Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU)

Abstract Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: tUrban greenery is widely acknowledged as a key element for creating livable urban environments and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Public green infrastructure provides city dwellers with the opportunity to engage with the natural environment and ecosystems, in line with the Biophilic Hypothesis popularized by Wilson. The Biophilic Hypothesis asserts that individuals possess a deep biological need and desire to engage with nature in order to thrive as a species. It is reported that without engagement with nature, the general health and welfare of communities begins to decline. However, street greenery is an essential component of urban vegetation, providing residents with more frequent access to green spaces. While much of the research on urban green spaces has focused on parks, fewer studies have explored the role of street greenery at a micro-level. This research aims to evaluate and understand the psychological, physiological, and social prosperity benefits that people derive from experiencing high-quality street greenery within an urban landscape. Understanding the needs of local communities is the first step in planning to effectively and equitably address these needs. This case study explores the experiences, expectations, and satisfaction levels of users regarding the characteristics and impacts of urban street greenery along Amir Kabir Blvd in Shiraz, between Imam Hassan intersection and Ostad Bahman Beigi overpass intersections. The study employs the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) technique to assess these factors. The key research questions are: How can high-quality urban street greenery improve the quality of the street environment? What are the expectations and satisfaction levels of users in the study area concerning the characteristics and impacts of urban street greenery? What should be the priority of management actions based on users’ feedback to address problems and enhance the quality of the street environment, considering the role of street greenery? Methods: This research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach with a case study. First, bibliographic and documentary collections were used to identify the relevant content. The Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) technique was widely applied to assess how well the attributes of urban street greenery (USG) met the expectations of consumers, clients, users, and visitors. In the measurement and data analysis section, this tool was utilized to evaluate the importance of the attributes and impacts of high-quality USG identified from the literature, comparing them against their relative performance for users of Amir Kabir Blvd in Shiraz, between Imam Hassan intersection and Ostad Bahman Beigi overpass intersections (n=180). Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS 27 were used for data analysis and graphing. To design the survey questionnaire, relevant literature, guided by Parker and Simpson and the PRISMA method of Moher et al., was reviewed. Studies conducted through a review of literature and global indicators, such as the World Health Organization’s report titled “Urban Green Spaces: A Brief for Action” and UN-Habitat’s “Global Public Space Toolkit,” were considered. These studies emphasized that street green spaces are part of the street and public space, and that streets serve as public spaces and drivers of urban prosperity. Additionally, both domestic and international articles on public green space, street green space, street-edge green space, and the Biophilic Hypothesis were reviewed. Findings: The anonymous pen and paper self-report questionnaire used for the survey had categorical demographic questions as well as the question and paired Likert scales required for an IPA assessing 24 attributes of quality UGS spaces for the site users identified from the literature. The IPA asked USG users “How important are the following features of Amir Kabir Blvd. of Shiraz from the Imam Hassan to the Master Bahman Beigi non-coplanar intersections to you and how satisfied are you with their management?” Participants could provide their importance ranking for each of the 24 attributes related to the quality USG space using a 5-point Likert scale that ranged from 1 = Not at All Important to 5 = Extremely Important. Participants provided their performance rankings using a modified 6-point Likert scale that started at 0 = Unable to Report and then spanned from 1 = Not at All Satisfied to 5 = Extremely Satisfied. The demographic profile of the study site users in the autumn 2022 of Shiraz shows, the gender distribution of the surveyed site’s population is skewed towards men. The age of the survey participants is also skewed towards a younger population. Also, about 90% of the studied users are from Shiraz and about 60% live within 5 kilometers of the site, which shows that the user population is skewed towards locals.
The anonymous pen-and-paper self-report questionnaire used for the survey included categorical demographic questions as well as questions with paired Likert scales required for the IPA, which assessed 24 attributes of quality urban green spaces (UGS) for site users, identified from the literature. The IPA asked UGS users, “How important are the following features of Amir Kabir Blvd. in Shiraz, between Imam Hassan intersection and Ostad Bahman Beigi overpass intersections, to you, and how satisfied are you with their management?” Participants ranked the importance of each of the 24 attributes related to the quality of UGS spaces using a 5-point Likert scale, where 1 = Not at All Important and 5 = Extremely Important. For performance rankings, participants used a modified 6-point Likert scale, starting at 0 = Unable to Report, and ranging from 1 = Not at All Satisfied to 5 = Extremely Satisfied. The demographic profile of the study participants in autumn 2022 shows that the gender distribution is skewed towards men. The age of the participants is also skewed towards a younger population. Additionally, about 90% of the users surveyed are from Shiraz, and approximately 60% live within 5 kilometers of the site, indicating that the user population is primarily local. Conclusion: The results of this research emphasize the key role of urban street greenery in the livability of the street environment. The quantitative values for the IPA show that the street green space in the study area is generally of low quality and does not meet the expectations of most users. According to the studies and findings from data analysis, from the users’ view, the weakest performances with the highest importance are related to equality, environmental/ecological, and social impacts. Therefore, the first priority of study and planning actions and projects should focus on creating a suitable environment for the presence of different age and gender groups (elderly, adolescents, and women), managing surface water and flood risk, eliminating street air pollution, improving the level and amount of green space in the study area, and ensuring personal security on the sidewalk (a subcategory of social impacts).

