Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

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 Introduction and Objective: In recent years, social sustainability has gained increasing importance as one of the fundamental dimensions of sustainable development in architecture and urban planning. Nevertheless, many existing approaches have primarily focused on physical and functional indicators, while comparatively limited attention has been given to the role of users lived experience in shaping the social quality of space. In this context, flânerie (urban wandering or exploratory strolling) as a perceptual–social experience possesses the capacity to foster human interactions, enhance the sense of belonging, and strengthen the quality of presence within the environment. Accordingly, the present study aims to explain how an approach to social sustainability can be developed based on flânerie in contemporary architectural spaces.
Method: In terms of objective, this study is applied-developmental, and in terms of nature, it adopts a qualitative research design employing an interpretive approach and a thematic analysis strategy grounded in Grounded Theory. Data were collected through the review of scientific literature and documentary sources, non-participant field observation, and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted through three stages of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, and the relationships among the extracted themes were conceptualized within the framework of the study’s conceptual model.
Findings: The findings indicate that the realization of social sustainability based on flânerie follows a four-level process, including: flânerie stimuli (legibility, permeability, attractiveness, spatial diversity, and sensory quality), flânerie experience (observation, pause, exploratory movement, perception, and lived experience), social outcomes (social interaction, vitality, trust, belonging, and identity), and dimensions of social sustainability (social cohesion, quality of life, sociability, and the social persistence of space).
Conclusion: The results demonstrate that flânerie, as a mediating mechanism, facilitates the realization of social sustainability in contemporary architectural spaces by enhancing spatial experience, social interactions, and sense of belonging. Therefore, it can be considered an innovative approach in the design of human-centered architectural environments.

Abstract Background and Objective: Buildings are considered the leading energy consumers, representing 40% of global energy usage. In Iran, due to insufficient focus on energy issues by both the population and authorities, over 40% of total energy consumption is allocated to this sector. The primary aim of this research is to assess the influence of each design parameter (form, envelope, openings, and roof) from the viewpoint of professionals in this field, focusing on residential apartment designs for energy reduction in Iran’s humid and moderate climate. The secondary goal is to rank these components (form, envelope, openings, and roof) in terms of their energy-saving potential, as advised by experts.
Methodology: This research adopts an applied methodology, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative techniques based on the nature of the data. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was employed to prioritize the components and define the critical design elements for reducing energy consumption. Initially, 41 indicators were identified for the four main parameters (form, envelope, openings, and roof). The quantitative phase involved using a questionnaire, with expert feedback ensuring the accuracy of the findings, leading to the identification and ranking of 37 final indicators.
Results and Findings: The results reveal that, from the experts' point of view, to reduce energy consumption in residential apartments in Iran’s humid and moderate climate, the envelope and openings components received the highest rankings, with weights of 0.383 and 0.312, respectively. Among envelope elements, the highest weight was given to avoiding metal materials. For openings, the most significant factor was the optimal placement of windows. In terms of roof design, the most valued element was the use of sloped roofs, while for form, the spacing between buildings ranked the highest. Experts in this field suggest that following the prioritization proposed in this study could effectively contribute to lowering energy consumption in residential apartments in the target climate.

Abstract Background and Aim: Rapid physical and social transformations in Iranian cities over recent decades have rendered neighborhood social security a multidimensional and complex phenomenon, necessitating simultaneous analysis of spatial attributes, social relations, and institutional mechanisms. This study aims to conduct a multidimensional analysis of social security and evaluate the explanatory power of physical, social, and institutional-governance dimensions in the Azadshahr neighborhood of Yazd.
Methodology: Employing a sequential mixed-methods exploratory-explanatory design, the research was implemented in two phases. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with residents, security experts, and urban specialists, followed by thematic analysis to identify context-specific indicators of social security. In the quantitative phase, data were collected from 367 residents and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).
Results and Discussion: Results indicated that the proposed model exhibited satisfactory fit, with all three dimensions—physical, social, and institutional-governance—exerting statistically significant positive effects on social security. The social dimension emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.56, t = 11.74, p < 0.001; R² = 0.57), driven particularly by neighborly relations, social capital, and a sense of belonging and ownership. The physical dimension demonstrated a moderate-to-strong effect (β = 0.31, t = 4.21; R² = 0.23), with the highest correlations observed for public space design and lighting. Although the institutional-governance dimension was significant (β = 0.29, t = 3.98; R² = 0.19), it exhibited the weakest direct influence. Collectively, the integrated model accounted for 63% of the variance in social security. These findings underscore that social security in the studied neighborhood is fundamentally a socio-perceptual phenomenon, contingent upon local cohesion, trust, and participatory dynamics rather than purely physical or supervisory measures. Consequently, strategies to enhance urban security—particularly in Iran’s medium-sized cities—should prioritize strengthening social capacities and local capital, complemented by physical restructuring and improvements in the quality of local governance.

