Urban Ecology
fatemeh ghorbanileylestani,; Hassan sajadzadeh
Abstract
HighlightsComprehensive Analysis: This study investigates the Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) over two decades (2000-2021) in Karaj, highlighting key trends.Correlation Between Vegetation and Temperature: NDVI shows a strong negative correlation with LST, ...
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HighlightsComprehensive Analysis: This study investigates the Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) over two decades (2000-2021) in Karaj, highlighting key trends.Correlation Between Vegetation and Temperature: NDVI shows a strong negative correlation with LST, indicating vegetation’s cooling impact.Built-Up Areas vs. Green Spaces: High-density urban areas exhibit elevated temperatures, while regions with dense vegetation are noticeably cooler.Key Findings: The primary drivers behind Karaj’s Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect are the reduction of green spaces and the rise in urban land use. IntroductionWith rapid population growth, urbanization is transforming landscapes, often at the expense of natural green areas. Cities are expanding at unprecedented rates, bringing changes in land use, infrastructure, and building density. Natural permeable surfaces, such as vegetation and open spaces, are replaced by impermeable concrete structures that absorb and retain heat, leading to urban microclimate shifts.This transformation has profound environmental impacts. One of the most concerning consequences is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where urban areas exhibit higher temperatures compared to their rural counterparts. The UHI effect intensifies as cities grow, impacting energy consumption, air quality, and public health. In this context, reducing UHI has become a priority for sustainable urban planning. Cooling strategies—especially the integration of vegetation—are essential to enhance urban resilience, adapt to climate change, and improve quality of life for city dwellers.Materials and MethodsRemote sensing technology was used in this study as a powerful tool for analyzing urban temperature dynamics and land-use changes. Using Landsat satellite images from 2001 to 2021, we examined LST and NDVI for Karaj. Landsat imagery, with a resolution of 30 meters, was sourced from the USGS database. To ensure consistency, cloud-free images were selected from warm-season months for each year.Data processing involved the extraction of LST and NDVI values for Karaj’s administrative boundaries. The satellite images were preprocessed, and land-use classification was carried out using the maximum likelihood approach, categorizing land into three classes: built-up areas, vegetation, and barren land. This classification provided a foundation for assessing the relationship between LST and vegetation cover.Through correlation and regression tree models, we analyzed the interplay between LST and NDVI. By examining changes in both indices, we aimed to understand vegetation’s role in moderating urban heat in Karaj. Our two main objectives were to (1) assess LST and NDVI variations over time, and (2) explore their interdependencies to determine vegetation's influence on UHI.Discussion of ResultsThe analysis reveals a clear trend of rising temperatures across Karaj over the study period. This temperature increase is strongly associated with urban expansion and the decline of natural vegetation. Our findings highlight that land-use type significantly influences LST, with barren and built-up areas having markedly higher temperatures.Central Karaj, a dense urban area with heavy infrastructure and traffic, recorded the highest surface temperatures. These “hot spots” are concentrated around industrial areas, transportation hubs (airports, metro stations, highways), and zones with minimal vegetation. In contrast, areas with vegetation, such as parks and green belts, exhibited substantially cooler surface temperatures. This difference underscores vegetation’s role in absorbing less heat and promoting natural cooling.The spatial distribution of LST shows the hottest zones in arid lands surrounding the city and densely built-up urban areas. The NDVI data further supports this observation; as NDVI values increase, LST values decline, illustrating a negative correlation between vegetation density and surface temperature. The correlation analysis reveals that regions with higher NDVI values, particularly in the eastern and northeastern parts of Karaj, experienced significantly lower temperatures.The land-use maps demonstrate a significant reduction in barren and vegetated areas, accompanied by an increase in urbanized land. These patterns point to a direct relationship between declining vegetation and rising temperatures, reinforcing the critical need for green spaces in Karaj to mitigate UHI effects. Vegetation, as indicated by NDVI, plays a significant role in temperature regulation, with green areas acting as cooling zones in an increasingly built-up landscape.ConclusionsThis study underscores the pivotal role of vegetation in controlling urban temperatures in Karaj. Through detailed LST and NDVI analyses, the results confirm that vegetation coverage is inversely related to LST, with green spaces helping to mitigate the UHI effect. In contrast, barren lands and dense built-up areas contribute significantly to higher temperatures, highlighting the thermal impact of urban development without adequate vegetation.To address the UHI issue, urban planners and policymakers should prioritize sustainable solutions such as increasing green spaces, incorporating green roofs, and developing urban vegetation initiatives tailored to Karaj’s climate. These approaches not only lower urban temperatures but also enhance the city’s environmental resilience, support biodiversity, and improve the overall quality of urban life.Based on the findings, Karaj’s urban planning efforts should focus on preserving existing vegetation and expanding green infrastructure. Effective land-use policies that integrate vegetation can help counteract the adverse effects of rising temperatures, contributing to a more sustainable and livable urban environment.
