Journal of Urban Studies on Space and Place

Abstract Introduction
Physical inactivity is a pressing global health concern, exacerbated in modern urban environments by sedentary lifestyles. In Iran, it is a major risk factor for prevalent non-communicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Concurrently, rapid urbanization and growing dependence on private vehicles have worsened environmental issues and diminished active transportation. Public transit systems, notably metros, offer a sustainable alternative that can alleviate congestion, improve air quality, and inherently promote physical activity by requiring walking for access and egress. Despite these potential benefits, the integration of health impact assessments into transport planning is often overlooked. This study addresses this gap by conducting a health economic evaluation of the Dowlat Abad Metro Station in Tehran, inaugurated in 2019. The primary aim is to quantify the health benefits, specifically in terms of prevented premature deaths and associated economic savings, arising from the increased physical activity facilitated by the station.

Theoretical Framework
This research is grounded in the methodology of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and utilizes the World Health Organization's Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) for walking and cycling (Kahlmeier et al., 2023). The theoretical basis is supported by robust epidemiological evidence establishing a continuous, dose-response relationship between physical activity and health; higher activity levels correlate with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and diseases such as cardiovascular conditions. The study draws on international literature confirming that proximity to public transport, especially rail-based metros, is inversely associated with obesity rates, primarily due to the integration of walking into daily commutes. For economic valuation, the HEAT framework primarily employs the Value of a Statistical Life (VSL) approach, which estimates the societal economic value placed on reducing the risk of premature death.
Methodology
The study applied the WHO's HEAT methodology within the context of Tehran. The standard HIA process—comprising screening, scoping, appraisal, and reporting—was followed. Data were collected via a survey of 213 users of the Dowlat Abad Metro Station to capture travel patterns, including walking times to/from the station, trip frequency, and socio-demographic data. The core analysis calculated avoided premature deaths attributable to the metro-induced physical activity. Key parameters included:
1- Physical Activity Volume: Based on average walking times of 11-15 minutes (access) and 5-10 minutes (egress), converted into Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) expenditure;
2- Relative Risk (RR): A value of 0.81 for 660 MET-minutes/week was used to link activity to mortality risk reduction;
3- Population Attributable Fraction (PAF): Calculated as PAF = (RR-1)/RR to determine the fraction of preventable deaths;
4- Avoided Mortality (E): Estimated using E = PAF × B × P, where B is Tehran's baseline mortality rate and P is the exposed population;
5- Economic Valuation: Benefits were monetized using both the official Iranian "Diyah" (blood money) and Iran-specific VSL estimates.
Discussion and result
Survey findings indicated the station is mainly used by a young, educated population for work and study, with most users walking to and from it. The health appraisal revealed significant outcomes: the station's use prevents an estimated 68 premature deaths annually, equating to 1,020.6 Years of Life Lost (YLL) prevented (range: 719.4–1,321.8 YLL). Economically, using the "Diyah" value (1.2 billion tomans per life) yielded annual savings of 1,632,960 million tomans. A more precise analysis using Iran-specific VSL data estimated savings of 452 billion tomans per year. These results align with global studies using HEAT, affirming that the health gains from active travel outweigh risks like air pollution. They underscore that metro investments are not merely transport solutions but also crucial public health interventions. The discussion notes that the metro's impact is mediated by local factors, such as the quality of the pedestrian environment around stations. While the metro expands "activity spaces," maximizing its health potential requires supportive urban design, including safe pathways for the "last mile" of the journey.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the Dowlat Abad Metro Station has yielded substantial health and economic benefits for Tehran by promoting physical activity. The prevention of dozens of premature deaths and the generation of significant financial savings highlight the important co-benefits of investing in sustainable public transport infrastructure. The research underscores the necessity of integrating health considerations into urban and transport policy from the outset, advocating for a move beyond sectoral silos. It concludes that while metro development is a necessary step for improving population health, it is not sufficient on its own. To fully realize its potential, it must be coupled with complementary measures such as creating safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and promoting mixed land use. Future research should conduct prospective HIAs before project implementation and utilize longitudinal designs and localized data to enhance the accuracy of impact assessments.

