Analysis of Livability Indicators from the Physical-Spatial Dimension in the Neighborhoods of Bonab City and Prioritization of Interventions

Ghafari Gilandeh, Ata; Niknam, Ayoub; Mohammadi, Alireza; Rahmati, Mansour

Analysis of Livability Indicators from the Physical-Spatial Dimension in the Neighborhoods of Bonab City and Prioritization of Interventions

Document Type : Article extracted from thesis

Authors

Ata Ghafari Gilandeh ¹ ^¶

Ayoub Niknam ²

Alireza Mohammadi ³

Mansour Rahmati ⁴

¹ Professor, Department of Geography and Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil

² PhD student, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

³ Professor of Geography and Urban and rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

⁴ Assistant Professor of Geography and Urban and rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objective:Rapid population growth and urbanization have created multiple challenges for the quality of life and livability in cities, particularly in Iranian cities such as Bonab. These challenges manifest in deteriorated urban fabric, informal settlements, and spatial inequalities that adversely affect residents' well-being. This study aims to evaluate the physical-spatial livability status of Bonab’s neighborhoods across different urban zones, focusing on deteriorated/informal and non-deteriorated areas, and to prioritize neighborhoods for targeted planning interventions.
Methodology: This descriptive-analytical research was conducted using documentary data and field surveys in 15 neighborhoods of Bonab. Data were collected via questionnaires distributed among residents and analyzed using SPSS software. The physical-spatial indicators included building quality, transportation networks, accessibility to services, street quality, and urban landscape. Neighborhoods were ranked based on the Integrated Development Index (DI) using the Morris method.
Findings and Results: Results indicate that deteriorated fabric and informal settlements are primarily concentrated in the southern and southeastern parts of Bonab, characterized by poor building materials and low physical quality. In contrast, northern and some central neighborhoods such as Kouy-e Shahrdari (DI=0.85), Shahrak-e Emam-Khanom Baghi (DI=0.79), and Farhangian 1 (DI=0.78) show better physical-spatial conditions. Neighborhoods including Aghdash (DI=0.15), Dizaj Shomali (DI=0.20), Dizaj Jonubi (DI=0.27), and Akbarabad (DI=0.31) rank lowest in livability and require urgent prioritized interventions. The study emphasizes the urgent need for planning and rehabilitation in Bonab’s southern and southeastern neighborhoods to improve physical-spatial deficiencies and enhance urban livability.

Keywords

Livability

Physical-Spatial

Prioritization

Bonab City

Subjects

Sustainable Urban Development

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