Explaining the Concepts and Approaches related to Mobility in Urban Spaces

Part of the current issues related to mobility in urban spaces goes back to the definition and measurement of mobility. Mobility is the capacity to be mobile. Regarding that capacity relates to the individual's mind or the built environment, mobility is defined differently.

This study aims to review the theories related to mobility and thus provide a theoretical and operational framework for measuring mobility in urban spaces.

In this regard, the Content analysis method has been used to analyze the data in phases of Preparation, Organization, and classification.

The results of content analysis show that these theories can be divided into three categories of subjectivist, environmentalist, and pluralist theories; Subjective theories focus on the mental nature of mobility and regard mobility as a function of individuals' habits, attitudes, motivations, and norms; In contrast, environmentalist theories pay special attention to the impact of environmental factors such as density, land use mix, and accessibility on the mobility of individuals. Pluralist theories consider citizens' differences according to their personal characteristics and situation, and therefore consider diversity and difference effective in mobility and involve them in the evaluation and measurement process.

The study of the factors affecting mobility shows that mobility is a complex and multilevel concept that is influenced by many factors; therefore, if urban planners want to improve the urban mobility system, they must pay special attention to the role of all these factors and the relationships between them.