Abstract Introduction
Walking has emerged as a highly sustainable mode of transportation that plays a crucial role in enhancing urban livability and reducing environmental degradation. In an age where urban areas are grappling with severe issues such as noise and air pollution, walking offers an eco-friendly alternative to the reliance on private vehicles. This mode of transport not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also offers significant public health benefits. Numerous studies have indicated that walking serves as an effective means of alleviating stress, fostering mental well-being, and promoting physical fitness. It is not merely a physical activity; it is a holistic practice that fosters social connections and encourages community engagement, thereby enriching urban life.
The significance of walking extends beyond its environmental and health benefits. It is a multifaceted activity that encompasses various aspects of social interaction and individual well-being. Walking provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with their surroundings and with one another, creating a sense of community and belonging. The act itself can serve as a platform for socialization, where individuals engage in conversations, share experiences, and build relationships. Consequently, the design and accessibility of urban spaces play a pivotal role in facilitating or hindering walking behaviors among residents.
However, despite its many benefits, certain groups—particularly women—face unique challenges that can impede their walking experiences. Gender-based disparities in urban environments often lead to safety concerns, social restrictions, and infrastructural inadequacies that disproportionately affect women. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is essential for ensuring that all individuals, especially women, have equitable access to walking opportunities and can reap the associated health benefits. In this context, promoting inclusivity and equity in urban planning is vital for fostering environments that support the health and well-being of all community members
 
Methodology
To investigate the current state of research on women’s walking in urban environments, we conducted a comprehensive examination of scholarly articles published in the Scopus citation database between 2014 and 2024. The search utilized specific keywords, including “Walking,” “Walkability,” “Women,” and “Female,” to identify articles relevant to our focus on women’s walking patterns in urban settings. The emphasis on both social sciences and environmental sciences in our review allowed for a multifaceted understanding of the issues at play.
Initially, our search yielded a total of 4,153 articles. To refine this extensive dataset, we implemented a rigorous filtering process. We assessed the relevance of articles based on title and author name, and systematically eliminated those lacking English titles, abstracts, or keywords. Additionally, we excluded titles that were deemed irrelevant to our study focus. This meticulous approach resulted in a final selection of 130 articles, extracted from a diverse array of 76 sources, including academic journals and conference proceedings.
The articles selected for review were analyzed for various metrics, including publication age, citation frequency, and author collaboration rates. The average age of the articles was determined to be 5.4 years, indicating the recency of the research focus. The annual growth rate of published articles was calculated at 5.76%, with an average of 20.72 citations per article. Notably, 21 of the selected articles were authored by a single researcher, while the remaining articles exhibited an average collaboration rate of 3.32 authors, highlighting the collaborative nature of research in this field. The findings reveal a dynamic and growing body of literature focused on women’s walking in urban environments.
Results and Discussion
The analysis of the articles indicated a notable trend in the geographic distribution of the research. The majority of articles were published by authors based in the United States (107 articles), followed by significant contributions from Japan, England, and Australia (29 articles each), and Iran (24 articles). This distribution suggests a concentration of research activity in developed countries, where urban design and policy issues related to walking have garnered significant academic attention.
Among the selected articles, the most frequently published journals included the Journal of Transport and Health and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. These journals are known for their focus on public health, urban planning, and environmental issues, making them appropriate venues for research on women’s walking behaviors.
In terms of thematic categorization, the studies were grouped into four distinct categories:

Environmental Factors: This category encompasses research examining how physical urban environments, including infrastructure, green spaces, and walkability features, influence women’s walking behaviors. Studies in this area often highlight the importance of well-designed sidewalks, safe crossings, and accessible public spaces.
Safety and Security: Research in this category focuses on how perceptions of safety and security impact women’s willingness to walk in urban areas. This includes examining factors such as crime rates, lighting, and the presence of other pedestrians, which can either encourage or discourage walking.
Sociocultural Factors: This group of studies investigates the sociocultural dynamics that shape women’s walking behaviors, including societal norms, cultural expectations, and gender roles. Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing the barriers women face in accessing walking opportunities.
Gender Comparisons: Some studies explore the differences in walking behaviors between women and men, providing insights into how gender influences walking patterns, motivations, and experiences in urban settings.

