Journal of Urban Studies on Space and Place

Abstract Neighborhood-level unsustainability is a pervasive challenge in contemporary cities. Contemporary neighborhoods frequently lack the social, spatial, and institutional conditions necessary to function as resilient communities; where such conditions persist, they are often weakened by inappropriate spatial transformations. Indigenous knowledge in Iran contains conceptual resources for understanding and addressing these processes, but these resources have been partially neglected and require reinterpretation to align with modern urban contexts. This study develops a conceptual framework to clarify sustainability concepts and to define normative criteria and measurable indicators for assessing neighborhood sustainability in Isfahan. First, the study identifies core sustainability dimensions across social, economic, and environmental domains. Next, it operationalizes these dimensions by specifying indicators and metrics designed to move assessment toward a continuous, adaptive process. Employing a qualitative methodology grounded in analytical field ethnography and an interpretive approach, data were collected through participatory observation, non-intrusive photographic and video documentation, unstructured interviews, and field notes; data analysis followed systematic content-analysis procedures. Findings indicate that the extracted indicators exhibit substantial desirability within the Sangtarashha neighborhood center. Based on these results, the study proposes targeted interventions to enhance the neighborhood’s long-term sustainability. The proposed framework aims to be transferable to similar urban contexts and to inform policy and community-led initiatives.
Neighborhood instability constitutes a central and escalating problem in urban environments, yet scholarly and practical frameworks that integrate local knowledge with contemporary sustainability assessment tools remain limited—especially in the Iranian context. This research aims to fill that gap by developing a robust framework that synthesizes theoretical and empirical perspectives on sustainability and produces actionable norms and indicators for neighborhood-level assessment and intervention.
Keywords: Neighborhood sustainability; community formation; indigenous knowledge; Sangtarashha; Isfahan
Extended Abstract:
Background and Aim:
Neighborhood instability constitutes a central and escalating problem in urban environments, yet scholarly and practical frameworks that integrate local knowledge with contemporary sustainability assessment tools remain limited—especially in the Iranian context. This research aims to fill that gap by developing a robust framework that synthesizes theoretical and empirical perspectives on sustainability and produces actionable norms and indicators for neighborhood-level assessment and intervention.
Conceptual Framework:
The research adopts a tripartite conceptualization of sustainability—social, economic, and environmental—each operationalized through specific subdimensions. Social sustainability encompasses social cohesion, civic participation, place attachment, and cultural continuity. Economic sustainability includes local economic vitality, livelihood diversity, informal and formal economic opportunities, and resident economic resilience. Environmental sustainability covers the quality and accessibility of public space, ecological management, service provision, and adaptive infrastructural practices. The framework emphasizes iterative assessment: indicators are selected both for diagnostic clarity and for their capacity to inform ongoing, adaptive planning and community action.
Methodology:
A qualitative, analytical ethnographic approach was employed with an interpretive orientation. Primary data collection methods included:
• Participatory observation to capture everyday social interactions and spatial practices;
• Non-intrusive photographic and video documentation to record physical conditions and land-use patterns;
• Unstructured interviews with residents, local leaders, and stakeholders to elicit emic perspectives; and
• Detailed field notes for contextualization.
• Collected data were subjected to thematic content analysis, employing systematic coding procedures to identify patterns, strengths, vulnerabilities, and potential leverage points for intervention.
Findings:
Analysis revealed that the indicators derived from the framework corresponded strongly with residents’ perceptions and observable conditions in Sangtarashha. In particular, socio-cultural assets—such as localized networks of reciprocity, place-based identities, and informal institutions—emerged as prominent strengths that could be leveraged to support broader sustainability objectives. Economic indicators highlighted both opportunities (small-scale commerce, adaptive livelihoods) and constraints (limited access to formal employment and capital). Environmental indicators showed mixed outcomes: while some public spaces exhibited strong use-value and social importance, infrastructural and ecological deficits limited their full sustainability potential.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
The study concludes that combining indigenous knowledge with a structured, indicator-based framework provides a viable approach for diagnosing neighborhood sustainability and designing context-sensitive interventions. Recommendations include:
• Strengthening local institutions and community networks to harness social capital for collective action;
• Supporting microenterprises and local economic diversification through targeted financial and capacity-building programs;
• Implementing incremental, low-cost environmental interventions to improve public-space quality, water management, and service delivery; and
• Establishing participatory monitoring mechanisms that use the proposed indicators to guide iterative planning.
Implications and Future Research:
This framework contributes a practical tool for urban practitioners and planners seeking to integrate cultural-contextual knowledge into sustainability assessment. Future research should operationalize the indicators quantitatively, validate the framework across diverse neighborhoods, and pilot intervention packages with longitudinal evaluation to measure impacts over time.