Urban Planning
Bahador Zamani; Ehsan Babaei Salanghooch
Abstract
Highlights
High-quality grounded theory methodology (GTM) research in urban planning and design requires a deep understanding of GTM’s nature, versions, characteristics, and core principles.
Lack of adherence to all GTM principles can hinder the primary goal of GTM: theory generation.
Many ...
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Highlights
High-quality grounded theory methodology (GTM) research in urban planning and design requires a deep understanding of GTM’s nature, versions, characteristics, and core principles.
Lack of adherence to all GTM principles can hinder the primary goal of GTM: theory generation.
Many GTM studies reviewed in this paper could have applied a more accurate version of GTM.
GTM research in urban planning and design should clearly present evidence of key actions taken during data collection and analysis.
Introduction
In recent years, grounded theory methodology (GTM) has become more prevalent in research fields related to the built environment, especially urban planning and design. However, a lack of thorough understanding of GTM’s foundational principles and versions has often led to research with eclectic interpretations of GTM, sometimes diverging from GTM’s fundamental aims and processes. This study systematically evaluates GTM-based research in urban planning and design, aiming to understand the adherence to GTM’s essential principles within these studies and to provide recommendations for future research.
Theoretical Framework
GTM has evolved significantly since its inception by Glaser and Strauss, with various adaptations. Early on, Leonard Schatzman’s development of dimensional analysis marked a significant shift (Schatzman 1991). Kathy Charmaz, a student of both founders, advanced constructivist grounded theory. Adele Clarke, another prominent figure in GTM’s development, integrated Strauss’s social worlds and arenas framework with situational analysis (Clarke 2005; Clarke et al. 2018). Numerous other adaptations have since emerged, including critical realist GTM (Oliver 2011), transformational GTM (Redman-MacLaren and Mills 2015), multi-grounded theory (Goldkuhl and Cronholm 2010), and feminist GTM (Wuest 1995). Despite these variations, GTM’s core principles remain central across adaptations, including simultaneous data collection and analysis, data coding, constant comparison, theoretical sampling, theoretical saturation, memo writing, and integrating the theoretical framework within existing literature (Charmaz 2014; Corbin and Strauss 2014).
Methodology
This study conducted a systematic review across Persian-language scientific databases, including the Jahad Daneshgahi Scientific Information Center, the Comprehensive Humanities Portal, and Noor Specialized Journals, encompassing a broad range of fields like art, architecture, and social sciences. The search yielded 834 articles, of which duplicate and non-peer-reviewed articles were excluded. Studies were further narrowed down to those authored by urban planning professionals or featuring urban planning participants, specifically employing GTM as the sole research method or methodology. Articles from other disciplines, such as architecture and tourism, were excluded. Inclusion criteria focused on Persian-language articles published between 1967 (the year GTM was introduced) and 2020, specifically on urban design and planning and explicitly using GTM.
Descriptive characteristics, including author(s), publication year, purpose, data collection methods, applied GTM version, and role of GTM in the research, were extracted for analysis. This assessment was based on the quality guideline by Hutchinson et al. (2011).
