Urban and Regional Development Planning
Mahmoud Moshfegh
Abstract
Abstract
The objective of this research paper is to analyze the trends observed in spatial population concentration indices within the context of regional and urban balance policies during Iran's first to fifth development plans spanning the period of 1989 to 2015. The study ...
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Abstract
The objective of this research paper is to analyze the trends observed in spatial population concentration indices within the context of regional and urban balance policies during Iran's first to fifth development plans spanning the period of 1989 to 2015. The study employs a trend analysis methodology, utilizing data derived from Iran's censuses. The findings of the research reveal a consistent inclination of population movement towards urban centers, despite the articulation of regional and urban balance objectives in all development plans. This phenomenon manifests in two distinct forms of population centralization. Firstly, a persistent, overarching pattern of national-level centralization emerges as the gravitational center of population settlements in the country. Secondly, a more localized and variable form of centralization is observed in the regional context, wherein certain areas function as regional centers of population agglomeration. Over the duration of the first to fifth development plans, there is evidence of a decline in urban primacy. Interestingly, cities classified as second-tier (with populations ranging between 100,000 and 250,000) exhibit the highest rates of population growth, while cities belonging to middle-tier categories (with populations ranging between 10,000 and 99,999) experience a negative population growth. In conclusion, the overall outcomes indicate a slight amelioration in regional and urban imbalances. Consequently, a shift is observed in the spatial distribution of regional and urban populations, transitioning from an extreme periphery-center structure towards a periphery-semi-periphery arrangement.
Keywords: Decentralization, Urban primacy, Migration, Urban hierarchy, Regions.
Introduction
The process of urbanization in Iran has experienced a consistent upward trajectory over the past five decades. In 1956, the level of urbanization stood at 31.6%, a figure that rose to 74% by 2016. However, this growth has been characterized by a significant imbalance, with a persistent center-periphery pattern dominating the urbanization structure of Iran. Consequently, an essential objective of Iran's development plans has been the attainment of balanced regional and urban development, alongside initiatives aimed at urban decentralization and population control in metropolises and major cities over the past 50 years.
The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the level and trends observed in spatial population concentration indices concerning the objectives of regional and urban balance policies during Iran's first to fifth development plans spanning the period of 1989 to 2015. The geographical categorization employed by the Iran Atlas of Urban and Regional Planning Studies divides the country into three regional levels: large (physical) regions, middle regions (provinces), and micro regions (cities). These development plans have consistently aimed to establish a sense of equilibrium in both population and development across these distinct levels (Latifi, 2011). As a result, the study will examine changes in distribution and concentration indices of the urban population at three levels: A) population concentration trends within macro-physical regions of the country, B) population concentration and displacement trends within middle regions (provinces), and C) an analysis of indicators pertaining to urban population concentration within first cities, metropolises, and urban hierarchies.
Literature Review
Studies examining urban population decentralization policies can be categorized into two distinct subjects. The first category consists of research that has conducted positive assessments of the effects brought about by the implementation of such policies. Kondo (2018) and Anh (2003) have provided favorable evaluations of urban population decentralization policies in Asia. Chen, Liu, et al. (2013) demonstrated that China experienced a faster increase in urban population compared to economic growth until 2004; however, since then, Chinese cities have undergone a more balanced distribution. Lee (1997) also noted that urban primacy in South Korea reached its peak during the 1970s but has remained relatively stable since the 1980s due to decentralization policies. Furthermore, several studies have indicated that Iran's urban system exhibited a trend towards centralization by the end of the 1980s, but since the early 1980s, the concentration of urban population has gradually decreased, leading to a more balanced distribution (Zebardast, 2006; Farhoudi et al., 2009; Seifodini et al., 2014). These studies attributed such changes to the implementation of urban decentralization policies in Iran. The second category encompasses studies that have shown the continued centralization of the urban population in various forms, with the distribution of population within the urban hierarchy becoming increasingly imbalanced. Rakhshani Nasab and Zarrabi (2010) and Taghvaei and Saberi (2010) have demonstrated this trend. Rakhshani Nasab and Zarrabi (2010) revealed that between the years 2006 to 2016, Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Qom maintained a stable position within the country's urban system, while Karaj ascended from 13th place in 1986 to 5th place in 2006 due to the influx of population overflow from Tehran.
Methodology
The research methodology employed in this study involved documentary research and trend analysis. The primary sources of data were the databases of the Central Bank, Statistics Center, and the Program and Budget Organization of Iran. To examine the trend relationships of the indicators, trend line regression was utilized. In order to align the data with the time periods of the development plans, interpolation and extrapolation techniques were employed. To measure urban concentration, several indices were utilized, namely the index of equilibrium, urban primacy index, two-city index, Ginsberg or four-city index, Mehta's four-city index, Herfindahl concentration index, entropy index, and Henderson de-concentration index. These indices provided a comprehensive assessment of the level of concentration within urban areas.