Abstract The contextual basis of this research is the conceptual gap within architectural and urban planning studies regarding the understanding of the reciprocal relationships among key components of the collective mindset in place. In the contemporary fast-paced world, the formation of this mindset, which directly impacts place memorability and place attachment, has become a primary concern. The present problem arises from the frequent neglect of a coherent theoretical framework capable of comprehensively explaining the dynamics among these three key constructs. This mindset is not merely a product of physical interactions but rather a complex outcome of social, historical, and psychological processes. The research problem focuses on this deficit in understanding these interrelations, as well as the urgent need to deeply investigate the socio-cultural impacts of places on these constructs, particularly in societies like Iran, which, despite a rich history, face rapid identity transformations. Accordingly, the primary objective of this research is to elucidate the interactive mechanisms between memorability and place attachment and to analyze the mediating role of the collective mindset in this relationship. More precisely, the goal is to analyze and explain the mental models of theorists concerning this tripartite interaction, thereby identifying factors that contribute to enhancing these connections and exploring their impact on social and cultural identity. The rationale for this research is rooted in addressing existing theoretical weaknesses and the progressive decline in the quality of spatial experience within human settlements. In both theoretical and practical realms of architecture, we often encounter a disjuncture or a reductionist view of these concepts; contemporary urban environments are designed as alienating spaces, lacking the power to generate deep memories or attachment. This not only leads to the weakening of the sense of belonging and reduced social participation but can also result in the erosion of cultural and collective identity. Therefore, this research theoretically aids in bridging the existing conceptual gap and, on a practical level, presents more applied solutions for designers and policymakers to create spaces that reinforce human bonds and collective identity. This is particularly crucial in the revitalization of historic fabrics and the design of vibrant public spaces, potentially assisting in the recovery of indigenous place values. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) research design centered on Q-methodology was employed. Q-methodology is a potent tool for the systematic study of subjectivity and the exploration of perceptual structures regarding complex concepts like place experience. In a unique approach, instead of using human participants, the study utilized the works and perspectives of prominent theorists—such as Kevin Lynch, Christian Norberg-Schulz, Edward Relph, Yi-Fu Tuan, Maurice Halbwachs, Pierre Nora, Jane Jacobs, Altman & Low, Scannell & Gifford, and Dolores Hayden—as representatives of the theoretical population (P-set). This approach facilitated a structured analysis of the existing theoretical discourse. The selection of these theorists was based on theoretical purposive sampling to ensure coverage of a diverse spectrum of viewpoints across architecture, urban planning, environmental psychology, and urban sociology. The research process was executed in several distinct stages. In the first step, identifying the concourse (discourse domain) was conducted through a preliminary literature review and documentary analysis to precisely define the thematic territory and the theoretical population. The second stage was the P-set selection, where purposive sampling of theorists based on specific criteria was performed, and the final list was compiled. The third step, research design, involved revising and refining the research questions and objectives to achieve the final research framework. In the fourth stage, context identification was undertaken through a deeper analysis of the selected works to ensure the coverage and diversity of perspectives. The fifth step, library sampling (concourse extraction), utilized indexing (Fiche-bardari) and qualitative content analysis to extract an initial set of potential Q-statements. The sixth stage, serving as an alternative to pre-interviews, involved a critical re-reading of theoretical texts to extract preliminary statements. In the seventh step, data familiarization was achieved through repeated, in-depth study of the texts and initial coding to reach theoretical saturation regarding the spectrum of viewpoints. The eighth stage was the Q-set development; here, through content analysis and statement refinement, the final set comprising 75 statements (deemed sufficient for theoretical saturation) was compiled. The results from the factor analysis led to the identification of three distinct mental models. Statistical analysis of the data (KMO value = 0.748 and Bartlett's Test significance, p < .001) confirmed the suitability of the data for factor analysis. Based on the Total Variance Explained table and the Scree Plot, two principal factors with Initial Eigenvalues greater than 1 were identified (Factor 1 = 3.949 and Factor 2 = 2.079), which collectively explained 75.350% of the total variance before rotation and 65.607% after rotation. Factor 1 was named "Lived-Experience and Affective Bond with Place"; this factor showed the highest factor loadings for the concepts of "Phenomenology of Place" (P3) with a loading of 0.886 and "Place Identity" (P4) with a loading of 0.782. This pattern emphasizes the importance of the internal, sensory, psychological, and affective dimensions of the human-place relationship and the formation of attachment as an existential and identity-based bond. Factor 2 was named "Collective Memory and Image of the Place." This factor exhibited very high factor loadings for the concepts of "Collective Memory" (P1) with a loading of 0.959, "Places of Memory" (P5) with a loading of 0.963, and "Image of the City" (P2) with a loading of 0.924. This mental model clearly focuses on the collective, symbolic, and visual dimensions of place, indicating that a place's capacity for representing collective memory (aligning with Halbwachs and Nora) and its physical legibility (aligning with Lynch) are foundational to forming a shared perception. In addition to these two principal factors, two auxiliary factors were also extracted: "Reconstruction of Memory and Return to Place Experience" (primarily defined by the "Power of Place" (P7) concept with a loading of 0.973, emphasizing the role of conflict and inequality in memory representation) and "Environmental Holism" (defined by "Integrated Models" (P8) with a loading of 0.898, stressing the need for interdisciplinary and technological approaches).  

