Urban Scape
hajar Asadpour; Mahmoud Ghalehnoee; Armin Bahramian
Abstract
HighlightsThe characteristics of the urban landscape, both objective and subjective, encompass perceptual and cognitive components.The historic urban landscape, as an objective–subjective phenomenon, reflects the meaningful connection between historical imagery and user perception. Given the large-scale ...
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HighlightsThe characteristics of the urban landscape, both objective and subjective, encompass perceptual and cognitive components.The historic urban landscape, as an objective–subjective phenomenon, reflects the meaningful connection between historical imagery and user perception. Given the large-scale nature of visual management in urban landscapes, coordination with local-level policies is essential.The current condition of Shiraz’s historic fabric reveals three key categories of issues: design and planning challenges, management challenges, and challenges in contextual understanding.Within the visual management process, the stages of “formulating visual protection goals” and “organizing the landscape” are currently at the weakest levels and should be prioritized for intervention. IntroductionThe crisis of distorted and illegible urban landscapes in contemporary cities stems from rapid urban development coupled with neglect of perceptual dimensions in urban planning. This challenge is particularly evident in many Iranian cities, where historic urban areas have undergone extensive demolition and reconstruction, often lacking sensitivity to their visual identity (Mahmoudzadeh & Saheli, 2019; Roustaei & Nazeri, 2019). In this context, the implementation of a visual management model is essential. Such a model can improve the conditions of historic urban landscapes by evaluating and guiding restoration plans before execution, reducing the likelihood of visual degradation.Given its historical significance and its role in forming urban identity and supporting the local economy, Shiraz requires special attention. Through the application of visual management strategies, it is possible to address perceptual deficiencies, allowing users to develop deeper visual and emotional connections with historical spaces. The research aims to address the following questions:What are the components and steps of the visual management process for historic urban landscapes in Shiraz?Which stages should be prioritized when managing Shiraz’s historic landscape?From the perspective of experts, which aspects of environmental affordances (with emphasis on framing) are most critical in the Zandiyeh District? Theoretical FrameworkAccording to Bell (2008, 2019), landscape is a process occurring between physical and non-physical realms, forming an objective–subjective phenomenon. Landscape emerges from the interaction between humans and their environment, shaped by a meaningful relationship between the observer and the place (Mansouri et al., 2021). Within this framework, visual management focuses on organizing urban landscapes and offers structured criteria for evaluating their visual conditions.This model serves to monitor visual coherence, strengthen visual identity, and enhance the relationship between symbolic elements, visual attractions, and public spaces (Pourjafar et al., 2009). A major obstacle in achieving effective visual management is the limited understanding of human-scale needs and environmental affordances by designers. These affordances can be categorized as “perceptual” and “cognitive,” or “overt” and “hidden,” depending on the level of user awareness and engagement. MethodologyThis study employs an applied and analytical research approach using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The Delphi technique was used to identify and prioritize the stages of visual management with input from experts in urban design, planning, and landscape architecture. The relative importance of each stage in the context of Shiraz was evaluated using the Friedman test.The case study focuses on the Zandiyeh District of Shiraz, analyzed using the “Photo Grid” technique to examine visual framing and affordances. A visual questionnaire was distributed to 40 experts through snowball sampling, capturing expert assessments of environmental and perceptual affordances within different spatial networks of the area. Results and DiscussionThe visual management process for historic urban landscapes includes seven stages:Assessing the current situationIdentifying the needs of the landscapeSetting a visual frameworkFormulating visual conservation goalsPlanning the landscapeOrganizing the landscapeAnalysis and evaluationExperts rated the first two stages—“assessing the current situation” and “identifying needs”—at an average of 2.65, indicating a moderate condition. However, the later stages were evaluated as weak or very weak: “setting a framework” (2.45), “planning” (2.35), “analysis and evaluation” (2.28), “formulating goals” (2.25), and “organizing the landscape” (2.23). These findings indicate systemic weaknesses across the visual management process.Three primary areas of challenge were identified:Design and Planning Issues: fragmented spatial structure, lack of visual hierarchyManagement Issues: limited coordination among institutions, absence of visual strategiesContextual Understanding: insufficient recognition of historical continuity and symbolic meaning ConclusionFor successful visual management of historic urban landscapes, the use of techniques like “Photo Grid” during the framing phase enables a more precise understanding of visual and environmental affordances. This research moves from general analysis to detailed contextual evaluation, offering practical insights for future interventions.The results show that Zones 1 and 5 (especially near the Vakil Mosque and Bath) achieved the highest scores in environmental friendliness and imaginability. In contrast, Zone 2 (Divankhaneh area) received the lowest rating due to neglect, visual isolation, and poor readability. Zone 3 also requires attention, as it ranked second in terms of needed improvement. These findings can guide urban policymakers and designers in prioritizing areas for visual rehabilitation, particularly within historically sensitive contexts like Shiraz.
