Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Abstract Abstract Background and Aim Land use change modeling is an essential tool for environmental analysis, planning, and management. Among the basic objectives of this research is to investigate and understand the changes in land uses in Region 7 of Tabriz between 2000 and 2020 using remote sensing technology and satellite images. And also to predict these changes for the next 20 years. To predict the changes, the Markov chain cell model was used for prediction. Among other objectives, it can be mentioned to find out the use that has and will have the most changes and increases.
Methodology: Land use change modeling is an essential tool for environmental analysis, planning, and management. The main objective of this research is to investigate and evaluate land use changes in Tabriz city over a 20-year period (from 2000 to 2020). This goal is achieved by extracting land use maps for the years 2000 and 2020 through satellite images and obtaining the changes that have occurred in land use during this period, and finally predicting these changes using a Markov model.
Results and Findings: The results indicated that although the region has a large area of barren land, the residential area has grown significantly between 2000 and 2020 and will continue to grow in the future. This indicates a positive and increasing trend in urban and residential areas that should be taken into account. Between 2000 and 2020, we have witnessed a sharp decrease in green space, which can be a warning for managers and decision-makers. Urban green space is an important land use within the city and on the outskirts of the city, and its absence causes environmental problems and .... Also, residential land use will have the most changes at the regional level for the next 20 years, and it was proven that the maximum likelihood classification model has appropriate accuracy for classifying satellite data.
Conclusion: The overall results showed that although the region has a large area of barren land, the residential area has grown significantly between 2000 and 2020 and will continue to grow in the future, indicating a positive and increasing trend in urban and residential areas that should be taken into account. Between 2000 and 2020, we have witnessed a sharp decline in green space, which can be a warning for managers and decision-makers. Urban green space is an important use within the city and on the outskirts of the city, and its absence causes environmental problems and .... Industrial areas have also enjoyed significant growth in the past 20 years, and the growth of this use and its positive and increasing

Abstract Abstract
Background and Aim: The rapid growth of urbanization and the inability of formal planning systems to meet the needs of low-income groups have led to the formation of informal settlements in many Iranian cities. These settlements often face social, economic, and physical challenges, and urban interventions in the form of regeneration projects are implemented with the aim of improving living conditions. However, evaluating the impacts of such interventions has always been one of the major challenges in urban policy-making, especially when the perspectives of different generations of residents are overlooked.

Methodology: The present study aims to assess the social and economic impacts of urban intervention projects in informal settlements, focusing on a case study of the 45-Meter Engelab Street in the Khalilabad neighborhood of Tabriz from the perspective of the second generation of residents. The research is applied in nature and employs a mixed-methods approach (quantitative–qualitative). Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using SPSS and MAXQDA software.

Results and Discussion: The findings revealed that the social impacts of the project were dual in nature: on the one hand, it led to increased security, improved accessibility, and strengthened sense of place attachment; on the other hand, it weakened traditional neighborhood relations and reduced social capital and organized participation. Economically, the most significant outcome of the project was the increase in property values, while indicators such as employment opportunities, government support, and local business activity showed no significant change. The comparison of quantitative and qualitative data indicated consistency between the results. Overall, the findings suggest that the regeneration of informal settlements can lead to sustainable improvement in living conditions only when social and economic dimensions are considered alongside physical aspects and the perspectives of different generations of residents are simultaneously taken into account.

Abstract With the shift in urban management approaches from infrastructure-oriented to people-centered planning, sports events have emerged as new socio-cultural platforms capable of fostering sustainable behaviors, strengthening urban identity, and enhancing civic engagement. The present study aims to investigate the role of citizens’ experiences with sports events in shaping supportive behavior and sustainable urban identity in the city of Tabriz. The research employed a descriptive–analytical method and utilized structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all residents of Tabriz (N = 1,653,827), and a sample size of 384 participants was determined using Cochran’s formula. Data were collected through a 41-item questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS, AMOS, and EQS software packages. The results of confirmatory factor analysis indicated that among the dimensions of sports experience, the athletic dimension exerted the strongest impact on sustainable urban identity perception (path coefficient = 0.35), whereas the psychological–social dimension showed the weakest influence (path coefficient = 0.25). The coefficient of determination (R²) for sustainable urban identity was 0.54, indicating that 54% of its variance was explained by the model. Furthermore, this perception accounted for 31% of the variance in citizens’ supportive behavior. Overall, the findings suggest that positive and repeated experiences of sports events can act as powerful cultural catalysts, significantly contributing to the enhancement of sustainable urban identity and the development of prosocial civic behaviors in Tabriz.

