Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Abstract Background and Aim: People always seek to provide security as one of their basic needs, also it has been considered as one of the important indicators of the quality of urban life from urban planners and managers point of view. Precisely, feeling of social security in urban spaces is one of the most important indicators of quality of life for citizens. With the increasing necessity of creating security in societies, the tools, methods and approaches to create and maintain it have undergone transformation. Therefore, urban management is one of the important aspects of urban planning, which is directly related to human societies, especially urban society, and creating social security; therefore, the aim of this research is to review the role and position of urban management in improving the social security of cities.
Methods:Methodology of this paper is library-analytical. First, definitions and theories have been collected through library studies. Second, for the data analysis, the review of the theoretical foundations and the research conducted in this field, the components of social security and the impact of the performance and role of urban management on each of them have been discussed.
Findings and Conclusion: Studies show that based on the coefficient of determination, 28% of the variance of the dependent variable is explained by the independent variable. Beta coefficient (BTA) also indicates a direct relationship between two independent and dependent variables. As a result, through the regression analysis of two variables, it can be concluded that the level of social security and crime prevention increases with the improvement of urban management performance.
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Abstract Background and Aim: The performance of employees is a subject that is closely related to the achievement of the organization's goals, so that the performance of employees is considered equivalent to the performance of the organization. Therefore, paying attention to the knowledge and skills of human resources and empowering these unique capitals in organizations, especially in this era, is a necessary and undeniable thing. The most important factor in improving productivity in municipalities and in any country is human resources, so that this factor has become an important and fundamental element in explaining the differences in productivity and its growth in different countries. Since the main basis of development is human, improving the quality of human resources is very necessary in development and has a fundamental and decisive role in any planning for the development and productivity of human resources; Therefore, economic development will not be achieved without prioritizing the productivity and development of human resources, which will not be realized as part of the long-term and comprehensive practical planning process based on accurate information from the past, present and clear future. The aim of this research is to explain effective solutions and empower human capital in increasing the efficiency and improving the performance of municipalities.
Methods: The research method in this article is descriptive and analytical in terms of nature and method, and theoretical and practical in terms of purpose.
Findings and Conclusion: From the experts' point of view, it is necessary to pay attention to the components affecting talent management (identification, employment, development, maintenance) and empowerment (training, participation, motivation) as well as the stages of empowerment (empowerment, structure, process) and how to evaluate their effectiveness, which were investigated in this study.

Abstract Background and Aim: Due to the growth of population and urbanization, the strategy of high-rise building has become popular nowadays. With the increasing use of high-rise buildings nowadays due to problems such as lack of housing, the optimal use of these buildings can be a solution to meet the social, economic and other needs of today's societies. On the other hand, social changes in both macro (neighborhood) and micro (house) scales show a decrease in the feeling of satisfaction in the apartment house. Methods:  The purpose of the current research is to review the comparative patterns of high-rise construction and villa houses and a case study of Amirkabir and Mohajeran settlement in Arak city. Findings and Conclusion: Examining various studies shows that the choice of each of the models of residential structures has advantages and disadvantages. Residential towers with security and comfort, public spaces and access, management and control, most importantly, proximity to important uses and access to public transportation, are considered among the important and lively residential spaces of the city, and unlike traditional housing, they can have a wide range To attract social groups including children, adults and the elderly. Meanwhile, the apartment house has reduced satisfaction due to the loss of the quality of the semi-public arena. Therefore, presenting creative patterns and designs and checking the status of various indicators at the medium and small scale can be a suitable solution in comparative analysis.

Abstract Background and Objective: This research presents a comparative study of the historical bridges of Ardabil and Isfahan during the Safavid era, focusing on the influence of each region’s geographical features on the architecture and construction of these bridges. During the Safavid period, both Ardabil and Isfahan were recognized as significant political, cultural, and economic centers of Iran. Bridges of this era, beyond their function as crossings, played a crucial role in enhancing communication, facilitating economic exchanges, and even serving military purposes. The design and construction of these bridges were influenced by geographical, climatic, topographic conditions, and available local resources. In this context, examining how architects and engineers responded to natural challenges reveals the degree of architectural adaptation to the environmental context. The findings of the study indicate that geographical differences have led to variations in the design, construction, and functions of the bridges. Bridges in Ardabil, suited to mountainous conditions and variable rivers, exhibit more robust structures, while bridges in Isfahan, influenced by the urban setting and the Zayandeh Roud River, feature more open, decorative designs with multifunctional roles.
Methodology: The research methodology is descriptive-analytical, and data has been collected through library sources, historical texts, architectural documents, and geographical analyses. The core of this analysis consists of a comparison of design, structural types, materials used, and the functions of the bridges.
Findings and Conclusion:  The main objective of this study is to compare the architecture and structure of prominent historical bridges in Ardabil and Isfahan and to analyze the impact of geographical factors such as climate, topography, and water resources on the formation of their form, materials, and functions. This research aims to identify architectural patterns adapted to environmental conditions through the study of selected examples.

