Urban Planning
Mozaffar Sarrafi
Abstract
HighlightsIran is experiencing a multidimensional crisis of unsustainability across environmental, social, economic, physical, and institutional spatial domains.Spatial underdevelopment is not merely technical or sectoral but a paradigmatic outcome of a dominant development discourse.Conventional spatial ...
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HighlightsIran is experiencing a multidimensional crisis of unsustainability across environmental, social, economic, physical, and institutional spatial domains.Spatial underdevelopment is not merely technical or sectoral but a paradigmatic outcome of a dominant development discourse.Conventional spatial planning in Iran has focused on managing existing conditions rather than enabling normative, future-oriented change.This study employs a problematization-based approach to interrogate the foundations of unsustainable spatial production.A transformative spatial planning framework is proposed, grounded in an alternative development paradigm integrating Iranian civilizational wisdom with global sustainability knowledge.Local communities, spatial institutionalization, and the prioritization of socio-ecological rationality over economic–engineering logic are identified as key drivers of sustainable transformation. IntroductionOver recent decades, Iran has experienced accelerating processes of unsustainability that have disrupted social and ecological equilibria. Declining water availability, environmental degradation, unemployment, spatial inequality, poverty, marginalization, and socio-cultural fragmentation have become persistent features of national development trajectories. Many of these challenges are inherently spatial, materializing most visibly in urban regions through polarized development patterns, informal settlements, environmental risks, and declining quality of life.Although the roots of these crises cannot be reduced solely to spatial factors, spatial planning offers a critical and integrative lens for addressing them. Space constitutes the arena where social, economic, ecological, and institutional processes intersect. Unlike sectoral approaches, spatial planning can integrate these dimensions and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable outcomes.Nevertheless, prevailing spatial planning practices in Iran have largely been reactive, focusing on regulation within an already problematic development paradigm. Rarely have these practices questioned the assumptions shaping development itself. This paper argues that Iran’s pervasive unsustainability results from a dominant paradigm that must be critically challenged and replaced. As a public and normative practice, spatial planning has a central role in facilitating this shift. Accordingly, the study examines the problematics of spatial development in Iran and proposes a transformative spatial planning approach oriented toward sustainability. Theoretical FrameworkThe study is grounded in critical spatial theory, particularly the understanding of space as a socially produced and productive phenomenon. Following Lefebvre, space is conceptualized not as a neutral container but as a dialectical construct shaped by social relations and shaping them in return. Socio-economic processes are inherently spatial, and spatial configurations actively condition social outcomes.Within this framework, spatial development is interpreted as an expression of dominant development paradigms. Under global capitalism, space has increasingly become a medium for capital accumulation rather than a foundation for collective life. This transformation has produced commodification, socio-spatial polarization, social exclusion, and ecological degradation, particularly in the Global South. Iran’s contemporary spatial development broadly follows this logic, shaped by oil-based revenues, centralized governance, weak civil society, and rent-seeking practices in urban land and housing markets. Sustainability, by contrast, is defined as living within ecological limits while ensuring equitable satisfaction of social needs. Achieving sustainability requires transforming prevailing development paradigms and their spatial manifestations. When grounded in a holistic understanding of space, spatial planning can mediate between socio-ecological values and spatial organization.MethodologyThis research adopts a qualitative and conceptual methodology based on the approach of problematization. Rather than treating unsustainable spatial outcomes as isolated technical deficiencies, problematization interrogates the assumptions, discourses, and knowledge systems through which such outcomes have been normalized and reproduced.Drawing on the works of Foucault, Freire, and contemporary critical scholars, this approach challenges dominant ontological and epistemological foundations of spatial development. The analysis seeks to reveal how specific development logics have continuously generated unsustainable spatial patterns in Iran. It operates at two analytical levels: a general level situating Iran within global development dynamics, and a contextual level examining historically and institutionally embedded spatial practices. This dual perspective provides the basis for articulating an alternative, transformative spatial planning approach.Results and DiscussionThe findings indicate that unsustainable spatial development in Iran emerges from the convergence of global capitalist spatial logics and country-specific institutional conditions. At the general level, alignment with a globalized, capital-driven development paradigm has led to the commodification of urban space, the prioritization of exchange value over use value, and increasing socio-spatial polarization.At the contextual level, oil-based revenues, centralized governance, weak participatory mechanisms, and limited institutional accountability have intensified rent-seeking behaviors in spatial development. These dynamics have produced rapid urban growth disconnected from ecological capacity, cultural