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 Introduction and Purpose: Flânerie, as a complex human practice, emerges from the interplay between the body, soul, and mind within urban environments. This study aims to analyze the multifaceted dimensions of flânerie in Iranian urban spaces, focusing on how spatial design and cultural richness influence physical, spiritual, and mental experiences. It further compares these experiences with those in modern cities.
Methodology: This research adopts a qualitative and interpretive approach within the framework of a constructivist paradigm. Data were collected through urban ethnography, case studies, non-participant field observations, semi-structured interviews with citizens, architects, and urban planning experts, and content analysis of historical and contemporary texts on urban spaces. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data.
Findings: The findings reveal that flânerie in Iranian cities transcends mere physical activity, encompassing social, cultural, and spiritual experiences. Traditional spaces such as the Tabriz Bazaar and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, with their intricate and human-centered designs, foster social interactions, spiritual reflection, and the reinforcement of cultural identity. Urban green spaces also contribute significantly to stress reduction and the enhancement of mental well-being.
Conclusion: Urban design should integrate flânerie as a holistic experience encompassing physical, spiritual, and mental interactions. This approach can improve urban quality of life, strengthen individual and collective identities, and enhance social cohesion. The findings offer valuable insights for urban designers and managers in creating dynamic, human-centered urban spaces.

Abstract Introduction and Objective: Urban spaces play a significant role in shaping social interactions and strengthening ethnic and religious cohesion. Urmia, with its extensive ethnic and religious diversity, provides an appropriate context for studying these interactions. This research aims to examine the role of spatial patterns in social interactions and ethnic and religious cohesion in the neighborhoods of Delgosha, Eqbal, and Mahdi-al-Qadam (adjacent to Imam Khomeini Street). The theoretical framework of this study is based on Christopher Alexander's Theory of Living Spaces.
Research Method: This study employed a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative). The statistical population included residents of the Delgosha, Eqbal, and Mahdi-al-Qadam neighborhoods, selected using a random cluster sampling method. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 residents and field observations. Quantitative data were gathered using a questionnaire distributed among 200 residents. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson's correlation coefficient and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
Findings and Conclusion: The results indicated that the spatial and physical characteristics of these neighborhoods significantly influence social interactions. Pearson's correlation coefficient (0.68) suggested a positive relationship between access to public spaces and the level of social interactions. ANOVA results showed a significant difference among the studied neighborhoods (p < 0.05), with the Eqbal neighborhood characterized by diverse ethnic composition exhibiting the highest level of social interactions. Furthermore, 85% of respondents believed that the existing spatial design contributes to strengthening social relationships, while 15% identified factors such as traffic congestion and reduced green spaces as barriers to interaction. The findings of this study emphasize that proper urban space design can lead to increased social interactions, ethnic and religious cohesion, and a strengthened sense of social belonging in multi-ethnic communities like Urmia. In this regard, attention to spatial patterns aligned with the cultural and social characteristics of residents holds particular importance.

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 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.

Abstract  
Background and Aim: The importance of social capital in recent decades has led the theoretical literature of urban planning to research the physical factors affecting social capital in urban environments. However, relatively few studies have been carried out concerning this concept in Iran`s urban planning field. Considering the neglect of this concept in the theoretical literature in the past decades, it seems necessary to pay attention to and redefine it in current urban planning studies. Discovering and understanding the factors affecting social capital can lead to the introduction of urban planning tools that will help create and promote social capital in urban neighborhoods of Iran in today's conditions.
Methods: In order to answer the research questions in the studied area, the qualitative method of grounded theory has been used. This method focuses on understanding reality within the research situation and building a situated theory. Based on research method and in response to the "what" question of the research, it has tried to discover the physical components of the studied location that impact the processes of social capital production in local communities. To answer the "how" question of the research, the relationship between the physical components and the constructive components of social capital in the context of the study has been interpreted.
Findings and Conclusion: The findings show that the existence of public spaces, major activity centers, streets, and special pedestrian spaces and paying attention to the characteristics and role of paths can be considered the most effective physical tools for promoting social capital in the Rudaki neighborhood. Finally, the main result of this research confirms that the creation and promotion of social capital are closely related to the improvement of the physical structure of the neighborhoods in the direction of creating a platform for providing physical and mental needs and facilitating the social actions of the residents.

