Urban and Regional Development Planning
behnam pezeshki; Saeid piri; Alireza Estelaji; Hamidreza Sabbaghi
Abstract
The regeneration of public spaces is an integral part of the urban regeneration process. By revitalizing existing public spaces or creating new ones, opportunities arise to enhance the quality of public spaces and strengthen the vitality and social life of cities. The aim of this research is ...
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The regeneration of public spaces is an integral part of the urban regeneration process. By revitalizing existing public spaces or creating new ones, opportunities arise to enhance the quality of public spaces and strengthen the vitality and social life of cities. The aim of this research is to improve the quality of public spaces in Tehran's Velayat Park through an approach to urban regeneration. To achieve this goal, the most significant factors that contribute to urban regeneration have been identified, and a conceptual model has been presented. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) technique, employing AMOS software, was utilized to identify the factors affecting the recreation of public spaces and their communication and effectiveness. This study employed correlational research with library and survey information collection tools. According to the analysis results, among the physical dimension components, beauty had the highest factor coefficient (0.983); among the economic dimension components, justice had the highest factor load (0.964); among the socio-cultural dimension components, meaning and identity had the highest factor load (1.00); and finally, among the environmental dimension components, meaning and cleanliness had the highest factor load (0.671). Removing the comfort component from the other statistical values extracted from the model indicated good and suitable adaptation of the model. The selected components for measuring the regeneration of Velayat Park's public space in Tehran province were found to have adequate validity and could measure the research structure effectively.
Keywords: Sustainable Urban Regeneration, Quality of Public Spaces, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).
Introduction
The regeneration of public spaces is a significant aspect of the urban regeneration process. Through the revitalization of existing public spaces or creation of new ones, cities can greatly enhance the quality of public spaces and bolster the vitality and social life of urban areas. This study focuses on urban regeneration approaches, with a particular emphasis on Velayat Park in Tehran, to improve the quality of public spaces. The aim is to identify the crucial factors that contribute to urban regeneration and develop a conceptual model. The primary research question addressed in this study is: "What theoretical framework and model can be used to achieve the development of public spaces in urban regeneration?"
Litreture Review
In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on the regeneration of dilapidated public spaces in Iran and other parts of the world; however, significant shortcomings still exist in this area. This section will review several studies carried out in this field. As evidenced by these studies, most research focuses on examining and assessing the regenerated urban space in a specific location or considers only one aspect of urban space quality, such as transportation, environmental or social issues. Few studies have presented a comprehensive model for urban space regeneration. Therefore, the present research introduces a novel approach using structural modeling techniques to develop a replicable model for regenerating public spaces in cities.
Methodology
This research is grounded in the positivist paradigm, given its specific purpose and research question. It falls under the category of applied research, while its methodology is structured as correlational research. The study employs a structural equation model technique utilizing AMOS software to identify factors that impact public space regeneration, communication, and effectiveness. Methodologically, this study involves collecting information from both library sources and surveys.
Discussion and findings
Before performing the SEM, it is important to ensure that the data follows a normal distribution. To achieve this, skewness and kurtosis were assessed using SPSS software, which is considered the optimal method for Likert scale and questionnaire data. Typically, if skewness and kurtosis fall within the range of -2 to 2, the data is considered normally distributed. The analysis confirmed that all variables exhibited a normal distribution.
The present study developed a conceptual model and examined the relationship between urban regeneration and the components of public spaces. The input data comprised four observable variables directly related to recreating public spaces. The model had 12 latent variables and 46 manifest variables, representing a meta-specific model with fewer fewer estimable parameters than data points.
Several indices evaluated the fitness of the SEM, including CMIN/DF, RMSEA, CFI, IFI, and TLI indicators. After verifying the model, two sub-indices, critical ratio CR and P, tested the significant relationships between the components and public space regeneration. Results indicated that there was no significant correlation between Velayat Park's public space regeneration and environmental comfort.
