Motaleate Shahri

Urban Planning

Analysis of effective factors in the formation of destination image of urban tourism - Case Study: City of Urmia

Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, Pages 5-16

Abstract

The tourism destination image (TDI) is considered an effective element in destination selection and tourist behavior . The importance of tourism destination image is clear for all practitioners in the tourism industry and researchers. This importance mainly lies in tourists’ mental image of a destination ... Read More The tourism destination image (TDI) is considered an effective element in destination selection and tourist behavior . The importance of tourism destination image is clear for all practitioners in the tourism industry and researchers. This importance mainly lies in tourists’ mental image of a destination image and the resultant behavior that lead to choosing a favorable destination. The importance of the tourist destination image is universally acknowledged since it affects the individual’s subjective perception and consequent behavior and destination choice. Thus, this study investigated effective elements in the formation of these mental images. First a model was developed based on theories and literature review and then data of tourists’ mental images of Urmia city in Iran was collected by survey method in the form of a questionnaire. Then, the hypothesis was tested. The study population consisted of all domestic tourists who travelled to Urmia between March and August, 2014 (a period of six months) . Objectives This research attempted to identify the relationship between tourists’ mental images, their decisions and behavior and the importance of destination image. Destination image is investigated as an effective element in tourism behavior and market. Thus, the inferred vision of tourists of Urmia and effective elements in creating and changing this image was first studied. Then, proposals for creating and improving the positive and extraordinary images of tourism was put forward. Western Azerbaijan province is the only province in Iran which has common boundaries with three countries and thus has an eastern and western corridor into and out of Iran. This fact could lead to an increase of tourism in the area. Urmia, like other cities in the province has an ancient civilization, rich historical places and various cultural and natural attractions which means it has great potentials for tourism. Finding and Results Data for this research was obtained by library studies and literature reviews which led to the design of the questionnaires. Questionnaires included 29 questions (4 question for travel satisfaction, 7 question for perceived value, 7 question for Trip quality, and 11 variable question for field variables and other issues for tourism travel). In this research, in order to analyze data and mental images of Urmia, travelers were questioned regarding attractions, availability, safety, services, hosting indexes before and after their travels. Results indicate that the perceived value has a direct effect on tourist destination image and is due to the coefficient of determination in the regression model. It can be said that 43 percent of the dependent variable (the destination image) can be obtained by changing the variables in the model's quality and perceived travel value. The results of the second hypothesis confirmed that image before and after traveling to the city of Urmia as a tourist destination is different in some indicators. A third hypothesis suggested the relatively strong correlation (75/0) between the two variables of perceived image of the city of Urmia and tourists willing to travel there again. Moreover, the Spearman test showed that relationship satisfaction and willingness to travel were 95 percent significant. It can therefore be concluded that by improving the image of tourists will also increase the willingness of tourists to travel again.

Slum Settlements

Review the causes formation of the suburbanization of Zabol city with an emphasis on empowerment

Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, Pages 17-28

Abstract

Informal settlements or slum dwellings is a general concept referring to urban residents who live in extremely poor and unsuitable living and housing conditions. Various theories regarding these kinds of settlements and how to deal with them in Iran have been proposed but none have been instrumental ... Read More Informal settlements or slum dwellings is a general concept referring to urban residents who live in extremely poor and unsuitable living and housing conditions. Various theories regarding these kinds of settlements and how to deal with them in Iran have been proposed but none have been instrumental in seeking to deal with this phenomenon at root level and to allow integration with the rest of the city. The organization and empowerment of informal settlers is the most effective solution and best global practice in dealing with this problem. Organizations and governments through land acquisition ,improvement of living conditions of citizens, participation of legal residents in giving recreational facilities to these areas in order to formalize and legalize them primarily and secondly to exploit the degree of power and ability of residents to create a better living environment. The rapid growth of urbanization and physical expansion of cities has caused new areas and areas under development to house rural migrants and the city poor without any urban planning or council management in the suburbs of cities and this phenomenon is called suburbanization. The city of Zabol has faced irregular migration of villagers and tribes because of successive droughts and the resulting devastation of their agriculture and animal husbandry stocks in rural areas of Sistan. These migrants have selected the suburbs and main entrances to Zabol city for settling because of low income and not having sufficient literacy and job skills and have thus created the new suburbans of Zabol. The number of Zabol suburban areas has increased from 2 to 14 from 1971 to 1986. At present, many problems have been created for urban management with the linkages of these areas to villages around Zabol city In this article, scores of main indices for rehabilitation of suburbanites such as scio- economic characteristics of the head of the households,housing conditions , the main problems existing in the suburban areas and suburbanite participation in improvement of their areas was first calculated. Rapid urbanization growth of Iran with rural to urban migration has caused wide suburbanization. The first destination of rural migrants and border towns are larger cities in the region. Zabol city as a major city in Sistan has faced the growth of suburbanization particularly in surrounding roads and nearby villages in recent years. The purpose of this study was to examine the sociological factors of suburbanization and approaches for empowerment and a descriptive and analytical research method was used. Questionnaires were distributed in 14 suburban districts of Zabol and randomly among 316 suburbanites. The data was analyzed by Spss and Excel software. The results show that the main causes of suburbanization is massive migration from rural and small urban districts Zabol (92/09 percent) due to low income (21/52 percent), drought (19/30 percent) and unemployment. From the point of view of urban experts, trustees and residents of such communities to create empowerment, generating jobs through lending (42/85 percent) is the most important priority.

Urban Design

Evaluating the Design of Akhoond District Center in Qazvin; Improving Security Level, Citing CPTED Approach

Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, Pages 29-38

Abstract

Safety is one of the most fundamental human needs and is a prerequisite for improvement of people’s welfare and health. In Maslow’s pyramid having safety is placed at the second step meaning that after physiological needs, safety is the most important need of human being that ... Read More Safety is one of the most fundamental human needs and is a prerequisite for improvement of people’s welfare and health. In Maslow’s pyramid having safety is placed at the second step meaning that after physiological needs, safety is the most important need of human being that causes higher needs to be achieved and on the other hand enables people to attend public spaces. People cannot show up in an urban space without the sense of safety and therefor some dissonance will emerge when a space is vacant of people. The lack of safety is a remarkable reason that makes our public spaces unsuccessful. Thus, safety is essential for social life in public spaces. There are different methods to make a space safe for people but the most important of them are the dispositional approach and positional approach. CPTED is a positional approach effective in increasing safety in a space and aims to prevent the occurrence of crime. This method relies upon the ability to influence offender decisions that precede criminal act by designing the space in an effective way. Urban designers and planners can enhance the qualities of social life through appropriate environmental design suggested by CPTED. Akhoond district in Qazvin is an important district because of its history dating back to the Safavid period and even now many people still live there. Therefore, it is very important to investigate this district in terms ofsecurity. The center of Akhoond district is one of the most traditional spaces in Qazvin city and had been a good place for residents of adjacent districts to communicate with each other in past decades. However, currently the majority of its residents believe that insecurity and social disorders are the most serious difficulties of the district which have resulted in an unpleasant sense of place and loss of its social identity. The center of this district was redesigned in 2008 with the purpose of revival and animation[H1] of place, but security levels are still perilous. This paper first explains the concept of safe urban space and then introduces CPTED and its principals, theorists and studies. This is followed by an analysis of cases designed by CPTED principals. Finally, the case study of this paper,_center of Akhoond district, _ is evaluated according to CPTED strategies through a comparative-descriptive method by observing the space and social behaviours and subsequently some solutions are proposed. Research findings show that in designing the mentioned space the matter of safety has not been considered and consequently led to a high number of criminal acts. Hidden corners, inappropriate activities in and around the space and shortage of efficient surveillance are observed. Therefore, the proposed solution omits the spaces that allow criminals to commit crimes in that district. This way people will live in a safe environment and can use the space without fear.