The review of the literature revealed that most research has been conducted in developed countries, with a conspicuous gap in studies focusing on developing nations. Given the unique cultural and social contexts of developing countries, there is a pressing need for research that examines the factors affecting women’s walking behaviors in these regions. Insights derived from such studies could inform policy and planning efforts that are more culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of women in diverse urban contexts.
Furthermore, the predominance of cross-sectional studies in the existing literature suggests that longitudinal research is particularly important for understanding the long-term effects of walking on women’s health and the impact of urban design on pedestrianization. Longitudinal studies could provide valuable data on how changes in urban environments influence walking behaviors over time and the subsequent effects on health outcomes.
Another significant finding is the variability in research methodologies. While some studies have adopted qualitative approaches to explore women’s lived experiences, others have employed quantitative methods to analyze walking patterns and behaviors. A mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, could yield a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing women’s walking behaviors and experiences.
Conclusion
 ‏ The findings of this study not only identify current research trends and gaps in the literature on women’s walking in urban environments but also offer a foundation for developing integrated theoretical frameworks. This framework can inform policymaking aimed at creating urban spaces that cater to the unique needs of women. Addressing the barriers women encounter in accessing walking opportunities is essential for fostering environments that promote health, well-being, and social equity.
By enhancing the inclusivity of urban design and planning, policymakers can help create urban communities where all individuals can thrive. Such efforts can contribute to a more sustainable urban future, where walking is not only a viable mode of transportation but also a pathway to improved health outcomes, enhanced social connections, and greater community cohesion. Ultimately, the promotion of walking as a fundamental component of urban life is essential for building vibrant, resilient, and inclusive urban environments. Through targeted research and informed policy interventions, it is possible to realize the transformative potential of walking in urban areas, ensuring that all individuals, particularly women, can fully participate in and benefit from the rich tapestry of urban life.

Abstract Introduction
The city of Tabriz, with a rich history in urban design, is currently facing challenges such as declining urban landscape quality, the prelude to increasing environmental pollution, and a lack of proper management of public spaces. These issues negatively impact the physical and mental health of citizens as well as their social interactions. Furthermore, the shortage of safe sidewalks and suitable environments for physical activities has pushed residents toward using private vehicles, resulting in reduced physical activity and an increase in chronic diseases. This underscores the critical need to pay attention to urban landscape quality.
This research aims to examine the impact of urban space landscapes on the physical and mental health and social interactions of Tabriz residents. It also seeks to provide solutions for improving the design and management of public spaces to enhance the quality of life for Tabriz citizens. The main research question is: "How do urban space landscapes affect the physical and mental health and social interactions of Tabriz residents?"
Theoretical framework
Based on the theoretical foundations reviewed, the landscapes of urban spaces have significant impacts on the physical, mental, and social health of residents. Access to green spaces, areas suitable for physical activity, and public spaces that facilitate social interactions can significantly improve urban quality of life. Proper urban design can lead to a reduction in physical and mental health issues and an increase in social interactions, while poor design may negatively affect public health and well-being. Considering these foundations, the present research will take a closer look at the impacts of urban space landscapes on the health of Tabriz residents.
Methodology
This study employed a quantitative research method based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The statistical population included the entire population of Tabriz (1,643,960 people), with a sample size of 384 determined using Cochran's formula and selected through stratified random sampling to ensure diversity in gender, age, and location. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire addressing demographic information, physical health, and mental and social well-being. Tools such as DASS-21 and GHQ-12 were utilized to assess mental health. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (above 0.70), and validity was ensured through expert review. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software, and SEM was employed to explore the relationships between variables.
Result and discussion
This study aimed to investigate the impact of urban space landscapes on the physical and mental health and social interactions of Tabriz residents. The findings revealed that urban landscapes play a decisive role in enhancing the quality of life for citizens. The statistics highlight the tangible effects of urban landscapes in various domains.
The quality of green spaces, with an average score of 3.7, indicates a relatively adequate level of access in Tabriz, though certain areas still require improvement. These spaces, with a factor loading of 0.83, significantly reduce stress and improve the mental health of citizens. Sidewalks and pathways, with an average score of 4.1 and a factor loading of 0.89, are among the most important factors in enhancing both physical and mental health, though further standardization is needed in parts of the city.
In terms of physical health, the average daily physical activity of residents, with 6.1 steps per day, suggests a moderate level of physical activity. However, this could be improved by enhancing pedestrian areas and public sports spaces. The Body Mass Index (BMI) of residents, with an average of 25.5, indicates a near-overweight condition, underlining the need for expanding spaces for sports and physical activity.
In mental health, stress and anxiety levels, with an average score of 3.4, point to a moderate level of stress among residents. Urban landscapes, particularly green spaces and well-designed public areas, play a crucial role in reducing stress and increasing life satisfaction. The sense of security in urban spaces, with an average score of 3.5, suggests that improvements in security, especially in poorly lit and less frequented areas, are necessary.
Regarding social interactions, the number of daily social interactions, with an average score of 3.8, indicates a reasonable level of interaction among residents. Public and social spaces, with a factor loading of 0.90, have the most significant impact on increasing social interactions and fostering a sense of community belonging.
The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis demonstrated that urban landscapes have a direct impact on physical health (path coefficient: 0.65), mental health (path coefficient: 0.58), and social interactions (path coefficient: 0.62). Additionally, the indirect effects of urban landscapes on mental health through intermediary variables such as physical health and social interactions were confirmed.
Conclusion
The results clearly underscore the importance of improving urban landscapes in reducing stress, enhancing social interactions, and promoting physical health. Urban managers and planners in Tabriz should prioritize actions such as increasing green spaces, improving sidewalks, and developing public spaces, based on these findings, to transform Tabriz into a healthier, more beautiful, and more socially engaging city.

