Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
- Shahabodin Kermanshahi 1
- Alireza Ramandi 2
- Mahdi Bashiri nia 3
- Mahta Mirmoghradaee 4
- Mahdi Shokrgozar 5
1 Assistant Professor, of Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 MSc in Transportation Planning and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
3 Ph.D in Transportation Planning and Engineering, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor of Urban and Design Planning, Road, Housing and Urban Development Research Center (BHRC), Tehran, Iran
5 Master of Highway Engineering, Iran University Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing trend in utilizing the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) approach for updating traditional master plans. This article presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating development plans through the lens of TOD principles. The assessment is based on five key criteria: density, diversity, design, destination accessibility, and distance to transit, as well as the interrelationships between these factors. To provide a realistic representation of these principles in the neighborhood context, a dynamic zoning system is employed in walkable areas for local residents. By using this framework, the strengths and weaknesses of development plans can be thoroughly evaluated in detail. The evaluation outcomes consist of statistical figures and geographic maps that can be used to improve future development plans. In this study, the Neyshabour master plan was assessed using this method, revealing that the city's planning and design do not conform to TOD principles. The majority of the TOD criteria received low scores, highlighting the need for revisions to the master plan.
Keywords: Evaluation, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Urban Development Plan, Density, Diversity, Design.
Introduction
Over the last few decades, cities have grown in size due to urbanization, leading to problems such as increased traffic congestion and air pollution. Transit-oriented development (TOD) has been proposed as a solution to these issues. TOD involves developing more compact, mixed-use, and high-density urban areas near transit stations, with high-quality pedestrian networks and reduced parking spaces, in order to decrease reliance on private cars for intra-city trips and encourage walking.
By examining the experiences of countries that have implemented TOD principles, planners can adjust their plans to align with TOD principles and dimensions. This paper identifies the most significant sources for the principles of such developments and extracts them for use in evaluating comprehensive urban plans based on TOD principles. The information provided in a country's comprehensive plans is then used to evaluate these principles and incorporate the results into a method for evaluating urban development plans, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized cities, which make up 98% of the nation's cities.
As a case study, the master plan for the city of Neyshabur is analyzed to determine whether the incorporation of public transportation aligns with the TOD approach. The further development of this method will be made available to urban planners so that they can use it as an auxiliary instrument.
Methodology
The proposed method for evaluating urban development plans in this study was developed using five dimensions chosen from the TOD criteria: "density," "diversity," "design," "access to destinations," and "distance to public transportation." To automate the evaluation process, coding in the GIS environment was used for geographic analysis, and a web application was developed for index calculation. As urban development plans are prepared as GIS layers, supplementary software-based tools are also provided for associated analyses and preparations.
After conducting an analysis of the strata that make up the urban development plan, indicators associated with the TOD approach are extracted and organized into a database at the city cell level. In addition to these five dimensions, the relationship between the criteria is considered through combined criteria, with one hundred points assigned to sixteen different criteria according to this guideline.
Overall, this method provides an efficient and effective means of evaluating urban development plans based on TOD principles. The automated nature of the tool, supported by GIS and web application technology, streamlines the evaluation process while ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Results
After extracting all the criteria and determining the score for each, the proposed method provides a more comprehensive representation of urban development plans, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis generates statistical charts and maps that demonstrate the geographical distribution of various factors, which can be utilized to improve urban development plans. For instance, if there is inadequate access to public systems, it must be determined which areas of the city require more attention and redesigning. Similarly, regions of the city that require an improvement or modification of the built environment are also identified and displayed. This relates to the relationship between permitted building density and other design elements based on public transportation.
Moreover, the use of Lorenz curves and accessibility of various services at different functional levels can assist in balancing the distribution of these types of uses throughout the city, ensuring equal access for all citizens. However, the "distance to public transportation" remains a significant limitation of this approach. Insufficient investment in developing public transportation systems within comprehensive plans means that urban development and environmentally responsible transportation are currently incompatible with each other.
Conclusion
The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between physical factors and a development strategy that relies on public transportation. Upon completion, an inquiry into the impact of non-physical variables on development plans based on public transportation can also be conducted. These non-physical variables encompass environmental, seismic zoning, economic, demographic, and climatic factors.
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