نشریه مطالعات شهری
پیاپی 49 (زمستان 1402)

Children's physical activity and mobility are pivotal for their overall health. This study, conducted in Mashhad City, Iran, explores children's perspectives on environmental characteristics that impact physical mobility and activity.

Theoretical Framework:

Utilizing a theoretical framework comprising 28 measures, this research aims to unveil the environmental features within neighborhoods contributing to the improvement of children's physical mobility and activity.

To accomplish this, the present study collected the perspectives of 450 children aged 9 to 13 (43.8% girls and 56.2% boys) regarding a specific set of these attributes within Mashhad City, Iran. Utilizing exploratory factor analysis, a model was constructed based on the children's responses to the survey measures.

This model identifies seven factors and 24 measures influencing the mobility and physical activity of children in their neighborhoods: 

Parents' Approval: 

Encompasses measures associated with "parents' permission and concern" and reflects "children's desire for independence and agency." Results suggest that parental concern about the autonomous presence of their children in neighborhood spaces significantly inhibits the children's mobility and independent activities.

Walking Path: 

Associated with measures conveying the concepts of "optimal and joyful mobility on paths," this factor emphasizes features like adequate width and appropriate flooring. The potential for 'playing along the route from home to school' is crucial for children's mobility. According to children, this pathway serves not only as a route for the essential journey to school but also should provide opportunities for social and optional activities, including play and enjoyment.

Social Security:

Linked to measures reflecting 'the sense of security regarding strangers and bullies' in neighborhoods. An interesting result is the association of "creating a pleasant atmosphere such as colored sidewalks" with social security. Children believe that the use of specific colors on sidewalks not only provides a fun atmosphere but also establishes spaces for local socialization, consequently reducing the threat of bullying and outsiders.

Environmental Affordance: 

Associated with activities reflecting children’s physical abilities, such as climbing trees and running in open spaces without obstacles. The results indicate that children test these capabilities through movement and exploration of their surroundings. Additionally, the inclusion of "night lighting" as a measure in this factor suggests a preference among children for exploratory play during the night.

Legibility: 

Aligned with Lynch's theory of legibility, this factor involves measures related to way-finding by architectural elements. The findings indicate that children use 'buildings' and 'stores on the ground floor' as landmarks for navigation in their neighborhoods.

Diverse Environment for Exploration: 

Associated with measures representing attractive routes, various play equipment, and nature connectedness. Children's positive assessment of the existence of winding paths in the neighborhood indicates that engaging in exploratory activities along these paths can increase their mobility in their community. Furthermore, integrating a variety of natural elements and play equipment in their neighborhood can enhance children's movement and exploration, making the experience deeper and more enjoyable.

Mobility Safety: 

The final factor is associated with measures indicating safe mobility in neighborhoods. In addition to the fear of a car accident, children's desire for age/gender-appropriate play equipment highlights their concern for their physical safety. The results indicate that inappropriate play equipment and car traffic have the least impact on children's mobility in their neighborhoods.

Interventions targeting these factors can significantly enhance children's mobility experiences, promoting not only physical activity but also social interaction and a deeper connection with their surroundings. The recurring theme of children's desire for playful activities emphasizes a fundamental need for quality movement and physical activities.

 The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, characterized by a temperature increase in urban areas compared to their rural counterparts, presents considerable environmental challenges, impacting public health, urban energy systems, and city sustainability. This phenomenon, fueled by rapid urbanization and industrialization, exacerbates heatwaves, posing risks to public health. Understanding the UHI effect is essential for developing responsive urban planning strategies both spatially and institutionally. This study, centered on Isfahan, Iran, explores the correlation between UHI intensity and environmental factors, encompassing both built and natural attributes across five scenarios, including four seasons and one analyzing the ambient effect of the ZayandehRud river.

Theoretical Framework:

The UHI phenomenon involves complex interactions among various urban and environmental factors. The density of the built environment contributes to UHI exacerbation through heat storage and anthropogenic heat discharge. Air pollution, especially with greenhouse effects, directly influences heat-trapping and UHI formation. Conversely, green infrastructure and water bodies offer UHI mitigation through cooling effects. This study integrates theoretical basics from urban planning, climatology, and sustainable development for an analysis of how both natural and built elements correlate with UHI intensity in the Isfahan metropolitan area.

