Shahid Beheshti University Sustainable Development of Geographical Environment 2476-5805 7 15 2025 12 22 Applying the political economy of land approach to urban planning Applying the political economy of land approach to urban planning 1 15 106680 10.48308/sdge.2026.241743.1275 FA Rasoul Rahmatzadeh Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 0009-0000-4409-799X Behzad Malekpourasl Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-3708-8515 Gholamreza Kazemian Department of Urban Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 09 29 Introduction: Cities grow and develop under the influence of economic and political forces, and changes in urban spaces are more of a political-economic phenomenon than a natural process. Urban planning, as a discipline that deals with urban development, is not limited to physical and technical aspects but is also shaped by social, economic, and political contexts. One major criticism of urban planning is the focus on technical issues and the lack of attention to the influence of key economic and political powers and actors in urban plans. Despite the importance of the political economy perspective in understanding and analyzing urban issues from the perspective of power in planning, this perspective has not yet been sufficiently conceptualized in planning scholarship. One possible reason is the complexity associated with applying this perspective, because political economy is an interdisciplinary science and is involved in various fields of knowledge, including economic, political, social, and management disciplines. Therefore, the present study attempts to examine and analyze the political economy of land approach, which addresses both the issues of power and political economy in planning while avoiding the complexities associated with the political economy of space perspective. To this end, the study analyzes existing research to propose a conceptual framework for explaining the political economy of land approach with an emphasis on urban planning. Materials and Methods: The study seeks to explain the political economy of land approach and explain its dimensions and components; Therefore, it adopts a descriptive-analytical design andit is applied in nature and qualitative in terms of data, and the data was collected using document analysis and literature review. The PRISMA guidelines were used to identify and extract research sources, and ultimately 42 studies were selected for analysis, including 17 domestic studies and 25 foreign studies. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis and coding through MAXQDA software, and themes related to the political economy of land approach were identified. Results and Discussion: At the theoretical level, the political economy of land approach, which is considered a critical theory of urban planning, seeks to explain land developments that occur as a result of the actions of economic, social, and political powers and actors to accumulate capital through land. Based on this approach, urban land is a platform for capital accumulation and profit-making. This has led to the commodification of land, the consequences of which include inequality and class conflict, excessive urban growth and density, profiteering and land rent, and the destruction of urban cultural and natural heritage. At the analytical level, and based on the analysis of the content of the studies, this approach consists of two main dimensions: one; the political economy dimension and two; the urban land dimension. The components of the political economy dimension include: the motivation and interests of actors, the relationships between actors, and the way actors act, and the components of the land dimension include: land ownership, land exploitation, and land management and policy-making. Conclusion: This study aimed to present a clearer picture of the developments in urban land in the form of a political economy of land approach by reviewing the studies conducted, so that on the one hand, the mere attention of planning from a technical and specialized matter to the issues of power and influence of political economic actors and forces in urban issues is drawn more, and on the other hand, the complexity of the political economy of space perspective is reduced. To this end, by analyzing the studies conducted in this area, a conceptual framework was presented to explain the political economy of land approach in urban planning. Based on the results of the research, the political economy of land approach focuses on identifying key actors and their relationships with each other (cooperation or competition) who, using their power and methods of action, pursue their interests and motivations by influencing the components of land, namely ownership, exploitation, management and policy-making of land, this process has led to the commodification of land. Introduction: Cities grow and develop under the influence of economic and political forces, and changes in urban spaces are more of a political-economic phenomenon than a natural process. Urban planning, as a discipline that deals with urban development, is not limited to physical and technical aspects but is also shaped by social, economic, and political contexts. One major criticism of urban planning is the focus on technical issues and the lack of attention to the influence of key economic and political powers and actors in urban plans. Despite the importance of the political economy perspective in understanding and analyzing urban issues from the perspective of power in planning, this perspective has not yet been sufficiently conceptualized in planning scholarship. One possible reason is the complexity associated with applying this perspective, because political economy is an interdisciplinary science and is involved in various fields of knowledge, including economic, political, social, and management disciplines. Therefore, the present study attempts to examine and analyze the political economy of land approach, which addresses both the issues of power and political economy in planning while avoiding the complexities associated with the political economy of space perspective. To this end, the study analyzes existing research to propose a conceptual framework for explaining the political economy of land approach with an emphasis on urban planning. Materials and Methods: The study seeks to explain the political economy of land approach and explain its dimensions and components; Therefore, it adopts a descriptive-analytical design andit is applied in nature and qualitative in terms of data, and the data was collected using document analysis and literature review. The PRISMA guidelines were used to identify and extract research sources, and ultimately 42 studies were selected for analysis, including 17 domestic studies and 25 foreign studies. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis and coding through MAXQDA software, and themes related to the political economy of land approach were identified. Results and Discussion: At the theoretical level, the political economy of land approach, which is considered a critical theory of urban planning, seeks to explain land developments that occur as a result of the actions of economic, social, and political powers and actors to accumulate capital through land. Based on this approach, urban land is a platform for capital accumulation and profit-making. This has led to the commodification of land, the consequences of which include inequality and class conflict, excessive urban growth and density, profiteering and land rent, and the destruction of urban cultural and natural heritage. At the analytical level, and based on the analysis of the content of the studies, this approach consists of two main dimensions: one; the political economy dimension and two; the urban land dimension. The components of the political economy dimension include: the motivation and interests of actors, the relationships between actors, and the way actors act, and the components of the land dimension include: land ownership, land exploitation, and land management and policy-making. Conclusion: This study aimed to present a clearer picture of the developments in urban land in the form of a political economy of land approach by reviewing the studies conducted, so that on the one hand, the mere attention of planning from a technical and specialized matter to the issues of power and influence of political economic actors and forces in urban issues is drawn more, and on the other hand, the complexity of the political economy of space perspective is reduced. To this end, by analyzing the studies conducted in this area, a conceptual framework was presented to explain the political economy of land approach in urban planning. Based on the results of the research, the political economy of land approach focuses on identifying key actors and their relationships with each other (cooperation or competition) who, using their power and methods of action, pursue their interests and motivations by influencing the components of land, namely ownership, exploitation, management and policy-making of land, this process has led to the commodification of land.