Results
Out of the reviewed studies, 32 (73%) justified their use of GTM. GTM’s role varied:
1 study (2%) described GTM as a methodology
32 studies (73%) as a method
12 studies (29%) as an approach
5 studies (11%) as an approach (repeated category)
2 studies (5%) as a data analysis tool Four studies (11%) referenced GTM without specifying its methodological role.
Regarding GTM versions used:
8 studies (18%) did not specify a version
29 studies (66%) used the Strauss and Corbin version
2 studies (5%) used Charmaz’s constructivist version
1 study (2%) referenced Glaser’s approach
1 study (2%) referenced Clarke’s situational analysis
3 studies (7%) used a combination of versions.
In terms of adherence to GTM principles, studies showed varied application levels. Only one study applied all seven GTM principles. Other studies used between one to six principles, with one study applying none. For outcomes:
7 studies (16%) achieved theory generation
6 studies (14%) presented descriptive themes and narratives
29 studies (67%) used diagrams or models
1 study (2%) presented a conceptual framework
1 study (2%) reported a paradigm model.
Overall, this evaluation indicated that while GTM is increasingly used in urban planning and design research, many studies have not fully applied GTM’s principles. Consequently, their outputs often consist of descriptive themes or diagrams rather than theoretical contributions. Some studies applied only select GTM techniques, such as coding, without employing processes like theoretical sampling and constant comparison, limiting them to descriptive results rather than theory building.
Conclusion
This study’s findings indicate that to improve GTM research quality in urban planning and design, researchers must thoroughly understand GTM’s nature, versions, and core principles. A deep comprehension of different GTM versions allows for selecting the most suitable approach for the research’s goals and objectives, ensuring robust theory generation.
Urban Design
Farzaneh Amoozadeh; Sara Soleimani
Abstract
HighlightsUrban designs that allow the incorporation of natural elements lead to improved environmental quality.Deepening urban valleys facilitates greater wind flow from lake surfaces, enhancing cooling effects.Reducing building surface coverage enhances airflow and improves thermal comfort.Increasing ...
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HighlightsUrban designs that allow the incorporation of natural elements lead to improved environmental quality.Deepening urban valleys facilitates greater wind flow from lake surfaces, enhancing cooling effects.Reducing building surface coverage enhances airflow and improves thermal comfort.Increasing building height and decreasing the surface coverage factor (SC) reduces temperature levels. IntroductionUrban areas are responsible for two-thirds of the world’s primary energy consumption, which contributes significantly to urban heat islands (UHI) (Keirstead et al., 2012). UHIs are a major environmental issue, characterized by higher urban temperatures due to concentrated human activities. This study examines the cooling effects of Chitgar Lake on its surrounding urban area, aiming to mitigate future heating issues in Tehran by exploring how urban lakes can influence UHI. Specifically, it analyzes the role of urban geometric configurations in mitigating heat around lakes, which serve as urban open spaces.Theoretical FrameworkUrban planners utilize indicators like Floor Area Ratio (FAR), Surface Coverage (SC), and Building Height (H) to regulate urban forms. FAR relates to building volume, while SC denotes the proportion of built surfaces, indicating building permeability. Figure 1 illustrates the calculation of FAR and SC.Figure 1: Illustration of Urban Planning Indicators - FAR and SC.Among urban morphology elements, water bodies (e.g., rivers and lakes) significantly impact urban heat islands (Sarralde et al., 2015). The cooling effect of urban water bodies results from two main mechanisms: (a) evaporation, and (b) latent heat absorption, both of which lower surrounding temperatures compared to areas without water.MethodologyThis research compares two time periods—before and after the construction of Chitgar Lake—to assess the lake’s cooling effects on its surroundings. Two critical thermal conditions were selected from each period: one representing the environment after the lake’s construction and another before it. Meteorological data from these periods were analyzed, and simulations were conducted using the ENVI-met modeling software. The Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) was