Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Abstract Background and Objective: The Tehran-Alborz urban complex faces numerous environmental problems due to its large population and rapid urbanization growth. Thus, planning for the development of human activities should be done in a way that causes the least damage to the region and its urban environment. In the present study, strategic planning and identification of environmental strategies were addressed in the macro-vision of the development of the Tehran-Alborz urban complex with the aim of achieving optimal management in the exploitation of natural resources.
Methodology: In this study, management strategies in sustainable urban development planning were identified and formulated using the SWOT-PESTLE model. The methodological steps of the present study include "identifying and analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats", "preparing an internal and external evaluation matrix", "scoring internal and external factors in the form of a 5-point Likert scale", "determining strategic position (SO, ST, WO, WT)", "formulating and prioritizing strategies according to the opinions of specialists and experts and using the ANP weighting model.
Results and Findings: According to the results, among the internal and external factors, threat points have the highest score with a sum of -0.525. Also, external factors (opportunities and threats) with a total score of 0.091 have a higher score than internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) with a total score of 0.042. Also, the proportion of strategies in each of the strategic areas includes 29 percent of the status quo strategy (WT), 24 percent of the participatory development and empowerment strategy (WO), 26 percent of the performance improvement strategy (ST), and finally 23 percent of the comprehensive development strategy (SO). Therefore, the strategic position of the Tehran-Alborz urban complex is equivalent to the "WT" strategy, considering the percentage allocated to each of the strategies. According to the strategies presented in this study, the strategic and management planning of the Tehran-Alborz urban complex strives to help planners and decision-makers achieve integrated management and formulate development models based on the ecological potential and biological capacities of the region and control and manage environmental threats to protect natural areas and biological resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Abstract Background and Objective: Increasing population density in urban areas and the rising concerns regarding sustainability and public health have encouraged residents to adopt active mobility patterns. In this context, the concept of the 15-minute city has emerged as a modern urban model aiming to ensure that residents can access essential daily needs (such as work, education, healthcare, and recreation) within a maximum 15-minute distance using non-motorized modes.
Methodology: This applied research was conducted with a descriptive–analytical approach in the Hamidian neighborhood of Rasht. Data were collected through library studies, field observations, maps, satellite images, and upper-level planning documents. Strategies for realizing the 15-minute city were formulated using the SWOT technique and prioritized through the QSPM matrix.
Findings and Conclusion: The findings indicate that the most fundamental requirement for steering the Hamidian neighborhood toward a 15-minute city is improving accessibility and mobility systems. The top three strategies holding the highest priority directly relate to enhancing safe and efficient non-motorized mobility (walking, cycling, and public transport), emphasizing that without adequate transport infrastructure, other objectives of the 15-minute city cannot be achieved. Based on the QSPM scoring, “the quality of pedestrian pathways and pedestrian safety” was identified as the key factor with the highest score, while “smart technologies and tourism development” were recognized as the lowest-priority factor under the neighborhood’s current conditions. Despite challenges such as limited public spaces and weak transport systems, the neighborhood possesses notable potentials, including its suitable connectivity and the presence of the Einak Lagoon. Priority strategies include improving the transport network, enhancing pedestrian pathways, and developing non-motorized access to services and green spaces. Ultimately, the successful implementation of this model requires collaboration among management institutions, citizen participation, and the adoption of smart technologies.