Urban Economy
Gholamreza Moradi
Abstract
HighlightsAgglomeration economies are observable in small cities like Kazerun, not just in large metropolitan areas.Both specialized clusters and economic diversity emerge in a linear or ribbon-like form across the city.The formation of specialization or diversity is influenced by activity type and pedestrian ...
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HighlightsAgglomeration economies are observable in small cities like Kazerun, not just in large metropolitan areas.Both specialized clusters and economic diversity emerge in a linear or ribbon-like form across the city.The formation of specialization or diversity is influenced by activity type and pedestrian accessibility.The intra-urban scale, particularly at the street level, is more effective for identifying localization and urbanization economies. IntroductionThe spatial distribution of economic activities within a city and their interrelations—along with the physical forms they take—have long been of interest to geographers, urban planners, and economists. Agglomeration economies, and their manifestations in the forms of localization and urbanization economies, not only provide functional benefits for businesses but also create distinct spatial patterns. These patterns—whether clustered, concentrated, or linear—hold significant implications for urban form.While most previous research has focused on agglomeration economies at the regional or city-wide scale, emphasizing productivity, growth, and employment at the firm or industry level, such studies often overlook intra-city scales. In particular, little attention has been paid to how economic activities and businesses are spatially organized within neighborhoods and along individual streets, and how this distribution relates to the city’s spatial structure.This study aims to fill that gap by examining whether agglomeration effects, specifically localization and urbanization economies, occur in small cities such as Kazerun. The research investigates the spatial characteristics of specialized clusters (localization) and diverse activity patterns (urbanization) in relation to streets, business types, and forms of urban access. Theoretical FrameworkAgglomeration refers to the geographical clustering of firms and businesses, and the benefits that emerge from proximity are referred to as agglomeration economies. These external economies can be categorized into two types:Localization economies, which arise from the co-location of firms operating in the same industry, leading to specialized spatial clusters and enhanced productivity.Urbanization economies, which result from the general co-location of diverse industries within the same urban area, promoting innovation and service diversity.Localization economies are sector-specific, while urbanization economies are cross-sectoral. Both types create externalities that foster knowledge spillovers and innovation. The spatial manifestations of these externalities are termed specialization (for localization) and diversity (for urbanization).This study analyzes the spatial distribution of economic activities at the street level to identify these agglomeration patterns in a small-city context. MethodologyKazerun, a small city in southwestern Iran with a population of approximately 96,000, was selected as the study area. Business data were obtained from the Kazerun County Chamber of Guilds, covering 30 major streets and a total of 3,804 businesses.To analyze the spatial patterns of specialization and diversity, the following indices were applied:Location Quotient (LQ): to measure the degree of specialization and identify localization economies.Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) and Shannon Diversity Index: to measure the level of economic diversity and identify urbanization economies.The spatial results were visualized using thematic maps to illustrate how economic activities are distributed across different streets. Results and DiscussionThe Location Quotient (LQ) results reveal notable examples of specialization:Khorramshahr Beltway in vehicle services (LQ = 2.25)Imam Khomeini Street in computer-related services (LQ = 4.53)Pardis Boulevard in real estate services (LQ = 6.75)Other streets and their respective LQ values are detailed in tabular form in the full study.In terms of diversity, results from the HHI and Shannon indices indicate that streets such as Imam Khomeini, Qadamgah, North Shohada, North Hafez, and Saadi exhibit the highest levels of economic diversity. Conversely, streets like Salman Farsi, South Ferdowsi, and North Ferdowsi demonstrate high levels of specialization. These spatial