Abstract Extended Abstract

Introduction

In today’s world, cities have transformed into complex and dynamic environments that significantly affect people’s daily lives. Uncontrolled urban development, population growth, climate change, and depletion of natural resources are among the factors that have posed serious challenges to urban quality of life. One of the most critical challenges is air pollution, which has become a global issue, threatening the physical and mental health of citizens. Amol, as one of the key cities in Mazandaran Province, faces challenges such as air pollution, a lack of green spaces, and insufficient attention to human dimensions in urban design.

The reduction of green spaces due to uncontrolled construction and the lack of sustainable design principles has deprived residents of access to relaxing and recreational areas. This situation not only negatively impacts the physical and mental health of citizens but also reduces social interactions, increases feelings of loneliness and loss of identity among residents, and ultimately leads to increased public dissatisfaction.

Given Amol’s unique natural and cultural characteristics, the integration of nature into urban architectural design as a strategy for improving quality of life is more essential than ever. Green spaces and natural elements, in addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban environments, can help reduce pollution, alleviate stress, foster social interactions, strengthen the sense of belonging, and preserve the cultural and natural identity of the city. Accordingly, this study aims to identify effective strategies for integrating nature into modern architectural design to improve the quality of urban life in Amol.

Research Methodology

This study, which investigates the impact of nature integration into urban architectural design on the quality of life of Amol residents, employs a descriptive-analytical and quantitative methodology. The primary tool for data collection is structured questionnaires, comprising 42 objective and subjective indicators across social, economic, environmental, and physical dimensions. The indicators were selected based on literature review, fundamental theories, and analysis of residents’ needs to provide precise and comprehensive information about the factors influencing quality of life.

The collected data was analyzed using SPSS software. Quantitative data was examined through descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including mean, standard deviation, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. These methods helped identify relationships between quality of life indicators and the influencing factors, with results presented in both quantitative and qualitative formats.

Simple random sampling was used, and the sample size was determined to be 385 questionnaires based on Cochran’s formula. The questionnaires were randomly distributed among residents of various areas in Amol to ensure representation of real opinions and experiences. Prior to final distribution, the reliability and validity of the tool were evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha test, which yielded acceptable reliability results with a Cronbach’s alpha above 0.7.

Findings

The findings indicate that Amol residents are highly satisfied with certain quality-of-life indicators such as social participation and a sense of security. Specifically, the security and safety indicator, with a mean score of 3.8, ranked the highest, reflecting residents’ relative sense of security. Designing well-lit and safe public spaces can enhance this feeling and lead to a reduction in crime rates within the community. The social participation indicator, with a mean score of 3.6, ranked second, underscoring the importance of social interactions in improving quality of life. These interactions can be fostered through social and cultural events held in public spaces.

However, the environmental quality indicator, with a mean score of 3.2, received the lowest ranking, highlighting the urgent need for improved environmental infrastructure and expanded green spaces in Amol. Air pollution and the reduction of green spaces are among the major issues faced by residents. Modern architectural design must focus on preserving and creating green spaces while reducing environmental pollution to improve environmental quality and provide a healthier living environment.

Regression analysis revealed that access to public services, with a coefficient of 0.45, has the strongest impact on quality of life. This indicator, which includes access to healthcare, education, and public transportation services, was identified as a key factor in improving quality of life. Moreover, security and safety (coefficient 0.30), environmental quality (coefficient 0.25), and social participation (coefficient 0.20) also significantly influence quality of life.

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrate that integrating nature into urban architectural design can have significant impacts on residents’ quality of life. Improving environmental quality through the creation and maintenance of green spaces and the reduction of air pollution is identified as a top priority. Additionally, designing public spaces that promote social interactions can strengthen the sense of belonging to the environment and enhance overall quality of life.

This study also emphasizes that urban planners must simultaneously address social, economic, and environmental dimensions to make effective decisions for sustainable development and improving quality of life. The results of this research can serve as a resource for identifying challenges and opportunities and providing practical solutions to improve urban living conditions in Amol. Sustainable urban design that incorporates nature not only enhances quality of life but also preserves the cultural and natural identity of the city, contributing to long-term development.

Abstract 1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Results and Discussion
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.
5. 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.


Kahlmeier, S., Cavill, N., Thondoo, M., Rutter, H., De Sa, T. H., Racioppi, F., & Gotschi, T. (2023). The Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) for walking and cycling-experiences from 10 years of application of a health impact assessment tool in policy and practice. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 5, 1146761.

