adopts an applied research approach with a descriptive-analytical method to explore the impact of social justice on bioethics in Ardabil. The degree of social justice realization was measured through four key variables:
Fairness (cooperation, benevolence, sympathy, compassion)
Equality (equal opportunities, freedom, elimination of discrimination, unity, respect for laws)
Necessity (security, participation, health and hygiene, education, equal share)
Economic individualism (domestic goods, economic freedom, private property, personal interests, competition)
Each variable was assessed using five indicators, resulting in a total of 20 items. A structured questionnaire consisting of 40 research questions, rated on a Likert scale (1=very little to 5=very much), was distributed to a statistically representative sample of 383 individuals drawn from Ardabil's population of 529,374, using the Cochran formula. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and Excel, and GIS mapping was employed to rank the urban areas based on their realization of social justice indicators.
Results and Discussion
Factor analysis revealed that the fairness variable had the highest realization level (16.95), indicating that cooperation, benevolence, sympathy, and compassion were the most influential aspects of bioethics among Ardabil’s citizens. The equality variable ranked second (15.27), reflecting significant social justice elements such as equal opportunities, freedom, elimination of discrimination, and respect for laws. The necessity variable (13.82) took the third place, emphasizing the importance of security, participation, education, health, and equitable distribution of resources. The economic individualism variable ranked lowest (13.73), suggesting that aspects such as private property, economic freedom, and competition had the least impact on bioethical considerations.
Using the WASPAS model, the urban areas were ranked as follows based on the realization of social justice indicators:
Region 1 - Qi 0.5393 (slightly above average)
Region 2 - Qi 0.4258 (42.58% realization of social justice in bioethics)
Region 5 - Qi 0.4099
Region 3 - Qi 0.3978
Region 4 - Qi 0.3803 (lowest realization of social justice in bioethics)
Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of integrating social justice principles into urban planning policies to enhance bioethics among citizens. Addressing social challenges through bioethics must be rooted in justice, ensuring that both individual and collective needs are met through equitable policies and practices. The findings highlight the necessity for targeted interventions to promote fairness, equality, and social well-being across different urban areas.
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