Abstract Context and purpose: Human experience takes place in different spaces of the city through different sensory channels. In the perception of a space, the more sensory organs are stimulated, the more the impact of the space and the understanding of the space will be more complete and deeper, and the extent of the resulting experiences can be examined with the concept of sensory richness. Sidewalks are one of the manifestations of vitality and urban life, and one of the ways to improve the quality of such spaces is to increase sensory richness in order to use all the senses of the audience. The purpose of this research is to measure the sensory richness and the effect of each sense in different parts of this pedestrian Bazar. What seems to be the case is that the markets, especially Jannat Bazaar, do not have the necessary potential to attract the audience and have lost their place among the people. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the sensory richness and the effectiveness of each sense in different parts of this market.
Research method: This research has been conducted in terms of applied purpose, in terms of mixed nature and descriptive-analytical method. In order to collect background information and theoretical foundations, the method of library studies was used, and in order to collect and analyze information in the field study, the method of sensory walking and taking sensory notes was used. Findings and conclusions: do In order to measure the sensory richness in each of the main points of Mashhad Jannat Bazaar, the stimulating factors and the level of involvement of each of the five senses were investigated. In order, the largest painted area is related to point number 6, 1, 4, 3, 5 and 2. At point number 1 (entrance plaza), the richness of the visual sense is high due to vegetation, visual proportions, sky line and colored paving stones. Also, the sense of touch is well stimulated at this point due to the texture of materials, plants and water. In point number 2 (coffee shop), the sense of smell with the highest score has the first priority and the main sensory stimulus is the smell of coffee from the coffee shop located in Jannat 2. In point number 3 (Khatam al-Anbia Mosque), two senses of hearing (due to hearing the unique sound of the call to prayer and other religious prayers on different occasions) and sight (due to the use of traditional materials such as bricks and tiles with various textures and colors), They have created the most sensory richness. At point number 4 (juice shop), the sense of smell and taste are stimulated (because of the smell and taste of juice, corn and sweets). In point number 5 (elements of passing through history), the sense of sight has a high priority due to the observation of celebrity introduction boards and vegetation. At point number 6 (Moustofi's historical house), the sense of sight (due to rereading the body of the historical identity of the region, vegetation, pond and waterway) creates the most sensory richness.

Abstract Background and Aim: Every place has its own soul and characteristics, based on which it expresses its special character. In fact, Human beings need to understand the sense of place in order to have an intimate interaction and identification with the place where a person lives. Due to the fact that Valiasr square is one of the oldest and crowded squares of Tehran, it has a great importance among urban public spaces of the city. Therefore, in this paper, the redesign of the sidewalk of this square has been investigated in order to improve the sense of place between Valiasr Square and Fatemi Street.
Methods: The current research is practical in terms of its purpose and in terms of mixed methods, it is a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. This research has been done using the library-document method. The statistical population is the citizens of region 10 of Tehran and sample size is 384 people who were randomly attained using the Cochran formula. Data analysis has been done with SPSS and tests such as correlation, regression, table of coefficients, etc.
Findings and conclusion: The results of the research show that the design of the sidewalk in this area, as the results of the research have also shown, can provide the means to improve the sense of belonging to the place among its citizens, because the sidewalk, due to its nature as a space Public is influenced by the body and activity of its surrounding environment and is formed according to the needs of each place.
Findings and conclusion: The results of the research show that by designing the sidewalk in this area, it is possible to improve the sense of belonging to the place among the citizens. Because the sidewalk, due to its nature as a public space, is influenced by the body and activity of the surrounding environment and is formed according to the needs of each place. The design of the sidewalk in this area has been a complex process based on the identification of potential problems and issues and a comprehensive analysis of the physical, economic, social conditions, etc. Taking and maintaining, coordinating with all the bodies in charge of urban issues, not having a major role in the structure of the main road network of the city, having historical, architectural and urban values.