Abstract Urban management, as a complex system, includes a large number of organizations that operate in different areas of work and at different functional levels. The integrated management of this large system and its guidance in order to achieve the visions and goals set in the approved urban plans in a certain period of time requires access to accurate reports on the performance of the subunits over time. Organizations and departments active in each of the urban areas have different work processes, and each has a different operational system whose data is stored in the operational system database. Summarizing and analyzing this voluminous data and extracting appropriate reports for managers and users is essential for identifying issues, problematic spatial areas, following the process of changes, and other prerequisites for decision-making and action in urban management .
From the perspective of sustainable urban development, management and planning will be conscious and fruitful in order to meet the basic needs of people in terms of housing, transportation, leisure, etc. in exchange for changes in population, density and urban land use in such a way that the city is environmentally habitable and livable, economically viable and progressive, and socially just. The lack of use of knowledge management has further increased the need for an urban observatory in a historic city. Knowledge management, which is an approach to storing, transferring and timely applying knowledge, plays an important role in the success of organizations. However, the majority of organizations and institutions are not prepared to successfully use knowledge management . Cities are increasingly home to diverse groups, which are categorized based on economic level, religion and culture. The creativity that arises from these differences needs to be nurtured and promoted . This management style strives to encourage a spirit of participation and integration in organizations and to widely promote a system of collective thinking and sharing of ideas. Information and data are essential for cities, countries, and regions in this regard, which definitely make planning and policymaking purposeful and productive. It is hoped that by using a decision support and planning system, monitoring of minor and major events in the city of Yazd will be achieved in order to obtain vital and key general and specialized information for decision-makers. Accurate and precise analysis and processing of large operational information by producing reliable statistical reports can help managers make optimal decisions to solve urban problems in Yazd. The lack of accurate and reliable information on the potential demographic, economic, cultural, physical, and environmental conditions in cities has led many planners to act without relying on sound evidence and without foresight or foresight. The Global Network of Urban Observatories was formed in response to this challenge.
In today's complex and interconnected world, numerous challenges and issues affect the progress and health of cities, and many cities in the world have established urban observatories at different levels in order to meet the needs of urban managers and planners for accurate and useful information, as well as for future research on urban trends. Therefore, the implementation of urban observatories is important. With the advancement of information and communication technology, a suitable platform has been created for the realization of urban observatories in cities. Accordingly, this research has been developed in order to achieve a formal institutional model supporting the urban observatory of municipalities. This research is an applied research based on an inductive strategy and descriptive-analytical and analytical-prescriptive methods Accordingly, this research has been developed in order to achieve a formal institutional model supporting the municipal urban observatory. This research is an applied research based on an inductive strategy and descriptive-analytical and analytical-prescriptive methods. In this regard, using the power-interest matrix of the effective stakeholders in the municipal urban observatory, the measurement and survey results were studied in quantitative analyses (Friedman's mean test and Spearman's correlation test) using SPSS software: Then, using the logic model, the Yazd municipality urban observatory model was designed based on a formal institutional structure.The model designed in this study introduces the urban observatory process, including sustainability and institutionalization metrics, data and information collection, monitoring and supervision, security, implementation, rule of law, and stakeholders. This process is carried out among the target population, which includes key stakeholders, in a design logic model and effects that include increasing transparency in data, increasing transparency in decisions, programs, information, and crisis prediction. The consequences are increasing the speed of data, increasing the speed of analysis, increasing the accuracy of analysis, reducing the level of risk in decisions, and increasing the quality of decision-making.