Abstract Background and Objective: Mount Sabalan, the second highest peak in Iran (with an elevation of 4,811 meters) and one of the most significant natural features of Ardabil Province, has played a decisive role in the formation of ancient civilizations in the region. Not only is it the tallest peak in northwestern Iran, but it is also considered one of the key centers for the emergence of early civilizations in this area. This study investigates the impact of Sabalan’s unique characteristics—including its water resources (hot springs and the Qarasoo River), fertile volcanic soils, and strategic location—on the spatial distribution patterns of archaeological settlements in Ardabil Province.
Methodology
Data analysis was carried out using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and comparative methods. The present study employed field surveys, spatial analyses, and archival research to examine 20 significant archaeological sites in Ardabil Province, including Yeri City (Meshginshahr), the archaeological areas of Sarein, and the historical Qahqaha Castle complex.
Findings and Conclusion:  The results show that more than 80% of the archaeological settlements in Ardabil Province are located within a 40-kilometer radius of Mount Sabalan. The fertile soils on the eastern slopes of the mountain played a crucial role in the development of ancient agriculture in the region.The research demonstrates that Sabalan’s natural features—especially access to water resources (the Qarasoo River and hot springs), fertile lands, and natural defensive positioning were key factors in the site selection of ancient settlements. Additionally, evidence suggests that the mountain’s ritual significance also influenced settlement patterns. This study highlights that Sabalan’s environmental conditions significantly contributed not only to the initial attraction of human communities but also tothe continuity and advancement of civilizations in the region.

Abstract Background and Objective: Participatory urban planning aims to increase citizen involvement in urban decision-making and requires tools for analyzing vast amounts of textual data. This study investigates the application of Natural Language Processing (NLP) in analyzing citizens' opinions regarding urban development plans.
Methodology: Using content analysis methods and machine learning algorithms, opinions collected from social media platforms were analyzed. The results indicated that NLP can accurately identify sentiments, main topics, and patterns present in citizens' comments.
Findings and Conclusion: These findings suggest that NLP can serve as a powerful tool to enhance the decision-making process in urban planning. However, limitations such as informal language and the presence of specialized terminology in comments indicate a need for further development of NLP models. 

Abstract Background and Aim: Various approaches have been presented to achieve urban balance and sustainability, one of these approaches is the ecologic city. The aim of this research is to clarify the need to pay attention to the creation of the urban ecological approach in Iran urban planning system in order to achieve sustainable development.
Methods: This research is practical in terms of purpose, and descriptive and analytical in terms of nature. The method of collecting data documents and content analysis.
Findings and Conclusion: The research results show that urban ecological approach in many regions of the world has been taken. In Iran, in many cities under the influence of global developments and the implementation of various urban plans, the economic factor has become the main determining factor, and the developments of the current century. In fact, the oil-based economy, excessive population density, the concentration of activities and the frequency of construction and Instruments have resulted in the physical growth and expansion of urban centers and the destruction of the natural ecosystem of the country's cities; Although measures have been taken in some cities of the country to achieve an ecological city, it cannot be claimed that the construction of an ecological city has been completed in Iranian cities; however the necessity and need for creating and planning an ecological city is arisen every day for the cities.

Abstract Background: The concept of "cultural landscape of the city" as an integrative framework for understanding the complex historical, cultural, social, and physical layers of cities has undergone significant theoretical developments since the early 20th century. This development has moved from a focus solely on the aesthetic and physical dimensions to the inclusion of intangible dimensions, social processes, and participatory approaches in urban governance.
Objective: This study aims to map the evolution of key theories in the field of cultural landscape of the city and explain how these concepts are integrated into urban planning paradigms.
Research Methodology: This study is a systematic review that was conducted by a structured search in the Web of Science database using keywords related to cultural landscape, urban planning, and theory evolution. Out of 1,085 initial articles, 75 articles were selected for the final analysis based on clear inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Findings: The findings show that theories of the city's cultural landscape have evolved from initial foundations emphasizing the relationship between culture and nature to multidimensional approaches, including the intangible dimension, participatory governance, and new urban visual technologies. The analysis of the historical distribution of sources indicates a significant increase in research from 2023 to 2025. Also, top journals and profiles of researchers active in this field were identified.
Conclusion: The evolution of theories of the city's cultural landscape shows a shift from a static and body-based perspective to a dynamic, multidimensional, human-centered, and integrated perspective. This evolution reveals the need to review the tools and processes of urban planning and governance for the dynamic protection of cultural landscapes in the 21st century.