Abstract Urbanization and global warming have significantly affected the quality of urban life, particularly thermal comfort in outdoor spaces. Thermal comfort is a key determinant of public health, social cohesion, and urban livability. In Tabriz, one of Iran’s largest metropolises with a cold-moderate climate, rapid urban expansion, high building density, reduced vegetation, and inappropriate street orientation have intensified urban heat islands (UHI) and degraded outdoor comfort. This study aims to identify key drivers of thermal comfort and develop future scenarios for sustainable urban planning.A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data were collected through literature review, expert consultation (Delphi method), and structural analysis using MICMAC software. Thirty experts in urban planning, climatology, and environmental studies participated in the Delphi and scenario-building processes. Results revealed five critical drivers: urban heat islands, height-to-width ratio of streets, wind speed and direction, street orientation relative to prevailing winds, and vegetation cover. ScenarioWizard was applied to generate 15 plausible scenarios, ranging from desirable to critical futures. Findings indicate that increasing vegetation, reducing UHI, and designing streets aligned with wind flow significantly improve thermal comfort. Conversely, high building density and reduced greenery exacerbate discomfort.The study concludes that integrating climate-responsive design, scenario-based planning, and urban ecology perspectives provides a robust framework for enhancing thermal comfort in Tabriz. Policy recommendations include revising current urban management strategies, promoting green infrastructure, and adopting adaptive design guidelines.

Abstract Background and Objective: The contemporary world, marked by rapid transformations, requires dynamic indicators to promote justice-particularly in the fair distribution of urban services and facilities. Due to ongoing inequalities in developing cities, recent academic and institutional efforts have focused on urban models that integrate social justice to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life. Within this framework, the City Prosperity Index (CPI) has emerged as a key tool for evaluating justice across various urban dimensions. This study aims to assess the ten municipal districts of Tabriz in terms of their social justice performance, as one of the five main dimensions of urban prosperity.
Methodology: To achieve the research objectives, five criteria and indicators were employed, considering data limitations and the lack of official statistics. The spatial scope covers the ten municipal districts of Tabriz. The PROMETHEE and GAIA models were applied for ranking and analysis, while the ANP model was used for weighting the indicators. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were also employed to visualize spatial patterns and disparities among districts.
Results and findings: The results of analyzing the social justice index across the five sub-criteria in the ten districts of Tabriz indicate that District 6, with a net Phi value of 0.400 and a score of 100, ranks first in terms of social justice performance. It is followed by District 2 (Φ = 0.178, score = 61.39). Districts 1, 5, and 9 fall within the medium level of social justice, with corresponding Phi values of 0.156, 0.133, and 0.044. In the low-performance range are Districts 8, 4, 3, and 7, with Phi values of –0.044, –0.067, –0.178, and –0.200, respectively. The lowest rank belongs to District 10, which demonstrates a highly unfavorable condition in terms of access to social justice–related services and facilities. Among the ten districts of Tabriz, only Districts 6 and 2 occupy high or very high positions in terms of social justice, whereas Districts 8, 4, 3, and 7 exhibit poor conditions, and District 10 shows a very poor status. Therefore, promoting balanced urban growth and reinforcing the driving factors of social justice should be prioritized by urban planners and decision-makers in Tabriz.

Abstract Background and Objective: Rapid urbanization and environmental pressures challenge cities to provide a high quality of life. Livability, encompassing social, economic, physical, and environmental dimensions, is influenced by effective urban management. This study aims to evaluate the impact of managerial strategies on urban livability in Districts 1 and 10 of Tabriz, identifying strengths and weaknesses to inform sustainable planning and policy decisions.
Methodology: Descriptive-analytical approach with questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS with t-tests and regression analysis to compare districts and assess relationships between management strategies and livability indicators.
Results and Findings: Findings indicate significant differences between the two districts. District 1 demonstrated higher levels of livability across most indicators, especially in infrastructure and services, while District 10 showed weaknesses in socio-cultural and environmental dimensions. Regression results confirm a meaningful relationship between the quality of urban management and perceived livability. These findings are consistent with international research emphasizing the role of governance, participation, and equitable distribution of resources in enhancing urban life.

Abstract Background and Aim Adolescence is a critical period in personality development and the consolidation of lifestyle habits, in which psychological, biological, physical and social changes occur and the risk of unhealthy habits increases. This phase is key to preventing health problems. Studies have shown that different environments during this critical period can influence brain development, personal abilities and health throughout adolescence. Given the lack of research on adolescent preferences in developing countries such as Iran, this is the starting point of the present study.
Methodology: The data of this study were collected by distributing a questionnaire to 384 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in Il-Goli, Tabriz. The questionnaire was divided into three categories: park aesthetics, park safety features and park sociability and was distributed among the youth present in the park using a systematic sampling method. Descriptive statistics, validity and reliability of questions, data normality test, correlation between indices and Mann-Whitney test were performed using SPSS software.
Findings and Conclusion: The results of Spearman correlation showed that park sociability had the greatest influence on adolescents' mental well-being with a correlation of 0.809, followed by park facilities and park aesthetics with correlations of 0.775 and 0.593, respectively, in the second and third rows the impact on the psychological well-being of young people. Urban parks have a positive impact on the level of mental well-being of adolescents. This study can be useful for creating a guide for landscape architects and urban planners in designing parks and urban green spaces to create a more comfortable space for the adolescence.