Abstract Extended Abstract Background and Objectives: Urban spaces have experienced significant transformations over time, resulting in both physical and functional deterioration. In recent years, governmental and municipal entities have implemented various strategies to revitalize and reconstruct these deteriorated urban areas. However, the substantial volume of deteriorated structures, coupled with the partial and prolonged execution of projects, underscores the inadequacy of these approaches. According to available statistics, approximately 1,350,000 hectares of deteriorated and informal settlements exist within the country’s urban areas, accommodating around 20 million individuals. This situation presents a critical challenge due to two primary concerns: firstly, residents are susceptible to damages from natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods because of substandard construction quality; secondly, these residents are more vulnerable in terms of income, employment, and access to services compared to other urban dwellers. The lack of sufficient funding, inadequate collaboration among various institutions, structural and infrastructural instability, use of non-standard materials, absence of desirable construction qualities, and environmental degradation highlight the urgent need for policies focused on regeneration and resilience enhancement of these settlements. Anjirab, a neighborhood in the city of Gorgan, serves as an example of an informal settlement. Like similar neighborhoods, it is characterized by a heterogeneous population, unauthorized and non-standard constructions, employment in informal sectors, poverty, low income, high immigration rates, and a diverse demographic structure. As generations and the socio-cultural composition of this community evolve, so do the expectations and demands of these low-income groups. Since this neighborhood was built by immigrants without adhering to architectural and urban planning principles, the current study aims to identify the factors influencing its livability. Methods: This article aims to identify and categorize the drivers of community-led regeneration in Anjirab neighborhood to enhance its livability, utilizing a structured analytical approach. Theoretical data were obtained through bibliographic research, while empirical data were gathered via a Delphi technique survey. The statistical sample consists of 20 urban experts selected through purposive sampling. The development drivers encompass 44 driving forces across five dimensions: economic, social, physical, institutional-management, and environmental, analyzed through the Cross-impact analysis method in MICMAC. Findings: The system environment analysis reveals that 218 factors exhibit tertiary relationships, indicating significant interaction and mutual influence among key drivers. Further research findings suggest that the driving forces are dispersed in a complex, intermediate state concerning their influence and effectiveness, with clustering patterns showing a concentration of drivers in the independent sector. Of the 44 driving forces, nine have a substantial impact on the future state of community-led regeneration in the Anjirab neighborhood: organized local organizations, attraction of regeneration funds, the attitudes and knowledge of city managers, inclusion of community-led regeneration in urban plans, establishment of specific regulations for regeneration, alignment of plans with residents’ needs and lifestyles, strengthening the role of neighborhood councilors, enhancement of the land’s economic value, and allocation of government funds. Systemically, these forces aim to improve urban environmental quality, positioning them as the most effective and critical drivers. Conclusion: This research aims to identify the drivers influencing the future state of community-led regeneration in Anjirab neighborhood of Gorgan, with the goal of improving its livability. The findings indicate that the general pattern of dispersion of the studied drivers, based on mutual effects analysis, reveals an unstable environmental system. These drivers display a complex and intermediate state in terms of effectiveness. Clustering analysis shows that the drivers are primarily concentrated in the independent forces sector. Among the 44 driving forces, nine have a key impact on the future of community-led regeneration in Anjirab, with a focus on enhancing livability. The results suggest that the growth and development of community-led regeneration in Anjirab require well-organized local organizations. These organizations can strengthen communication between residents and improve coordination of regeneration activities. Furthermore, attracting financial resources from both domestic and international sources is essential. These funds would facilitate the implementation and improvement of neighborhood regeneration plans and the creation of necessary infrastructure. The attitude and knowledge of city managers are crucial to the success of community-led regeneration. City managers must possess a deep understanding of community-led regeneration concepts and the skills necessary to implement related plans. Additionally, integrating community-led regeneration into urban planning is vital. Urban plans should not only address the needs and challenges of residents but also promote local community strength and solidarity. The establishment of specific laws to support community-led regeneration is also essential. These laws should provide the necessary motivation and support for regeneration activities while addressing local needs and challenges. Plans should be tailored to the needs and lifestyles of the residents, ensuring that design and implementation processes are aligned with their desires and requirements. Strengthening the role of neighborhood councilors can also significantly support community-led regeneration and improve livability. Councilors, who are local residents, can leverage their social credibility to effectively mobilize opinions, communicate with residents, and act as a liaison among all stakeholders.