subsequently calculated with Biomet software (Wang et al., 2021).Figure 2: Research Process Diagram (a) and Sample Model Descriptions (b).Results and DiscussionComparison of Conditions Pre- and Post-Lake Construction: Simulation data reveal a general temperature decrease in the area following Chitgar Lake’s construction. Model A, representing the current urban fabric, acts as a heat absorber. Although it generates a warmer atmosphere, the shadowed areas remain cooler, providing enhanced thermal comfort. In Model A, humidity intensifies during pre-dawn hours, gradually decreasing as sunlight increases.Impact of Height-to-Width Ratio: Taller buildings deepen urban valleys (H/W > 1), casting longer shadows that lower temperatures and improve thermal comfort. However, these deep valleys tend to retain moisture due to limited sunlight and airflow. In contrast, shorter valleys (H/W < 1) permit more sunlight and airflow, leading to reduced humidity but higher temperatures, resulting in less favorable thermal comfort.Comparison of Urban Form Layout: Analyzing the SB-1 and SB-2 models showed that increasing building height and reducing surface coverage (SC) lead to temperature reductions due to higher FAR (increased density). Larger cross-sectional areas hinder wind flow, retaining humidity in street valleys. The urban form model with the best thermal comfort index was CC-2, characterized by high humidity and optimal thermal conditions. Conversely, SB-1, with a high occupancy coefficient and high permeability, exhibited the most critical thermal state, acting as a heat absorber with elevated temperatures.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that urban open spaces with natural cooling elements, such as water bodies, along with wind flow and shading, significantly improve thermal comfort during hot summer days. Models show that urban spaces allowing natural factors to penetrate are of higher quality. As building height increases and urban valleys deepen, extended shadows help lower temperatures and create areas with balanced thermal comfort. Streets oriented from northeast to southwest, and to a lesser degree east-west, experience the lowest temperatures while maintaining high humidity, which improves thermal comfort through lake-enhanced wind flow.Additionally, denser urban street valleys with low permeability hinder wind flow, contributing to inadequate thermal comfort. This study found that modifying urban form, building orientation, and the height-to-width ratio can enhance urban valley permeability, reducing thermal pollution effects and lowering cooling energy demands.
Regeneration and revival of historical context
Reza Alishahi; Najma Esmailpoor
Abstract
HighlightsLeveraging economic potential from cultural heritage and community engagement are key strategies for regenerating Iran's deteriorated historic areas.Urban events provide a link between culture-based and community-driven approaches to regeneration.Aligning regeneration policies with holistic ...
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HighlightsLeveraging economic potential from cultural heritage and community engagement are key strategies for regenerating Iran's deteriorated historic areas.Urban events provide a link between culture-based and community-driven approaches to regeneration.Aligning regeneration policies with holistic frameworks enhances the success of revitalization efforts in Iran's historic urban areas. IntroductionIn recent years, urban regeneration has gained significant prominence as an approach in urban preservation and revitalization, aiming to transform abandoned or underutilized urban spaces. This approach not only seeks to restore these areas but also fosters economic growth, improves competitiveness, promotes sustainable development, strengthens cultural identity, enhances citizens' quality of life, and advances urban management practices. Despite extensive research on urban regeneration, few studies have holistically examined the integration of its dimensions and components. This study aims to investigate the role of various dimensions and components of urban regeneration in enhancing Iran’s deteriorated historic areas.Theoretical FrameworkUrban regeneration entails a series of actions aimed at improving life quality in economically, socially, culturally, or infrastructurally deprived areas by mobilizing local assets and fostering civic participation. As an interventionist strategy, it works to modernize and revitalize these spaces, paving the way for sustainable urban futures. In Iran, the past decade has seen urban regeneration initiatives attempting to tackle