Abstract Background and Aim: Today's man is not able to live without considering what has happened to him, and in order to have a better life, he must rely on the infrastructure he has already acquired. Human identity is manifested in the most basic state in the environment that is self-decorated. With the arrival of cultural elements from other countries, especially western countries, the culture and the identity of the Iranian society have undergone changes; Therefore, today, the discussion about identity and culture has been paid attention to in various scientific branches. Since one of the methods of investigating the identity of society is to pay attention to its spatial and urban communication elements, this article is presented with the aim of investigating the place of mosque architecture in giving identity to the urban space. The goals of this research are to revive the urban space and its aesthetic features, to breathe a new spirit in different social, economic, cultural and physical fields, to change the level of culture, to preserve and promote ancient values, to create a contemporary urban space with the pattern of elements Tradition and consolidation of the sense of belonging to the named place.
Methods: The research method in the data collection section was carried out in a qualitative manner, the extraction and examination of the elements of identity in the architecture of mosques was carried out in the form of a conceptual diagram and in a library and documentary manner.
Findings and Conclusion: The findings of the research show that paying attention to the body and the way of arranging spaces and other urban elements, along with the cultural and spiritual issues that are the duties of urban designers, are among the things that promote the identity of mosques in the urban space.

Abstract Iranian-Islamic identity and customs express the cultural characteristics and characteristics of this border and environment. A topic that should appear in all aspects of life, especially in the field of architecture and urban planning. Achieving architecture with identity is a valuable and important issue in contemporary Iranian architecture. Because in the past, Iranian and Islamic architecture was one of the most influential architectural styles in the world; By using their intelligence and ingenuity and ultimately artistry, according to the geographical, climatic and cultural conditions of each region, Iranian architects developed these architectural elements and tried to establish the comfort of the people.This article seeks to create a suitable intellectual framework for this debate in the field of architecture. The research method used in this research is practical in terms of type and its goals, and in terms of research strategy, based on it, the descriptive-analytical method was used, and the library method was used to collect information and data. In order to analyze the theories, a logical argument has been made for the documentation of the texts, and in this method, the issues of qualitative and conceptual strategy are tried to be disseminated in this research.In this way, based on the elements of traditional Iranian architecture that were stated in the theoretical foundations of the research, the summary and suggestion of the components presented in the selection, appropriate and desirable design of the city with the purpose of identity has been presented. The result of the research shows that if the foundations and ways of manifesting the principles and elements of Iranian-Islamic architecture are paid attention to by architects, it can also meet the needs of contemporary people.

Abstract Background and Aim: The increasing importance of fossil fuels in the last century and the lack of non-renewable resources on earth has led to the extinction of human life. In recent years, there has been a shift towards cleaner methods where energy pollution from non-renewable sources is minimized. Each climate has its own conditions and characteristics, and this is the trend towards sustainable architecture in the traditional architecture of Iran. The importance of using energy to provide solutions increases at all levels. Due to its location on the sun belt, Iran is one of the suitable areas to benefit from the sunlight, and it is possible to increase the comfort function by taking advantage of the climatic features and the features of the traditional elements of sustainable architecture, taking into account efficiency and productivity. important indicators such as: orientation based on three institutionalized rune categories and models for city and house structure in Iran, walls in terms of materials and thickness, form of roofs, color and openings of external surfaces of traditional houses, etc. were used so that the amount of consumption It reduced the energy so as to be able to get rid of the environmental problems of the city.
Methods: The research method in this article is descriptive-analytical, and the library method was used to collect information and data.
Findings and Conclusion: By examining the theories of logical reasoning for the documentation of the texts, in this method it is tried to spread the qualitative and conceptual strategy issues in this research, and at the end of the research, the indicators of sustainability in the traditional houses of Iran were presented; As he got ideas and lessons from the energy efficiency of traditional Iranian houses to achieve a desirable design for today's modern architecture.