Results
The findings indicate that despite the objectives outlined in the first to fifth development plans, aimed at achieving regional and urban equilibrium, the population has consistently gravitated towards central areas at the national, regional, provincial, and urban levels. Two distinct forms of spatial population centralization have been identified. The first involves national-level centralization, primarily centered on Southern Alborz, which has exhibited enduring, widespread influence. This region has functioned as the main hub for population settlement on a national scale. The second form pertains to regional population centralization, which is comparatively weaker, situational, and limited in scope. These regional centers have served as focal points for population settlement. Provinces in the Zagros and Azerbaijan regions have continually experienced a decline in population, with southern and central Alborz regions being favored. During the initial implementation phase of the first plan, the developmental disparity between Tehran Province and the average score of the nine lower-ranking provinces was 28 times. By the time the fifth development plan was enacted, this discrepancy had decreased to 21 times. Over the course of the first to fifth development plans, urban primacy has diminished. Conversely, cities classified in the second population class (100,000-250,000) have exhibited the highest population growth rates, while cities in the middle population classes (10,000-99,999) have experienced negative population growth. Overall, the results demonstrate a slight alleviation in regional and urban imbalances within the country. The centers of concentration for the urban populace have shifted from primary cities to secondary cities. However, medium-sized cities with populations below 100,000 still face negative population growth.
Discussion and Conclusion
The urban spatial growth pattern in Iran reveals an increasing concentration of the urban population in the first and second urban classes, while lower-class cities experience a decline in population in favor of these urban centers. The results demonstrate that despite the objectives set forth in the urban development plans, focusing on strengthening medium-sized cities, the urban population has gravitated towards megapolises and larger cities with populations exceeding 100,000. By comparing the changes in Mehta's index with the levels proposed by Richardson, it is evident that Iran's urban primacy has transitioned from a state of "super-primacy" to a "primacy" level during the first to fifth development plan period. This shift indicates that the urban structure is still far from an ideal situation; however, there is a general trend towards achieving better balance within Iran. Consequently, we propose that the spatial distribution of the regional and urban population is evolving from an extreme periphery-center structure to a periphery-semi-periphery structure.
Acknowledgments
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the esteemed Professor, Dr. Gholamreza Latifi, for his invaluable guidance and advice throughout the process of writing this paper. His expertise has greatly contributed to the quality and depth of my work.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
Mohadeseh Yousefpour; Mahmoud Jomehpour; Ali Khaksari Rafsanjani
Abstract
Abstract
The policy of developing new cities has been adopted in response to the ever-increasing rise in population and its excessive concentration in metropolises. However, a lack of consideration for immigrants' culture and identity has given rise to issues in social sustainability. Moreover, the ...
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Abstract
The policy of developing new cities has been adopted in response to the ever-increasing rise in population and its excessive concentration in metropolises. However, a lack of consideration for immigrants' culture and identity has given rise to issues in social sustainability. Moreover, the failure to address population forecasting and incorporate economic planning has disrupted the self-reliance of immigrants in the new city of Pardis. This research aims to investigate the phenomenon of identity dispersion in Pardis and explore approaches to cultivating an independent identity. The qualitative strategy employed in this applied descriptive-analytical study involves content analysis. The target community comprises two groups: the citizens and the urban management staff. Theoretical saturation was reached after conducting interviews with 38 individuals from these groups. Data were collected through targeted, semi-structured interviews, observations, and analysis of urban documents. MAX QDA software was utilized for data analysis. Following coding, ten minor categories and two major categories were identified. The major categories include immigration and the distinctive image of the city, which were found to be distinct entities. The findings of the study reveal that the urban management staffs perceive the enhancement of the city's independent identity to be influenced by the dynamic interaction between the northern and southern parts of Pardis, as well as the establishment of a technopark. On the other hand, residents primarily viewed the employment opportunities provided by the technopark as the most effective means of fostering an independent identity. They also emphasized the importance of leveraging shared ethnic characteristics in defining attractive activities for the community. Overall, this research sheds light on the complexities of identity formation in new cities and proposes potential strategies for cultivating a distinctive identity in Pardis.
Keywords: Identity Dispersion, Independent Identity, New City, New City of Pardis.
Introduction
New cities have emerged as a notable phenomenon within Iran's urban landscape, leading researchers to dedicate significant attention to this subject. These planned communities are situated at a short distance from the main city, possessing a specific area and population. They are constructed within a short timeframe, lacking a primary core, with the intention of organizing work conditions, fostering healthy living environments, and promoting self-sufficiency as a key principle. The focus of this research is the new city of Pardis, located approximately 17 kilometers east of Tehran metropolis. The city's establishment was approved in March 1989. As of the 2015 census, Pardis had a population of 73,363 individuals and covered an area of approximately 3,600 hectares. The research seeks to address the growing social anomalies in Pardis and understand the factors—beyond physical and economic considerations—that contribute to these anomalies and hinder the formation of an independent identity. Additionally, it aims to analyze the weak population retention in Pardis and assess the extent to which management institutions contribute to this issue. Ultimately, the study intends to propose solutions for identity-related challenges in order to foster social sustainability.