Abstract The transformation of urban environments in contemporary cities has increasingly distanced spatial structures from their cultural roots, generating identity crises and visual homogenization across diverse contexts. In response, the discourse on urban landscape has shifted toward cultural and identity-oriented paradigms that regard landscape not merely as a physical composition but as a medium of social meaning and collective memory. Within this framework, local identity emerges as a decisive factor shaping the perceptual and aesthetic qualities of urban space, ensuring cultural continuity and social cohesion. This study investigates the role of local identity in forming the urban landscape patterns of Urmia—a culturally diverse city in northwestern Iran—and develops a policy framework aimed at enhancing landscape quality through the integration of indigenous cultural values. The research addresses a significant theoretical and practical gap in Iranian urban studies, where the relationship between cultural identity and landscape morphology remains underexplored, and planning policies often neglect the symbolic and social dimensions of place.
The study adopts a mixed-method approach combining causal–comparative and survey techniques. Quantitative data were collected from 384 Urmia residents, selected via Cochran’s formula and stratified random sampling to represent all five municipal zones. A structured Likert-scale questionnaire measured eight cultural dimensions—historical, literary–artistic, economic, political–diplomatic, ecological, religious, ethnic–local, and ethical–perfection—and their correlations with urban landscape indices such as visual quality, diversity of spatial forms, and perceptual coherence. Data were validated for reliability using composite reliability, Cronbach’s alpha, and average variance extracted (AVE), and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression models. Complementary expert analysis was conducted to derive strategic policy orientations, integrating empirical findings into a comprehensive policy framework for identity-oriented landscape governance.
Findings reveal that all cultural dimensions contribute to the formation of Urmia’s urban landscape with varying magnitudes and mechanisms of influence. Among them, the “culture of perfection”—a composite construct reflecting ethical, spiritual, and humanistic values—exerted the strongest impact (β = 0.796, p < 0.001), indicating that moral and value-driven cohesion serves as a critical foundation for aesthetic harmony and collective belonging. The “economic culture” (β = 0.691) and “historical culture” (β = 0.689) followed in significance, emphasizing the dual role of functional vitality and heritage continuity in maintaining urban identity. The “literary–artistic culture” demonstrated a considerable correlation (β = 0.574), reinforcing the idea that aesthetic symbolism and local art practices enrich urban readability and sensory engagement. Likewise, the “ethnic–local culture” (β = 0.575) enhanced spatial diversity and social inclusiveness, particularly in districts characterized by strong multiethnic interaction. In contrast, “religious” and “technological–organizational” cultures showed limited effects, suggesting that modern urban governance in Iran has increasingly detached spiritual and managerial domains from the experiential and symbolic layers of space.
The analytical synthesis underscores a multidirectional and reciprocal relationship between culture and landscape: while cultural values inform the configuration and perception of urban form, the spatial structure simultaneously reinforces or transforms collective cultural expression. This interdependence positions the urban landscape of Urmia as both a mirror and a mediator of local identity. The dominance of ethical and perfection-oriented values signifies the persistence of human-centered worldviews in Iranian cultural consciousness, where spatial meaning extends beyond visual form toward moral and social order. The interaction between economic and historical cultures further reveals that sustainability of the landscape depends not only on preserving material heritage but also on embedding economic vitality within culturally resonant urban fabrics. Moreover, the influence of artistic and ethnic dimensions highlights the importance of participatory cultural production in creating legible, inclusive, and emotionally engaging urban environments.
Building on these insights, the study formulates five strategic policy axes for identity-oriented landscape governance: (1) **Historical dimension** – revitalizing historic cores and incorporating local narratives in urban design to reinforce collective memory; (2) **Artistic dimension** – integrating vernacular arts and crafts into urban façades, furniture, and public spaces to enhance aesthetic coherence; (3) **Economic dimension** – linking creative economies and cultural tourism with sustainable urban development to generate place-based value; (4) **Ethnic–local dimension** – reflecting cultural diversity through inclusive design processes and supporting community-led cultural initiatives; and (5) **Ethical–perfection dimension** – institutionalizing moral and cultural values in planning through cultural charters, training programs, and performance assessment tools. Together, these strategies propose a transition from a “landscape of power,” dominated by top-down aesthetic regulations, toward a “landscape of culture,” shaped by shared meaning and civic participation.
The results have broader theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, they contribute to the emerging body of knowledge linking local identity with urban landscape quality, demonstrating that cultural variables can be empirically measured and integrated into planning frameworks. The findings confirm that landscape quality is not a static visual property but a dynamic synthesis of cultural narratives, collective values, and spatial experience. Practically, the research offers a policy model adaptable to other culturally diverse Iranian cities, providing a pathway for embedding identity-oriented approaches in urban design, regeneration, and heritage management. By aligning urban policy with cultural continuity, cities can foster resilience, belonging, and aesthetic integrity in the face of modernization pressures. The Urmia case illustrates that sustainable urban landscapes emerge when cultural memory, creative expression, and moral values are intertwined within spatial planning, ensuring that the city’s evolution remains rooted in its local identity rather than abstract global templates.
Overall, this study demonstrates that the revitalization of urban identity in Iranian cities requires a paradigm shift—from material reconstruction to cultural regeneration—wherein urban landscapes are re-envisioned as living narratives of place. Integrating indigenous cultural dimensions into planning and governance can thus transform landscapes from passive physical environments into active cultural systems that sustain meaning, continuity, and community well-being.

Abstract Pastures which cover around 25 and 55 percent of total area of the Earth and Iran, respectively, play a significant role in supplying livestock production, food security, protecting natural ecosystem, job creation, increasing the income of villagers and nomads, amplification of underground water reservoir, flood prevention and so on. These cause pastures to be referred as a key factor for sustainable development of countries. This present descriptive-analytical research is conducted with the aim of identifying the affective factors on pastures destruction and their protection approaches. The required information for studying 60 domestic and foreign articles as well as sites and relevant reports are gathered. The results reveal that several factors are involved in deterioration of pastures which can have different effects based on location and temporal conditions of various countries and regions. The most important factors are the increase of number of livestock and the absence of balance between livestock and pastures, premature grazing, transforming pastures to agricultural lands, continuous grazing, fire, bush cutting, military maneuvers, road construction and construction operations, weak management factors and the absence of effective dissuasive laws and regulations for pastures protections, drought, reduction of economic power and poverty of local communities, irregularities in and decrement of rainfalls, non-implementation of rangeland plans and insufficient attention to people’s cooperation in preparation of such plans, lack of local knowledge utilization in pastures protection and decomposition of traditional and native social structures of beneficiaries. Finally, based on the findings, some solutions for pastures protection are
proposed.