continuity, and social equity. Traditional Iranian spatial practices, historically adapted to ecological constraints such as water scarcity, have largely been abandoned, resulting in a rupture between space, culture, and environment.Conventional spatial planning has been unable to counteract these trends due to its technocratic orientation and subordination to dominant power structures. The analysis suggests that sustainability cannot be achieved through incremental reforms within the existing paradigm. Instead, a transformative approach is required, one that redefines spatial planning from a tool for managing growth to a practice aimed at enabling socio-ecological resilience and collective well-being.ConclusionThe paper proposes a transformative spatial planning approach for sustainability in Iran based on an alternative development paradigm. This approach emphasizes the integration of renewed Iranian civilizational wisdom with contemporary global sustainability knowledge. Central to this vision are inclusive participation, spatial institutionalization, and the empowerment of local communities as active agents of change.Transformative spatial planning prioritizes socio-ecological rationality over economic–engineering logics, strengthens local governance structures, expands shared public spaces, and fosters social learning processes. Rather than responding reactively to existing problems, it seeks to proactively generate spaces aligned with long-term sustainability objectives.Iran currently stands at a critical historical juncture. Without a fundamental reorientation of spatial development practices, existing crises are likely to deepen. Spatial planners, as agents of transformation, bear a significant responsibility in shaping alternative futures. By adopting critically informed, normative, and forward-looking planning practices, they can contribute to the production of sustainable spaces and to a more equitable and resilient society.
Urban Management
Salah Vaisi; Somayeh Hosseinipour; Negar Khiabanchian; Seyyed Mohammadmahdi Hosseinikia
Abstract
Highlights
By integrating GIS techniques with real electricity and natural gas consumption data, this study develops detailed and spatially precise urban energy maps that quantify annual demand at the building scale.
The resulting energy maps function as a strategic planning tool, enabling city managers ...
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Highlights
By integrating GIS techniques with real electricity and natural gas consumption data, this study develops detailed and spatially precise urban energy maps that quantify annual demand at the building scale.
The resulting energy maps function as a strategic planning tool, enabling city managers to optimize infrastructure investment, design smart energy policies, and facilitate the transition toward sustainable urban energy systems.
Introduction
As Iran continues to confront critical challenges in large-scale energy production, distribution, and long-term resource security, the issue of energy imbalance has become a central concern for national development. Urban areas, which account for a substantial share of global and national energy consumption, require accurate and place-based planning tools that can support evidence-driven policymaking. In this context, the city of Marivan in Kurdistan Province offers a compelling case for investigating the dynamics of urban energy demand due to its unique climatic conditions, heterogeneous building patterns, and expanding urban footprint.
This research seeks to estimate building-level energy consumption and to produce high-resolution energy demand maps for Marivan using an integrated modeling approach. The study also aims to examine how local climatic factors, building function (residential versus non-residential), and physical characteristics influence macro-scale energy consumption patterns. Furthermore, it investigates the ways in which urban energy maps—when grounded in empirical utility data—can serve as a scientific decision-support tool for smart energy management. In doing so, the research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable energy planning and provides a methodological foundation for developing smart cities in Iran and other regions undergoing similar transitions.
Theoretical Framework
The study is informed by the expanding field of Urban Building Energy Modeling (UBEM), a multidisciplinary framework that integrates building physics, GIS, data science, and urban planning. UBEM enables researchers to estimate and visualize energy consumption at the urban scale by combining both physical characteristics of buildings and empirical utility data.
The conceptual framework of this research employs a hybrid top-down/bottom-up approach. From a top-down perspective, aggregated real-world energy consumption data—captured through electricity and gas billing records—are used to establish statistical relationships between different types of buildings and their energy use profiles. This ensures that the model is rooted in actual consumption behavior rather than relying solely on theoretical assumptions.
The bottom-up component incorporates detailed building attributes, such as conditioned area, form, and functional classification, providing a granular understanding of how spatial and physical conditions influence energy demand. Within this dual approach, the study applies energy benchmarking techniques, drawing from internationally recognized standards such as CIBSE TM46 while also integrating locally calibrated benchmarks tailored to the climatic conditions of the Kurdish highland region.
This integrated theoretical framework ultimately positions urban energy maps as more than visualization tools; rather, they become essential instruments for strategic energy governance. They support policy evaluation, identification of high-consumption hotspots, assessment of energy inefficiencies, and planning for renewable energy deployment—functions that align closely with the principles of smart city development.