Literature review
Waresi et al. (2019) conducted a research study entitled "Analysis and Evaluation of Residents' Sense of Identity in New Cities: A Case Study of the New City of Fouladshahr." The objective of their study was to assess the identity perception among residents of the new city of Fouladshahr using a descriptive-analytical approach and administering questionnaires through a probability-based sampling method. The findings of their study revealed that a longer duration of residency in new cities is positively associated with a stronger sense of belonging. Furthermore, the study indicated an inverse relationship between the level of education and the degree of identity derived from the new city.
In a separate investigation titled "Identity Crisis and Social Isolation in New Cities and Its Relationship with Residential Satisfaction: A Case Study of the New City of Pardis," Shaterian et al. (2015) employed a descriptive-correlational method using cluster and simple random sampling techniques. Their research established that a lack of identity within new cities leads to increased social isolation and diminished satisfaction with the place of residence. Another study conducted by Azani et al. (2005) titled "Investigating the Role of Urban Spaces in Creating the Identity of New Cities" adopted a descriptive-analytical approach. Their research revealed that the availability of public spaces fosters the formation of collective memories, thereby contributing to the development of a stronger sense of identity among residents in new cities.
Methodology
The present study adopts a descriptive-analytical research design, with an applied purpose and a qualitative content analysis method. The target population for this research comprises residents and professionals in the field of urban management, including employees of the municipality, Construction Company, and other relevant organizations that have interacted with the residents of Pardis. A purposive sampling technique is utilized in this research, aiming to interview individuals until theoretical saturation is achieved. A total of 38 participants, including 23 residents and 15 individuals from the urban management department, were selected for interviews. After each interview, voice recordings were transcribed, and the first round of coding was performed using the MAX QDA software platform. The extracted information and codes from the interviews guided the determination of characteristics for subsequent interviewees and the creation of semi-structured questions by the author. This iterative process continued until the 38th interview was completed. To ensure comprehensive data collection that addresses the research questions pertaining to the primary challenges faced by the new city of Pardis, the authors employed the record-keeping method. This method involved gathering reliable reference documents as a supplementary data source.
Results
Based on the descriptive findings, the new city of Pardis exhibits a dispersion and confusion of identity among ethnic groups and religions. The city is inhabited by diverse groups such as Turks, Kurds, Lors, Mazanis, Gilaks, Sistanis, Baluches, Azeris, Arabs, Tats, and Afghans. These groups speak various languages, including Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Armenian, and different dialects such as Tat, Gilak, Mazani (Tabari), Lori, Kormanj, Sorani, Sistani, Baloch, Dari, and Pashto. The religious affiliations of the residents were identified as Islam, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Judaism, Ali Allahi, and Islamic mysticism, with the predominance of Shia and Sunni beliefs. Through the analysis of 284 codes after coding in three steps, two main categories were identified, namely "immigration" and "role of urban management in immigration," each comprising several subcategories. Under the "immigration" category, the subcategories included "immigrant state," "micro-cultures and the right to culture," "coexistence and assimilation." Factors contributing to the diversity in identity were attributed to favorable climate, Mehr housing, increased land and housing prices in Tehran, financial constraints of some Tehran residents, favorable proximity of Pardis to Tehran, and a more comfortable living environment compared to the crowded capital. The subcategory of "coexistence and assimilation" revealed ethnic conflicts and a lack of peaceful coexistence among residents, as evidenced by the dialogue with both citizens and city management.
The main category, "distinct image of the city," consisted of subcategories such as "physical dimension," "functional dimension," "economic dimension," "ecological dimension," "sensory dimension," and "the role of urban management in independent urban identity." The urban management body deemed "two-way interactions between the northern and southern parts of the city" and the "expansion of the technology park" as effective in shaping the city's independent identity. However, citizens believed that "employing natives in the technology park" and "utilizing shared cultural aspects in defining activities" would contribute to strengthening the city's unique identity.
In the physical dimension subcategory, the Science and Technology Park emerged as a significant tourist attraction that could attract capital. It was suggested that enhancing access to knowledge-based companies by reducing space restrictions would facilitate easier visits by tourists. Additionally, in the functional dimension subcategory, the completion of the Pardis Bam project and the development of a distinctive activity at the city's entrance were discussed as means to establish an identity marker. Regarding the role of urban management in the city's independent identity, improved registration policies for the Mehr housing units by the Construction Company of the new city of Pardis were suggested. Such measures would help control immigration, optimize population growth, expedite apartment delivery, enhance infrastructure response, increase satisfaction, foster social trust, and ultimately contribute to the city's independent identity.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to acknowledge that this research was conducted independently without any specific organizational support. They extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals who generously contributed to the interview process and provided valuable assistance throughout the research endeavor.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
Narjes GHaempanah; Ebrahim Molavi; Mohammad Omidvarian
Abstract
Abstract
Urban walls hold significant influence over the quality of urban spaces, making them one of the most impactful environmental elements. Enhancing their quality contributes to an overall improvement in the physical aspects of a city. While the urban landscape and its aesthetic indicators are ...