Abstract The rapid rate of development of cities has caused extensive changes in the land use pattern around cities, and these effects of city development and urbanization can be seen in developing countries as well as developed countries. In Iran, as a developing country, the growth rate has been very high, and following that, there have been extensive changes in the field of land changes. Change of users is inevitable but it can be managed. The process of land use changes and the recognition of the effective factors and its results can help to identify obstacles, problems, analyze and understand urban issues as best as possible and become a tool for managers and urban planners to predict the future growth and development of cities and be able to manage effectively and Look for opportunities for cities. One of the biggest and most challenging issues in recent years in Iran is the change of urban land use, which has many effects in cities, and if these changes are carried out in an uncontrolled and unsupervised manner, they will have irreparable effects. . The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of land use change on land use planning. Due to the spread of these changes, urban design and urban planning, using error tests and investigations, should always seek to adapt to the conditions that have arisen and are ahead, and they need changes and modernity of opinions in the previous standards. Therefore, he must always adapt to new conditions. It is for this reason that the discussion of flexible planning has been brought up and paid attention to in order to achieve better results than in the past. The most change of land use in cities is related to the change of use of agricultural lands and their conversion to urban uses, which causes more instability in cities, which is caused by the added value of the change of use in urban spaces. By having control tools, municipalities play a very effective role in preserving and maintaining existing natural lands, and by using their control tools, they can prevent land trading and changes in the use of natural lands to other uses.

Abstract The relationship between what the city receives from the environment and what the environmental geography transforms into an urban environment in terms of its internal capacity (urban settlement) and its functional roles (urban habitation) leads to the formation of the desirable "spatial capacities" index. The purpose of this research is to identify and conceptually establish the factors that make up the urban headquarters from the point of view of the capacities of the urban place. Achieving this goal by using the analytical-adaptive method to compare the existing schools has been to develop a theory to recognize the concept of urban headquarters. The findings of this research show that the constituent components of urban headquarters can be identified in three categories: static, active, and functional, and in all stages of the urban life cycle, they lead to the definition of the environmental and geographical capacities of cities in the form of the concept of urban headquarters. Recognizing and expanding the idea of the constituent components of an urban center with an emphasis on its conceptual separation from other concepts similar to urban planning, as well as a focus on the coordination between different dimensions of the city location, are the most critical points of this research. Human interventions in the environmental capacities of cities cause a difference in the capacities of the existing urban headquarters, with available capacities, and change the components of the urban headquarters. Because urban capacities, more than any factor of urban and social geography, are related to existential capacities and environmental realities. As a result, for the spatial stability of cities, it is necessary to organize the components of the city center.