Methodology
This applied study employs a quantitative–analytical approach, combining correlation analysis, multiple linear regression (MLR), and spatial modeling.
The statistical population of the study consists of approximately 35,000 buildings, representing 98% of all structures in Marivan. Building characteristics, including conditioned area and land-use classification, were obtained from the Kurdistan Road and Urban Development Department. Real consumption data for electricity and natural gas were acquired directly from utility providers, ensuring a high degree of reliability and spatial accuracy.
Following data screening and organization in Excel and SPSS, a regression model was constructed using two independent variables—conditioned area and building function—to predict the dependent variable, annual energy consumption. The model parameters were subsequently applied within a GIS environment. Using customized Visual Basic (VB) scripts, the calculated energy intensity benchmarks (kWh/m²/year) were assigned to each building footprint, generating spatially explicit predictive maps for annual electricity demand, gas demand, and total combined energy consumption.
Model validation was performed through a comparative analysis between predicted and actual consumption datasets. This validation strengthened the credibility of the model and allowed for minor calibration adjustments to better align with observed consumption patterns across different parts of the city.
Results and Discussion
The findings reveal key insights into Marivan’s urban energy dynamics. The city requires an estimated 2.032 MWh of thermal energy (natural gas) and 117 MWh of electrical energy annually, with significant spatial variability across districts. The central urban area demonstrates the highest energy intensity, reflecting its concentration of commercial activities, dense residential blocks, and aging building stock. In contrast, northern neighborhoods exhibit the lowest consumption levels, partly due to newer construction and lower population density.
Residential buildings emerge as the dominant energy consumers, using nearly ten times more total energy than non-residential buildings due to their numerical prevalence and larger cumulative conditioned area. Seasonal analysis illustrates a clear divergence: peak electricity demand (41 MWh) occurs during the summer months—primarily due to cooling loads—while peak gas consumption (855 MWh) is concentrated in winter, driven by extensive heating needs.
Regression analysis confirms a significant positive correlation between building area and gas consumption, validating the role of building size as a major determinant of annual energy demand. The results underscore the necessity of adopting a differentiated policy approach that targets high-consumption zones and building categories.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that GIS-based UBEM modeling, when combined with real consumption data and locally calibrated benchmarks, can accurately forecast and map urban energy demand at the building scale. The resulting energy maps provide a powerful decision-support framework for city managers, planners, and energy service companies.
Given Iran’s ongoing energy imbalance, the research emphasizes the need to diversify the urban energy portfolio by gradually transitioning from fossil-fuel dependency toward distributed renewable systems, especially solar energy. The spatial outputs of this research offer a scientific basis for identifying optimal sites for photovoltaic installations and for prioritizing zones requiring energy retrofits.
The study’s methodology is replicable and can be applied to other Iranian cities, promoting the development of smart energy dashboards to monitor, manage, and enhance energy efficiency at the national level. Future research is encouraged to incorporate socioeconomic variables, household behavioral patterns, and climate change scenarios to enrich the predictive capacity of urban energy models.
Regeneration and revival of historical context
Yasaman Paknejad; hossein abeddoost
Abstract
Highlights
Social hope can be revitalized in urban environments by integrating culture, art, and community participation through a sense-of-place approach that strengthens collective identity.
A strong sense of belonging emerges from memory, historical continuity, vitality, social interaction, culture-building, ...
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Highlights
Social hope can be revitalized in urban environments by integrating culture, art, and community participation through a sense-of-place approach that strengthens collective identity.
A strong sense of belonging emerges from memory, historical continuity, vitality, social interaction, culture-building, beautification, and inclusive urban practices rooted in shared experiences.
In Isfahan, artistic expression and urban graphics act as primary drivers of social hope, while in Rasht, local culture, customs, climate, and community traditions shape the foundations of hope and belonging.
Introduction
The concept of sense of place, as articulated by Fritz Still, refers to the experiential, perceptual, and emotional bond that individuals develop with particular environments. It arises from the interaction between subjective elements—such as memories, mental imagery, cultural knowledge, and personal experiences—and objective components embedded in the physical environment, such as architectural forms, urban landscapes, textures, sounds, and spatial arrangements. This multidimensional phenomenon encompasses emotional attachment, cognitive interpretation, and behavioral engagement. It evolves gradually as individuals adapt to the social and spatial context, interact with others, and participate in cultural practices.