https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_106680_ac19070e144db79b32ac87b88e1d7b19.pdf

Shahid Beheshti University Sustainable Development of Geographical Environment 2476-5805 7 15 2025 12 22 Assessing the Impact of Tehran's Grand Mosalla on the Development of Surrounding Urban Neighborhoods Case Study: Abbas Abad Neighborhood Assessing the Impact of Tehran's Grand Mosalla on the Development of Surrounding Urban Neighborhoods Case Study: Abbas Abad Neighborhood 16 37 106561 10.48308/sdge.2025.240040.1264 FA Forough Eskandarinasab Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran 0009-0005-8530-9625 Ali Shamai Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-0406-1420 Habibollah Fasihi Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-0672-0944 Journal Article 2025 06 12 Introduction: Urban development is a multidimensional concept and a dynamic process that operates beyond the mere physical growth of the city, where social interactions play a key role in shaping and advancing the city. This concept, emphasizing creative and people-centered aspects, seeks to create dynamic and vibrant urban spaces that are formed around the needs and desires of citizens. This study aims to analyze the impacts of the Tehran Grand Mosalla on the development of the Abbas-Abad neighborhood and to contribute to theoretical discussions on sustainable urban development. Materials and Methods: In terms of methodology, this research adopts a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from two main sources: literature resources (including books, articles, reports, and theses) and survey data. A researcher-developed questionnaire with 40 items and a 5-point scale was designed to assess the economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of Mosalla's impacts. The statistical population consisted of 115,930 households residing in Abbas-Abad neighborhood, and the sample size was determined to be 384 individuals using Cochran's formula with a 95% confidence coefficient. Data were analyzed using t-tests and regression analysis in SPSS. Results and Discussion: The findings showed that Tehran Grand Mosalla has had significant positive impacts on the physical, economic, social, and environmental dimensions of Abbas-Abad neighborhood. In the physical dimension, improvement of transportation infrastructure (4.43), sidewalks and drainage (4.12), and electricity infrastructure (4.12) were among the most significant improvements. In the economic dimension, expansion of commercial activities (4.19) and growth of employment opportunities (3.59) were observed. In the social dimension, increased social interactions (4.20) and better access to public transportation (3.74) were among the positive impacts. In the environmental dimension, improvement of neighborhood cleanliness (4.23) and waste management (3.53) were among the achievements, but increased air pollution from 50 to 70 PPM and decreased per capita green space (from 3000 to 2500 square meters) are among the remaining challenges. Regression analysis showed that the impacts of Mosalla at the overall scale were not statistically significant (significance level 0.398), which indicates the need for more precise planning for fairer distribution of benefits and reduction of negative effects. Conclusion: Tehran Grand Mosalla as a major urban megaproject has had extensive and multidimensional impacts on Abbas-Abad neighborhood, encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions. In the economic dimension, this project has led to improvement of economic conditions, expansion of commercial activities, growth of employment opportunities, and capital attraction, but in contrast, has significantly increased housing prices, nearly doubling them and negative impacts on traditional markets, creating challenges for some residents. In the social dimension, Mosalla has contributed to strengthening social interactions, increasing residents' sense of belonging, improving educational opportunities, better access to public transportation, and increasing sense of place, but in contrast, increased traffic and decreased neighborhood security remain important challenges that require special attention. In the environmental dimension, residents reported relatively positive perceptions, and improvement of neighborhood cleanliness and waste management have been positive achievements, but significant increases in air pollution and decreased per capita green space are serious environmental challenges that have created concerns for the neighborhood's future. Regression analysis showed that although Mosalla has had specific impacts on some aspects of the neighborhood, at the overall scale and in relation to all variables, these impacts have not been significant and are mostly concentrated in specific dimensions. The findings of this research are aligned with previous studies on urban megaprojects and show that without precise planning, these projects can lead to erosion of spatial identity. To achieve sustainable and balanced development in this area, future planning should be carried out with a multidimensional approach that, while strengthening the positive effects of the project, also actively controls and reduces negative consequences and distributes benefits more equitably. Introduction: Urban development is a multidimensional concept and a dynamic process that operates beyond the mere physical growth of the city, where social interactions play a key role in shaping and advancing the city. This concept, emphasizing creative and people-centered aspects, seeks to create dynamic and vibrant urban spaces that are formed around the needs and desires of citizens. This study aims to analyze the impacts of the Tehran Grand Mosalla on the development of the Abbas-Abad neighborhood and to contribute to theoretical discussions on sustainable urban development. Materials and Methods: In terms of methodology, this research adopts a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from two main sources: literature resources (including books, articles, reports, and theses) and survey data. A researcher-developed questionnaire with 40 items and a 5-point scale was designed to assess the economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of Mosalla's impacts. The statistical population consisted of 115,930 households residing in Abbas-Abad neighborhood, and the sample size was determined to be 384 individuals using Cochran's formula with a 95% confidence coefficient. Data were analyzed using t-tests and regression analysis in SPSS. Results and Discussion: The findings showed that Tehran Grand Mosalla has had significant positive impacts on the physical, economic, social, and environmental dimensions of Abbas-Abad neighborhood. In the physical dimension, improvement of transportation infrastructure (4.43), sidewalks and drainage (4.12), and electricity infrastructure (4.12) were among the most significant improvements. In the economic dimension, expansion of commercial activities (4.19) and growth of employment opportunities (3.59) were observed. In the social dimension, increased social interactions (4.20) and better access to public transportation (3.74) were among the positive impacts. In the environmental dimension, improvement of neighborhood cleanliness (4.23) and waste management (3.53) were among the achievements, but increased air pollution from 50 to 70 PPM