Abstract Extended Abstract
Introduction
The present research addresses the pivotal challenge of aligning architectural education with the inherent spatial capacities of indigenous environments. The core issue identified in this study is the lack of comprehensive frameworks within architectural curricula that integrate indigenous spatial knowledge with contemporary design mechanisms. Traditional architectural education often overlooks the nuanced interactions between local spatial capacities and human-environment relationships. This oversight results in architects who are less equipped to incorporate indigenous patterns into modern interventions, consequently diminishing the contextual integrity of architectural outputs. The research highlights the necessity to redefine the indigenous architecture course content by recognizing the environmental, cultural, and socio-spatial characteristics of various locales.
The primary objective of this study is to develop an educational framework that bridges the gap between indigenous spatial patterns and contemporary architectural practices. By doing so, the study aims to offer a pragmatic approach to reproducing indigenous architectural concepts within the context of modern design challenges. Through this endeavor, the research seeks to enhance students' capacity to perceive, analyze, and apply local spatial capacities in architectural solutions that are both sustainable and contextually responsive.
The necessity of this research stems from the increasing demand for sustainable and contextually grounded architectural practices. Environmental degradation, loss of cultural identity, and the homogenization of urban spaces have underscored the importance of place-based approaches in architectural education. Addressing these challenges requires a curriculum that fosters a deeper understanding of spatial capacities unique to each locale. The research asserts that embedding such knowledge within architectural education can significantly improve the quality of designed environments and promote cultural resilience in built forms.
Methodology
Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative thematic analysis approach. This method is chosen due to its capability to identify and interpret patterns within qualitative data, particularly in complex and multi-dimensional subjects like architecture. The research process involves a systematic review of 60 books and 50 scholarly articles, selected from an initial pool of over 200 studies. The stages of research include data collection, coding, theme identification, and the development of a theoretical framework that connects indigenous spatial knowledge with contemporary architectural design.
The research progresses through several structured stages. The initial phase involves defining the research problem by identifying gaps in the current indigenous architecture curriculum. This is followed by sample selection from relevant literature to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Data collection is performed through a meticulous examination of textual sources, with an emphasis on identifying themes related to indigenous spatial patterns and their contemporary applications.
The next stage involves converting data into textual formats for coding and analysis. Familiarization with the collected data allows for the initial identification of key themes and concepts. The coding process is conducted based on theoretical principles, focusing on core elements relevant to the research's hypothesis. Descriptive coding further refines the data by categorizing it based on specific attributes linked to the themes of indigenous architecture.
Subsequently, the study searches for themes that encapsulate broader patterns observed in the data. These themes are reviewed and refined to ensure their relevance and coherence with the research objectives. Key thematic areas identified include spatial capacities, indigenous environmental interactions, and the cultural implications of architectural practices. The refinement process leads to the naming and defining of core themes that align with the educational goals of the indigenous architecture course.
Result and discussion
Achieving theoretical saturation is crucial to ensuring that all relevant dimensions of the research problem are comprehensively covered. The study revisits earlier phases to validate the robustness of the identified themes and their interconnections. Data analysis involves creating a thematic network that visually represents the relationships between themes and sub-themes. This network facilitates a holistic understanding of indigenous spatial knowledge and its pedagogical integration.
Further analysis involves synthesizing the thematic findings into a cohesive curriculum framework for the indigenous architecture course. This framework comprises 16 thematic combinations that align behavioral objectives with identified spatial capacities. The curriculum design includes detailed lesson plans, covering time allocations, lesson topics, key content, teaching methods, and contextual materials for each of the 16 sessions.
The study's key findings reveal that indigenous spatial patterns hold significant potential for enhancing architectural education. Themes such as environmental sustainability, cultural identity, and spatial adaptability emerge as central concepts that can enrich the indigenous architecture curriculum. The research demonstrates that incorporating indigenous knowledge into architectural education can foster more sustainable and culturally resonant design practices.
Conclusion
The final conclusion emphasizes the importance of integrating indigenous spatial knowledge into architectural curricula to address contemporary design challenges. The proposed curriculum framework can serve as a model for other architectural courses, promoting a holistic and context-sensitive approach to architectural education. By acknowledging and utilizing indigenous spatial capacities, the study advocates for a paradigm shift in architectural pedagogy, aligning theoretical knowledge with practical design applications.
The practical implications of this research extend beyond academic settings. By fostering a deeper understanding of local spatial capacities, future architects can create designs that are more attuned to environmental and cultural contexts. This approach not only enhances the sustainability of built environments but also strengthens the cultural continuity of architectural practices. The study underscores the need for continuous adaptation and evolution of architectural curricula to reflect the dynamic interplay between place, culture, and design.

Abstract Paying attention to the urban landscape is always one of the most important research and executive concerns of researchers and experts in the field of architecture and urban planning, considering that it includes the most visual communication of citizens with the city and transmits a lot of information from the surrounding environment to people. Today, due to the lack of coherent standards and accurate and correct supervision of its implementation in the field of urban facade design and implementation, we are facing a kind of visual turbulence and crisis in the landscape of urban facades. Therefore, by defining programs with the framework of managing and rearrangement ugly urban landscapes, by the urban management, it is tried to take steps to improve the visual quality of these views with different solutions. Thus, according to the amount of intervention in the facade components in order to apply reforms in the form of renovation, rearrangement and trimming out of urban facades, in some cities, with the intervention of the municipality, executive measures have been taken in this regard. Hence, in this research, an attempt has been made to review one of the most recent experiences in this field in the city of Isfahan (Askariyeh and Alam ol-Hoda streets) in the form of a scientific and executive process, and to present the lessons learned from this experience. In general, this study seeks to find an answer to this question that: “what measures can be taken to improve the urban landscape of the existing urban facades? And then by introducing 10 scientific and executive steps in the project which is entitled “preparation of executive documents of the trimming out, renovation, rearrangement and monitoring of implementation”, the strategies obtained in the framework of its plan are presented as urban trimming out measures.