Still conceptualizes the development of sense of place across three progressive stages: belonging, attachment, and commitment. These stages move from low-intensity awareness to deep emotional connection and, ultimately, strong willingness to contribute to the well-being and continuity of the place. A heightened sense of belonging reflects not only the individual’s lived experiences but also shared cultural memory, collective identity, and social values.
Culture—defined as the collective patterns of thought, tradition, behavior, and meaning within a community—and art, as the tangible and symbolic expression of cultural identity, play pivotal roles in shaping the sense of place. Artistic and cultural interventions embed shared narratives and symbolic meanings into the urban fabric, transforming public spaces into landscapes of memory, identity, and social interaction. These interventions provide opportunities for emotional resonance, aesthetic pleasure, collective engagement, and ultimately the cultivation of social hope. Through the thoughtful integration of cultural narratives and artistic practices, urban environments can encourage optimism, reinforce social ties, and enrich the quality of life for residents. Thus, culture and art serve not only as aesthetic enhancers but also as social catalysts that strengthen emotional attachment to place and energize the collective imagination.
Theoretical Framework
The study adopts a descriptive–analytical approach grounded in qualitative inquiry, using the principles of Grounded Theory to uncover underlying patterns and relationships. Through purposive sampling, twenty citizens aged 18 and above from the cities of Isfahan and Rasht were selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. These interviews explored participants’ interpretations, perceptions, and lived experiences related to social hope, sense of place, and the broader cultural and artistic context of their urban environments.
The qualitative method facilitated the identification of the most influential dimensions contributing to sense of belonging—namely memory, historical depth, vitality, social interaction, culture-building, and beautification. Each of these dimensions becomes meaningful through cultural and artistic expressions embedded within the built environment. The research framework therefore focuses on understanding how these elements manifest differently across urban contexts, and how they collectively contribute to the revitalization of social hope.
Methodology
The research methodology is based on descriptive–analytical analysis combined with Grounded Theory procedures. Data collection relied on library resources and semi-structured interviews with residents of Isfahan and Rasht. The purposive sampling strategy ensured that participants possessed relevant insights regarding their interaction with urban spaces and their sense of belonging. Interview data were coded systematically to extract major themes, sub-themes, and conceptual categories.
The analytical process enabled the identification of cultural and artistic components that shape emotional attachment and collective identity. By comparing the two cities, the study illuminates how distinct cultural contexts influence the experience of social hope and the formation of sense of place. Ultimately, the methodological approach facilitated the creation of a conceptual model illustrating how cultural–artistic interventions can be strategically used to reinforce social hope in diverse urban settings.
Results and Discussion
The results demonstrate that the components shaping sense of place and social hope differ between Isfahan and Rasht but are rooted in similar underlying dimensions.
In Isfahan:
Memory is shaped through urban graphics, traditional architecture, and the integration of contemporary technologies.
History is represented through architectural heritage, urban graphics, and innovative handicrafts.
Vitality appears in interactive urban graphics, well-maintained facilities, and effective urban management.
Social interaction is reinforced through festivals, public gatherings, and shared cultural activities.
Culture-building emerges through coordinated urban management, cultural events, public services, and visual communication.
Beautification is achieved through artistic design, public art installations, and enriched spatial aesthetics.
In Rasht:
Memory is embedded in architectural traditions, climatic characteristics, and local symbols expressed in urban graphics.
History is conveyed through cultural heritage, architecture, and creative culinary traditions.
Vitality arises from local customs, pedestrian-oriented spaces, and vibrant cultural festivals.
Interaction is strengthened by communal events and the warm, hospitable behavior of residents.
Culture-building relies on community-based festivals, local traditions, and participatory artistic practices.
Beautification is produced through artistic interventions that reflect the region’s unique cultural attributes.
A key comparative insight reveals that while Isfahan relies heavily on artistic expression and urban graphics to generate social hope, Rasht’s foundation lies in its rich local culture and traditional customs. Despite these differences, both cities illustrate that integrating culture, art, and inclusive practices can significantly enhance sense of belonging, environmental attachment, and ultimately, social hope.
Conclusion
This study confirms that the revitalization of social hope in urban spaces is achievable when culture and art are strategically integrated through a sense-of-place approach. Urban art, as a communicative and symbolic medium, not only beautifies spaces but also conveys collective meanings and reinforces cultural identity. Enhancing social hope leads to greater social cohesion, collective agreement, and strengthened community resilience.