Abstract Extended Abstract
Objectives and Background: In recent years, District 22 of Tehran has undergone significant transformations due to the city's expansion. Many residents from other areas have chosen this district as a preferable place to live, seeking distance from pollution. However, rapid development has brought numerous issues to the area, such as inadequate public transportation, high population density, density-selling violations, real estate speculation, uncontrolled construction, high-rise developments, water shortages, low service per capita service levels, limited access to central Tehran, a stagnant business environment, high migration rates, and weak social ties within newly developed communities. These challenges have progressively impacted the district's livability. Examining District 22’s development pattern over the past four decades reveals a marked inflation of decision-making processes, indicating a reliance more on market-driven growth than on sustainable urban planning models. As a result, car-oriented development has become the norm, exacerbating environmental and social problems. In light of this situation, the question of District 22's livability and its future is critical. Addressing this complexity requires adopting new, complementary paradigms and approaches—particularly those emphasizing human-centered urban development. The concept of the "human-centered city" offers a comprehensive framework to enhance livability and promote sustainable growth in District 22. This study thus assesses the livability status of District 22 using this approach, aiming to address urban challenges through sustainable, human-centered development strategies.
Methods: This research is applied in purpose and uses a descriptive-analytical approach in methodology. Data and information were collected through both bibliographic and field (questionnaire) methods. The statistical population includes the residents of the 12 neighborhoods within District 22 of Tehran metropolis, with a sample size of 383 individuals determined using Cochran’s formula at a 95% confidence level and assuming maximum heterogeneity (p = q = 0.5). A simple probabilistic sampling method, known for its scientific value, was applied to select the sample. The content and face validity of the questionnaire were confirmed by experts, and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha, resulting in a reliability score of 87%. Sampling was conducted in two stages. Initially, proportional allocation sampling was employed to distribute the sample across the target population, considering the overall characteristics and diversity of the study area. Accordingly, a percentage of questionnaires was assigned to each neighborhood in District 22 based on its population share. In the second stage, due to the complexity of the target population, random sampling was used to select residential units.Various conceptualizations of livability indicate that no universally accepted measurement approach exists. However, most studies focus on subjective livability perceptions, typically assessed through social surveys or questionnaires. In this study, the behavioral geography perspective was employed to evaluate the livability of Tehran's District 22 using a human-centered urban approach. Therefore, a researcher-made questionnaire was designed to measure residents' subjective perspectives across four main dimensions- economic, social, physical, and environmental- using 76 items. For data analysis, tests such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, one-sample T-test, ANOVA, and path analysis were conducted using SPSS software. Additionally, Shannon’s entropy and the MABAC (Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison) model were used to rank the neighborhoods within District 22.
Findings: The results revealed that the status of this district concerning the studied subject is below average. The neighborhoods of Lake Shohadaye Khalij Fars (Persian Gulf), Golestan, and Zibadasht ranked first to third with the highest scores for livability under the human-centered city approach. Sharif, Havanirouz, Sarvazad, and Sharif neighborhoods ranked tenth to twelfth with the lowest scores for livability. Among livability dimensions, the greatest gap was observed in the physical aspect while the least gap was found in environmental aspects. Overall livability conditions across neighborhoods in District 22 were rated as average to poor: %16 were classified as acceptable clusters; 17% as tolerable; 25% as average; another %25 as poor; and 17% as unacceptable clusters.Based on these findings, it can be concluded that factors contributing to livability issues in District 22 stem from its continuous development without adequate attention to improving necessary amenities and services for residents. Studies indicate that this area has been significantly impacted by decision-making inflation that prioritizes market demand over logical planning aligned with sustainable urban development models—effectively placing control in the hands of land speculators rather than focusing on local services and amenities.This lack of facilities and supporting infrastructure has resulted in income and employment for many residents being located outside District 22. Additionally, economic sanctions have exacerbated financial burdens on families due to insufficient amenities (for instance, over 50 thousand educational trips are made daily from District 22 to Region 5). Consequently, economic participation rates in this district dropped from %39 in 2011 to %37.1 in 2016. The social fabric predominantly consists of middle-income groups engaged mainly in service-related occupations.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the current urban sprawl and unbalanced growth in District 22 of Tehran do not align with the principles of human-centered cities, such as social cohesion, walkability, safety, neighborhood connections, and community spirituality. The development of new areas within the district (such as Sharif University Town, Sarv-e Azad, and Havanirouz) has largely prioritized vehicular traffic over urban plans, diminishing the region's social and human-centered urban identity. High rates of migration, poor connectivity between residents of high-rise complexes and surrounding neighborhoods, limited security infrastructure, and fragmented functional identities have led to decreased social cohesion and a decline in the quality of public spaces, especially in newly developed areas. Additionally, the incomplete spatial structure and reliance on highways hinder the formation of streets as social spaces, discouraging human presence and social interaction in these areas. For District 22 to evolve into a human-centered and livable area, it is essential to encourage active citizen involvement alongside urban planners and policymakers. Achieving livability with a human-centered approach requires optimizing various forms of social participation, a crucial element in building human-centered cities.