patterns suggest that the interplay between pedestrian accessibility, street width, and proximity to the central business district significantly influences the emergence of economic specialization or diversity. ConclusionAlthough some previous studies have posited that large cities are more conducive to economic diversity, this study demonstrates that similar diversity can also emerge at the street level in small cities. The findings align with recent scholarship that emphasizes the spatial dispersion of agglomeration effects in the information age, beyond central business districts.In Kazerun, the benefits of agglomeration economies manifest in both specialized and diverse clusters, often in linear formations along prominent streets. This reflects the influence of factors such as the nature of services provided, physical space requirements, levels of pedestrian and vehicular access, and proximity to dense population areas.Examples include:Technical services (e.g., vehicle repair) clustering along major roadways like Khorramshahr BoulevardAgricultural services concentrated on wider, less walkable streets like FerdowsiReal estate agencies locating in newer, developing areas (e.g., Pardis Boulevard)Medical services centralized within walkable zones in the urban core (e.g., Salman Farsi Street)Mixed-use, diverse streets such as North and South Shohada, Abuzar, and Imam Khomeini accommodating a variety of activities due to their narrower widths and central locationsThese patterns underscore the relevance of intra-urban spatial analysis for understanding agglomeration dynamics in smaller urban settings.
Urban Management
Alireza daviran
Abstract
HighlightsThe decline of social capital due to monopolization, the inability of urban management to advance urban projects, and citizen dissatisfaction are among the consequences of obstacles to communicative action.Strengthening the sense of belonging, promoting communicative action, enhancing institutional ...
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HighlightsThe decline of social capital due to monopolization, the inability of urban management to advance urban projects, and citizen dissatisfaction are among the consequences of obstacles to communicative action.Strengthening the sense of belonging, promoting communicative action, enhancing institutional cooperation, fostering consultation-based expertise, encouraging pluralism, and achieving institutional synergy are identified as the most effective outcome conditions in urban project management.In certain administrations, communicative activism fosters a sense of belonging and enhances the social capital of managers and staff.Communicative activism mitigates challenges in managing and implementing urban projects by fostering synergy and pluralism rooted in shared understanding.IntroductionUrban management today faces a wide array of physical, economic, social, and environmental challenges. Despite the development of various planning policies to address these issues, implementation often falters due to inter-departmental and inter-organizational functional problems. One effective approach to overcoming these challenges is achieving integrated thinking in the planning and execution of urban projects. Such integration stems from continuous communication and interaction among urban managers and experts within a transparent and pragmatic network—ultimately leading to action-oriented planning.This research is grounded in the assumption that the primary challenge facing urban management lies not only in the formulation of plans but also in weak inter-organizational communication. Focusing on the case of Zanjan, the study investigates how communicative action impacts the preparation and implementation of urban management plans.The central research questions are as follows:What are the main internal and inter-organizational challenges in the preparation and implementation of urban projects?How do urban management entities perceive one another’s actions, and what role can communicative action play in improving project outcomes?Theoretical FrameworkOne approach to achieving integrated planning is through communicative action, a concept rooted in the philosophy of Jürgen Habermas. Communicative action is a form of social behavior oriented toward mutual understanding. In this paradigm, a distinct form of rationality—relational rationality—is introduced, merging knowledge and values and framing spatial planning as a social construct.Here, communication becomes the primary source of truth discovery, and human wisdom is seen as emerging through interpersonal interactions rather than as a product of political governance or isolated reasoning. Communication, in this context, is central to governance and policy development.MethodologyThis study employs a qualitative, phenomenological research design using an inductive interpretive method based on grounded theory. Due to the cyclical and evolving nature of the grounded theory process, theoretical sampling was used throughout data collection, with semi-structured interviews as the main tool. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, resulting in a final sample of 45 mid-level managers and experts from 10 executive institutions with consistent inter-organizational interaction in Zanjan (e.g., Roads and Urban Development, Municipality, City Council, Governorate, Water, Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Engineering Organization).Data collection included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Given limitations in recording due to participants' reluctance, efforts were made to establish trust and maintain participant anonymity. Data were analyzed through open coding, followed by axial coding and selective coding to identify core categories and concepts. A paradigmatic model was developed to explain causal, contextual, intervening, strategic, and consequential conditions. For validity assurance, a technical audit was conducted, and procedures were confirmed by two experts familiar with qualitative data analysis.Results and DiscussionThe analysis revealed that managers at both middle and high levels, depending on their organizational roles, often operate within rigid administrative structures and prioritize institutional interests over collaborative engagement. This tendency, driven by fear of losing authority or being reprimanded, reflects a limited form of instrumental action as described by Habermas. Consequently, urban development becomes shaped by individualistic and monopolistic thinking, resulting in citizen dissatisfaction.In contrast, successful instances of communicative action—such as those leading to the development of Sabzeh Maidan Complex, the pedestrianization of key streets, the reopening of Zainabiyeh Street, completion of the sewer network, expedited reviews of zoning change requests, active implementation of national housing programs, and reforms in the electrical grid—highlight the benefits of enhanced inter-agency cooperation.ConclusionThe findings indicate that the absence of communicative action leads to negative outcomes such as individualism, diminished specialization, weakened work commitment, reduced trust, declining social and organizational capital, short-term decision-making, and citizen dissatisfaction. Conversely, implementing communicative action in some administrative units has fostered a greater sense of belonging, strengthened social capital among staff, and reduced project implementation challenges through enhanced synergy and pluralism based on shared understanding.
Urban Sociology
Afshar Kabiri; Javad Jahangirzadeh
Abstract
HighlightsThe rapid growth of the urban population in recent decades has intensified the housing crisis, making it a critical concern for urban societies.The Mehr Housing Plan was introduced as a supportive social policy aimed at providing affordable housing for low-income households and stabilizing ...
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HighlightsThe rapid growth of the urban population in recent decades has intensified the housing crisis, making it a critical concern for urban societies.The Mehr Housing Plan was introduced as a supportive social policy aimed at providing affordable housing for low-income households and stabilizing housing prices.Despite improving physical access to housing, the plan has resulted in residential complexes that are physically homogeneous but culturally diverse and socially fragile.Neglecting the issue of social instability in these communities may transform Golman into a modern ghetto, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization.Extended AbstractIntroductionIn the past few decades, the rapid urbanization of Iranian cities has escalated the demand for housing, transforming housing shortages into a fundamental challenge for urban governance. In response, a variety of housing policies have been implemented, such as urban regeneration, land provision, rental schemes, social housing, and more recently, the Mehr Housing Plan. This plan emerged as a flagship social policy initiative aiming to deliver low-cost housing to underserved urban populations while curbing speculative price increases.Despite achieving quantitative progress in homeownership among low-income groups, the qualitative implications of the Mehr Housing