By designing urban environments that prioritize cultural expression, artistic creativity, and meaningful engagement, cities can foster optimism, belonging, and long-term social vitality. The findings underscore the importance of qualitative improvements in urban design, the promotion of artistic and cultural activities, and the implementation of educational approaches that encourage civic participation. These strategies collectively contribute to sustainable cultural and social development.
Acknowledgment
The present article is based on the M.A. thesis entitled "Recreating Social Hope in Urban Spaces through Culture and Art with a Sense of Place Approach (Case Study: The Cities of Isfahan and Rasht)", which was defended by the first author under the supervision of Dr. Hossein Abeddoost at the Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Guilan.
Urban Management
leila sahraei cheshmehsardeh; alireza Sheikholeslami; Ahmad Pourahmad; Hassan Piriaei
Abstract
Highlights
This study presents an integrated and operational theoretical framework for analyzing smart resilience in developing urban environments.
Smart urban governance demonstrates a strong positive effect (R² = 0.41) on social resilience in Borujerd.
Citizen e-participation emerged as the ...
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Highlights
This study presents an integrated and operational theoretical framework for analyzing smart resilience in developing urban environments.
Smart urban governance demonstrates a strong positive effect (R² = 0.41) on social resilience in Borujerd.
Citizen e-participation emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.35) for enhancing resilience capacities.
Digital divide and cultural barriers were identified as the most critical impediments to smart governance implementation.
The research offers practical and context-sensitive policy recommendations, including establishing local resilience hubs and expanding LTE networks.
Introduction
Social resilience has increasingly become recognized as a foundational component of sustainable urban development, particularly in cities facing rapid socio-economic transformations, recurring crises, and governance challenges. As urban areas continue to encounter disruptions—ranging from natural hazards and economic shocks to infrastructure failures—understanding how communities adapt, reorganize, and recover has gained renewed scholarly and policy attention. This research investigates the transformative role of smart urban governance in strengthening social resilience, with a focused examination of Borujerd, Iran.
Borujerd, as a mid-sized developing city with diverse socio-cultural characteristics, limited digital infrastructure, and evolving institutional capacities, provides a valuable case for evaluating how smart governance tools can be operationalized in resource-constrained environments. While much of the global literature emphasizes technologically advanced cities, fewer studies have explored how smart governance can catalyze resilience in settings where traditional governance models remain dominant and digital transitions are gradual. Thus, this research fills a significant gap by exploring the intersection of technology, governance innovation, and community resilience within the context of developing urban systems.
Theoretical Framework
The study develops an integrated theoretical model combining smart governance theory with social resilience theory, allowing for a multidimensional analysis of how digital transformations shape community capacities. Drawing on contemporary scholarship in smart city governance (Meijer & Bolívar, 2016; Nam & Pardo, 2011), the framework conceptualizes smart governance as the strategic use of ICT to enhance transparency, efficiency, interdepartmental coordination, and public service responsiveness.
In parallel, the social resilience dimension builds upon Norris et al. (2008), emphasizing adaptive capacities rooted in social networks, institutional support mechanisms, and collective problem-solving. By synthesizing these conceptual strands, the framework proposes that smart governance serves as a catalyst for resilience by expanding access to real-time information, enabling more inclusive citizen–state interactions, and strengthening institutional agility during times of disruption. This theoretical integration contributes to urban governance literature by proposing a holistic model suited to transitional urban contexts.
Methodology
This research applies a mixed-methods design to capture the complexity of resilience and governance dynamics:
Quantitative Component
A stratified cluster survey was conducted with 380 residents of Borujerd (95% confidence level, 5% error).
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using maximum likelihood estimation assessed causal pathways.
Fit indices demonstrated strong model adequacy (CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.06).
Reliability tests indicated robust internal consistency across constructs (Cronbach’s α = 0.82–0.89).
Qualitative Component
Twenty semi-structured interviews with urban planners, municipal experts, ICT officials, and community leaders.
Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12 to extract dominant conceptual patterns.
Triangulation was conducted through cross-analysis with local policy documents, e-governance reports, and GIS outputs.
Case Analysis
Evaluation of Borujerd’s smart city initiatives from 2021 to 2023.
GIS-based assessment of digital and physical infrastructure distribution.
Institutional capacity analysis focusing on governance readiness, regulatory gaps, and organizational barriers.
Results and Discussion
The findings reveal several major insights with strong practical implications for developing cities:
Governance Impact
Smart governance exerts a robust positive influence on social resilience (β = 0.62, p < 0.001).
