Identifying the Dimensions and Indicators of family-Based Urbanization in Islamic-Iranian neighborhoods

Introduction :

Among the most critical challenges facing new neighborhoods of residential complexes, apartments, residential towers, and residential blocks, are socioeconomic and cultural issues, the erosion of neighborhood functionality [1], the loss of family structure and privacy, the distancing of neighborhood services, a disregard for human scale, and the alteration of the neighborhood’s spatial arrangement. This leads to a reduction in suitable spaces in the neighborhood’s core for family leisure activities and a decline in social interactions [2]. On the other hand, the burgeoning emergence of novel approaches in urban planning, while focusing on a specific segment of society, such as child-friendly cities, elderly-friendly cities, women-friendly cities, disabled-friendly cities, and similar cases, underscores the inadequacy of traditional approaches in effectively addressing existing societal issues. Society requires a novel approach that considers the social unit “family,” highlights a holistic and comprehensive view of society, and caters to the needs of each individual. This concept is more tangible and aligns with the intellectual foundations of Iranian-Islamic society. Additionally, the family encompasses a diverse range of age and gender groups, and employing this approach will accommodate the needs and desires of all of these groups. One of the first steps in formulating a theoretical framework and introducing a novel approach is to identify its core components and key indicators. In light of this, the objective of this study is to delineate the components and indicators of family-based urbanization in Iranian-Islamic neighborhoods. This research, therefore, seeks to answer the question: What are the components and indicators of family-based urbanization in Iranian-Islamic neighborhoods?

This study employs qualitative content analysis as its research methodology. The statistical population encompasses all relevant texts. The research falls under the category of fundamental and developmental research in terms of its purpose. To gather the necessary information, this study utilizes documentary (library) methods. Documentary methods have been employed to elaborate on the theoretical concepts and explain the components and indicators of the study in the fields of “the evolution of the family in Iranian culture,” “the family from the Islamic perspective,” “the four relationships of man in Sufism,” “the Islamic-Iranian neighborhood,” “the needs of the Muslim family in Islamic-Iranian neighborhoods” based on the four relationships of man in Sufism and the research context. For data analysis and modeling, given the qualitative nature of the collected information, reasoning and logic were utilized.

The Iranian Muslim family possesses distinct characteristics; hence it demands unique needs and requirements. These requirements should be considered and addressed during the process of urban management, planning, and designing. Since prevailing urban planning models often originate from Western nations and non-Muslim cultures and are imported into Iran, they align with the framework of the non-Muslim Western family and were devised to cater to their functions and needs. Therefore, they not only fail to address the functions and requirements of the Iranian Muslim family but also impose detrimental effects on their lifestyle and functionalities. As an illustrative example, the social needs of the Iranian Muslim family, which are encompassed by the concept of “mercy and harmony” in Islamic principles, are difficult and sometimes impossible to fulfill in modern housing structures that are solely designed for economic pursuits and do not align with the lifestyle of the Iranian Muslim family.During the analysis of the concept of the Iranian-Islamic city, it was evident that the prevailing definitions adhere to an individual-centric sociological approach. The Western urban planning system, which is also adopted in our country, employs a per capita utilizationdefinition that assigns space and usage based on individual needs. This approach reflects the individual-focused perspective of sociological theories in urban planning. This view prioritizes the individual as the foundation for spatial allocation and utilization. On the other hand, the “Dimensions of Urbanization in Islamic-Iranian Neighborhoods” model attempts to incorporate the concept of family, albeit partially, within the social-cultural dimension, specifically by employing the household dimension index. It should be noted that household is a demographic concept, while family is a sociological concept. Thus, to transform this model into a “family-centered urbanization dimensions model in Islamic-Iranian neighborhoods,” necessitates an adaptation that integrates the institution of the family within its framework. In the conceptual framework of the study, due to the profound significance and impact of Islamic laws on all aspects of the city and the family, the research components that categorize Islamic laws into four fundamental categories form the four overarching facets of the conceptual model. The concepts associated with each category are positioned in the first layer of the model. The subsequent layer encompasses the interpretation of these concepts within the context of Islamic-Iranian neighborhoods. The final layer applies the requirements and considerations of Iranian Muslim families to this interpretation, ultimately shaping the Islamic-Iranian neighborhood.

The concept of the Iranian Muslim family, shaped by Islamic culture, values, and principles, embodies a distinct pattern and lifestyle that necessitates its own set of requirements. These requirements directly influence various socio-cultural, economic, environmental, physical-spatial, usage, and access dimensions of the city and neighborhood, demanding a unique model. In this regard, a table is presented that establishes the connection between the four research components and the facets of urban planning in Islamic-Iranian neighborhoods. The proposed strategies for each of these dimensions are separately explained by the four research components. Examples of these strategies include:• The proximity of the workplace to residential areasEnsuring children’s access to job training opportunities within the neighborhood through a dedicated children’s job park and similar facilities  Fostering neighborhood functions that promote the personal, religious, and moral development of the family, particularly children  Providing a designated space within the home for short-term leisure activities  Designing appropriate spaces within the neighborhood for family leisure pursuits  Creating a conducive environment within the home for regular exercise  Establishing designated spaces within the neighborhood for family sports activities  Cultivating a tranquil atmosphere within the home  Embedding the principles of family harmony into the home environment  Designating a space within the home for solitude and contemplation