Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

• Zahra Azad Takcho Olia ¹
• Kourosh Asefvaziri ²
• Mohammad Saeid Izadi ³

¹ Ph.D. in Urban Planning, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tehran University of Art, Tehran, Iran.

² M.A. in Urban Design, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

Abstract

Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Commercial services play a significant role in the daily lives of neighborhood residents. However, when we look at the city of Tehran’s development plans regarding local services, they primarily focus on services directly provided by public and government institutions. This has led to an uneven distribution of commercial services in various neighborhoods. As a result, it becomes essential for the municipal authorities to intervene in the distribution and accessibility of neighborhood commercial services. Thus, this research aims to develop a strategic plan for the appropriate distribution and allocation of commercial services within neighborhoods.
Methods: This research, considered an applied research, adopts a mixed-method approach, with a qualitative emphasis. It incorporates various data collection methods, including documentary research, secondary data analysis, non-participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires. Data analysis encompasses statistical analysis, qualitative content analysis, and comparative analysis. In order to formulate a strategic plan for the spatial distribution of neighborhood services in Tehran, various aspects affecting the access to neighborhood services have been examined through the bibliographic review of global experiences. In addition, the models for evaluating the pedestrian access to neighborhood services have also been reviewed so that the model suitable for the context of Tehran’s neighborhoods is formulated as a model for measuring pedestrian access to services. After developing the relevant conceptual framework, this framework was used to identify neighborhood commercial services and ways of accessing these services in the selected neighborhoods. In addition to this investigation, the current state of access to neighborhood services, the causes of the formation of services in the current situation of neighborhoods and the needs, demand, patterns and tendencies of the people in using services were identified, and the pathology of the distribution of neighborhood services in the sample neighborhoods was made. This pathology, which led to the classification of problems in the field of distribution of neighborhood services, became the basis for developing a strategic plan for the appropriate spatial distribution of neighborhood commercial services in Tehran.
Findings: In order to formulate a strategic plan for the spatial distribution of neighborhood services in Tehran, various aspects affecting the access to neighborhood services have been examined through the bibliographic review of global experiences. In addition, the models for evaluating the pedestrian access to neighborhood services have also been reviewed, adapting them to suit the unique context of Tehran’s neighborhoods, thus creating a suitable model for measuring pedestrian access to services. After developing the relevant conceptual framework, this framework was used to identify neighborhood commercial services and ways of accessing these services in the selected neighborhoods. In addition to this investigation, the current state of access to neighborhood services, the causes of the formation of services in the current situation of neighborhoods and the needs, demand, patterns and tendencies of the people in using services were identified, and an assessment and pathology of the distribution of neighborhood services within the chosen neighborhoods was conducted. This pathology, which led to the classification of problems in the field of distribution of neighborhood services, paved the way for developing a strategic plan for the appropriate spatial distribution of neighborhood commercial services in Tehran.
Conclusion: The study results show that improving the distribution of pedestrian-based neighborhood services requires formulation and implementation of short-term, medium-term and long-term programs. In the short term, it is necessary to approve and communicate guidelines in relation to the distribution of neighborhood commercial services, access to neighborhood commercial services and needs assessment of neighborhood commercial services in the neighborhood development plan of the city of Tehran, respectively, under the detailed plan of the city of Tehran, the comprehensive plan of integrated transportation of the city of Tehran and the regulations of the neighborhood development plan of Tehran. In order to operationalize the mechanisms related to the promotion of smart access to neighborhood services, it is also necessary to revise the guidelines of Tehran Municipality for the support of startups based on the proposals of this project in the short term. Considering that currently the municipality has no intervention in the process of issuing licenses to commercial services, medium-term plans and measures to promote the distribution of neighborhood services based on the definition of the position of the municipality in the process of distributing neighborhood services (through the issuance of licenses for space acquisition or provision) is considered. In this regard, three scenarios have been proposed. In the first scenario, Tehran Municipality can be added to the process of issuing a business license as one of the permanent authorities for issuing a business license. In other words, the request to set up a commercial business in the neighborhood must be approved by the municipality. In the second scenario, it is not necessary to get an approval from the municipality of the region, but if the license applicants receive documents from the municipality indicating the need for the relevant services, they will be subject to a discount in the four municipal services. In other words, receiving approval from the municipality to obtain a business license will result in taking advantage of the municipality’s incentives. The operationalization of the first and second the scenario requires the revision of the executive regulations on the manner of issuing and extending the business license (the subject of Article “12” of the Trade Union Law) in the medium term. In the third scenario, the municipality does not interfere in issuing a license for local commercial activities. In this particular scenario, the municipality is actively involved in supplying the necessary space for setting up local commercial services, such as fruit and vegetable markets and neighborhood stores. In the medium term, this scenario requires the revision of fruit and vegetable fields services in the statutes of the fruit and vegetable fields management organization of Tehran municipality and the local Shahrvand markets. Long-term plans and measures also rely on the change of the laws in order to grant the municipality the authority to issue business licenses.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

- Pathology of the distribution of neighborhood commercial services based on pedestrian access.
- Gap Analysis of existing situation, the trends and demands of the citizens and the laws and documents available in the field of distribution and access to neighborhood commercial services.
- Providing mechanisms to improve the distribution and access to neighborhood commercial services (based on the conditions of Tehran’s neighborhoods and the smart ecosystem).

Keywords

• Neighborhood Commercial Services
• Service Distribution
• Accessibility
• Pedestrianization
• Regulations and Guidelines

Main Subjects

• Planning