Abstract Background and Objective: The inherent order within complex urban systems has consistently generated interwoven flows and intricate relationships within the city's spatial organization. Understanding this order necessitates comprehending the position of elements and the profound relationships among the components of spatial organization. Based on such a necessity, in the case study of the historical context of Tabriz, the question is raised: which theories and perspectives on spatial organization are most compatible in analyzing the spatial organization of the historical context of Tabriz? Accordingly, the present research aims to identify and prioritize spatial organization theories and their representative indicators based on the characteristics of Tabriz's historic urban fabric. Ultimately, it seeks to propose a multi-faceted approach derived from the integration of theories compatible with the studied context.
Methodology: This research employed both quantitative and qualitative methods to achieve its objectives and data collection was through a survey strategy (field-library). This research was based on an applied purpose and was of a descriptive-analytical type.In the quantitative section, a questionnaire tool was used to gather harmonized views and opinions from eight qualified and sufficiently specialized individuals selected as an expert panel. The acquired data was then scored and compiled in two stages, by the Delphi method. In the qualitative section, the results obtained from the quantitative data were analyzed and interpreted about the contextual characteristics by leveraging the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.
Findings and Results: The findings of this research include the prioritization of spatial organization theories and the prominent indicators within each theory. Additionally, a multi-faceted approach is presented, stemming from the consensus of expert opinions and the prioritization of spatial organization theories based on the characteristics of Tabriz's historical urban fabric. Adopting such integrated, applied, and context-based approaches, beyond simply using existing tools, with in-depth analysis and classification of spatial organization theories, paves the way for more comprehensive and meticulous analyses for contexts with special structures and adds to the richness of knowledge in this field.

Abstract Background and Aim: Heritage concepts with an emphasis on identity reflect the material and non-material lives of societies. Therefore, expanding the scope of tourism, as a field of study, reflects an increasing role in the protection of heritage in parallel with the documentation of museums. In the meantime, the tourism industry's development in the heritage field and economic growth are concerned with protecting cultural resources.
Methods: Thus, investigating the synergy of the tourism industry and intangible heritage will prevent the orientation of passive criteria. Therefore, the present study, to answer the question "What is the synergy effect of intangible heritage and tourism industry on sustainable development?", extracted the development criteria in the House of Museums of the World Heritage Protected Area of Tabriz Historical Bazaar, to explain the insights in acknowledging the relationship between these two articles, from library studies and historical documents approved by experts and specialists of the Cultural Heritage Organization of West Azerbaijan Province. Also, in terms of answering the question "How important are the tourists' experiences of the Tabriz Museum House in the development of tourism?", to measure the visitors' satisfaction with the quality of the infrastructure and resources available in the 8 houses of the museum in the historical area of the case study, structured questionnaires were distributed among 78 tourists on a five-point Likert scale.
Findings and Conclusion: In the integration of the extracted components and analysis of SPSS software with T-test, it was found that if the managers and stakeholders in the field of cultural heritage have a combined attitude towards the synergistic categories of tourism industry and intangible heritage, the procedure of conservation and transfer of intangible cultural heritage in the houses of museums in the study area will be improved.

Abstract Background and Objective: Cities account for approximately three-quarters of global primary energy consumption and nearly 60% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, around 15% of the global population lives in energy poverty, marking the onset of the first global energy crisis. Given the worldwide significance of energy issues and the limitations and necessity of resource conservation, energy has become one of the most critical challenges of our era. One of the major challenges lies in the lack of effective planning and design for new neighborhoods, along with the continued use of outdated comprehensive and detailed planning models. In response to these issues, new approaches grounded in sustainable development principles have been proposed. One of the key methods for assessing sustainability involves indicator-based analyses derived from environmental certification systems. Among these, the LEED-ND rating system has gained popularity among planners and designers as a market-driven approach to promoting sustainability through urban design. This framework provides a comprehensive methodology for designing and evaluating urban spaces, prioritizing sustainability, resilience, and social well-being. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the sustainability status of the Valiasr neighborhood in the metropolis of Tabriz based on LEED-ND criteria and to formulate effective urban design principles tailored to the local conditions of this neighborhood.
Methodology: This study is quantitative in nature, applied in terms of its objective, and descriptive in character. Data collection was conducted through both documentary (library) research and field surveys. For the analysis, the LEED-ND model was employed as the evaluation framework. In this research, 16 criteria and indicators were selected to assess the sustainability of the neighborhood.
Findings and Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that the neighborhood falls within the Silver certification level. Given the scarcity of energy resources, population growth, and rising energy consumption, the neighborhood requires the development of urban design principles to move closer to achieving sustainability goals. The results demonstrate that the neighborhood achieved full scores in the indicators related to steep slope protection, mixed-use neighborhood centers, access to recreational facilities, tree-lined and shaded streets, and neighborhood schools. These indicators must be preserved and enhanced. For the remaining indicators, further measures are required to obtain the necessary points and improve overall sustainability performance.