A mixed-method approach is adopted to address the multifaceted nature of Urban Heat Island (UHI) and its potentially correlated environmental factors. Land Surface Temperature (LST) data, crucial for delineating UHI, were extracted from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors onboard NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites, covering a decade from 2011 to 2021. This extended timeframe facilitates the exploration of UHI patterns across various seasons, examining specific impacts during both the flow and dry periods of the ZayandehRud river, as well as distinguishing LST differences between daytime and nighttime periods—unlike Landsat Satellite Images.Additionally, Landsat 8 images are utilized to process the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) for mapping green infrastructures and water bodies. Air Quality Index (AQI) data from the year 2020 supplements the study, allowing for an investigation into the relationship between air pollution and UHI. The analysis of all datasets employs the Pearson correlation coefficient to ascertain the nature and extent of correlation among UHI and the identified environmental variables.

The findings reveal the persistent prevalence of Urban Heat Island (UHI) during nighttime across all scenarios in Isfahan. However, during daytime hours, the trend shifts, giving rise to cooler zones within the city borders, indicating the emergence of urban cold islands. A noteworthy revelation from the study is the significant exacerbation of UHI attributed to the density of the urban built environment. Intriguingly, air pollution, though exerting a lesser impact on Land Surface Temperature (LST) compared to built density, still plays a role in elevating LST during daylight.The study underscores the pivotal role of urban green infrastructure and water bodies in mitigating heat islands. Among these elements, green spaces, particularly vegetation, emerge as highly influential, surpassing the cooling effects of both water bodies and polluted air. The seasonal variation in vegetation cover also influences UHI intensity, with reduced vegetative cover in colder, drier seasons contributing to heightened UHI effects. These spatial and temporal dynamics emphasize the intricate balance between UHI and environmental factors, offering valuable insights for decision-makers. Such insights can guide targeted strategies in urban planning and design to address the challenges posed by UHI.

The study emphasizes the importance of considering UHI in urban planning, design, and sustainability discussions. Strategies include reducing built density and integrating green and blue infrastructures. Addressing air quality and vegetation cover in shaping urban thermal landscapes suggests comprehensive policies. Guarding against UHI through natural space preservation and innovative design solutions tailored to Isfahan's climate can enhance urban livability. Future work should quantify contributions of different elements for comprehensive UHI mitigation models. This Isfahan case study serves as a cornerstone for wider applications across similar cities, aiding in combatting global warming and UHI effectively.

 Urban regeneration, situated at the intersection of urban policies, represents a crucial strategic avenue for advancing global urban development. Analysis of the evolving trends in urban regeneration experiences underscores that success within urban areas hinges not solely on physical enhancements but also on social dimensions where residents actively participate in the regeneration process. This research aims to establish criteria for the feasibility of urban regeneration, with a specific focus on fostering the development of local community culture.The findings of the research, particularly in the context of Shahrekord, highlight that the cultivation of local community culture in the central core translates into enhanced control over the living environment and its content. Consequently, this socio-economic transformation contributes to an improved Quality of Life (QoL). The four pivotal criteria—structure (encompassing both natural and artificial dimensions), meaning (in terms of identity, authenticity, and motivational role), activity (spanning economic, social, and cultural aspects), and social factors (such as cultural needs, trust, and hope)—emerge as influential elements shaping the development of local community culture in the context of urban regeneration.Thus, a comprehensive approach is imperative, taking into account all cultural, economic, functional, and spatial components of the plan, as cultural elements and their indicators manifest across all the aforementioned dimensions.

Theoretical Framework: 

Contrary to traditional approaches that focus solely on physical perspectives, this research recognizes the significance of metaphysical components—social assets, tools, and motivators—in achieving a more desirable and acceptable urban revitalization. The study challenges the one-dimensional (physical) approach prevalent in many Iranian urban regeneration efforts, emphasizing the need to involve residents in decision-making processes. In Shahrekord, the lack of coordination among organizations, neglect of residents' opinions, and indifference toward human structures have led to a spectrum of problems in the central core. The study aims to introduce and examine feasibility criteria for urban regeneration by investigating components influencing the development of local community culture, thereby leveraging the institutional capacity of the local culture sector for socio-political and socio-economic growth.