Urban Design

The impact of physical factors in playgrounds on the creativity of children 6 to 12 years in urban parks

golrokh kopaie

Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, Pages 39-50

Abstract

In the increasing development of cities, despite the existence of extensive facilities for children in the present times, no special attention is paid to the effects of the environment on children's creativity. Given the fact that children can go to the playgrounds in city parks independently from age ... Read More In the increasing development of cities, despite the existence of extensive facilities for children in the present times, no special attention is paid to the effects of the environment on children's creativity. Given the fact that children can go to the playgrounds in city parks independently from age 6 and receive the greatest influence from the environment at this time it is necessary to pay more attention to playgrounds for children to improve their creativity. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to carry out an extensive evaluation of the effect of physical components of playgrounds on creativity development in Iranian children aged 6 to 12 years in urban parks. On this basis, two hypotheses are proposed: firstly, the physical features of the playgrounds including physical diversity, physical flexibility, and vitality in city parks are effective in increasing creativity of children and secondly, there are differences among the levels of effect of physical indices of the environment on dimensions of children’s creativity including Originality, Flexibility of thought, Elaboration and Fluency in city parks. In this research, descriptive and analytical methods were used simultaneously. In the literature review of previous studies and theories, the descriptive method was used to achieve recognition of relationships and correlations and for the relationships between variables and indices, analytical methods were employed. The required data from the population sample was collected with the help of survey methods and through closed questionnaires -researcher-made answers- and after classification correlation between the effective variables in this study were obtained by using SPSS and factor analysis. These factors included flexible thinking, diversity of materials, elements of sign, the presence of natural elements, physical flexibility, elaboration, originality and diversity of visual detail. Then, a research model was developed based on relationships between variables with path analysis and help of Smart PLS software program. Finally, to ensure the validity of the results, an image based questionnaire was used and at the same time the children’s behaviour during play was studied . The results show a significant relationship between environmental factors and creativity, each physical factor has different direct and indirect effects on the dimensions of creativity. Factor of diversity (including variety indices in visual components, sign-making and material variety) highly affected most of the factors as well as children’s creativity. Thefactor of vitality caused by presence of natural elements as a mediating factor is affected by the factor of diversity and it has the highest direct effect on creativity factors including innovation and thought flexibility.Flexibility factor elements as a mediating factor is affected by the factor of diversity and has direct effect on thought flexibility. It should be noted that the factor of marking index elements in playgrounds compared to other factors has less effect on creativity development during play. Finally, according to the conducted study, some recommendations and solutions are proposed in the fields of urban planning and landscape design to improve children’s creativity in playgrounds of city parks.

Urban Management

Spatial expansion process of settlements in the periphery of Tehran Metropolis (Case study: Urban area of Slamshahr-Robatkarim)