Abstract Background and Aim: Hospital landscape is being known an important place for patients. It is especially important to regard hospital landscape design as an important quality factor of such environments. However, there is not enough attention given to this matter in the city of Tabriz, Iran. The present research investigates to introduce landscape principal design in hospital green spaces in Tabriz.
Methods and Material: A qualitative semi-structured interview was conducted among nine landscape experts of university of Tabriz those specialized in landscape design, architecture, and urban planning. Before conducting interview, the survey sheet was given participants read which give enough time for them to give more accurate and scientific answers. The experts were asked to explain their opinions regarding hospital landscape furniture, patient mental restoration, visual appeal, social interaction, patients’ leisure time and hospital landscape design elements.
Results and Discussion: The results indicate that hospital Landscape must be corresponding to the needs of three groups of patients, staff and visitors. Cleanness and accessibility and high security are important factors which may affect patients’ tendency patient group to use hospital green space. By providing recreational facilities and amenities such as terraces and monolithic design, visitors might be encouraged to spend more time in the hospital environment. Providing private and quiet space is necessary for staff to relax and escape from stress and pressure. In addition, designed social spaces are necessary to enhance the efficiency of hospital and awareness of people. Elements such as stairs, slippery, uneven floors, allergenic plants and poisonous plants are not appropriate for hospital landscape. Proper maintenance of plants is essential to maintain freshness and greenery, which in turn affects the psychological comfort and satisfaction of users.  Application of the research finding will help to create better landscape in hospital environment and enhance users’ willingness to contact with nature in among urban dwellers.

Abstract Background and Objective: Urban heat islands have become one of the most challenging issues in urban studies. In addition to their primary impact on average temperature, heat islands can also have secondary effects on local meteorology. Urban heat islands are primarily caused by excessive surface heating and heat storage, pollution emissions, human heating, wind circulation barriers, and reduced evapotranspiration.
Methodology: In this study, the split-window algorithm of Landsat 8 sensor with a combination of thermal bands 10 and 11 was used to obtain land surface temperature during the day, and the MODIS sensor was used to obtain land surface temperature at night. To determine the heat island region in the city, global and local Moran's I autocorrelation analyses and Getis-Ord Gi hotspot analysis, both performed in ArcMap software, were used. Multiple linear regression analysis in SPSS software was used to obtain the maximum impact of indices.
Findings and Conclusion: The results indicate that the hottest points during the day were in Region 6 around Tabriz Airport with a temperature of 27.27 degrees Celsius, and at night, the temperature was 17.07 degrees in Region 3. According to spatial Moran's I analysis, both heat islands had a clustered pattern. According to regression results, open spaces and soil texture, with a score of 0.700, had the greatest impact on urban heat islands due to their high heat capacity and were the coolest surfaces at night. The least impact was from built spaces with reflective roofs, with a score of -0.192, which had a cooling effect. Building height with shading and random density had a negative effect on increasing heat. However, the influential index on nighttime heat islands was in conditions where the building density was moderate and the orientation was appropriate, but the height-to-width ratio of the passageway was 1.31 and 0.825, respectively, which caused heat retention.

Abstract Background and purpose: The presence of the river in the urban landscape is an advantage compared to other cities that have not benefited from it, but if the urban space around the river does not have the necessary response, it will become a serious threat. Mehranroud in Tabriz is also known as one of the main elements of the ossification of the city and its presence is evident throughout the city. In recent decades, the neglect of Mehranroud in Tabriz has caused its edge to never function as a successful urban space. Therefore, as a result of the above measures and the need to improve the quality of the environment, we can create an opportunity to strengthen social connections by looking again at the riverside and reviving it as a vital artery of the city.
Research method: this research is descriptive-analytical; After examining the theoretical foundations of the lost urban spaces and using them in the redesign of the riverside spaces with the approach of reviving this space, a theoretical framework is proposed that with the current theoretical foundations, a practical project is presented to restore the lost spaces of the riverside.
Findings and conclusions: The results show that urban rivers are rich sources of natural capacities, which with proper design and consistent with their location and minimal physical intervention can become valuable potentials and natural, recreational, tourism, cultural, and commercial indicators. And... become. Appropriate, correct and principled use of these experiences can have a significant impact on the success of the riverbanks.