Abstract Background and Aim: The lack of an efficient transportation system is one of the obstacles to the growth and development of any country. Among the types of intra-city transportation, the role of the bus is more prominent than other methods. Considering that bus lines have the largest role and contribution in the country's intra-city transportation, therefore, they should have the necessary efficiency. In this research, the efficiency of parallel lines with a metro line in Isfahan city has been evaluated by using data envelopment analysis technique.
Methods: The research method in this study was applied in terms of its purpose and in terms of descriptive-analytical nature and the method of collecting information in the library field. In order to analyze the data and evaluate the performance, the performance information of 15 lines as production units or DMUs in the period of the first nine months of the year 1400, including 5 input variables and one output variable through the mechanized fleet management system (AVL) located in the bus unit company Isfahan were extracted and their efficiency was evaluated using DEA SOLVER and DEAFrontier software.
Findings and Conclusion: Out of the total of 15 studied lines, lines number 10, 17, 70, 81 and 82 did not have the necessary efficiency due to the ratio of input and output and existing conditions, of which three lines 17, 70 and 81 they are privately run. The important issue in this research is the higher efficiency of lines with more passenger movement and less overlap, which shows the importance of the passenger volume variable in evaluating the efficiency of bus lines.

Abstract Today, the widespread presence of vehicles, as well as the growing share of Passenger rides in the structure of cities, has created problems and caused sidewalks to be reserved only for places of passage. However sidewalks can play a complementary role in connection with other transportation networks and improve civic life in urban centers. In this study, the aim is to assess the desirability of urban sidewalks based on qualitative components in Naderi sidewalks in Ahvaz. The present research is theoretical-applied in nature and descriptive-analytical in terms of study method. Data collection has been Librarian and from the field. The statistical population of the study includes pedestrians and residents of Ahvaz commercial center. 320 pedestrians and residents were randomly selected as a sample size during one week. Data reliability was calculated by Cronbach's test to be 0.813. SPSS statistical tests were used to analyze the data. The results of the analysis show that the rare sidewalk in Ahvaz is far from the characteristics of a desirable sidewalk. Among the studied indices, the attractiveness and vitality index with an average of 2.96 and accessibility with 2.82 have a more suitable situation than other indices. It should be noted that safety, furniture and mixed uses on the sidewalk should be given serious attention. So that citizens can walk and have fun freely and with complete safety and comfort.

Abstract The sense of place establishes an inseparable bond between the individuals and the place, leading to individual harmony and satisfaction with the environment while providing the necessary motivation to remain in the environment. The coffee shop is one of the main urban spaces, chosen not only for drinking tea or coffee but also for experiencing the meaning and emotions while spending some hours away from work and stress. Hence, it is necessary to know the factors that affect the sense of place and what puts humans in an internal relationship with the environment. This study generally aims to examine the concept of the sense of place and the factors affecting its creation, particularly the physical body in the coffee shop environment. Library and documentary studies have been used to collect data and the theoretical foundations of the research. The field survey method (observation, interview) has also been employed to investigate and analyze the physical components affecting the sense of place. According to the results, the physical component, influenced by ten indicators of color, geometry, materials, natural and artificial lights, scale, diversity, beauty, and natural elements, has the most significant contribution to the creation and promotion of the sense of place in the coffee shop. Examination of physical components in Blanche Café also showed that indicators of light, natural elements and spatial diversity are the most effective in promoting a sense of place in the sample. Finally, solutions are proposed to enhance the sense of place for each physical component.

Abstract The process of urban development is like a fuzzy process; Therefore, fuzzy segmentation and urban space monitoring using HR-PRS panchromatic images is one of the best tools in urban management and planning. In this study, panchromatic images of GeoEye-1 sensor related in the urban area of Qeshm has been used for analyzing the application of operation of the methods of fuzzy segmentation and clustering. Thus, for analyzing the operation of algorithms of FWS, MSA, IDF and CFM and using MATLAB software, 6 qualitative criteria has been described in three spatial categories, radiometric and spatial-radiometric. Using these methods and based on fuzzy characteristics, the input images have been fused and then, with application of fuzzy clustering method, and fusion output, which has a fuzzy nature, Thus, this article appears to study the segmentation of urban area. The result of the research confirms the efficiency of the suggested segmentation methods in terms of recognition of phenomena and man-made and spatial effects and exact exploitation of the information of satellite images. The method of FWS discloses the best performance in terms of segmentation of urban areas. Therefore, according to the research results, the use of clustering algorithms and fuzzy features is a suitable and optimal method for integrating HR-PRS satellite image information from urban area with the aim of segmentation.