and decreased per capita green space (from 3000 to 2500 square meters) are among the remaining challenges. Regression analysis showed that the impacts of Mosalla at the overall scale were not statistically significant (significance level 0.398), which indicates the need for more precise planning for fairer distribution of benefits and reduction of negative effects. Conclusion: Tehran Grand Mosalla as a major urban megaproject has had extensive and multidimensional impacts on Abbas-Abad neighborhood, encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions. In the economic dimension, this project has led to improvement of economic conditions, expansion of commercial activities, growth of employment opportunities, and capital attraction, but in contrast, has significantly increased housing prices, nearly doubling them and negative impacts on traditional markets, creating challenges for some residents. In the social dimension, Mosalla has contributed to strengthening social interactions, increasing residents' sense of belonging, improving educational opportunities, better access to public transportation, and increasing sense of place, but in contrast, increased traffic and decreased neighborhood security remain important challenges that require special attention. In the environmental dimension, residents reported relatively positive perceptions, and improvement of neighborhood cleanliness and waste management have been positive achievements, but significant increases in air pollution and decreased per capita green space are serious environmental challenges that have created concerns for the neighborhood's future. Regression analysis showed that although Mosalla has had specific impacts on some aspects of the neighborhood, at the overall scale and in relation to all variables, these impacts have not been significant and are mostly concentrated in specific dimensions. The findings of this research are aligned with previous studies on urban megaprojects and show that without precise planning, these projects can lead to erosion of spatial identity. To achieve sustainable and balanced development in this area, future planning should be carried out with a multidimensional approach that, while strengthening the positive effects of the project, also actively controls and reduces negative consequences and distributes benefits more equitably.

https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_106561_b49347b90605366d2092bdc3fdc93b1a.pdf

Shahid Beheshti University Sustainable Development of Geographical Environment 2476-5805 7 15 2025 12 22 Explaining Historical Identity and Cultural Landscape in Urban Tourism Development: A Case Study of Maragheh City Explaining Historical Identity and Cultural Landscape in Urban Tourism Development: A Case Study of Maragheh City 38 53 106654 10.48308/sdge.2026.242673.1283 FA Roghayeh Saeedi Department of Urban Planning, Mara. C., Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran. Ali Azar Department of Urban Planning and Architecture, Mar.C., Islamic Azad University, Maragheh, Iran. 0000-0002-1085-833X Karim Hosseinzadeh Dalir Geography and Urban Planning Department, Mara. C., Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran. 0009-0002-7971-8666 Journal Article 2025 11 28 Introduction: Historical identity and cultural landscape are among the most fundamental components shaping tourists’ experiences in historic cities. Any weakness in organizing these elements may lead to narrative discontinuity, visual fragmentation, and a decline in the overall quality of destination experience. Although Maragheh possesses valuable historical and cultural layers, the city faces a clear mismatch between the perceived importance of its identity-related elements and their actual performance within the urban environment. This gap is particularly evident in aspects such as the visual continuity of the historic fabric, interpretability of cultural markers, and the coherence of tourist pathways. Therefore, a systematic investigation of the role of historical identity and cultural landscape in the development of urban tourism in Maragheh is essential. This study aims to elucidate this role and to identify the managerial and planning priorities required to enhance tourist experience and strengthen the sense of place. Materials and Methods: This study investigates the role of historical identity and cultural landscape in the development of urban tourism in Maragheh using a quantitative–exploratory approach. The study adopts an applied research approach and follows a descriptive–analytical design, aiming to identify perceptual dimensions influencing tourists’ experiences through systematic data collection and statistical analysis. The statistical population includes tourists and visitors to historical areas of Maragheh. Because the exact population size was unknown, it was treated as infinite. Purposive sampling was adopted to ensure participation of individuals with direct experience of the historical urban fabric. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula for infinite populations, with a 95 percent confidence level, a margin of error of 0.05, and a variance ratio of p = q = 0.5, resulting in 384 respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire developed based on internationally recognized indicators related to historical identity and cultural landscape. Content validity was evaluated and confirmed through expert judgment by specialists in tourism, urban planning, and cultural heritage. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability, with all values exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.7. Data analysis was conducted in two stages. First, exploratory factor analysis was applied to identify latent constructs and assess relationships among variables. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure confirmed sampling adequacy, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity indicated data suitability. Second, Importance–Performance Analysis was used to identify gaps between perceived importance and actual performance of key attributes. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that historical identity and cultural landscape constitute the most influential components shaping the tourism experience in Maragheh. EFA revealed a coherent and meaningful structure comprising indicators such as historical legibility, identity narrative, identity distinctiveness, landscape legibility, spatial narrative, visual coherence, quality of spatial experience, cultural engagement, destination image, and urban symbols. The IPA results demonstrated that, despite their high perceived importance, several indicators—including identity narrative, spatial narrative, identity distinctiveness, and urban signage—exhibited lower-than-expected performance and require urgent intervention. Conversely, indicators such as historical legibility, landscape legibility, destination image, and quality of spatial experience performed satisfactorily and should be maintained and strengthened. Conclusion: The study concludes that successful tourism development in Maragheh depends on integrating historical identity and cultural landscape into a coherent, readable, and narrative-driven visitor experience. Enhancing visual coherence, redesigning the signage system, improving identity narratives, and enriching cultural engagement are essential