Identifying the Drivers Affecting third Places and the Quality of the urban Environment in Ahvaz city

The issue of the quality of the urban environment has gained significant importance in recent years within society. It is imperative to prioritize the consideration of third places in order to foster local communities and enhance the well-being of urban life. The primary objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence third places and the quality of the urban environment.

This research employed a quantitative approach, utilizing a survey method and drawing upon targeted library documentaries and Delphi studies to determine conceptual indicators in the year 1402 in Ahvaz city. The sample size consisted of experts and specialists in the field relevant to the research topic, totaling 30 individuals. Through the application of the cross-effects analysis technique and the Micmac program, this study examined the components of third places and the environmental quality of Ahvaz city. For the purpose of this study, the Delphi method was employed to identify 55 components and 10 dimensions as indicators of the third place and the quality of the environment. The data was then analyzed using path analysis test with the PLS Smart structural equation model.

The analysis of the 55 factors revealed 11 key factors that have the greatest impact on the future state of Ahvaz's environmental quality. These factors were identified by examining the direct and indirect effects of the factors on each other and the future state of Ahvaz's environmental quality.The findings of the prioritization of the effective dimensions in the third places and the quality of the environment in Ahvaz city indicate that activity and utility indicators, perception, and mental image and relaxation are ranked as the most important factors.

There is a comprehensive and multidimensional relationship between the quality of the environment and third places in Ahvaz City. This is due to the fact that the enhancement of environmental quality in this particular urban area is closely intertwined with the robust structural interdependence among these fundamental factors.