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Abstract
Urban walls hold significant influence over the quality of urban spaces, making them one of the most impactful environmental elements. Enhancing their quality contributes to an overall improvement in the physical aspects of a city. While the urban landscape and its aesthetic indicators are well-established, the question arises regarding the influential components that shape the urban landscape. Hence, the objective of this scholarly article is two-fold: to identify effective solutions for enhancing the aesthetic dimension of urban walls in terms of their objective-physical aspects, and to prioritize these solutions based on the perspective of citizens who frequent the Eram sidewalk in Qom city. Determining the sample size was achieved through Cochran's formula, resulting in a total of 384 participants. The research methodology employed was practical and aligned with the nature of the study, employing a descriptive-quantitative approach to answer research questions. To analyze the collected data, the Lisrel software was employed for designing the structural equation. The research findings highlight the need for improvement in various components of the urban landscape when it comes to the walls of the Eram pedestrian area. These components include enhancing the beauty and visual variety in wall decorations, paying attention to facade additions, and diversifying the texture of materials utilized. Notably, citizens rated the absence of disturbances and visual disruptions as positive and appropriate, assigning it a high impact factor of 0.82. This component emerged as their top priority when indicating their visual preferences. By addressing these findings and incorporating the indicated solutions, urban planners and policymakers can effectively enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban walls, thereby improving the overall perception and experience of citizens within urban spaces.
Keywords: Objective-Physical, Aesthetics, Urban Wall, Eram Sidewalk.
Introduction
The Eram pedestrian street in the city of Qom holds significant importance due to its rich cultural background, distinctive spaces, historical landmarks, and its strategic central location within the historical context of the city. The considerable presence of citizens, pilgrims, and tourists within this urban space, being the only utilized sidewalk in Qom, has motivated the authors to explore the wall of this sidewalk.
Literature Review
Khakzand et al. conducted a study on the factors influencing the design of urban structures with an emphasis on aesthetic and environmental considerations in Valiasr Street, Qeshm. The research findings highlight the aesthetic aspects from both the public and experts' perspectives.
The indicators of proportion, cleanliness, balance, and order in the objective dimension, alongside attachment to the place, meaningfulness, calmness, and readability in the psychological dimension, are identified as the primary factors for evaluating facade. In urban design and development, the physical-aesthetic dimension is regarded as the most critical element in creating a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere within the urban environment.
Methodology
This research adopts a descriptive-quantitative and practical approach. The data collection process involves field observations, questionnaires, and documentary studies. To identify objective-physical indicators for assessing the aesthetics of the urban wall, a Likert scale questionnaire with five levels has been designed, and data has been collected through its administration. In alignment with the research objective, the structural equation modeling (SEM) method has been selected for data analysis. The data preparation was initially performed using the SPSS software, followed by analysis employing Lisrel for the purpose of applying the structural equation modeling method. The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula, considering an error level of 5%, resulting in a required sample of 384 respondents.
Results
The Cronbach's alpha value obtained in this research is 0.63, indicating an acceptable level of reliability for the questionnaire.
Fit Indices of the Structural Equation Model (SEM) in Research
Index
Threshold
Calculate
Chi square / degree of freedom
Less than 3 is good. Less than 5 is acceptable
4
Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA)
Less than 0.05 good, 0.05 to 0.10 medium, greater than 0.10 bad
0.023
P-Value
Less than 0.05
0.03062
Structural Model and Standardized Coefficients of the Research
As reported by the participants, the measurement of beauty is influenced by various factors. Particularly, the absence of disturbance and visual disruption emerged as the most significant factors, with a substantial impact factor of 0.82. Additionally, the coloring component displayed the highest coefficient among other indices, while the diversity index in material texture exhibited the lowest coefficient, measuring at 0.07.
Discussion
To investigate and prioritize the indicators in the present study as perceived by users of the environment, visual depictions of the wall's condition along different sections of the sidewalk were analyzed. By comparing the images and assessing the impact factors of the components from citizens' perspectives, it becomes evident that environmental and cultural factors significantly influence objective-physical indicators. To illustrate this point further, let us examine the component related to assessing the presence of confusion and visual disturbances, which demonstrates the highest factor load with an impact factor of 0.82. Notably, a considerable portion of the northern section of the Eram sidewalk is associated with the expansive Al-Ghadir commercial complex, the park in front of the shrine's courtyard, and the walls of the Holy Shrine itself. The simplicity and inherent beauty of this area seem to have led citizens to overlook the numerous visual disturbances encountered in the southern section, where shops and corridors are located.
As for the component concerning diversity in texture and material quality, it exhibited the lowest factor load with an impact factor of 0.07, representing a mere 2.52% of total opinions. The low coefficient of this component is not affected by the presence of ongoing construction at the southern end of the sidewalk or the physical deterioration of some walls along its entirety. Through these analyses, we gain insights into how citizens prioritize various indicators related to the environment, thereby shedding light on the factors influencing their perceptions of beauty and visual quality in the studied area.
Conclusion
The findings of the analyses reveal that the component related to assessing the presence of disturbance and visual disruptions in the Eram sidewalk's wall exhibits the highest factor load, scoring an impact factor of 0.82. This indicates that, according to the majority of respondents, the visual disturbances on the wall are either minimal or not significantly bothersome. Notably, this component garnered approximately 29.60% of the respondents' votes, reflecting their attitudes towards the visual aspects of the sidewalk space.