priorities. Overall, the findings emphasize that coordinated management of identity and landscape components is vital to strengthening the city’s tourism potential. Introduction: Historical identity and cultural landscape are among the most fundamental components shaping tourists’ experiences in historic cities. Any weakness in organizing these elements may lead to narrative discontinuity, visual fragmentation, and a decline in the overall quality of destination experience. Although Maragheh possesses valuable historical and cultural layers, the city faces a clear mismatch between the perceived importance of its identity-related elements and their actual performance within the urban environment. This gap is particularly evident in aspects such as the visual continuity of the historic fabric, interpretability of cultural markers, and the coherence of tourist pathways. Therefore, a systematic investigation of the role of historical identity and cultural landscape in the development of urban tourism in Maragheh is essential. This study aims to elucidate this role and to identify the managerial and planning priorities required to enhance tourist experience and strengthen the sense of place. Materials and Methods: This study investigates the role of historical identity and cultural landscape in the development of urban tourism in Maragheh using a quantitative–exploratory approach. The study adopts an applied research approach and follows a descriptive–analytical design, aiming to identify perceptual dimensions influencing tourists’ experiences through systematic data collection and statistical analysis. The statistical population includes tourists and visitors to historical areas of Maragheh. Because the exact population size was unknown, it was treated as infinite. Purposive sampling was adopted to ensure participation of individuals with direct experience of the historical urban fabric. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula for infinite populations, with a 95 percent confidence level, a margin of error of 0.05, and a variance ratio of p = q = 0.5, resulting in 384 respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire developed based on internationally recognized indicators related to historical identity and cultural landscape. Content validity was evaluated and confirmed through expert judgment by specialists in tourism, urban planning, and cultural heritage. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability, with all values exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.7. Data analysis was conducted in two stages. First, exploratory factor analysis was applied to identify latent constructs and assess relationships among variables. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure confirmed sampling adequacy, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity indicated data suitability. Second, Importance–Performance Analysis was used to identify gaps between perceived importance and actual performance of key attributes. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that historical identity and cultural landscape constitute the most influential components shaping the tourism experience in Maragheh. EFA revealed a coherent and meaningful structure comprising indicators such as historical legibility, identity narrative, identity distinctiveness, landscape legibility, spatial narrative, visual coherence, quality of spatial experience, cultural engagement, destination image, and urban symbols. The IPA results demonstrated that, despite their high perceived importance, several indicators—including identity narrative, spatial narrative, identity distinctiveness, and urban signage—exhibited lower-than-expected performance and require urgent intervention. Conversely, indicators such as historical legibility, landscape legibility, destination image, and quality of spatial experience performed satisfactorily and should be maintained and strengthened. Conclusion: The study concludes that successful tourism development in Maragheh depends on integrating historical identity and cultural landscape into a coherent, readable, and narrative-driven visitor experience. Enhancing visual coherence, redesigning the signage system, improving identity narratives, and enriching cultural engagement are essential priorities. Overall, the findings emphasize that coordinated management of identity and landscape components is vital to strengthening the city’s tourism potential.

https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_106654_17f9e38b80f53f7726db5dc099bbe6b4.pdf

Shahid Beheshti University Sustainable Development of Geographical Environment 2476-5805 7 15 2025 12 22 A Comprehensive Analysis of Urban Livability with a Focus on Housing Indicators (Case Study of the Sixteen Neighborhoods of Jiroft City) A Comprehensive Analysis of Urban Livability with a Focus on Housing Indicators (Case Study of the Sixteen Neighborhoods of Jiroft City) 54 68 106464 10.48308/sdge.2025.239806.1253 FA Hamid Reza Rakhshaninasab Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran 0009-0003-1041-0281 Zahra Salari Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran 0009-0005-8353-3746 Journal Article 2025 05 05 Introduction: The rapid growth of the global population, coupled with the rising demand for essential services across sectors such as health, education, and employment, has made housing one of the most pressing global challenges. Housing is no longer limited to the notion of a physical shelter but is increasingly understood as a multidimensional concept that encompasses the entire residential environment. This includes access to vital services and infrastructure that collectively contribute to household well-being and urban sustainability. Factors such as safety, functional land use, environmental quality, place attachment, and spatial identity are pivotal in shaping the overall livability of urban spaces. As a fundamental determinant of urban livability, housing significantly affects the quality of life for urban residents. This study investigates the level of urban livability in Jiroft city, with an explicit emphasis on housing-related indicators across its sixteen neighborhoods. Materials and Methods: Methodologically, the research is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical design. Drawing from an extensive body of of relevant literature, a comprehensive model was developed that frames housing livability within four key dimensions: economic, social, physical-spatial, and environmental. Based on Cochran's sampling formula, a total of 390 structured questionnaires were distributed among households within the sixteen neighborhoods of Jiroft to collect primary data. To analyze the collected data, the study applied the COCOSO (Combined Compromise Solution) method—an advanced multi-criteria decision-making technique known for its capacity to integrate multiple indicators in complex urban analyses. Furthermore, Shannon’s Entropy method was employed to objectively assign weights to each criterion based on their informational significance. To map and visualize spatial patterns of livability, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used, allowing for the detailed identification of disparities in housing conditions and livability levels across the city. Results and Discussion: The analytical results reveal considerable variation in housing livability among