Abstract Introduction
The growing emphasis on sustainable development has highlighted the critical need to reduce resource consumption across various sectors, and the building industry is no exception. With buildings significantly contributing to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, strategies that enhance energy efficiency are paramount. One vital aspect of sustainability in the built environment focuses on reducing energy consumption while simultaneously improving the thermal performance of buildings. Among the innovations in this domain, static heating techniques have emerged as effective solutions that leverage renewable energy sources, particularly solar thermal energy.
Static heating systems are ingenious in their design as they integrate seamlessly into building envelopes, offering an innovative means to utilize solar energy. These systems typically employ elements such as thermal mass or specially designed panels on building facades, exploiting the sun's energy for heating purposes. The primary advantage of incorporating such static elements is their ability to resonate with the energy dynamics of the natural environment, thereby improving overall energy efficiency and optimizing indoor thermal comfort.
Research Methodology
In pursuit of the goals set forth by sustainable development, this paper seeks to measure the efficiency and thermal performance of buildings utilizing two specific solar-based systems: greenhouse systems and solar window installations during the cold season. Office buildings, in particular, have gained attention due to their relatively high energy consumption patterns compared to other building types. As workplaces that are often occupied throughout the day, they demand significant energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. Consequently, even minor improvements in energy efficiency within office buildings can lead to substantial reductions in energy consumption and associated costs.
 
One specific case study was conducted on the Municipality Building of District 12 of Isfahan, selected for its representative nature among urban office buildings. This building provided an ideal context to examine the impact of static heating solutions under varying scenarios. The two systems studied—greenhouse systems and solar windows—were modeled and simulated using the Afraz Design Builder software, which enables detailed energy consumption predictions based on specific building configurations and local climate conditions.
Result and Discussion
To effectively assess the performance of each system, a comprehensive simulation of the building's energy consumption patterns was carried out, taking into account factors such as orientation, thermal insulation, window-to-wall ratio, and local weather conditions. The aim was to quantify the required heating load during the cold season for each static heating scenario compared to the baseline state of the building, which represented the conventional design without any enhancements aimed at energy efficiency.
 
The findings from this research have provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of each heating strategy. The first system investigated, the solar window, utilizes advanced glazing technology designed to enhance solar heat gain while minimizing heat loss. The results of the simulation revealed that the incorporation of a triple-glazed solar window dramatically improved thermal performance. Specifically, it was found that the solar window reduced annual heating energy demand by approximately 33.03% compared to the conventional building setup. This significant reduction underscores the potential of modern window technologies to harness solar energy effectively, thereby reducing reliance on conventional heating methods.
 