The overall model accounts for 41% of variance in resilience outcomes (R² = 0.41), indicating substantial explanatory power.
Key Determinants
Citizen e-participation is the strongest predictor of resilience (β = 0.35), highlighting the central role of digital engagement.
Managerial transparency is associated with a 22% reduction in crisis response time.
Institutional accountability, while significant, exerts a more moderate influence (β = 0.19).
Technology Mediation
Digital platforms significantly amplify governance effectiveness (β = 0.45).
IoT applications—particularly in monitoring infrastructure and emergency alerts—show promise for future resilience planning.
Implementation Challenges
A persistent digital divide affects 42% of peripheral neighborhoods lacking stable internet connectivity.
Cultural resistance, especially among older populations (31%), reduces adoption of digital tools.
Centralized decision-making limits local innovation and flexibility.
Overall, the findings demonstrate that while smart governance contributes meaningfully to resilience—boosting overall resilience capacity by 35%—technological solutions alone are insufficient. The success of smart resilience strategies depends on long-term investments in digital literacy, institutional reforms, participatory mechanisms, and inclusive socio-cultural adaptations.
Conclusion
This research offers three primary contributions:
Theoretical Contribution: It presents an integrated analytical framework linking smart governance and social resilience in developing cities.
Methodological Contribution: It demonstrates the utility of mixed-methods approaches for studying complex urban systems.
Practical Contribution: It provides actionable policy strategies tailored to the socio-cultural and infrastructural realities of Borujerd.
The study recommends:
Expanding LTE and broadband infrastructure to underserved zones.
Developing inclusive and culturally sensitive digital literacy programs.
Establishing neighborhood resilience hubs equipped with hybrid online/offline services.
Implementing digital participatory budgeting to increase civic engagement.
The Borujerd case highlights that successful smart governance requires balancing technological innovation with context-aware, people-centered strategies. The framework developed here offers a replicable model for other developing cities aiming to enhance their resilience through digital transformation.
Acknowledgment
This article is derived from an ongoing Ph.D. dissertation in Urban Planning entitled "Explaining and Presenting a Social Resilience Model Based on Good Urban Governance Indicators (Case Study: Borujerd City)", which is being conducted by the first author under the supervision of the second and third authors at Islamic Azad University, Borujerd Branch.
Regeneration and revival of historical context
Nasim Leilieyoun; Ahmad Danaeinia
Abstract
Highlights
The formation and development of the city of Isfahan are based on the system of "Madi" (water channels).
Madi architecture is the most flexible natural pattern that affects the layout and construction of residential spaces.
Flexibility based on the construction building, area, built-to-open ...
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Highlights
The formation and development of the city of Isfahan are based on the system of "Madi" (water channels).
Madi architecture is the most flexible natural pattern that affects the layout and construction of residential spaces.
Flexibility based on the construction building, area, built-to-open space ratio, and spatial integrity and coherence has the greatest impact on configuration.
Axes with Madi branches have the highest level of interconnection and the lowest level of isolation from other parts of the neighborhood.
Introduction
The formation and development of the historical core of the city of Isfahan are based on the system of "Madi" (water channels). At the macro scale, the Madi has directly influenced the configuration and organization of urban spaces, and at the micro scale, it has directly impacted the location of residential units and as the backbone, they are responsible for connecting the components of the physical organization of the city. Considering the vital role of Madi in shaping the structure of the city and the housing system in Isfahan, flexibility - in the sense of the adherence of the housing construction pattern to the Madi system and a logical connection with it - is the most important factor in creating the housing configuration in the city of Isfahan.
With the onset of rapid physical changes from the 1960s onwards, the formation of residential spaces was not based on an integration with this natural system; in such a way that the continuation and survival of this urban element was endangered by the imposition of incompatible patterns and by losing its connection with the natural-historical context, it has caused forgetting the role of Madi as an archetype in the designed system and has brought about inappropriate changes in the residential architectural configuration system. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to explain the characteristic of the four factors of form, area, building occupancy, and spatial integrity and coherence are considered the most important factors affecting spatial configuration, the ultimate goal of which is formal and content (functional) coherence. Flexibility and its effect on the configuration of housing, in order to reveal the necessity of reconnecting housing architecture with this vital element.