Following closely, the component pertaining to wall color achieved an impact factor of 0.72, securing around 26% of positive votes from the respondents. Subsequently, the skyline component earned an impact factor of 0.66, garnering approximately 24% of positive votes.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
Mohammad Ghaffari; Mahla Rezaei
Abstract
Abstract
Understanding the motivations behind tourists' decision to travel to a particular region greatly contributes to comprehending their behavior. This study aims to identify, categorize, and prioritize the motives of domestic tourists who choose to travel to Kerman city. The research methodology ...
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Abstract
Understanding the motivations behind tourists' decision to travel to a particular region greatly contributes to comprehending their behavior. This study aims to identify, categorize, and prioritize the motives of domestic tourists who choose to travel to Kerman city. The research methodology employed an applied approach, a descriptive nature, and utilized a mixed data type. The collection of research data involved the utilization of field and library methods. The statistical population for this study consisted of domestic tourists who visited Kerman city in March 2022 and were accessible for the researcher. The research sampling method used was non-probability sampling, specifically employing the easy or available sampling type. The identification and categorization of tourists' motives were achieved through the application of the Exploratory Factor Analysis method, while the prioritization of the identified motives was conducted using the TOPSIS method. The results of the data analysis demonstrated that the motives of domestic tourists for traveling to Kerman city encompassed the following aspects: the desire to visit historical-cultural attractions, religious motives, work-related motives, motives related to the economic benefits of travel, motives associated with group travel, motives to visit friends and relatives, shopping motives, entertainment and recreational motives, nostalgia, appreciation of the natural environment, and learning motives.
Keywords: Categorization, Prioritization, Travel motives, Kerman.
Introduction
Marketing plays a crucial role in the sustained success of businesses, making the evaluation of marketing performance essential and fundamental for effective management. In the context of tourism, marketing endeavors aim to comprehensively understand the needs of tourists, facilitate appropriate infrastructure, and motivate them to visit specific destinations, thereby ensuring their satisfaction. Among the key factors influencing travel behavior, travel motives have received significant scholarly attention and are integral to the formulation of effective tourism marketing strategies. Of particular importance is the careful consideration of tourists' perspectives and motivations for choosing a particular destination. A thorough understanding of tourists' motivations for travel holds immense value for managers and planners within the tourism industry. Conversely, an inadequate or erroneous understanding of these motivations can lead to substantial economic, socio-cultural, and environmental costs for society at large. In light of this context, the present study focuses on the identification of tourists' motivations specifically within Kerman city. By pinpointing the primary motivations behind tourists' decision to visit Kerman, this research aims to offer valuable insights to tourism managers and businesses in the city. These insights will prove instrumental in the development of targeted marketing programs and the overall advancement of the tourism sector within Kerman.
Methodology
The current research encompasses both qualitative and descriptive quantitative components, focusing on a case study of Kerman city. Data collection techniques employed in the qualitative segment involve desk research, while the quantitative portion utilizes survey research. To gather qualitative data, sampling was conducted from tourism books and articles, whereas closed questionnaires served as the data collection instrument in the quantitative phase. The questionnaire was administered to tourists who had visited Kerman with the purpose of exploring its tourist attractions. For the research, a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of closed questions with a five-choice Likert scale was employed.
The statistical population of this study comprises domestic tourists who traveled to Kerman city in April 2022, and who possess relevant documentation available for examination by the researchers. The sampling method employed in this research follows a non-probability and convenience sampling approach. A total of 300 questionnaires were evenly distributed among the aforementioned tourist attractions, with 276 tourists responding to and participating in the survey. To bolster the validity of this research, a triangulation method was employed. Additionally, the reliability of the research questionnaire was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient, yielding a value of 0.87 for the entire questionnaire.
In this study, the exploratory factor analysis method was utilized in the first stage to identify and categorize motivations, ultimately generating a novel framework based on the research findings. Subsequently, in the second stage of the research, after motivations had been categorized, the TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method was employed to prioritize and rank the identified motivations.
Results
The research findings are presented in several parts. Firstly, the study begins by identifying travel motivations through an extensive review of relevant literature, which is further complemented by expert surveys. Subsequently, a questionnaire incorporating the identified variables of tourists' motivations is formulated and administered to individuals visiting Kerman. Moving on to the next stage of the research, the collected questionnaires are analyzed. This phase entails presenting inferential findings regarding the identification and classification of domestic tourists' motivations for traveling to Kerman. To accomplish this, exploratory factor analysis is employed. Prior to conducting the exploratory factor analysis, certain preliminary tests are conducted to ensure the suitability of the available data and confirm its appropriateness for this method. These tests include Bartlett's test and the Kaiser Meyer-Oliken (KMO) sample size adequacy index.
Additionally, the identified motivations are ranked using the TOPSIS method. The findings obtained from the application of the TOPSIS method reveal the prioritization of domestic tourists' motivations for traveling to Kerman. Accordingly, the ranked motives are as follows: motivation to visit cultural-historical attractions, religious motivation, work motivation, motivation to benefit from economic travel, motivation to benefit from group travel, motivation to visit friends and relatives, motivation to engage in shopping, motivation for leisure, nostalgic motivation, motivation to appreciate the natural environment, and motivation for learning.