urban inefficiency and developmental challenges. Key milestones in this journey include the 2014 "National Strategy Document on Revitalizing, Upgrading, Renovating, and Enabling Deteriorated and Underutilized Urban Fabrics" and the 2018 "Executive Bylaw of the National Sustainable Urban Regeneration Program."These policies aim to strengthen urban governance, alleviate poverty, enrich cultural identity, and enhance urban resilience. Yet, misalignment between policy frameworks and real-world conditions, combined with the absence of concrete action plans, has hindered progress toward these objectives. Urban regeneration encompasses a wide range of dimensions—social, cultural, economic, design, management and law, and environmental—each containing specific elements intended to rejuvenate urban spaces and improve residents' quality of life. As such, urban regeneration serves not only as a tool for physical transformation but as a comprehensive and sustainable development strategy.MethodologyThis study employed a three-phase qualitative approach. In the first phase, a literature review was conducted to identify relevant dimensions and components, validated through the Content Validity Index (CVI); items with a CVI score below 0.79 were excluded. Twenty-two experts participated in the CVI assessment. In the second phase, a systematic review of articles from 2011 to 2021 yielded 28 studies on urban regeneration, which were analyzed using MaxQDA 2020. The content analysis produced 111 open codes, 38 components, and 6 dimensions. The study's reliability was confirmed through Cohen’s kappa coefficient, and VOSviewer was used to visualize spatial relationships among the elements.Results and DiscussionThe findings reveal that, throughout the 2010s, the social, economic, and cultural dimensions have been most emphasized in urban regeneration studies. The social dimension was the most prominent, with a particular focus on social participation and social vitality, which are essential for empowering communities and enhancing urban spaces. Within the economic dimension, the neighborhood and urban economy components were the most frequently highlighted, underscoring their role in improving economic conditions. The cultural dimension, meanwhile, was dominated by an emphasis on cultural heritage. Over 70% of the reviewed studies incorporated a mix of social, economic, and cultural dimensions, aiming to boost tourism and, in turn, the economic and social well-being of urban areas by capitalizing on cultural heritage and attracting investments.ConclusionUrban regeneration studies generally pursue two main goals to address urban decay and inefficiency: revitalizing the economic and social aspects of declining areas by activating existing community potentials, emphasizing social participation and its links to neighborhood and urban economies; and utilizing cultural assets for economic revival and rebranding, with a focus on authenticity and heritage. Future research should investigate the synergy of these approaches, especially the role of urban events as a connecting force between social and cultural regeneration.Comparing these findings with Iran's urban regeneration policy framework reveals alignment with the overarching research objectives and the vision of improving residents' living conditions. However, insufficient attention to environmental, managerial, and legal dimensions in the policies may have contributed to their limited success during Iran’s fifth and sixth development plans. Aligning the policy framework with comprehensive theories—such as eventful cities and Iranian-Islamic urbanism—could increase the effectiveness of development goals.This study focuses on the role of urban regeneration dimensions and components in improving Iran’s obsolete historical fabrics, drawing on Farsi-language articles from the 2010s. Primarily analyzing Ministry-approved urban planning journal articles, this research highlights the need for broader source inclusion in future studies to deepen the understanding of urban regeneration. The findings serve as a basis for identifying research challenges and gaps in this field, guiding policymakers and professionals toward more effective strategies for revitalizing historic urban areas.
environmental psychology
alireza khadivipanah; islam karami
Abstract
Highlights:A significant relationship between privacy variable and residential quality.The effect of the type of building complexes on the amount of privacy and quality of residenceThe proper construction condition of the tower compared to the surrounding, scattered and linear species in terms of privacy ...