Mousa Kamanroudi; taher parizadi; mohammad bigdeli

Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, Pages 51-64

Abstract

Objectives: Centralization and lack of efficient spatial planning approach from the 1950s is causing polarization of spatial developments in Iran. Tehran as the capital of the country and due to its diverse and important functions has experienced more polarization in this process. This process widened ... Read More Objectives: Centralization and lack of efficient spatial planning approach from the 1950s is causing polarization of spatial developments in Iran. Tehran as the capital of the country and due to its diverse and important functions has experienced more polarization in this process. This process widened the development gap between the core and periphery areas and caused migration to the core, particularly to the region and city of Tehran. The poverty and marginalization of the migrants in the periphery areas formed the unauthorized settlements in these regions. This process overcomes the local, regional and national planning and management efforts. The Slamshahr-Robatkarim region is one of the periphery settlement areas of Tehran located in the southwest of the city. In fact, this study was conducted in response to the fundamental question: how did the process of settlements’ spatial structure develop during the period 1976 to 2015 in Slamshahr-Robatkarim? The hypothesis of this study is that it seems that migration from outside and political fragmentation from inside created the periphery and fragmented spatial structure of the peripheral environment in the study area. The study employed a qualitative, descriptive and analytic approach using secondary data, particularly the Landsat satellite images. The ENVI, ARCGIS and QGIS software were used for analyzing the data. The sampling population was the urban settlements in this region. Findings: The findings of this study indicate that the Slamshahr, Golestan, Nasimshahr, Robatkarim, Salehabad and Nasirshahr have experienced the highest to lowest physical development between 1976 and 2015, repectively. Consequently, the agricultural areas were diminished rapidly in this period due to the expansion of population centers to the farmlands. Urban settlements studied in this research (Slamshahr, Golestan, Nasimshahr, Robatkarim, Salehabad, Nasirabad) have exhausted spatial-physical rapid growth trend and population from 1976 to 2015. This process caused swallowing and digestion of agricultural land and the formation and development of cities. Thus, the number of villages located in the study area (Slamshahr-Robatkarim) fell from 125 units in 1996 to 72 units in 2006 and 2011. In addition, the study area of one town in 1976 grew to ten cities in 2011. In other words, about 53 villages became part of the integration process or developed into new urban areas from 1996 to 2011. This area was therefore faced with agricultural land changes turning them into to sprawl settlement between 1976 and 2015. Results: This process involved numerous internal and external causes such as favorable water and soil resources, communications road of Tehran-Saveh, proximity to Tehran, creation of jobs and manufacturing industries, plentiful and cheap labor, and regional and local divisions and weakness. However, immigration is the most important external factor in this process in this area. The process of centralization and polarization influenced the development of Tehran and its adjacent areas. In addition to migration as external factors, political fragmentation was the most important factor in spatial-physical process of change within the study area. This segregation or lack of structural integrity and functionality between Tehran state administration, Karaj Province, Ry province, Tehran provinces and the city of Tehran has been more severe in the decades 1961 to 1991. Land value of Slamshahr and Robatkarim was low during this period. Power and local political administration was poor in this area leading to provision of informal relations in the course of land-use in this area. However, after this period, the price of land and housing increased in Slamshahr and Robatkarim. During this period, immigrants moved to controlled remote locations from the city. Secondary settlements established immigrants (Nasimshahr, Golestan, Salehabad and Nasirabad) at this stage.

Urban Planning

The relationship between Social trust and community development case study: Fhadan neighborhood in Yazd

hadi torkashvand

Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, Pages 65-76

Abstract

Community is one of the most important and fundamental aspects in physical divisions in cities which is considered the oldest heritage of urbanization. It has played important role in spatial and physical structure of the city in the past, but today the structure and functions of communities of the city ... Read More Community is one of the most important and fundamental aspects in physical divisions in cities which is considered the oldest heritage of urbanization. It has played important role in spatial and physical structure of the city in the past, but today the structure and functions of communities of the city has mostly changed, community networks and physical and social spaces have been destroyed causing many problems for cities including destruction of social relationships, migration of native inhabitants in historical communities, the decrease of people’s community participation, increase of crimes, physical and infrastructural problems, and insecurity. These problems are only a small part of problems related to lack of attention to community development in urban studies systems. Development of city programming in its evolution and using development of city programming in community development format and programmers’ attention to social problems instead of considering common approaches which emphasize physical problems have caused greater attention being paid to urban communities and local societies compared to the past. In this way, considering urban communities as one of the principal units of urban programming and studying its capacities was the fundamental and important priority in many countries to recognize and count abilities of local societies. Furthermore, community can be considered one of the most important arms of urban growth. Therefore, a deeper understanding of community development system and bridging the existing gap can lead to better understanding by planners in making the right decisions. On the other hand, social trust is a critical issue for human societies with fundamental links to community development. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between social trust with community development in the Fahadan community of Yazd. Because of physical, cultural and social values and identity in communities in general and in historical communities specifically programming can be very important. The methodology of this research in terms of aim is applicable- developmental and in terms of the nature and method is descriptive – analytical. The used tool was a questionnaire that was analyzed in SPSS and Amos softwares. The results show that there is a direct and significant relationship between social trust and community development. Moreover, Standardized Beta coefficient in institutional trust variables by a factor of (307/0 = β), interpersonal trust by a factor of (185/0 = β), generalized trust by a factor of (158/0 = β) and self-confidence environment with beta coefficient (103/0 = β) have the largest share in explaining community development. Structural equation modeling results show that by increasing social trust, community development components should also increase. Finally, according to research components some recommendations were presented and the obtained results of the studies were compared with existing studies. It was found that the findings was propounded by Ziari et al and similar to Madani’s research.