Theoretical Framework
One of the important approaches in the field of architecture and urban planning is to pay attention to environments whose bodies have the ability to change and adapt to inevitable changes and are therefore called flexible; the Madi network in terms of connection with different parts of the city, adaptation to the spatial-physical principles of traditional Iranian urban planning, and coordination with the principles of sustainable and modern urban planning in the old fabric of Isfahan, It is an important part of the city's skeleton and plays an important role in the context and organization. Flexibility, in the sense of the housing construction pattern following the Madi system and logically linking it, has been the main factor in creating the housing configuration in the city of Isfahan, whereby the residential space becomes a responsive space in accordance with the user's needs.
The configuration approach is one of the centers of quantitative thought in morphological studies that seeks to find the structure of form and pattern of urban architecture. The movement created by spatial configuration is effective in the interconnection of spatially isolated textures with other urban areas and, depending on the skeletal structure of the city, causes a connection between different physical uses, the order of urban elements and activities. The four factors of form, area, building occupancy, and spatial integrity and coherence are considered the most important factors affecting spatial configuration, the ultimate goal of which is formal and content (functional) coherence.
Methodology
The research is a mixed-methods study, employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Methodologically, it is based on observation and analysis. Data were collected in two phases: literature review and field surveys and the findings were extracted using deductive reasoning and content analysis.
Based on the results of library studies, four components of building form, area, built-to-open space ratio, and spatial integrity and coherence have been created as indicators of the Flexibility that is given to formation of a housing configuration. The studies were conducted on aerial photographs of Isfahan in the 1960s. Using a single-stage clustering method and indexing two indicators: "adjacency with Madi "and "historical authenticity", four neighborhoods were selected as samples and used in the component analysis. The form index was examined in this time period by reading the maps in the AutoCAD software environment; by calling the drawings in the GIS software, the area indices and the ratio of filled space to empty space were obtained, and the spatial integration and coherence index analysis was also extracted using axial maps in the Depth map software environment. In this way, access to qualitative research information is provided regarding the arrangement of residential units in the central neighborhoods of Isfahan.
Results and Discussion
Findings: This research demonstrates the relationship between Madi architecture and the city and neighborhood in the most flexible natural pattern that has been effective in the layout and construction of residential spaces. The study of the formation of the housing configuration system based on four indicators of construction pattern, area, ratio of filled space to empty space, and spatial integration and coherence is as follows:
The most adaptable housing construction pattern is the single- front and fully-built pattern, 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 exhibit the highest flexibility.
. Regarding the built-to-open space ratio indicator, plots with values between 0.70-0.96 exhibit the highest flexibility.
Concerning the spatial integrity and coherence, the maximum index includes the axis of Madi, passages connected to Madi, and passages connected to the main streets on the periphery of the neighborhood.
Conclusion
The results of the analysis of the samples studied in the 40s of the AH and the pattern of the passages show that these neighborhoods, despite having an organic structure, had coherence and integrity. On the other hand, Madi architecture, in complete compliance with the city and neighborhood, was the most important natural pattern that was effective in the formation of residential units and the creation of interconnection in all places. In order to create or strengthen this pattern, housing design based on the four listed characteristics plays a role. Attention to these principles, in addition to preventing unprincipled and incompatible interference and occupation with the context on a micro (physical) and macro (Madi context) scale, provides the basis for organizing and further reconnecting the constituent elements of the neighborhood and the city.
Urban Tourism
esmaeel ghaderi; boshra mohajer
Abstract
Highlights
Meta-synthesis is a qualitative approach that enables the systematic integration, reinterpretation, and synthesis of findings from previous studies, thereby generating new theoretical insights beyond individual research results.
Achieving low-carbon tourism, particularly in urban destinations, ...
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Highlights
Meta-synthesis is a qualitative approach that enables the systematic integration, reinterpretation, and synthesis of findings from previous studies, thereby generating new theoretical insights beyond individual research results.
Achieving low-carbon tourism, particularly in urban destinations, requires multi-level coordination, cross-sectoral collaboration, and a systemic perspective that links macro-level governance and policies with micro-level behavioral and operational components.
The proposed conceptual framework can enhance tourist satisfaction, reduce environmental footprints, strengthen destination competitiveness, and contribute to the realization of sustainable development goals in urban tourism systems.
Introduction
Low-carbon tourism (LCT) has emerged as a central strategy in global sustainable development agendas, given the increasing contribution of tourism-related activities to greenhouse gas emissions. Within this broader context, low-carbon urban tourism (LCUT) holds particular significance, as cities represent complex and dense environments where large numbers of residents, tourists, services, and infrastructures interact. Urban destinations are major hubs of cultural exchange, mobility, accommodation, and consumption, making them both vulnerable to environmental pressures and well-positioned for transformative sustainability initiatives.