Jiroft’s neighborhoods. In the initial evaluation strategy (Ka), Neighborhood 11 achieved the highest livability score (5.92), followed by Neighborhoods 4 (4.54) and 13 (4.44). Conversely, under the final strategy (K), Neighborhoods 15, 16, and 8 were found to be the least livable, with respective scores of -0.87, -1.03, and -1.11. These findings point to significant spatial inequalities that pose a challenge to inclusive urban development if left unaddressed. The study highlights the critical role of spatial diagnostics and multi-criteria assessment tools in urban planning. By identifying areas with poor housing livability, urban policymakers and planners can design targeted interventions aimed at reducing inequalities and enhancing livability for all residents. Conclusion: The study not only offers a replicable methodological framework for similar urban contexts but also underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making in promoting spatial justice and sustainable urban development. The integration of COCOSO and Shannon’s Entropy methods with GIS mapping provides a robust analytical toolset for diagnosing urban disparities and guiding policy interventions. Ultimately, the study advocates for inclusive planning strategies that prioritize housing equity and improve the overall quality of life in urban environments. Introduction: The rapid growth of the global population, coupled with the rising demand for essential services across sectors such as health, education, and employment, has made housing one of the most pressing global challenges. Housing is no longer limited to the notion of a physical shelter but is increasingly understood as a multidimensional concept that encompasses the entire residential environment. This includes access to vital services and infrastructure that collectively contribute to household well-being and urban sustainability. Factors such as safety, functional land use, environmental quality, place attachment, and spatial identity are pivotal in shaping the overall livability of urban spaces. As a fundamental determinant of urban livability, housing significantly affects the quality of life for urban residents. This study investigates the level of urban livability in Jiroft city, with an explicit emphasis on housing-related indicators across its sixteen neighborhoods. Materials and Methods: Methodologically, the research is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical design. Drawing from an extensive body of of relevant literature, a comprehensive model was developed that frames housing livability within four key dimensions: economic, social, physical-spatial, and environmental. Based on Cochran's sampling formula, a total of 390 structured questionnaires were distributed among households within the sixteen neighborhoods of Jiroft to collect primary data. To analyze the collected data, the study applied the COCOSO (Combined Compromise Solution) method—an advanced multi-criteria decision-making technique known for its capacity to integrate multiple indicators in complex urban analyses. Furthermore, Shannon’s Entropy method was employed to objectively assign weights to each criterion based on their informational significance. To map and visualize spatial patterns of livability, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used, allowing for the detailed identification of disparities in housing conditions and livability levels across the city. Results and Discussion: The analytical results reveal considerable variation in housing livability among Jiroft’s neighborhoods. In the initial evaluation strategy (Ka), Neighborhood 11 achieved the highest livability score (5.92), followed by Neighborhoods 4 (4.54) and 13 (4.44). Conversely, under the final strategy (K), Neighborhoods 15, 16, and 8 were found to be the least livable, with respective scores of -0.87, -1.03, and -1.11. These findings point to significant spatial inequalities that pose a challenge to inclusive urban development if left unaddressed. The study highlights the critical role of spatial diagnostics and multi-criteria assessment tools in urban planning. By identifying areas with poor housing livability, urban policymakers and planners can design targeted interventions aimed at reducing inequalities and enhancing livability for all residents. Conclusion: The study not only offers a replicable methodological framework for similar urban contexts but also underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making in promoting spatial justice and sustainable urban development. The integration of COCOSO and Shannon’s Entropy methods with GIS mapping provides a robust analytical toolset for diagnosing urban disparities and guiding policy interventions. Ultimately, the study advocates for inclusive planning strategies that prioritize housing equity and improve the overall quality of life in urban environments.

https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_106464_181aacd36c7f50bedd1a10a3f9be7d32.pdf

Shahid Beheshti University Sustainable Development of Geographical Environment 2476-5805 7 15 2025 12 22 Impact of Physical and Social Work Environment on Employees’ Creativity (Case study: Khorasan Science and Technology Park) Impact of Physical and Social Work Environment on Employees’ Creativity (Case study: Khorasan Science and Technology Park) 69 86 106543 10.48308/sdge.2025.240661.1269 FA Mohammad Bagher Farahi Department of Architectural Engineering and Urbanism, Faculty of Architectural Engineering and Urbanism, Shahrood University of Technology (SUT), Shahrood, Iran. Sara Dadpour Department of Architectural Engineering and Urbanism, Faculty of Architectural Engineering and Urbanism, Shahrood University of Technology (SUT), Shahrood, Iran. 0000-0002-9628-9202 Journal Article 2025 07 12 Introduction: Today, organizations and companies, like living organisms, need to adapt to and cope with challenging work environments. The need to reform bureaucratic processes, maintain competitive advantages, and produce new products and ideas, at both the micro and macro levels, has increased attention toward the need for efficient and creative human resources. Creativity, defined as the potential to develop new processes and modify existing ones, can be one of the most important employee competencies. On the other hand, employee creativity is influenced by a set of different physical, social, and individual factors. Among these, individual creativity is associated with the physical work environment and individuals’ spatial and architectural perception, and the production of ideas. Factors related to the architecture and design of the work environment are of great importance in influencing individual creativity. These factors interact with social and individual dimensions in shaping creativity. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the physical work environment's effect on the individual creativity of employees. Other goals of the research are to examine the mediating role of the social environment and the moderating role of individual factors in the impact of the physical environment on the creativity model. Materials and Methods: The research approach is quantitative, the research strategy is a cross-sectional survey, and the study is applied in nature. Using content analysis of related articles, the research conceptual framework was developed. Quantitative data were gathered using a self-report questionnaire. The initial reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 0.921), and several academic experts approved the questionnaire's face validity. The sample size was determined by the "Daniel Super" method, and the final sample size included 285 respondents who were selected from the employees of knowledge-based companies in the Khorasan Science and Technology Park through convenience sampling. Science and technology parks are a kind of accelerator and expander of the relationship between science, industry, and the environment to pay more attention to creativity. Quantitative data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 software for data screening and preprocessing, exploratory factor analysis and factor extraction, and Amos 24 for confirmatory factor analysis, full structural equation modeling, and hypothesis testing. In exploratory factor analysis, the principal component extraction method and Promax rotation were used. The mediating role of social factors in the effect of physical environment on creativity was tested using the bootstrapping method, and the moderation test of individual factors, including age, work experience, and extraversion, was performed using the multigroup method. Results and Discussion: In the principal component analysis, the three components of social environment, individual creativity, and physical environmentexplained 56.44% of the total variance. According to the research findings, the effect of the physical work environment on the social environment was significant (β = 0.672, p-value = 0.001). Although the direct effect of the physical environment on individual creativity was not significant (β = 0.179, p-value = 0.096), its total effect on creativity (β = 0.506, p-value = 0.000) and its indirect effect through the full mediation of the social environment (β = 0.319, p-value = 0.001) were significant. The research model explained 37% of the changes in individual creativity and 45% of the changes in the social environment. Also, experienced employees (β = 0.818) perceived the workplace social atmosphere as more strongly influenced (p-value = 0.035) by the physical characteristics of the company than novice employees (β = 0.478). Conclusion: Physical workplace factors influence the individual creativity of employees through the mediation of the social environment and by moderating the work experience. Several strategies have been proposed to increase individual creativity. Social strategies include creating more dynamic environments with a greater sense of freedom, creating opportunities for discussion, and facilitating the necessary communication. Physical strategies include having a workspace with decorative and ornamental sections, color-responsive workspace design tailored to user needs, and employees’ participation in choosing the layout and equipment of the workplace. Introduction: Today, organizations and companies, like living organisms, need to adapt to and cope with challenging work environments. The need to reform bureaucratic processes, maintain competitive advantages, and produce new products and ideas, at both the micro and macro levels, has increased attention toward the need for efficient and creative human resources. Creativity, defined as the potential to develop new processes and modify existing ones, can be one of the most important employee competencies. On the other hand, employee creativity is influenced by a set of different physical, social, and individual factors. Among these, individual creativity is associated with the physical work environment and individuals’ spatial and architectural perception, and the production of ideas. Factors related to the architecture and design of the work environment are of great importance in influencing individual creativity. These factors interact with social and individual dimensions in shaping creativity. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the physical work environment's effect on the individual creativity of employees. Other goals of the research are to examine the mediating role of the social environment and the moderating role of individual factors in the impact of the physical environment on the creativity model. Materials and Methods: The research approach is quantitative, the research strategy is a cross-sectional survey, and the study is applied in nature. Using content analysis of related articles, the research conceptual framework was developed. Quantitative data were gathered using a self-report questionnaire. The initial reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 0.921), and several academic experts approved the questionnaire's face validity. The sample size was determined by the "Daniel Super" method, and the final sample size included 285 respondents who were selected from the employees of knowledge-based companies in the Khorasan Science and Technology Park through convenience sampling. Science and technology parks are a kind of accelerator and expander of the relationship between science, industry, and the environment to pay more attention to creativity. Quantitative data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 software for data screening and preprocessing, exploratory factor analysis and factor extraction, and Amos 24 for confirmatory factor analysis, full structural equation modeling, and hypothesis testing. In exploratory factor analysis, the principal component extraction method and Promax rotation were used. The mediating role of social factors in the effect of physical environment on creativity was tested using the bootstrapping method, and the moderation test of individual factors, including age, work experience, and extraversion, was performed using the multigroup method. Results and Discussion: In the principal component analysis, the three components of social environment, individual creativity, and physical environmentexplained 56.44% of the total variance. According to the research findings, the effect of the physical work environment on the social environment was significant (β = 0.672, p-value = 0.001). Although the direct effect of the physical environment on individual creativity was not significant (β = 0.179, p-value = 0.096), its total effect on creativity (β = 0.506, p-value = 0.000) and its indirect effect through the full mediation of the social environment (β = 0.319, p-value = 0.001) were significant. The research model explained 37% of the changes in individual creativity and 45% of the changes in the social environment. Also, experienced employees (β = 0.818) perceived the workplace social atmosphere as more strongly influenced (p-value = 0.035) by the physical characteristics of the company than novice employees (β = 0.478). Conclusion: Physical workplace factors influence the individual creativity of employees through the mediation of the social environment and by moderating the work experience. Several strategies have been proposed to increase individual creativity. Social strategies include creating more dynamic environments with a greater sense of freedom, creating opportunities for discussion, and facilitating the necessary communication. Physical strategies include having a workspace with decorative and ornamental sections, color-responsive workspace design tailored to user needs, and employees’ participation in choosing the layout and equipment of the workplace.

