Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Aliakbar Salaripour
• Sara Nikmard Namin ¹
• Mohammad Nouripour sedehi ²
• Zahra Ahmadi ²

¹ Ph.D. Graduate in Urban Planning, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

² PhD Student in Urban Planning, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

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 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.

Keywords

• Strategic approach
• Collective vision
• Public event
• event-driven
• Policy analysis
• Textual analysis

Main Subjects

• Urban Planning