Challenges and opportunities of implementing urban space design strategies with a bottom-up approach: Insights from the "Mahalleh Ma" Project in Mashhad

Bottom-up Urban Design is a novel approach in urban planning that involves direct citizen participation in decision-making and defining local projects. The "Mahalleh Ma" project in Mashhad, as an implemented example of this approach, aimed to enhance citizen engagement and improve urban management performance through surveys and public hearings. This article examines the challenges and opportunities of implementing this project in a centralized socio-political environment.Obstacles such as initial resistance from municipal managers, practical concerns about the feasibility of citizen-proposed projects, and the diverse needs of various population groups were observed throughout the project. However, with consistent support from cultural managers and the city council, as well as the use of effective communication strategies, the project achieved partial success.On the other hand, opportunities such as increased public trust, improved cooperation between citizens and local authorities, and enhanced neighborhood livability were notable outcomes of this participatory approach. This study, through qualitative analysis of data collected from interviews and questionnaires with citizens, experts, and facilitation groups, provides lessons for other cities and regions intending to implement similar models.The findings suggest that by establishing appropriate participatory structures, it is possible to achieve improved urban planning and sustainable development even in centralized environments.