Plan remain understudied, particularly in relation to social sustainability. In this context, the new city of Golman near Urmia has witnessed the rapid expansion of Mehr housing complexes, often lacking adequate consideration for social cohesion, infrastructure, and long-term community stability. This study aims to qualitatively examine the social sustainability of Mehr housing in Golman using an ethnographic approach grounded in residents' lived experiences.Theoretical FrameworkTraditionally, housing was viewed narrowly as a physical shelter meeting basic physiological needs such as rest, protection, and food preparation (Pourmohammadi, 2014). However, contemporary interpretations expand this view, emphasizing housing as a comprehensive residential environment encompassing employment opportunities, educational facilities, health services, recreational spaces, and cultural integration (Mokhbar, 2013). In this broader context, housing becomes a multidimensional phenomenon essential to quality of life and social well-being.In the 21st century, the discourse surrounding housing and urban development has evolved to include social sustainability as a core dimension. This concept—despite its conceptual ambiguity and lack of universally accepted definitions (Colantonio, 2009; Marta & Giulia, 2020)—has become a focal point in assessing the viability and inclusiveness of urban housing policies. Notably, prior studies on Mehr housing have predominantly emphasized physical and economic parameters, often neglecting the sociocultural and psychological dimensions of housing stability.This research does not aim to test a specific theory of social sustainability; rather, it seeks to fill a critical gap in the literature by examining how social sustainability is constructed and perceived by residents of Mehr housing through a qualitative, interpretative lens.MethodologyThe study employed a qualitative ethnographic methodology to explore the social dynamics within Mehr housing complexes in Golman. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and field observations. A purposive sample of 22 participants—including residents and community managers—was selected based on theoretical saturation. The collected data were analyzed thematically, integrating both the emic (insider) perspectives of participants and the etic (outsider) analytical viewpoint of the researcher.Results and DiscussionFindings reveal pervasive social instability within Golman's Mehr housing. Key indicators include weak neighborhood identity, low levels of social capital, concentrated poverty, perceived social exclusion, cultural heterogeneity, spatial segregation, and dissatisfaction with the quality of life—despite nominal homeownership. Residents frequently cited issues such as delayed project delivery, contractor dishonesty, poor construction quality, lack of community cohesion, and insufficient experience with apartment living—particularly among migrant populations from rural areas.Furthermore, cultural disparities among residents have inhibited the development of a shared social fabric, undermining trust, cooperation, and a sense of place belonging. These findings suggest that the current trajectory of Golman's development risks transforming it into a zone of "modern marginalization"—a ghetto-like environment masked by formal homeownership but riddled with socio-spatial inequalities.ConclusionFrom a sociological standpoint, the Mehr housing complexes in Golman are significantly distant from meeting the essential criteria of socially sustainable communities. These include equitable access to services and employment, safety, local participation, social cohesion, and a stable sense of community. Instead, residents experience social disorganization, cultural fragmentation, and a profound sense of exclusion and dissatisfaction.Without proactive interventions to address these socio-cultural deficits—such as community engagement programs, mixed-income housing models, and infrastructural improvements—Golman is likely to devolve into a modern manifestation of poverty ghettos. Conversely, even modest improvements in quality of life without addressing structural inequalities may merely result in superficial inclusion, masking deeper patterns of marginalization.
Urban Ecology
elnaz khalili; Seyed Muslim Seyedolhosseini; toktam hanaee; sanaz saeedi mofrad
Abstract
HighlightsThis article emphasizes the fundamental relationship between placemaking and biophilia.Biophilic placemaking indicators are categorized into five core dimensions.Natural peri-urban spaces are identified as key platforms for rebuilding the human–nature connection.The concept of “biophilic ...