Abstract  Background and Aim: The network of urban vehicle fueling stations is considered as one of the important centers of urban services. But today it is facing widespread inadequacies and shortages. The fueling capacity, mainly due to the inappropriate geographical distribution, does not meet the needs, therefore, it is necessary to provide a model for the development of the network of urban fuel stations by examining studies on the optimal location of the stations, so that the correct distribution of the stations in the city, in addition to preventing the problems that occur in The future is imposed on the city, to prevent the waste of energy and the efficiency of existing facilities and resources. With the growth of the population, especially in big cities, the volume of demand for public services has increased. Also, the need to create multiple fuel stations is felt more than in the past. Choosing the right location is one of the most important aspects of business success. The most important problem in providing services in this sector is the lack of proper distribution of stations in terms of quantity and the limited functional radius of the stations. Methods: The presen research a applied developmental approach and a combination research method (descriptive, analytical, and field). Findings and Conclusion: As a result, it is necessary to examine the quantitative and qualitative distribution of fuel stations. In the fuel industry, the problem of choosing a gas station location includes several quantitative and qualitative factors, including the number of other stations in the area, the direction of traffic, the social composition of the surrounding residential area, and the limited structure of the station. The choice of location significantly affects the success of the business. In particular, the choice of location for fuel stations is determined by investment constraints in facilities and criteria that include a series of social services. The purpose of this article is to introduce some common techniques of operational research in the location of gas stations.

Abstract The present study examines and explains the place of good urban governance in housing market management and analyzes the relationship between effective urban policies and housing market performance. Due to the increase in the urbanization population and the growing demand for housing, challenges have been created in the field of providing affordable and sustainable housing for all sections of the society. Using quantitative and qualitative data, this article shows how good urban governance can act as a key tool in improving housing market conditions. In this regard, the main concepts of transparency, accountability, public participation, social fairness and environmental sustainability have been identified as the pillars of good urban governance and their impact on housing market management has been discussed. The study of case experiences from different cities of the world shows that adopting new approaches in urban governance can help solve issues related to housing supply and demand and lead to sustainable urban development. The study also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, non-profit organizations and local communities, and examines how these collaborations can be effective in creating creative and cost-effective solutions to housing issues. Finally, the analysis suggests that good urban governance in the housing market means adopting multidimensional approaches to solving complex problems. It involves collaboration between different sectors of government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations to create innovative and sustainable solutions. It involves collaboration between different sectors of government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations to create innovative and sustainable solutions.

Abstract  
Background and Aim: More than half of the world lives in urban areas. In many developing countries, many people migrate to urban centers every day, and the rate of urbanization is increasing in both developed and developing countries. But the urban population imposes huge challenges on natural resources and causes social and environmental problems in urban areas. Therefore, increasing the rate of urbanization is associated with many challenges. In Iran, the rate of urbanization has almost doubled over the past 30 years. Unstable urban income, urban poverty, marginalization and inappropriate urban housing are considered as major challenges of urban development in Iran. Determining urban boundaries is one of the solutions used in policies known as curbing the growth of cities or managing urban growth.
Methods: The current review research was conducted with the aim of investigating the importance of urban boundaries in controlling and guiding urban development and the role of urban boundaries in controlling and guiding the development of Arak city. The city of Arak is the capital of the central province, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides and desert on the other side, and is not capable of development in many ways. Therefore, the population density has increased in the central and inner parts of the city. The value of land development index for Arak city is high and the level of morphological adaptation is lower. Findings and Conclusion: The findings show that if special construction criteria are applied to very large areas, a large population can be accommodated in the worn-out fabric. Such a process also causes the development of the city in a systematic pattern. It is necessary that the municipality does not ignore the creation of public spaces and uses, and by creating public spaces in the neighborhoods, it creates participation among the residents. Reforms such as the demolition of old buildings and the establishment of high-rise structures require careful monitoring so that the tissue density does not exceed the permissible limit.

Abstract Since the last decades of the 20th century, The concurrent development of industrialization and the socio-political transition towards cleaner and renewable energy sources has made the researchers and scholars who have been applying nuclear and radioactive energy (in electricity generation and also in industries, medicine or agriculture) increase the use of radioactive materials in these fields as well. Their consequent production and release into the environment have become nowadays to be such an integral part of our life that the safe management of this radioactive waste becomes a problem of high socio-political priority. This writing reviews first of all the differences of various types of nuclear waste and their level of classifications. After this, it goes through the countermeasure taken, the storage, the disposal and the physical and social barriers which must be applied for the safety of all radioactive waste, emphasizing that there must be certain procedures before the disposal so that this waste can be safely buried underground without bothering people until the end of its hazardous period. According to the review, the disposal of low-level and intermediate-level radioactive waste is already realized in some countries and have been storing up of this waste in near-surface facilities, whereas the disposal of high-level radioactive waste is only realized in repository temporarily for research on its ultimate disposal in many countries which have already built nuclear facilities. Protection of the environment from the pollution becomes a serious topic and the campaign of its conservation becomes to be progressed largely in the world; hopefully, this paper contributes for the reader to get better understanding on this issue and should urge more experts to devote their efforts in this field.
Key words: radioactive, environment, nuclear, waste