Quarterly Journals of Urban and Regional Development Planning

Identifying Components and Challenges of Placemaking for Urban Space Development in Informal Settlements: (A Case Study of Golshan Park, Khaksefid Neighborhood, Tehran)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

ّFaezeh Mohammadi sheshkal 1
Mohammad shaikhi 2

1 PhD Candidate, Department of Urban Planning, Allameh Tabatab'i University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Allameh Tabatab'i University, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22054/urdp.2025.82689.1670
Abstract
In many informal settlements, the quality of urban spaces is severely compromised by a lack of planning and attention to the needs of residents. This has led to numerous challenges across various domains, including health, safety, economy, and the environment. Placemaking, as a novel approach to urban space design and management, offers a promising avenue for enhancing the quality of life in informal settlements.This research adopted an interpretive and qualitative approach, employing a case study design and a descriptive-analytical method. The study population consisted of academic experts, community facilitators, and urban managers, who were purposively selected using a snowball sampling technique. Initially, a meta-synthesis method was used to identify the components of placemaking. Subsequently, challenges were explored through observations and in-depth semi-structured interviews with experts. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software, with coding based on managerial, social, economic, and physical dimensions.The findings revealed that placemaking is a time-consuming and participatory process that requires coordination among stakeholders, adequate infrastructure, and a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of placemaking, given its novelty among both officials and the local community. Additionally, securing financial resources and building trust emerged as significant challenges. The insights from this research can serve as a guiding document for managers and community facilitators in their efforts to improve the quality of urban spaces in informal settlements.

Keywords

Placemaking
Urban space
Informal settlement
Khaksefid neighborhood
Subjects
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