Based on the analysis, beauty (factor loading 0.983) among physical dimension components, justice (with a factor loading 0.964) among economic dimension components, meaning and identity (with a factor loading of 1.00) among social-cultural dimension components, and cleanliness and meaning (with a factor loading of 0.671) among environmental dimension components demonstrated the greatest impact on public space recreation.
Conclusion
The regeneration of public spaces has a significant impact on people's rural life experiences. The dimensions, criteria, and indicators for improving the quality of urban spaces (physical, economic, social, and environmental) play a crucial role in directly and indirectly enhancing the quality of these spaces. The body of research on this topic highlights the integration of factors that influence the quality of public spaces to achieve successful urban regeneration. Thus, the present study aims to identify the factors that affect the quality of public spaces related to the success of urban regeneration, utilizing the SEM.
The study employs a conceptual model derived from theoretical literature in conjunction with the provincial garden of Tehran city, and experimental application of this model demonstrates its efficacy in evaluating the role of components and indicators of public space quality in promoting urban regeneration. The findings indicate that it is possible to measure the indicators of public space regeneration in physical, economic, social-cultural, and environmental dimensions.
In the physical dimension, the components of beauty, readability, and comfort; in the economic dimension, the components of justice, vitality, and economic revival; in the sociocultural dimension, security, sociability, and meaning and identity; and finally, in the environmental dimension, cleanliness and protection components all have a significant relationship with the recreation of public spaces. Based on the results, the effectiveness of each component varies. Meaning and identity, beauty, security, justice, sociability, revitalization, vitality, and comfort respectively have the greatest impact on the recreation of public spaces, despite having a factor loading (regression coefficient) of over 0.7. Therefore, there is a strong relationship between these components and the recreation of public spaces.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
Hamidreza Saremi; Peyman Omidi
Abstract
The city of Tehran has experienced a significant population increase, approximately twenty times, in the last century. Consequently, it is plagued with traffic issues for most of the year. To alleviate congestion, one solution is to shift transportation mode shares from private motor vehicles ...
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The city of Tehran has experienced a significant population increase, approximately twenty times, in the last century. Consequently, it is plagued with traffic issues for most of the year. To alleviate congestion, one solution is to shift transportation mode shares from private motor vehicles to more sustainable modes, as proposed by Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The increasing traffic congestion problems in cities have made applying TOD more essential than ever. This research aims to evaluate, analyze, and plan development within the catchment area of Monirieh Metro Station based on TOD principles. The practical research methodology begins by introducing TOD principles and evaluating the characteristics of the study area according to ITDP standards. The results indicate that the catchment area of Monirieh metro station fails to meet TOD standards. In other words, the city planning prioritizes motor vehicles over pedestrians, suggesting a car-oriented approach.
Keywords: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Metro Station, Catchment Area, Walking, Monirieh.
Introduction
Transit-oriented development (TOD) refers to the creation of high-density mixed-use developments in close proximity to public transportation stations. Such developments aim to create vibrant neighborhoods with an enhanced quality of life, ultimately reducing reliance on personal automobiles and saving time for residents. While TOD is not a panacea for the challenges faced by modern urban centers, it represents a promising start towards improving the current state of cities (Belzer, 2002).
The growing issues caused by traffic congestion in the country have highlighted the need for TOD. Over two decades have passed since the launch of the metro in Tehran, with further development expected in the future. It is imperative that this infrastructure be utilized more effectively within the context of TOD to enhance accessibility for citizens. Unfortunately, such efforts have been largely neglected in practice.
This paper aims to address the question: to what extent has TOD been implemented in the catchment area of the Moniriyeh metro station?
To answer this question, the first step is to review relevant literature and theories, identify and refine the criteria for TOD, evaluate and measure the criteria and indicators in the area surrounding the station, and finally, plan for the implementation of a public transportation-based development model that maximizes advantages. Ultimately, it is important to strategically plan for the implementation of TOD while taking into account its many benefits.