Abstract Introduction
Global transformations in the realms of architecture and urban planning, along with rapid urbanization and heightened public awareness of environmental and social challenges, have created a fertile ground for the present research. This study focuses on the critical shift from mere physical development to place-making within architecture and urban design. Such a transformation necessitates the application of innovative green project management methods, which, through capacity assessment and prioritization, enable the creation of nature-friendly spaces. The central question of this research examines how to enhance constructed environments into place-centered, nature-compatible spaces. To this end, the analysis of environmental, social, and economic dimensions forms the foundational core of the study.
Theoretical framework
This research aims to develop a theoretical and practical framework for designing sustainable interventions in architecture and urban planning. The primary question addresses how green project management methods can be effectively designed and implemented to simultaneously reduce negative environmental impacts and strengthen place attachment and environmental justice. Considering the increasing importance of reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and improving urban life quality, addressing this subject is of paramount significance.
The necessity of this research can be analyzed from two perspectives. First, the need for standardized tools for sustainable environmental interventions amid the growing prevalence of algorithms, guidelines, and protocols in architectural and urban design practices. Second, the urgency of creating convergence between theories and practices related to green management and place-making to address environmental, social, and economic challenges effectively. Gaps in existing literature, such as the lack of interdisciplinary and operational frameworks, serve as motivating factors for this study.
Methodology
The methodology employed in this research is a qualitative meta-synthesis approach centered on theory development. Data were extracted from an analysis of 60 books and 50 articles, with the research process encompassing design, sampling, data collection, analysis, and theoretical development. The phases of this process emphasized identifying key factors and achieving theoretical saturation in the domains of green project management and place-making. Data analysis utilized techniques such as initial and descriptive coding, thematic network mapping, and discourse analysis. The development of analysis further involved inferential convergence and coherence among concepts.
Result and discussion
In the design phase, the problem was precisely defined, and its dimensions were thoroughly articulated. Subsequently, relevant data were collected from library sources based on the defined research samples and target population. Data coding employed elements derived from theoretical foundations, including core concepts, metaphors, expressions, and ideas. During data analysis, the network of intermediary variables was mapped to elucidate semantic alignment and conceptual consistency. Validation, clarity, and appropriateness analyses were conducted to align these variables with the environmental, social, and economic conditions of each region.
Findings indicate that nature-friendly place-making requires integrating green management practices with place-making principles. Twenty place-making and nine green management practices were identified and analyzed. Results revealed that the utilization of green technologies, ecological design, and attention to social and psychological dimensions significantly enhance life quality and environmental sustainability. Moreover, environmental justice and place attachment emerged as pivotal mediating concepts in the success of this process. Aligning these practices with spatial and locational characteristics facilitates context-sensitive decision-making and fosters improved human-nature relationships.
Through the examination of preconceptions and misconceptions in prior literature, this research identified conceptual, methodological, and thematic gaps and endeavored to address these through the proposal of a comprehensive theoretical framework. For instance, adapting green project management methods to local needs and socio-cultural attributes offers a strategy to enhance the effectiveness of architectural and urban interventions. In this regard, the typological analysis of 20 place-making practices and nine green management practices highlighted the potential of standardized tools to adapt these practices to local conditions.
Conclusion
The research also underscores the critical role of key analytical components. Concepts such as vocabulary, categories, and metaphors were instrumental in constructing semantic units related to place-making and green management. These elements provided a solid foundation for establishing a relational network among intermediary variables, including place attachment, environmental justice, and quality of life. Analyses of clarity and discursive translation contributed to a more precise and transparent understanding of these concepts, resulting in the synthesis and integration of data.
Ultimately, this research demonstrated that combining green management with place-making can simultaneously result in spaces that address environmental needs while enhancing social relations and place attachment. The findings serve as a foundation for location-based decision-making and the design of sustainable environmental interventions. Additionally, standardized tools offer a pathway for enhancing environmental quality in architectural and urban planning projects. This theoretical framework provides an opportunity to redefine green design principles and introduce an innovative approach to sustainable development, paving the way for future research in this domain.
By emphasizing the identification and typological analysis of place-making and green management practices, this research has effectively integrated various strategies. This integration has significantly contributed to practical and effective decision-making in the design of sustainable spaces, enabling the application of these findings in architectural and urban planning projects across diverse scales. Consequently, the present study is a pivotal contribution to green project management and sustainable place-making, promoting enhanced environmental quality, pollution reduction, and improved urban life quality.

Abstract One of these tools is the land separation patterns, which allows land users and urban designers and planners to control the existing and future development and construction of the land and adjust it to the standards and criteria appropriate to the form and Close the shape of the city. This research intends to answer its main question, "What is the appropriate and optimal model for land use planning and what are its main components?" The research method is a descriptive-analytical and argumentative method, which by using the collection of library information and studying them as the theoretical background of the research, we will deal with the problems and components of the model of land separation and find out from those criteria and components that are effective on the optimal model. Identify the separation of the land. The purpose of this research is to identify the optimal pattern of land separation in the framework of the country's laws and regulations and to describe its effective components and dimensions. General factors such as economic conditions or existing laws and regulations in the separation of land, unique factors of land such as land conditions, ownership, etc. play a decisive role. Therefore, it is pointless to consider a fixed pattern for all urban spaces due to the presence of factors such as social and cultural, political, and environmental factors that have unstable and unstable variables. be reviewed and monitored.