Urban Design

Recognition of Environmental attributes contributing to women’s’ Security in Urban Spaces (Case Study: Makhsus and Salamat Neighborhoods, Tehran’s 11th Region)

Volume 6, Issue 21 , February 2016, Pages 77-91

Abstract

Security is a basic and fundamental human need rights. In other words, security is the essence of survival and the basis of the collective life and the establishment of small communities and cities. It is so significant that Islam clearly stressed its importance. In addition, security has two important ... Read More Security is a basic and fundamental human need rights. In other words, security is the essence of survival and the basis of the collective life and the establishment of small communities and cities. It is so significant that Islam clearly stressed its importance. In addition, security has two important aspects which are the objective and subjective (the feeling and perception of security) aspects. One of the factors affecting the feeling and perception of safety and security is the personal and individual characteristics. Based on this issue, women (who are among the most vulnerable groups) were chosen as the target group of this research. As urban areas are the bed and place of the city interactions, they should be able to provide the safety and security of the users. If one area is unsafe or unsecure, people do not spend much of their time in that area and this causes the loss of liveliness and turns that area into a dead and inactive one. Women inability in using the urban areas only because such areas are insecure is somewhat against the principles of social justice due to which being able to use the urban areas with safety and security is one of the basic rights of the citizens. Obviously, the first step for making urban spaces secure and safe is recognizing the contributing factors on fear of crime. A noticeable proportion of these factors is related to the environmental attributes on the grounds that some physical characteristics may make the space ready and suitable for criminal acts and encourage the offenders for offences. In regards the effect of the environment specifications on people’s behavior, feeling and perception, in this study, finding the environmental effective specifications on women’s feeling and perception of safety and security is investigated. In fact, this research aims to obtain the answer to the question of what qualified urban space specifications lead to a sense of security and safety by women. First, existing literature of the research topic and the related hypotheses was studied and then the conceptual framework of the research (environmental effective specifications on women’s feeling and perception of security) was developed. Thereafter, the mentioned framework in the area of Makhsus and Salamat neighborhoods (as the case study area of this research) was experimented on. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods were applied through such techniques as field surveys, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and questionnaires. In addition, different statistical methods were applied in order to analyze the data The findings of the research illustrate an obvious relationship between the form, activity and meaning of environment with women’s feeling and perception of security in urban areas. In other words, the confusion and chaos in each one of these 3 parameters can cause a level of anxiety, stress or fear in women.

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Volume & Issue: Volume 6, Issue 21, February 2016, Pages 5-91

Analysis of effective factors in the formation of destination image of urban tourism - Case Study: City of Urmia

Abstract

Review the causes formation of the suburbanization of Zabol city with an emphasis on empowerment

Abstract

Evaluating the Design of Akhoond District Center in Qazvin; Improving Security Level, Citing CPTED Approach

Abstract

The impact of physical factors in playgrounds on the creativity of children 6 to 12 years in urban parks

Abstract

Spatial expansion process of settlements in the periphery of Tehran Metropolis (Case study: Urban area of Slamshahr-Robatkarim)

Abstract

The relationship between Social trust and community development case study: Fhadan neighborhood in Yazd

Abstract

Recognition of Environmental attributes contributing to women’s’ Security in Urban Spaces (Case Study: Makhsus and Salamat Neighborhoods, Tehran’s 11th Region)

Abstract