Methodology
The current research is categorized as an applied study based on its subject and characteristics, specifically the evaluation and examination of development in the catchment area surrounding the Monirieh metro station within the context of TOD. The study is analytical in nature, aiming to introduce the key features of the TOD model through a comprehensive understanding of its principles and by reviewing relevant literature and theories from both national and international sources. Through comparing the indicators of the studied area against the criteria for TOD proposed by ITDP, the desirability of this type of development will be assessed. Ultimately, recommendations will be provided to guide the implementation of this development model.
Results & Discussion
The Moniriyeh metro station received a TOD evaluation score of only 37 out of the total possible points. While it scored optimally in some objectives, it falls short of the main standards for TOD. However, by implementing short, medium and long-term planning strategies, the area's score can be raised to bronze or silver status. The primary objective of TOD is to improve walkability and reduce reliance on cars. As Speck (2018) argues, enhancing walkability and reducing car usage requires attention to four key factors in planning: comfort, attractiveness, safety, and logical design for walking. When people view walking as an enjoyable and practical alternative to driving, they will naturally choose to walk instead.
Conclusion
The present research indicates that failure to adhere to any of the principles of TOD can lead to numerous issues. Neglecting the ratio between residential and non-residential land use in a station's catchment area, for instance, results in longer trips and increased intra-city travel. To shift away from car-oriented development towards human-oriented development, it is essential to adopt a human-scale approach. This entails scaling down designs and paying meticulous attention to details. However, implementing TOD in the current context faces several challenges; including Iran's urban planning system's (M-S-R-G) zoning regulations, which limit catchment area diversity within the metro station.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
Mahsa Ghane; Ali Asgar Abbasi Asfajir; Ali Rahmani Firuzjah
Abstract
Quality of life (QOL) is a fundamental concept in social sciences that focuses on both objective and subjective dimensions. The quality of relationships, community, and shared experiences greatly influences people's success, satisfaction, and overall well-being. In Kermanshah, Iran, city ...
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Quality of life (QOL) is a fundamental concept in social sciences that focuses on both objective and subjective dimensions. The quality of relationships, community, and shared experiences greatly influences people's success, satisfaction, and overall well-being. In Kermanshah, Iran, city crossings have caused physical changes and social resolutions. This research examines the relationship between social capital and QOL in Kermanshah. The study surveyed residents in regions 1, 2, and 4 using questionnaires distributed throughout these areas. Inferential analysis was conducted using SPSS software to measure the relationship between social capital variables (structural, normative, cognitive dimensions) and QOL (objective, subjective dimensions). All variables were significantly correlated within a 95% confidence interval (positive correlation), while primary variables showed insignificant correlation (GIVE A NUMBER INSTEAD OF SAYING AVERAGE LIKE CORRELATION OF 0.5?). AMOS software was used for structural equation modeling to explain the impact of independent variables on dependent variables and associated changes. Results indicate that cognitive social capital has the greatest contribution to changes in QOL.
Keywords: Cognitive Social Capital, Normative Social Capital, Objective Quality of Life, Structural Social Capital, Subjective Quality of Life.
Introduction
The evaluation of the quality of life (QOL) is typically conducted considering two aspects: a set of objective conditions, as well as mental well-being, which was often overlooked in the past. Social capital, through the establishment of a network of connections between individuals and society, provides a range of resources and capabilities that can enhance collective life. However, weaknesses and inadequacies in social capital, manifested as poor quality of collective relations, have hindered the development of necessary platforms in certain areas. This issue has serious implications for the QOL in these areas.
The unique communication situation in Kermanshah has impacted social relations due to interventions and changes in the city's urban area. In addition to physical alterations, transit axes in the old part of the city have disrupted the continuous texture of the old neighborhood, thereby reducing the QOL. Population density has also increased due to migration and birth, leading to disintegration in the urban area and marginal villages, resulting in spatial and cultural changes. Demographic imbalance, lack of physical cohesion, unemployment, poverty, addiction, severe shortages of municipal services, and inappropriate economic structures are evident in many neighborhoods across the city.