Conclusion
The primary objective of this research was to comprehensively identify, categorize, and prioritize the motivations driving domestic tourists to choose Kerman as their travel destination. The conclusive results unveil a range of motivations influencing domestic tourists' decision to visit Kerman. These motivations can be summarized as follows: the desire to explore cultural-historical attractions, religious motivations, work-related motivations, the urge to derive economic benefits from travel, the inclination towards group travel experiences, the intention to visit friends and relatives, the motivation for shopping, the pursuit of leisure and enjoyment, nostalgic inclinations, the appreciation of the natural environment, and the aspiration for learning. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing domestic tourists' choice of Kerman as their preferred travel destination. The identified motivations shed light on the diverse range of needs and preferences of domestic tourists when embarking on a trip to Kerman. These insights can serve as a valuable resource for tourism stakeholders, policymakers, and destination managers in developing targeted strategies to attract and cater to the specific motivations and desires of domestic tourists. With this knowledge, destination marketers can tailor their promotional efforts, enhance tourist experiences, and ultimately support the sustainable growth of tourism in Kerman.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
Elham Soveyzi; Qadir siaami; Maleeha Salahi
Abstract
Abstract
Land use planning plays a crucial role in urban planning by addressing urban needs, tackling land scarcity challenges, and determining the physical growth of cities. Urban redevelopment, specifically the revitalization of vacant and abandoned lands, serves as an effective strategy to optimize ...
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Abstract
Land use planning plays a crucial role in urban planning by addressing urban needs, tackling land scarcity challenges, and determining the physical growth of cities. Urban redevelopment, specifically the revitalization of vacant and abandoned lands, serves as an effective strategy to optimize land utilization, mitigate pollution, and enhance the socioeconomic urban environment. In this study, a foresight approach is adopted, employing descriptive-analytical methods to conduct a structural analysis of the factors involved in infill development in the Bronsi barracks brownfields located in Mashhad. Data collection was conducted through secondary research and surveys, with a statistical sample comprising eight purposively selected urban experts. A total of 15 variables associated with sustainable brownfield planning were identified, encompassing physical-spatial, socioeconomic, managerial-institutional, and environmental aspects. These variables were further classified into five groups: influential, double-faceted, susceptible, independent, and regulatory. To evaluate the relationships among the variables, the Micmac software was utilized, and subsequent scenarios including probable and favorable outcomes were determined. The analysis highlighted the priority of three key factors in inactive lands: land price, accessibility to services and facilities, and the number of land uses. These findings are of great significance and should be taken into consideration by urban decision-makers not only in the studied sites but also in similar areas.
Keywords: Structural Analysis, Infill Development, Brownfields, Foresight, Micmac, Bronis Barracks.
Introduction
The dispersed development and horizontal expansion witnessed over the recent decades have posed a multitude of challenges for cities. These challenges include issues such as poverty, cultural and citizenship ethics decline, poor local community safety and health, destruction of the natural environment and lands, and environmental pollution. Moreover, this pattern of development has resulted in substantial expenses for infrastructure creation and development on a larger scale. In addition, brownfields, which encompass former industrial sites such as factories, barracks, slaughterhouses, and prisons located on the outskirts of cities, have now found themselves within, and even at the heart of, urban areas due to this distribution pattern. As a result, these brownfields have brought about the aforementioned issues in residential areas. They are currently non-compliant with their surrounding land uses, and may even conflict with them in terms of visual standards and functionality, thereby discouraging citizens from being present in these areas and spreading insecurity.
The redevelopment of brownfields is considered a facilitating strategy for the reuse of inactive lands, and it is one of the effective approaches to address land use problems in Iranian cities. By implementing this strategy, not only can the spatial and physical quality of cities be improved, but it can also serve as a key factor in the pursuit of sustainable communities and a higher quality of life, all while safeguarding rural and agricultural lands. Among the significant brownfield sites officially designated for redevelopment is the 27-hectare Bronsi Barracks in Mashhad. In light of this, the present study utilizes the MICMAC method to identify the factors influencing the redevelopment of these lands and their extent of influence. Additionally, the study aims to propose and evaluate various redevelopment scenarios for the Bronsi Barracks site, in line with its secondary objective.
Literature Review
In their study titled "From Concept to Completion: Critical Analysis of Urban Village," Biddulph et al. (2003) focused on the processes of discourse construction and reconstruction. They concluded that the transformation of concepts into purely theoretical and operational plans led to contradictory lived experiences. Similarly, Aronita (2006) conducted a study titled "Analysis of the relative benefits of the heterogeneity of redeveloping vacant public lands" and proposed that the level of people's dissatisfaction with spaces could be a criterion for identifying brownfields and inefficient urban fabrics suitable for redevelopment.
Durrell (2012) presented a model with an integrated regionalism approach at the organizational level in his book "Economic Objectives of Brownfield Development in Germany." This model aimed to categorize brownfields with an economic orientation. Solitar and Laurier (2012) explored the role of development companies in their research titled "Increasing the Capacity of Urban Development Companies to Renew Worn-out Fabrics: An inner-city Approach." They sought to understand the meaningful economic effects of these companies' contributions to public participation in redevelopment processes. De Sousa (2002) discussed the growing inclination to redevelop urban brownfields in Canada since the 1990s in his study titled "Brownfield Redevelopment in Toronto: An Examination of Past Trends and Prospects."