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Highlights:A significant relationship between privacy variable and residential quality.The effect of the type of building complexes on the amount of privacy and quality of residenceThe proper construction condition of the tower compared to the surrounding, scattered and linear species in terms of privacy and quality of residence.Impact of ownership status and gender on the quality of residence and privacy.Correlation between the quality of residence variable and the sense of belonging to the place. IntroductionWith rising urban populations and migration to major cities, there is a growing demand for apartment living, often with little attention to psychological and social needs. Political, economic, and social pressures affect both construction patterns and human behavior, leading to residential environments where quantity is often prioritized over quality. The primary hypothesis of this research is that privacy (the independent variable) plays a vital role in enhancing residence quality (the dependent variable). The lack of privacy considerations has resulted in social isolation, diminished human values, and a decline in social and ecological qualities within residential complexes. This points to a critical need for research on how privacy can improve living quality and foster community in densely populated urban areas.The study focuses on Mashhad, where the preservation of privacy and social interaction—especially in religious contexts—is essential. It aims to investigate how privacy in modern residential complexes can create a favorable living environment, enhance social interactions, and promote a strong sense of belonging.Theoretical FrameworkEnsuring privacy within residential complexes not only increases security but also facilitates neighborly interactions. In Western studies, privacy is often associated with personal space and territoriality, framed within the context of security and individual rights. In this research, privacy encompasses both physical and social dimensions, affecting residents’ satisfaction and well-being. Creating personal spaces and controlling spatial boundaries provides individuals with a sense of autonomy, though privacy needs vary across cultures.Adhering to privacy principles can enhance the physical and social dimensions of a residence, ultimately contributing to a better quality of life. Privacy thus emerges as a key social and psychological component of residential design; when effectively integrated, it strengthens social bonds, fosters communication, and improves residents’ quality of life.MethodologyThis study employs an operational research model based on indicators of privacy and residence quality. Privacy is analyzed through individual-social, moral-belief, and behavioral-functional dimensions, while residence quality is assessed in terms of perceptual-emotional, physical-functional, and social-activity factors. To ensure validity, the questionnaire was reviewed by 25 experts, and reliability was tested on a sample of 40 individuals from the target population.Data analysis was performed using regression and path analysis through SPSS software. The statistical population consisted of residents from four residential complexes in Mashhad, each representing a distinct architectural type: Venus (centralized), Farhangian (scattered), Pars (peripheral), and Zanbag (linear). The sample size for each complex type was determined using the Cochran formula.Results and DiscussionThe findings indicate a significant relationship between the physical-functional aspect of residence quality and privacy. Furthermore, privacy and residence quality are positively correlated across all complexes, with varying levels of impact depending on the architectural configuration.Gender differences significantly influence perceptions of privacy and residence quality, with male and female residents exhibiting distinct privacy expectations. The study also highlights the importance of individual-social privacy, which strengthens community bonds and enhances a sense of belonging. A notable correlation was found between the perceptual-emotional dimension of residence quality and the behavioral-functional component of privacy.Among the complex types, linear designs showed the lowest levels of physical and functional quality. Privacy in these complexes is often compromised due to inadequately placed entrances, insufficient natural screening, and poor spatial hierarchies. Conversely, scattered and centralized designs generally foster better privacy, contributing to higher levels of resident satisfaction.ConclusionThe study underscores the importance of privacy in enhancing residence quality in residential complexes. It suggests that privacy should be considered a form of social capital, particularly in cultural and religious settings. Privacy and residence quality are positively correlated, indicating that privacy-sensitive architectural strategies can enhance the social, physical, and functional dimensions of residence.When privacy considerations are well integrated, residents experience greater physical and social satisfaction. The solitary configuration emerged as the most favorable in terms of privacy and residence quality. However, linear complexes frequently fail to meet privacy needs due to issues such as open spatial arrangements, lack of controlled entry, and minimal natural screening. These findings suggest that residential design should prioritize privacy-sensitive transitions from public to private spaces, incorporate adequate vegetation, and maintain controlled entry points to create a balanced, high-quality living environment.
Regeneration and revival of historical context
Golbarg Ghaemmaghami Farahani; Hooman Ghahremani; Hossein Bahrainy
Abstract
HighlightsEmphasizing phenomenological place quality as a more adaptive and responsive evaluation model compared to current top-down urban regeneration strategies.Advocating a phenomenological approach that reflects the perspectives of residents who experience the place firsthand.Proposing approaches ...