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HighlightsThis article emphasizes the fundamental relationship between placemaking and biophilia.Biophilic placemaking indicators are categorized into five core dimensions.Natural peri-urban spaces are identified as key platforms for rebuilding the human–nature connection.The concept of “biophilic placemaking” is proposed as an emerging theoretical framework. IntroductionRapid and often unregulated urbanization has profoundly disrupted natural ecosystems, degraded green infrastructure, and weakened the physical and psychological bonds between humans and nature. These disturbances have exacerbated environmental issues such as air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and the urban heat island effect. As a result, contemporary urban design is compelled to adopt strategies that address ecological degradation while also enhancing human health and well-being.This study investigates how integrating biophilic design principles into placemaking processes can provide a nature-based framework for reshaping urban environments—enhancing livability, fostering environmental resilience, and supporting healthier communities. Specifically, it examines how nature-based solutions, grounded in ecological and psychological principles, can respond to pressing urban and planning challenges while encouraging citizens to reconnect both emotionally and functionally with their surroundings.Placemaking is an interdisciplinary approach aimed at designing meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable spaces that foster a sense of belonging, identity, respect for nature, and social participation. While previous research has explored various social, cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of placemaking, the incorporation of nature-centric design principles—often referred to as biophilic or nature-based urbanism—remains relatively underexplored.Accordingly, the central research question is: How can nature-based design principles be effectively integrated into urban placemaking to enhance the quality of urban life and the built environment?To answer this, the study conducts a qualitative meta-synthesis of global scholarly literature to explore the intersection between placemaking and biophilia. By synthesizing current research, this study seeks to uncover patterns, identify key findings, offer conceptual insights, and evaluate how the integration of these paradigms has evolved in recent years. Theoretical FrameworkThis research is anchored in two interrelated theoretical foundations: placemaking and biophilic design.Placemaking is conceptualized as a holistic, people-centered approach to designing urban public spaces. It emphasizes the creation of meaningful environments that promote social interaction, inclusivity, cultural identity, and emotional attachment. In parallel, biophilic design builds on E.O. Wilson’s hypothesis of humans’ innate affinity for nature, asserting that integrating natural elements into built environments can enhance mental, emotional, and physical health.Through a comprehensive literature synthesis, the study explores how these two frameworks intersect—uncovering synergies where biophilic strategies can enrich place-based urban design, especially in nature-adjacent and peri-urban contexts. MethodologyThis study employs a qualitative meta-synthesis approach, based on the seven-step model introduced by Sandelowski and Barroso. This method facilitates the systematic aggregation and reinterpretation of qualitative findings from diverse case studies, aiming to generate new theoretical insights.The literature review was conducted across major academic databases—including Web of Science, Scopus, and Semantic Scholar—focusing on peer-reviewed publications from 2017 to 2023. A total of 25 qualitative studies were selected using rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed through inductive coding using MAXQDA software. The extracted themes were then validated using the CASP checklist and reviewed by experts in urban design to ensure credibility and transferability. Results and DiscussionThe analysis resulted in the identification of five main thematic dimensions—environmental, social, economic, functional, and physical—encompassing 12 subcategories and 28 indicators. These themes reflect how placemaking and biophilia converge across spatial and disciplinary scales to enhance urban quality.Environmental Dimension: Integration with nature enhances biodiversity, regulates microclimates, and improves air and water quality.Social Dimension: Biophilic public spaces strengthen community ties, promote inclusivity, and support psychological well-being.Economic Dimension: Green infrastructure contributes to increased land value, stimulates tourism, and reduces operational and maintenance costs.Functional Dimension: Biophilic design enhances usability through improved comfort, sensory engagement, and spatial adaptability.Physical Dimension: The use of natural aesthetics and materials reinforces place identity, emotional attachment, and cultural continuity.These findings demonstrate that placemaking and biophilic design are not isolated frameworks but mutually reinforcing paradigms. Together, they form the conceptual foundation for biophilic placemaking—an integrated strategy for creating healthier and more sustainable urban environments. ConclusionThis study concludes that biophilic placemaking provides a compelling, multidimensional strategy for addressing the social, environmental, and psychological needs of urban populations. By bridging the divide between built environments and nature, this approach fosters the development of spaces that are not only sustainable and resilient but also restorative, inclusive, and culturally meaningful.As an emerging theoretical framework, biophilic placemaking offers new possibilities for reimagining urban futures—through designs that are ecologically grounded, socially engaging, and deeply connected to human well-being.
Urban livability
Ali Mahdi
Abstract
HighlightsCoordinated and aesthetically pleasing urban design and management enhance tranquility, psychological satisfaction, and positive social interactions among Qom’s residents.Disordered spaces with inadequate infrastructure and multiple pollutants negatively affect the physical and mental ...