Ahmadi (2013) conducted a study titled "Using brownfields, a stride toward functional improvement of urban neighborhoods; case study: Koshtargah Neighbourhood, Urmia." He applied land use planning in the infill development approach to revitalize and improve the studied neighborhood, specifically addressing the inactivity and abandonment of the slaughterhouse located within the area. In another study titled "Examining and Revitalizing Brownfields in the Context of Urban Sustainability," Tohidi Rad (2013) discussed sustainable development indicators and principles, examined brownfields, identified their challenges, risks, and characteristics, and proposed land-use alteration as a means to reincorporate these lands into the urban life cycle. Alaei et al. (2015) emphasized the role of brownfield redevelopment as a driver of sustainable urban development in their work, "Identification of factors affecting the redevelopment of brownfields in the context of Iran; Case: Abkoh sugar factory, Mashhad."
Shakri and Monsefi Prapari (2020), in their study titled "Investigation of the Principles and Strategies of Urban Redevelopment with the Brownfield land-use alteration approach," regarded brownfields as a solution to the urban sprawl problem and emphasized their potential as useful and income-generating lands within cities. Nourian and Afradi (2013) conducted a study titled "Application of content analysis to Assess and Identify the brownfield redevelopment process in leading countries." They argued that all redevelopment processes consist of four stages: initiation, cleaning, design planning, and implementation. Hasani and Saiidi Mofrad (2017) employed the social placemaking approach in their study titled "Planning for urban brownfield redesign with a social placemaking approach; Case of Abkoh sugar factory, Mashhad." They utilized scenario-writing techniques and presented three scenarios—minimum, middle, and maximum—ultimately selecting a flexible, accessible, and safe scenario.
In the present study, we adopt a novel approach to structurally analyze the factors involved in infill development in brownfields. This approach is based on the foresight approach, which has not been explored in domestic and international records, specifically in the context of the Bronsi barracks brownfields in Mashhad.
Methodology
Using a descriptive-analytical methodology, the present study examines the factors involved in sustainable land-use planning in the Bronsi Barracks brownfields in Mashhad. The study adopts the scenario-writing approach to prioritize these factors based on their impact on the future of the system and to identify the driving factors with the highest influence. Data collection employed both secondary research and surveys. The former was utilized to investigate relevant literature and examine the studied site, while the latter was conducted using the Delphi method and questionnaires distributed to eight experienced urban management experts in Mashhad.
To illustrate the variables in terms of their influence and susceptibility, a three-stage process was followed. This included the identification of variables across five categories: influential, two-faceted, susceptible, independent, and regulatory. Subsequently, structural-interpretive modeling and the Micmac software were utilized to define the relationships between these variables and identify key variables for further investigation of their respective ranges.
Conclusion
Brownfields have been found to diminish the value of surrounding properties and pose health risks to local communities as they clash with their environment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and prioritize the crucial factors involved in the planning of Bronsi Barracks brownfields in Mashhad. The results highlighted the significance of three factors in particular: land price, accessibility to services and facilities, and the number of land uses in inactive areas. These findings hold important implications for urban decision-makers in the studied sites and similar regions, as they strive to attain specific goals and create opportunities for inclusive urban utilization.
An analysis of the four scenarios revealed that the most probable scenario for the redevelopment of Bronsi Barracks brownfields was the first scenario, commonly known as the "center of problems." This scenario emphasized various challenges, including issues pertaining to management and institutions (such as inefficiencies in regulations and documents), environmental concerns, socioeconomic factors, and physical-spatial problems. Conversely, the most favorable scenario emerged as the fourth scenario, named the "all-inclusive barracks." This scenario indicated significant progress in all aspects and key factors, suggesting that socioeconomic and physical-spatial transformations could play pivotal roles in enhancing the area's conditions, based on the coefficients derived from the examination of these key factors.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the urban managers and experts in Mashhad for their invaluable cooperation. We appreciate their willingness to provide answers to our questions and diligently complete the questionnaires, which greatly facilitated the progress of our research. Their assistance was instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of this study.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
Mana Vahidbafandeh; Javad Imani Shamloo; Melika Fadavi; Niloofar Sultanvash
Abstract
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to public transportation systems worldwide, resulting in a substantial decrease in demand. In light of this, it is crucial to develop policies that mitigate potential risks and prioritize the health and safety of passengers. While the scientific ...