https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_106543_a1dfe599ea83d65c87951821aaa40d3d.pdf

Shahid Beheshti University Sustainable Development of Geographical Environment 2476-5805 7 15 2025 12 22 A Comparative Study of the Impact of Urban Space Design on Citizens' Social Interactions in Tabriz A Comparative Study of the Impact of Urban Space Design on Citizens' Social Interactions in Tabriz 87 104 106544 10.48308/sdge.2025.240828.1270 FA Masoud Haghlesan Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Ilkhchi., Islamic Azad University, Ilkhchi, Iran. 0000-0001-9826-0086 Vahid Rahmani Department of urban planning, Tabriz., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran 0009-0009-5591-8437 Davud Khoshnudifar Department of urban planning, Tabriz., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran 0009-0005-7548-3750 Journal Article 2025 07 25 Introduction: In recent decades, rapid urbanization and physical changes in urban environments have had a significant impact on how citizens interact in public spaces and the quality of social interactions. Urban space is not merely a setting for everyday activities, but also plays a key role in the formation of collective identity, a sense of belonging, and social cohesion. Inappropriate design of public spaces can lead to reduced social interactions, increased individual isolation, and weakening of social capital in cities. Therefore, examining the impact of urban design elements on social interactions is an essential step towards achieving sustainable urban planning. Numerous national and international studies have examined the physical, social, and perceptual dimensions of urban spaces. Research studies have shown that dense and legible spatial structures are the basis for dynamic social interactions. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of spatial design features on the amount and type of social interactions in the city of Tabriz. Using a three-pronged approach including field studies, satellite imagery analysis, and spatial data modeling using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this study seeks to answer the question of which physical and spatial features facilitate or constrain social interactions in different types of urban spaces. This study uses spectral indices such as NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and NDBI (Normalized Building Index) to examine the role of vegetation and building density in promoting social activities. Materials and Methods: The study adopts a mixed-methods approach and includes field data collection (questionnaire), analysis of satellite images (Sentinel and Landsat), and spatial assessment using a geographic information system. The statistical population includes all citizens using four representative urban spaces (El-Goli Park, Valiasr Square, Tabriz Bazaar, and Shariati Street), which was estimated to be about 40,000 people based on the estimated active population in these spaces. Using the Cochran formula and considering a confidence level of 95% and an error level of 0.04 (more accurate) and accounting for invalid or incomplete responses, the sample size was determined to be 750 people, and the results were analyzed using SPSS. Results and Discussion: The results of structural equation modeling in SmartPLS software show that the three components of accessibility (b=0.41), green cover (b=0.37), and spatial legibility (β=0.22) have a significant effect on the growth of social facilities (R²=0.48). Satellite images show that El Goli Park with 65% green cover and a connectivity index of 0.75 has the highest levels, while Shariati Street with 15% green cover and connectivity of 0.45 has a weaker performance. Also, 35% of social characteristics are allocated to walking, followed by socializing with the highest and cultural activities with the lowest. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the spatial and physical design of urban spaces plays an important role in enhancing or limiting social interactions between citizens. Urban environments with high levels of accessibility, green cover, and spatial integrity—such as El Goli Park—showed the highest levels of social interaction. Conversely, sparse and poorly equipped areas, such as Shariati Street, were associated with limited interaction. The integration of field data with satellite-derived indices NDVI and NDBI indices confirmed the effectiveness of remote sensing tools in assessing the socio-spatial quality of urban environments. In addition, demographic factors such as age, gender, and perceived safety significantly influence interaction patterns and should be considered in the design of public spaces. The results of this study can serve as a basis for informed decision-making in urban planning. This study demonstrates the importance of using scientific evidence in the decision-making process and can lead to the creation of a sustainable and efficient urban environment. As a result, applying these findings can support infrastructure planning and improve urban livability and improve the quality of life of citizens. Introduction: In recent decades, rapid urbanization and physical changes in urban environments have had a significant impact on how citizens interact in public spaces and the quality of social interactions. Urban space is not merely a setting for everyday activities, but also plays a key role in the formation of collective identity, a sense of belonging, and social cohesion. Inappropriate design of public spaces can lead to reduced social interactions, increased individual isolation, and weakening of social capital in cities. Therefore, examining the impact of urban design elements on social interactions is an essential step towards achieving sustainable urban planning. Numerous national and international studies have examined the physical, social, and perceptual dimensions of urban spaces. Research studies have shown that dense and legible spatial structures are the basis for dynamic social interactions. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of spatial design features on the amount and type of social interactions in the city of Tabriz. Using a three-pronged approach including field studies, satellite imagery analysis, and spatial data modeling using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this study seeks to answer the question of which physical and spatial features facilitate or constrain social interactions in different types of urban spaces. This study uses spectral indices such as NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and NDBI (Normalized Building Index) to examine the role of vegetation and building density in promoting social activities. Materials and Methods: The study adopts a mixed-methods approach and includes field data collection (questionnaire), analysis of satellite images (Sentinel and Landsat), and spatial assessment using a geographic information system. The statistical population includes all citizens using four representative urban spaces (El-Goli Park, Valiasr Square, Tabriz Bazaar, and Shariati Street), which was estimated to be about 40,000 people based on the estimated active population in these spaces. Using the Cochran formula and considering a confidence level of 95% and an error level of 0.04 (more accurate) and accounting for invalid or incomplete responses, the sample size was determined to be 750 people, and the results were analyzed using SPSS. Results and Discussion: The results of structural equation modeling in SmartPLS software show that the three components of accessibility (b=0.41), green cover (b=0.37), and spatial legibility (β=0.22) have a significant effect on the growth of social facilities (R²=0.48). Satellite images show that El Goli Park with 65% green cover and a connectivity index of 0.75 has the highest levels, while Shariati Street with 15% green cover and connectivity of 0.45 has a weaker performance. Also, 35% of social characteristics are allocated to walking, followed by socializing with the highest and cultural activities with the lowest. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the spatial and physical design of urban spaces plays an important role in enhancing or limiting social interactions between citizens. Urban environments with high levels of accessibility, green cover, and spatial integrity—such as El Goli Park—showed the highest levels of social interaction. Conversely, sparse and poorly equipped areas, such as Shariati Street, were associated with limited interaction. The integration of field data with satellite-derived indices NDVI and NDBI indices confirmed the effectiveness of remote sensing tools in assessing the socio-spatial quality of urban environments. In addition, demographic factors such as age, gender, and perceived safety significantly influence interaction patterns and should be considered in the design of public spaces. The results of this study can serve as a basis for informed decision-making in urban planning. This study demonstrates the importance of using scientific evidence in the decision-making process and can lead to the creation of a sustainable and efficient urban environment. As a result, applying these findings can support infrastructure planning and improve urban livability and improve the quality of life of citizens.