On the other hand, the second system, a 1-meter-deep greenhouse, also yielded promising results, albeit to a lesser extent. The greenhouse system functions by extending the thermal mass concept and creating an insulated buffer zone, which can store heat during the day and release it during colder nights. The simulation data indicated that this approach successfully reduced the building's heating energy requirements by 17.39% when compared to the standard design. While this percentage is lower than that achieved with the solar window, it still exemplifies the significant contributions that such passive solar design strategies can make towards enhancing energy efficiency in buildings.
Conclusion
In summary, the analysis concluded that the integration of these static heating systems not only enhances thermal comfort within office settings but also significantly mitigates energy consumption, aligning with the broader objectives of sustainable development. The results clearly demonstrate that the application of a triple-glazed solar window can nearly double the energy savings when compared to a traditional greenhouse system. These findings suggest that prioritizing technologies that significantly boost solar gain and thermal management can lead to transformative improvements in building energy performance.
Moreover, the implications of these results extend beyond individual buildings. When scaled to a larger context, widespread adoption of such sustainable technologies could lead to substantial reductions in energy demand at the urban level, thereby addressing broader challenges associated with climate change and resource depletion. The importance of implementing these strategies in urban planning and building design cannot be overstated, as cities continue to grow and face mounting pressure to reduce their ecological footprints.
Ultimately, the exploration of static heating techniques highlights a promising pathway towards achieving sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. The research presented in this paper contributes to a growing body of knowledge that seeks to optimize building design for energy performance, demonstrating that thoughtful integration of solar technologies can have profound benefits for both the environment and building occupants. Continued innovation, research, and collaboration among architects, engineers, and policymakers are essential to further advance the implementation of sustainable practices in the construction industry.

Abstract Urban health reflects the total social, physical, environmental, and infrastructure conditions that affect the well-being and quality of life of citizens living in a city. Therefore, in addition to health issues, the total social, economic, physical, and environmental aspects describe the state of urban health. Among the mentioned dimensions, social problems undeniably affect the choice opportunities of citizens in the city, their interpretation of the conditions, their interaction with others, and health-oriented behavioral orientations in the city. Considering the importance of social themes in the realization of urban health, the present study attempted to describe the social indicators of urban health and its contexts using a systematic review method while examining related studies. The findings show that the social indicators of urban health can be redefined as "population dynamics, social harms, inclusion, social capital, business, education, and lifestyle." Also, the descriptive social adverb for these indicators implies considering the characteristics of flexibility, relativity, attention to meanings, context, and process perception. Constructive indicators in fields such as population dynamics, education, and business can be explained using registration data, or because their counting and calculation methods are defined quantitatively and globally, they can follow the same pattern. However, other fields, such as social harm, inclusion, lifestyle, and, exceptionally, social capital, involve context-based studies. A study that, based on the distinctive characteristics of cities, will even lead to selecting and prioritizing a field and excluding other fields from description and investigation.

Abstract    The increase in urban population and the expansion of urbanization have had various physical, social, environmental, and economic consequences for cities and their citizens, especially psychological consequences; On the other hand, it can be said that contact with nature in today's cities in the form of urban green spaces in various scales plays a significant role in reducing mental and psychological problems. Hence, urban green infrastructure planning, considering spatial/physical qualities to improve citizens' mental health, can play a role in transforming urban spaces into supportive environments. Green infrastructures have become influential components not only in their content, but also in their impact on their surrounding areas' physical, environmental, and social values in recent decades. The main aim of this research is to test and analyze the relationship between urban green infrastructure and citizens' mental health in the surrounding area of Park-e-Mellat to enjoy the capacities of such spaces in promoting urban health. In this article, we have attempted to investigate the relationship between the surrounding area of the urban park and its effect on mental health through document and field methods (interview and questionnaire). Thematic analysis using semi-structured interviews with 14 space users was performed using MAXQDA software. In the second stage, using the fuzzy Delphi technique, the final results were obtained with 10 experts in two rounds of the questionnaire. The research method is based on an interpretive paradigm, with a mixed approach in the first part of qualitative thematic analysis and the second part of fuzzy Delphi. The findings, in the form of four main themes: the quality of the physical environment, mental health, physical health, and social health, defined ten qualities for green infrastructure planning to improve citizens' mental health.