 Ethnography, a qualitative approach delving into the social processes and mental nature of human life, serves as the research method for field studies. The study area, the central core of Shahrekord city, is characterized by shared behavioral, cognitive, and speech paradigms among local residents. Sixteen individuals from the local community were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Ethnography allowed the researcher to understand shared patterns within the group. Themes/categories derived from previous research formed the basis for interview questions. The study population consisted of inhabitants in the central core, and themes were continuously revised and finalized through consistent comparison, resulting in ultimate concepts and themes.

 This paper explores the feasibility criteria for urban regeneration, emphasizing the development of local community culture in Shahrekord's central core. Urban regeneration, a multifaceted process, encompasses diverse strategies and planning policies. The research sheds light on interventions in Shahrekord, particularly the central core, highlighting deficiencies in residents' participation and urban regeneration education. The lack of trust between residents and the city management system, coupled with the absence of trust in residents' decision-making capabilities, impedes meaningful engagement. The research emphasizes the need for residents' participation in shaping their living environment, connecting it to residence and employment, which provide meaning to livelihood. Social and communicative participation, along with cultural mediation, enhances social ties, meets various human needs, and improves quality of life (QoL) and welfare. The development of local community culture in the central core enhances control over the living environment, leading to socioeconomic transformation and an elevated QoL. The identified criteria—structure, meaning, activity, and social factors—emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach, considering cultural, economic, functional, and spatial components for successful urban regeneration.

The facade, serving as a crucial link between people and the urban environment, plays a pivotal role in shaping a city's identity. While changes in facades signify societal progress, the disconnect between new buildings and local identities contributes to urban chaos. Despite recent efforts, the persistent visual disturbance in cityscapes raises a critical question. This research aims to analyze theoretical literature, compare findings with legal frameworks, and assess the realization of building facade criteria in new structures in Tehran's Hakimieh neighborhood. Through interviews, the study seeks to uncover reasons for non-compliance.

Theoretical Framework:

The significance of the urban landscape lies in its identity and connection with perspectives, as explored by Cullen (1971). A visually appealing cityscape enhances urban identity, characterized by building facades, structural heights, and distinctive urban spaces. On a smaller scale, cityscapes encompass elements such as building facade features, material composition, color and texture, light and shadow play, windows, sidewalk features, and urban furnishings (Doyran et al., 2011). The building facade, as a crucial variable, influences the identity aspects of urban landscapes by establishing correlations and structural order within urban environments.

A comprehensive mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies, guides this research. The initial phase involves an in-depth analysis of literature and theoretical foundations related to building facade identity components. The field observation stage evaluates buildings constructed within the last three years in Hakimieh neighborhood based on the extracted components. Data collection involves examining approximately 300 buildings, using a 5-point Likert scale to assess the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of facade identity components. Interviews with city officials, builders, and consumers aim to extract nuanced insights from the research findings.

The degree of fulfillment of the country's official documents' requirements for facade identity components in buildings less than three years old in Hakimieh neighborhood is determined to be 58%. A detailed analysis reveals the highest realization rates in components banning the use of curtained facades (96.4%), unconventional forms (94.7%), and construction of facilities in a visible manner (82.7%). Governance strategies and guidelines, while not fully executed and occasionally conflicting with consumer preferences, have nevertheless influenced nearly 60% of the observed urban landscape.

The chaotic state of Hakimieh neighborhood's building facades is not solely the outcome of implementing laws and approvals; various contributing factors and sometimes contradictory approaches have intensified the crisis. Notably, the lack of specific criteria in urban planning and architecture, stemming from a collective and widely accepted perspective, exacerbates the challenges in the existing situation. In conclusion, this critical review sheds light on the intricacies of urban facades, emphasizing the need for a holistic and comprehensive approach to enhance urban identity and mitigate visual disturbances.

The intricate relationship between individuals and their surroundings is a dynamic interplay of positive and negative factors that either foster or hinder attachment to a place. This study delves into the multifaceted nature of place attachment in the coastal city of Bandar-Anzali, seeking to establish a nuanced understanding of the factors at play.

Theoretical Framework:

The concept of "place" extends beyond physical spaces to encompass the meaningful connections people form through experiences and ideas. While spatial identity, attachment, and dependence are frequently discussed, there lacks a comprehensive exploration of the myriad factors influencing them across diverse places and geographical scales. This research bridges this gap by creating an extensive list of factors affecting place attachment.