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HighlightsCoordinated and aesthetically pleasing urban design and management enhance tranquility, psychological satisfaction, and positive social interactions among Qom’s residents.Disordered spaces with inadequate infrastructure and multiple pollutants negatively affect the physical and mental health of residents in Qom’s informal settlements.Pollution, high population density, and the lack of green spaces in the shrine area seriously threaten the health of citizens and pilgrims in Qom.IntroductionOne of the critical concerns in urban studies is understanding how environmental changes impact urban health. The growth of informal settlements and rapid transformations in urban areas often lead to challenges such as poor environmental quality, scarcity of green spaces, pollution, and inadequate housing—factors that collectively harm both the physical and mental well-being of citizens.In Qom, especially in peripheral areas, these issues are particularly pronounced. Informal settlements suffer from environmental degradation, diverse forms of pollution, insufficient healthcare and sanitation facilities, and disorganized urban structures. These physical issues, coupled with socioeconomic difficulties, pose serious threats to public health.As a religiously significant city in Iran, Qom faces unique urban health challenges. Beyond physical and architectural issues, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions substantially influence residents’ quality of life. This study aims to assess how these environmental factors affect urban health and quality of life in Qom, while identifying key challenges across multiple dimensions of health.Theoretical FrameworkUrban environmental quality is a multidimensional concept involving physical, social, economic, and psychological components. Research has consistently shown that the quality of the urban environment significantly influences public health. Lansing and Marans (1966) emphasized that a high-quality environment enhances residents’ well-being and satisfaction, which directly contributes to their overall health.Urban environmental quality is closely associated with indicators such as quality of life, citizen satisfaction, environmental perception, and urban livability—all of which affect health outcomes. Poor urban design can lead to a range of physical, psychological, and social problems.In this context, the medical and social models of health offer distinct perspectives. The medical model focuses on individual clinical interventions, whereas the social model highlights the influence of socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural conditions. The Ottawa Charter (1989) identifies essential prerequisites for health, including peace, shelter, education, food, income, a stable ecosystem, sustainable resources, and social equity. These principles form the basis for evaluating environmental impacts on public health in Qom. MethodologyThis study adopts a descriptive-analytical and survey-based approach to examine how environmental factors affect urban health in Qom. Data were collected through both library research and fieldwork. The field study included photography, on-site observations, citizen interviews, and standardized questionnaires administered to household heads.The statistical population comprises households residing in various parts of Qom, particularly in informal settlements, where environmental degradation and health challenges are more acute.Results and DiscussionA key question of the study was to identify the major health-related challenges faced by Qom's residents. The findings reveal that psychological and social health issues are more pressing than physical ones. According to the Friedman test, these two dimensions rank higher in severity.Visual and physical environmental quality emerged as critical factors influencing all dimensions of health. As shown in Table 14, visual quality positively affects mental, physical, and social well-being, whereas poor physical conditions have a negative impact on physical and social health.In essence, urban environments with high visual quality can foster feelings of calm, satisfaction, and reduced stress. Conversely, chaotic and disordered environments can provoke stress, dissatisfaction, and a sense of instability.ConclusionThe analysis confirms that the quality of the urban environment significantly influences the physical and mental health of residents. Environments lacking visual and physical harmony are associated with elevated stress, anxiety, and discomfort. In Qom—especially in peripheral zones and around the Hazrat Masumeh shrine—these issues are especially visible. Urban disorganization, inadequate green spaces, pollution, and flawed urban design are among the most critical concerns.This study underscores the need for urban planning strategies that prioritize environmental quality and public health. Based on the research findings, efforts to improve visual and physical quality, expand green spaces, reduce pollution, and address residents’ psychological and social needs are crucial to enhancing quality of life.Therefore, urban design in Qom should be health-centered and environmentally responsive to ensure better living conditions for its citizens.