Despite the rising recognition of LCUT as a vital pathway for reducing emissions and creating environmentally responsible tourism systems, existing research remains fragmented, often focusing narrowly on specific themes such as transportation, accommodation, or policy.
Consequently, there is a notable absence of comprehensive, integrative frameworks capable of guiding policymakers, urban planners, and tourism managers toward coherent strategies.
This study aims to address this gap by conducting a systematic meta-synthesis of research on LCUT. The objective is to identify the principal macro and micro dimensions shaping low-carbon tourism in urban settings and to develop a holistic conceptual framework that can support strategic planning and implementation.
Methodology
The research employs the meta-synthesis qualitative approach, chosen for its capacity to merge diverse qualitative findings into a unified conceptual structure. Following Erwin et al.’s (2011) six-step meta-synthesis protocol, the study initiated with an analytical review of existing research gaps concerning LCUT and established the overarching aim of designing an integrated conceptual framework.
In the second step, a comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted using international databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, as well as Persian-language databases such as SID and Magiran. Keywords such as “low-carbon tourism,” “urban tourism,” “low-carbon strategies,” and “sustainable tourism development” were employed. The search included English and Persian publications produced up to the year 2023.
The third step involved a rigorous quality assessment. Using the CASP checklist, 780 initially identified studies were screened for methodological robustness, conceptual relevance, and thematic alignment. Ultimately, 79 studies met the inclusion criteria and formed the basis of analysis.
In the fourth step, data extraction and thematic coding were performed. Key concepts were identified and categorized into two overarching domains: macro-level factors and micro-level components. In the fifth step, these categorized findings were synthesized into a coherent conceptual framework. Visual schematics and tables were used to improve clarity and facilitate conceptual integration.
Finally, step six involved reflection and validation. Through consultations with experts in tourism studies, sustainability, and urban planning, the internal coherence, applicability, and robustness of the framework were assessed. This iterative feedback process ensured that the resulting model captures the multifaceted dynamics of LCUT and addresses real-world needs in urban tourism management.
Results and Discussion
The findings reveal that the effective development of LCUT depends on the simultaneous integration of macro-level enabling conditions and micro-level operational and behavioral factors.
At the macro level, six principal domains were identified:
1. Political factors, including governance structures, inter-agency coordination, and strategic policy direction.
2. Economic factors, such as incentives, investments, and market mechanisms supporting low-carbon transitions.
3. Socio-cultural dimensions, involving public awareness, cultural norms, and societal readiness for sustainable practices.
4. Environmental measures, including emission reduction targets, conservation policies, and ecological protection regulations.
5. Legal frameworks, which enforce sustainability standards and regulate high-emission activities.
6. Technological advancements, such as smart mobility systems, renewable energy technologies, and digital management tools.
At the micro level, the LCUT system relies on three core pillars:
Supply-side components, including green accommodations, low-emission transportation, eco-friendly attractions, sustainable food services, and education initiatives.
Demand-side factors, encompassing tourist behavior, environmental awareness, value perception, and willingness to engage in sustainable activities.
Destination management, covering managerial structures, environmental stewardship, infrastructure development, investment planning, and sustainable marketing strategies.
The interaction between these macro and micro factors illustrates that LCUT must be viewed as an integrated socio-ecological system rather than a set of isolated actions.
Conclusion
This study underscores the necessity of multi-layered, collaborative, and systemic approaches to advance low-carbon urban tourism. Governments must spearhead initiatives by establishing supportive regulatory environments and investing in green infrastructure such as renewable energy networks, sustainable mobility systems, and urban green spaces. Simultaneously, tourism businesses, residents, and visitors must adopt environmentally responsible practices.
The conceptual framework developed through this meta-synthesis provides a comprehensive roadmap for scholars and practitioners. It clarifies the structural and operational dimensions required for LCUT and offers a foundation for future empirical research. Future studies should focus on developing measurable indicators to assess LCUT performance, evaluating the model’s applicability across diverse urban contexts, and exploring climate change implications for tourism sustainability.
Acknowledgment
This research was conducted with the financial and moral support of the Kurdistan Province Gas Department. The author expresses sincere gratitude to this institution for its invaluable contributions to the advancement of this doctoral study.
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