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to public transportation systems worldwide, resulting in a substantial decrease in demand. In light of this, it is crucial to develop policies that mitigate potential risks and prioritize the health and safety of passengers. While the scientific and collective understanding of the interplay between these two spheres is steadily growing, the absence of a comprehensive review focusing on sound policymaking is deemed significant. This present research aims to quantitatively synthesize and consolidate existing studies in the field to determine the effectiveness of various policies by examining overlapping sources and combining findings. The meta-analysis method was employed to fulfill the research objective, with both Persian and English scientific research articles constituting the statistical population. The search process involved manual selection and utilized relevant keywords such as "public transportation" and "COVID-19." Ultimately, a total of 50 scientific research articles (in Persian and English) were included as the final statistical population. For the execution of the meta-analysis, data were inputted into the Stata software, enabling the creation of a forest diagram (also known as an accumulation diagram). Furthermore, analytical connections between the research articles were established using the VOSviewer software. The findings of the synthesis reveal a profound research gap pertaining to the understanding of resource policies in this domain.
Keywords: Covid-19, Policy making, Public Transport, Meta-analysis.
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a significant and unprecedented challenge to the global public transportation sector. This crisis has led to a remarkable decrease in demand and revenue, affecting urban travel on a worldwide scale. While the decline in transportation activity has been observed across various modes, public transportation has been particularly impacted. In fact, the epidemic has caused a staggering 70% reduction in the utilization of public transportation services globally. Given the essential nature of public transportation for everyday commuting needs, complete cessation of services is impractical and not viable under any circumstances.
Public transportation systems are known to facilitate the spread of respiratory diseases due to the high concentration of passengers within confined spaces. Strong evidence indicates airborne transmission of the virus in enclosed environments—such as those encountered within these transportation networks. Despite this understanding, it is essential to acknowledge that many individuals heavily rely on public transportation as their primary means of travel due to economic constraints. Consequently, the precise role of public transport in the transmission of the virus remains undetermined.
Given the outlined issues, it becomes evident that a systematic categorization of the research conducted in this field is of utmost importance. Considerable investigation has already been undertaken to explore the impact of the novel coronavirus on public transportation. However, there exists a need for the present study to contribute to this body of knowledge by conducting a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Through this endeavor, the aim is to identify alternative and effective incentive policies that can enhance the demand for public transportation—a crucial mode of travel.
Literature Review
Respiratory infections typically spread through droplets and airborne particles, making closed environments more susceptible to transmission compared to open spaces. This poses a significant challenge for the public transportation sector. Governments worldwide have faced the necessity of implementing various policy measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, including initiatives focused on the quality control and management of public transportation routes, as well as addressing broader social aspects.
The epidemic has dealt a severe blow to public transportation systems, with the American Transportation Association reporting an astonishing 80% decrease in usage during the coronavirus outbreak. In the United States, a rapid decline in public transportation ridership can be attributed predominantly to concerns surrounding contagion. This decline has had profound ramifications, particularly for the transportation sector's workforce, resulting in significant job losses. Attention must be directed toward this critical issue, as it profoundly affects the economic aspects of the transportation industry.
Consequently, implementing appropriate strategies to improve the prevailing conditions and encourage a return to public transportation usage becomes imperative. Of particular significance is the persistent fear of contagion in public spaces, which continues to linger among the populace despite a reduction in the prevalence of the epidemic. Addressing this fear and restoring confidence in the safety of public transportation environments remain vital approaches to be considered.
Methodology
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses serve as indispensable tools for synthesizing and analyzing data from various studies related to a specific research topic. These methods have gained significant prominence across numerous fields in recent years and are widely acknowledged as instrumental approaches in research. Recognizing the significance of the research framework and the existing research gap concerning public transportation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes imperative to prioritize the collection of relevant resources. Hence, the meta-analysis method emerges as the most appropriate technique for gathering comprehensive insights on this subject matter.
Results
The theoretical underpinnings of the research are foundational to the overall structure of the study, encompassing three key components, namely transportation, personal, and environmental and physical health. These components, as suggested by influential scholars such as Professor Stein, shape the core structure of the research. Upon conducting a comprehensive evaluation, it can be concluded that the theoretical foundations of the study possess notable strengths; however, they would benefit from further elucidation and organization. Findings from previous studies have also shed light on certain weaknesses within the research, including the absence of robust foundational theories, limited favorable conclusions in Persian articles, and a lack of primary sources. Furthermore, results from the analysis indicate that more than 45% of the reviewed articles lack a strong and coherent theoretical framework. On the other hand, over 46% of the articles (23 articles in total) draw upon diverse sources, which is regarded as a significant strength within the interpretive framework derived from the systematic review.
Conclusion
The global outbreak of the coronavirus has had a profound impact on various social and economic sectors, particularly in the realm of public transportation. Among the notable effects are significant reductions in intra-city travel and overall mobility within urban areas. In response, many governments were compelled to implement emergency measures, which included the adoption of restrictive policies aimed at curtailing non-essential trips and either closing or minimizing the utilization of public transportation networks. These policies played a crucial role in safeguarding public health and mitigating the transmission of the coronavirus, while concurrently necessitating the swift development and implementation of efficient solutions to ensure continued mobility. Noteworthy measures implemented in response to the pandemic encompassed a range of strategies, such as prioritizing individual health through practices like physical distancing and support for medical services. Additionally, efforts were made to enhance the efficiency of public transportation systems through the utilization of smart tools, segregation protocols, and other related initiatives. These policy considerations hold significant importance within the context of decision-making processes, as they address critical aspects of public health and effective urban transportation management.
