The Impact of Implementing Developmental Stimulating Projects on Improving the Physical Conditions of Residential Environments (A Case Study of Limjir Neighborhood in Isfahan)

One of the new concepts in urban planning is regeneration using the urban catalyst approach and it is used as a tool to regenerate the existing urban fabrics. Urban regeneration and catalyst project drives have different dimensions from the physical ones on which this study has focused. After reviewing the characteristics of urban catalyst projects, the physical indices were identified. Then, the physical changes in the residential environment of the Limjir neighborhood located in the 11th district of Isfahan before and after the construction of Limjir street as a catalyst project during the years 2009 to 2016, were evaluated and analyzed using a variety of methods, library, and field measurement methods. Then, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process model (AHP) weighting, scoring, and calculation of the integration index in two conditions before and after implementation of the catalyst project is addressed. A comparison of index values in two periods 2009 and 2016 shows that the construction of Limjir Street causes the development and improvement of the physical status of the Limjir neighborhood. Also, the calculation and comparison of the integration index show that the physical condition of the Limjir neighborhood has improved by 0.308 in comparison to the situation before the construction of the catalyst project in 1388. Factors such as improving access to Limjir street, investment in the housing sector and extensive construction, increased service, and mixing of land uses have had the highest share in creating positive changes in the Limjir neighborhood.