Identifying factors affecting the smart growth of Birjand city using fuzzy cognitive mapping model (FCM)

Increasing environmental concerns, economic and social inequalities, and the resulting expansion of urban areas have been the factors that have led to attention to new urban design and planning strategies, including the smart urban growth strategy. The smart city growth theory, with its emphasis on mixed land use systems, development of public transportation systems, development from within, and diversity in housing types, etc., has been able to respond to the needs of citizens and targeted city development in all parts of the world and can be used as a new paradigm and a practical and tested model in future urban development plans. The present study seeks to identify the factors affecting the smart growth of Birjand city using the Fuzzy Cartographic Model (FCM). The research has an applied objective and is descriptive and analytical in nature. Field and library methods have been used to collect and provide the required information. The statistical population of the study is 25 experts in the field of urban studies in the field of research based on purposive sampling. Data analysis was performed based on Fuzzy Cartographic Model (FCM). Based on the research findings, transportation and access (6/29), protection of natural resources and green space (36/26), environment (25/2), and physical planning of lands (63/20) were identified as the most important indicators affecting the smart growth of Birjand city. Also, the items; air pollution, possibility of commuting at a reasonable cost, access to green space, existence of plant and biological diversity, with the highest factor loading