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HighlightsEmphasizing phenomenological place quality as a more adaptive and responsive evaluation model compared to current top-down urban regeneration strategies.Advocating a phenomenological approach that reflects the perspectives of residents who experience the place firsthand.Proposing approaches free from technocratic biases to ensure urban interventions align with the real needs of the community. IntroductionThe Abkooh neighborhood, once a rural village west of Mashhad, now faces critical urban challenges that have prompted various interventions aimed at revitalization. Initially, Abkooh was located seven kilometers from Mashhad, remaining a rural area until its formal inclusion within the city limits in 1972 as part of Mashhad’s comprehensive urban development plan. However, as the neighborhood evolved within the expanding city, it experienced substantial socio-economic, physical, and legal issues, largely due to its incompatibility with surrounding urban areas. Legal disputes involving prominent landowners, Astan Quds and Awqaf, have further exacerbated these challenges, deteriorating Abkooh’s quality of life and diminishing its integration with the city. Despite several development plans aimed at reinvigorating its identity, Abkooh today represents a vulnerable urban fabric, lacking essential qualities that contribute to a livable urban environment.Theoretical FrameworkDeteriorated urban areas like Abkooh often evolve within a complex historical, social, and economic landscape, yet face structural and functional deficits that limit their livability. Unlike other urban spaces, improving place quality in such areas demands a context-sensitive approach with distinct intervention priorities. In this study, “place” is understood as more than a physical environment; it encompasses the lived experiences, cultural meanings, and social interactions that define it. Place quality, in this sense, refers to an amalgamation of characteristics that not only enhance the physical space but also fulfill residents' needs, improving their quality of life and fostering satisfaction.The phenomenology of place quality emphasizes the exploration of lived experience, viewing place as a multidimensional concept shaped by social, emotional, and physical factors. Within deteriorated urban areas, this study examines place quality through five main dimensions: perceptual-semantic, physical, socio-economic, functional, and environmental. The phenomenological perspective allows for a more profound understanding of these qualities by considering the personal and collective experiences of residents.MethodologyThis research begins with an extensive review of theoretical approaches to place quality in deteriorated urban areas. The secondary research phase involved analyzing relevant national and international academic works published since 2000 using MAXQDA2018 software. To ensure validity, survey methods and interviews with urban design experts were conducted. The subsequent phase employs a first-person phenomenological approach, aiming to capture the lived experiences within Abkooh.Over five weeks, researchers conducted site visits twice daily, in the mornings and evenings, each lasting three hours. Observational field notes, semi-structured interviews, audio recordings, and handwritten accounts were used to document resident experiences, drawing upon participant-observation techniques. Qualitative content analysis, supported by MAXQDA2018, enabled the systematic exploration of interview data. Additional data collection methods, including participatory observation, photography, and sketching, were employed to create a comprehensive record of findings.Results and DiscussionThe research findings reveal significant challenges and opportunities within the Abkooh neighborhood regarding place quality. Analyzing these factors through the Abkooh Quality of Urban Life Improvement Plan underscores the limitations of conventional evaluation methods. Specifically, library-based studies or expert-driven priorities alone fail to provide a realistic assessment of place quality in deteriorated urban areas. Phenomenological approaches, which respond to the unique attributes of each location, yield more precise and contextually appropriate insights.The phenomenological evaluation identified six key dimensions that influence place quality in Abkooh: socio-economic, legal-management, physical, perceptual-semantic, environmental, and functional. Notably, the presence of a legal-management dimension is an essential addition due to the legal complexities surrounding land ownership in Abkooh. Furthermore, findings indicated that the prioritization of these dimensions varied throughout the three phases of research, underscoring the importance of flexible and adaptable strategies in urban intervention.ConclusionEffective urban planning in deteriorated neighborhoods like Abkooh must prioritize the relationship between individuals and place, focusing on the unique qualities and challenges of each neighborhood. Understanding place quality necessitates immersing oneself in the essence of the neighborhood without preconceived notions or standardized frameworks. Therefore, each deteriorated urban context must be approached as a unique phenomenon, evaluated through the eyes of its residents rather than solely through expert-driven or theory-based models.Phenomenological methods highlight the distinctive attributes of place quality that may differ from theoretical or authority-led approaches. Simply relying on checklists and criteria derived from theoretical models or global best practices often fails to capture the complex reality of place quality in deteriorated urban contexts. By focusing on the lived experiences of residents, phenomenological approaches yield a deeper understanding of how urban spaces are perceived and experienced, leading to recommendations that more accurately align with community needs.Incorporating this resident-centered perspective in planning processes enables cities to develop more inclusive and livable environments that address the specific needs and desires of inhabitants. By preventing gentrification and fostering a sense of belonging, phenomenological approaches encourage long-term resident retention and community cohesion, allowing neighborhoods to evolve without losing their identity.