Employing a qualitative-quantitative combined approach, this study utilized thematic analysis to scrutinize interview texts. The sample size, determined by theoretical saturation, involved 89 interviews conducted through purposive sampling. Participants were asked to provide photos of places to which they felt attached, forming the basis for individual in-depth interviews. Four key questions explored the detailed description of the place, the reasons for attachment, motivations for returning or not, and factors strengthening or weakening attachment. Thematic analysis was independently conducted by researchers, resulting in 23 positive and 7 negative factors.

The research identified 23 positive factors, including memories, similarity, positive feelings, security, balance of city and nature, connection with nature, sensory richness, and aesthetic considerations. Negative factors encompassed environmental damage, economic stagnation, inefficiency of urban management, loneliness, societal ignorance, neglect of cultural activities, and negative emotions. Recreational spaces, homes, neighborhoods, commercial places, object spaces, cultural-educational-administrative uses, and social places emerged as the most frequented locations. Aesthetic factors, memories, and positive emotions wielded the most positive influence, while inefficiency of urban management, negative emotions, and economic stagnation exerted the strongest negative impact on place attachment.

This research identifies key factors influencing attachment to a place. Aesthetic elements, memories, and positive emotions positively impact attachment, while urban mismanagement, negative emotions, and economic stagnation have a negative influence. Recreational spaces, homes, and neighborhoods are the most frequented places. Aesthetic considerations are particularly emphasized in images of recreational and commercial spaces. Social places highlight memories, positive emotions, aesthetics, and age as significant factors. The inefficiency of urban management is evident in images from urban neighborhoods, while symbols of Bandar Anzali city dominate urban space photos. Ambient spaces, such as multi-story houses and seaside paths, are the most common settings, with aesthetics holding the highest frequency in environmental spaces. Despite increasing interest in place attachment, the study reveals a need for further exploration of these factors. This research serves as a foundational step for future investigations in this area.

Scientific projections predict a significant increase in the elderly population in the coming years, emphasizing the need to address their diverse needs and social interactions. This demographic shift necessitates urban spaces that evolve to support the well-being and productivity of the elderly. The economic and social implications of an aging population underscore the importance of attending to the social needs of the elderly, as neglect limits their social participation and diminishes their overall quality of life. Research indicates that maintaining an active lifestyle and regular social interactions can significantly contribute to preventing dementia. While existing studies often focus on the physical needs of the elderly in public spaces, insufficient attention has been given to their social needs, particularly in urban settings. This study aims to assess the impact of environmental and physical factors on the social well-being of the elderly in urban public spaces, using Mosalla Park and Sheikh Safi Sidewalk in Ardabil City as a case study.

Theoretical Framework:

The concept of active aging, initially centered on maintaining health and productivity through physical activity, has evolved to emphasize personal decisions, independence, and increased quality of life for the elderly. "Active aging" involves participation in social, economic, and civic life to maintain well-being, emphasizing opportunities for meaningful activities that facilitate independence. The World Health Organization highlights the crucial role of urban public spaces and social factors, in addition to genetics and personal characteristics, in determining the health and well-being of individuals. Elderly-friendly cities are those where the distribution of public facilities aligns most closely with the preferences and limitations of the elderly.

This descriptive-analytical study employed both library research and surveys to collect necessary information. The research was conducted in two stages at Mosalla Park and Sheikh Safi Sidewalk in Ardabil, Iran. Physical factors were classified, and a researcher-made questionnaire was utilized to gather expert opinions on the impact of these factors on social well-being. Subsequently, elderly participants answered the Keyes standard social well-being questionnaire. Data from both stages were analyzed using SPSS 26 software.

Comparison of physical factors between the two case samples, assessed through the Wilcoxon non-parametric test, revealed that Sheikh Safi Sidewalk exhibited more favorable conditions than Mosalla Park. The Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test demonstrated a positive correlation between physical factors and social well-being in the elderly, with Sheikh Safi Sidewalk participants reporting better social well-being. Notably, "Footpaths with a slope of less than 5%" emerged as the most influential factor affecting the social well-being of the elderly.

The study emphasizes the need for planners and designers to reconsider physical criteria, particularly those related to the architecture and design of urban spaces, to enhance the social well-being of the elderly. Collaboration between social health advocates, urban designers, and architects is crucial to formulate policies and strategies that address the needs of the elderly, promoting their active involvement in social life and reducing the medical costs associated with chronic diseases.