Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)
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Definition of the conceptual model for evaluating urban megaprojects by examining the components of the Islamic-Iranian city

Articles in Press

Document Type : Article extracted from thesis

Authors

Maryam Mahfoozian 1 ΒΆ
Asghar Molaei 2

1 PhD student, Islamic Urban Planning, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz University of Art, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tabriz University of Arts, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract
Background and Objective: Over the past two decades, the presence of urban mega-projects in major Iranian cities has brought about significant transformations in various aspects of citizens' lives. In the absence of value frameworks based on the Islamic-Iranian city, these large-scale and transformative projects have faced challenges such as intensified spatial inequalities, the weakening of local identities, and a disconnection between space and the lifeworld of citizens. Therefore, the aim of this study is to extract and explain a conceptual model for evaluating urban mega-projects with an emphasis on the components of the Islamic-Iranian city.
Methodology: This research is applied-developmental in terms of purpose and mixed-method (quantitative-qualitative) of an exploratory nature in terms of approach. In the first phase, using a three-round Delphi technique and a expert questionnaire (20 professors and specialists in urban planning, architecture, and Islamic-Iranian studies), five main components of the Islamic-Iranian city (dignity-centeredness, cultural identity and continuity, spatial justice, meaning and urban symbolism, and developmental balance) and four components for evaluating mega-projects (spatial-physical, identity-semantic, spatial justice, and actor roles) were extracted and validated. Subsequently, by integrating the two sets of components, the final conceptual model was presented in the form of three overarching criteria: "justice creation," "identity building," and "value alignment." In the second phase, the opinions of the public and the authors' field observations were used to evaluate the positive and negative effects of real-world examples.
Results and Findings: The findings indicate that mega-projects have been successful in some aspects and undesirable in others. The results confirm that applying the triple model of justice creation, identity building, and value alignment can compensate for existing shortcomings and pave the way for the design and implementation of mega-projects that, while preserving human dignity and spatial justice, are aligned with the identity and cultural-religious values of Iranian society.

Keywords

Islamic city, Iranian&ndash
Islamic city, Mega-project, Urban Megaproject
Subjects
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Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 July 2026

  • Receive Date 09 May 2026
  • Revise Date 22 May 2026
  • Accept Date 21 July 2026
  • First Publish Date 23 July 2026
  • Publish Date 23 July 2026

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