Inadequacies in the social, economic, and cultural aspects of Kermanshah have led to an unbalanced set of levels of QOL and forms of communication. The differences in QOL in urban areas in Kermanshah and the lack of comprehensive research in this area, especially with regards to the neglect of social capital as a social dimension related to the state of QOL, have driven us to investigate the concepts of social capital, including structural, cognitive, normative dimensions, and QOL, including objective and subjective dimensions in regions 1, 2, and 4 in the city of Kermanshah.
Literature Review
Social capital refers to the collection of both tangible and intangible resources that arise from enduring networks of institutionalized relationships, mutual recognition, and familiarity. These networks, formed on the basis of shared values and norms, foster social trust and constitute a form of property that members can use as capital.
The self-reinforcing nature of civil partnership norms, which are built on resources such as networks, norms, and trust, promotes cooperation, mutual trust, and social welfare in civil societies. Conversely, in non-civil societies lacking such resources, covenant-breaking, exploitation, mistrust, isolation, and stagnation are more prevalent. Accessing and utilizing hidden social resources within networks can lead to improved social, cultural, and economic circumstances, which ultimately impact both the objective and subjective aspects of QOL.
In essence, true QOL cannot exist independently of relations, relationships, and common social ties and interdependence. These factors provide personal and economic security through protection of citizenship, compliance with laws, and cooperation for the sake of common interests. Social capital provides material facilities that generally enhance the objective aspect of QOL by increasing possessions and resources. However, being part of social networks and experiencing their transformational effects can also improve the mental dimension of QOL. Therefore, it can be concluded that social capital can directly influence an individual's QOL through the resources obtained from effective and powerful social networks or indirectly through its transformation into other essential components of life.
Methodology
The research was conducted by administering questionnaires to citizens over the age of 15 in Kermanshah, utilizing a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The sample size of 384 people was estimated using Cochran's sampling formula for an unlimited population. To gather data, a researcher-designed questionnaire was employed during field investigations. The reliability of the measurement tool was determined utilizing Cronbach's alpha coefficient which yielded a value greater than 0.75 for both independent and dependent variables. Face content validity was utilized to assess the validity of the measurement tool. To examine the research hypotheses, Pearson's correlation coefficient test was run using SPSS software package, while AMOS was used to analyze factor loadings and establish causal relationships between independent and dependent variables, ultimately leading to the development of a model.
Results
In the inferential findings section, results from the Pearson correlation test revealed a positive and significant correlation between social capital and QOL, including their respective dimensions. Notably, social capital demonstrated a stronger relationship with the subjective dimension of QOL. Among the various dimensions of social capital, the cognitive dimension displayed the strongest association with QOL. Overall, the positive correlation observed between social capital and QOL suggests that an increase in social capital can potentially enhance the QOL for residents. Further examination controlling for the variables of education and residence demonstrated that they do not play a role in the relationship between social capital and QOL.
In the confirmatory factor analysis, the structural dimension of social capital had the most significant impact on defining the social capital variable, while the subjective dimension of QOL played the largest role in defining the QOL variable. All factors exhibited suitable factor loads, confirming their relationship with the current variable. The analysis of structural equations revealed that the dimensions of social capital have predictive power over QOL.
Networks that are formed around shared values and norms can bolster social trust and serve as valuable social capital. By having access to these social resources, individuals may experience improved social and economic circumstances, leading to greater satisfaction and overall well-being. A person's social position is intricately linked to their social capital; the more social capital they possess, the higher their position. Membership in networks allows for the distribution of resources, materials, and symbolic benefits, improving people's status. Improving the QOL depends on social relations and interdependence, distributive justice, citizenship protection, and human rights. Social capital leads to enhanced QOL, skills, success, freedom, basic capabilities, general satisfaction, and personal relationships. As a transformative characteristic, social capital can manifest itself in various forms and functions.