Abstract Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: A city’s long-term future vision is created through the process of creating an urban development strategy, upon which executive plans are created. The main objective of urban development strategy is to increase economic competitiveness, but it also addresses issues related to the environment, finances, infrastructure, urban design, and poverty alleviation. The aim of this research is to analyze and evaluate various aspects of the development strategy in Galougah city in order to gain a better understanding of the situation there. The study outlines the comprehensive urban plan that was implemented in 2010, as well as a detailed tourism plan for the Galougah Sea that was developed in 2003. However, the city’s master plan has failed to effectively guide urban development and meet the needs of the current population. The planning process does not involve the urban beneficiaries, and they lack knowledge about how decision-makers make decisions regarding urban challenges. Urban challenges, such as services, environmental problems like the urban sewage system, specific problems of inefficient urban fabrics, and physical problems like the transportation network, sidewalks, and road network lighting, have not been properly identified due to a lack of awareness and effective two-way communication between various city managers. To support this research, the implementation of an urban development strategy plan in Galougah city can be beneficial. This is due to the fact that the issues with urban management not only affect the city but also impact other urban stakeholders, such as the economy, sustainable urban employment, and seasonal migrations. By considering these issues, along with the structural limitations of traditional plans and the distinct conditions of Galougah city, an urban development strategy plan could provide a more comprehensive approach to addressing the city’s challenges.
Methods: This research is both descriptive and analytical in nature and aims to be practical. The data was collected through surveys and documentary methods. The researcher developed a questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale as the research tool. The statistical population of this study includes experts in urban issues and residents of Galougah city. In order to gather information, documentary, library, and survey methods were employed. Before being distributed to the statistical population, the prepared questionnaire underwent content validity by being tested with individuals who had opinions on this issue, which helped to ensure its dependability. Cochran’s methodology was followed and employed by a simple random sampling technique to distribute 355 questionnaires to heads-of-household, ensuring that they were representative of the city. A random selection technique was used for each questionnaire. A snowball sampling approach was used to identify a group of specialists, and ultimately, 22 experts were included in the study. To analyze the data, descriptive analysis techniques such as frequency percentage, mean, standard deviation, and variance were employed. Inferential tests in SPSS, including the one-sample t-test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), LSD post hoc test, and Pearson correlation, were also used.
Findings: The results of this study demonstrate that Galougah is dealing with issues, all of which have resulted in a decline in the city’s quality of urban life. The mandatory components of the urban development strategy can be strengthened in order to improve the city’s livability. According to the statistical tests conducted, the research findings showed that the relevant indicators for the residents and experts of Galougah City are below average. The dimension of urban livability was found to be weaker than other dimensions among the average indicators for residents, while the dimension of urban competitiveness ranked second. The following scenario involves urban governance and banking. Urban specialists assess these dimensions in the same context. The statistically significant difference observed between the two study groups’ viewpoints is due to the lower average of the analyzed dimensions by the experts, despite their alignment with the residents’ perspectives. This is because experts are more involved in practical and unbiased city issues, such as competition and government, which may have influenced their evaluations.
Conclusion: According to the test results, Galougah City is not in an acceptable state for city development strategies, and there is a greater need than ever to prepare and implement the city development plan. Due to the poor and intolerable situation in Galougah city, improving and applying livability approaches appears important. The study of sustainable development goals in cities is based on governance, and proper observance and use of indicators can increase public confidence in institutions of urban management. The assessment and analysis conducted in this research can serve as the framework for assessing various concerns for the mentioned program. In general, the results of this research demonstrate the importance of developing an urban development strategy plan. The research results have the potential to improve our understanding of various challenges faced by citizens and urban management. These findings can be used by managers, planners, and policymakers to develop a city development strategy plan that addresses the city’s current situation and helps to solve its problems in a logical manner.