https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_106544_93f26b0150d6e5f01b228b2ab5e4e8e4.pdf

Shahid Beheshti University Sustainable Development of Geographical Environment 2476-5805 7 15 2025 12 22 The Explaining Impact of Urban Planners' Participation in Achieving a Slow neighborhood (Case Study: Bagh-e- Feiz Neighborhood, 5th District, Tehran City) The Explaining Impact of Urban Planners' Participation in Achieving a Slow neighborhood (Case Study: Bagh-e- Feiz Neighborhood, 5th District, Tehran City) 105 120 105639 10.48308/sdge.2025.236869.1213 FA Negar Khoshtarash Department of Urban Planning, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran 0009-0009-8756-6317 Journal Article 2024 09 11 Introduction: Urban development challenges have emerged globally due to rapid urbanization and inadequate attention to citizens’ need for urban tranquility. These challenges manifest through reduced security, traffic congestion, inadequate urban services, and social inequalities. The lack of information and awareness, absence of institutional trust, resource limitations, hierarchical decision-making structures, resistance to innovation, poor communication between planners and organizations, lack of transparency, and absence of strategic goals represent significant barriers to effective urban planning. These issues create gaps between citizens and institutions, leading to diminished belonging and reduced willingness to protect public spaces. The "Tranquil City" movement emerged to improve quality of life while reducing urban pace and protesting fast development patterns. This study examines the impact of urban planner participation components on achieving a tranquil city in Bagh-e-Feyz neighborhood, District 5, Tehran. Materials and Methods: This research adopts an applied research approach with a descriptive-analytical approach and combines literature review and field data collection. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed to identify factors affecting the realization of quiet cities, using a quantitative approach through structural equation modeling. The theoretical framework includes independent variables (components of urban planners' participation) and a dependent variable (achieving a quiet city). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, which showed values above 0.7. Factor loadings for all variables exceeded 0.4, confirming construct reliability and validity. The statistical population consisted of 246 urban planning experts and engineers active in the Bagh-e-Feyz neighborhood, selected due to their professional expertise and deep knowledge of urban planning processes. Using Cochran's formula, 154 individuals were calculated as an appropriate sample size. This study included experts from disciplines including urban planning, geography, architecture, and urban management. Data analysis was performed using SmartPLS software version 4. Results and Discussion: Structural equation modeling analysis revealed significant effects of various variables on urban planners' participation and achieving a quiet city. Urban planners' participation showed the greatest impact on urban quality of life (R² = 0.914). Key factors enhancing participation included improving educational facilities, adhering to sustainability and environmental principles, creating public and recreational spaces, and engaging with residents. The analysis identified critical components such as accessibility and mobility, responsibility in urban actions, participation in urban decision-making, public space management, participation in urban design, and collaboration with local authorities as significant factors. Conclusion: This research demonstrates the critical role of urban planners' participation in achieving sustainable urban development and enhancing urban quality of life. Active participation in planning processes, citizen education initiatives, and creating appropriate urban spaces significantly improve quality of life and strengthen social relations in both old and new urban fabrics. The findings indicate that effective urban planners' participation acts as a catalyst for achieving a tranquil city, requiring comprehensive approaches integrating professional expertise, community engagement, and sustainable development principles. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and urban planning professionals seeking to implement tranquil city concepts. Introduction: Urban development challenges have emerged globally due to rapid urbanization and inadequate attention to citizens’ need for urban tranquility. These challenges manifest through reduced security, traffic congestion, inadequate urban services, and social inequalities. The lack of information and awareness, absence of institutional trust, resource limitations, hierarchical decision-making structures, resistance to innovation, poor communication between planners and organizations, lack of transparency, and absence of strategic goals represent significant barriers to effective urban planning. These issues create gaps between citizens and institutions, leading to diminished belonging and reduced willingness to protect public spaces. The "Tranquil City" movement emerged to improve quality of life while reducing urban pace and protesting fast development patterns. This study examines the impact of urban planner participation components on achieving a tranquil city in Bagh-e-Feyz neighborhood, District 5, Tehran. Materials and Methods: This research adopts an applied research approach with a descriptive-analytical approach and combines literature review and field data collection. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed to identify factors affecting the realization of quiet cities, using a quantitative approach through structural equation modeling. The theoretical framework includes independent variables (components of urban planners' participation) and a dependent variable (achieving a quiet city). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, which showed values above 0.7. Factor loadings for all variables exceeded 0.4, confirming construct reliability and validity. The statistical population consisted of 246 urban planning experts and engineers active in the Bagh-e-Feyz neighborhood, selected due to their professional expertise and deep knowledge of urban planning processes. Using Cochran's formula, 154 individuals were calculated as an appropriate sample size. This study included experts from disciplines including urban planning, geography, architecture, and urban management. Data analysis was performed using SmartPLS software version 4. Results and Discussion: Structural equation modeling analysis revealed significant effects of various variables on urban planners' participation and achieving a quiet city. Urban planners' participation showed the greatest impact on urban quality of life (R² = 0.914). Key factors enhancing participation included improving educational facilities, adhering to sustainability and environmental principles, creating public and recreational spaces, and engaging with residents. The analysis identified critical components such as accessibility and mobility, responsibility in urban actions, participation in urban decision-making, public space management, participation in urban design, and collaboration with local authorities as significant factors. Conclusion: This research demonstrates the critical role of urban planners' participation in achieving sustainable urban development and enhancing urban quality of life. Active participation in planning processes, citizen education initiatives, and creating appropriate urban spaces significantly improve quality of life and strengthen social relations in both old and new urban fabrics. The findings indicate that effective urban planners' participation acts as a catalyst for achieving a tranquil city, requiring comprehensive approaches integrating professional expertise, community engagement, and sustainable development principles. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and urban planning professionals seeking to implement tranquil city concepts.

https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_105639_26175b87805bf0e1e449f6709d5374c8.pdf

Shahid Beheshti University Sustainable Development of Geographical Environment 2476-5805 7 15 2025 12 22 Understanding the idea (better house) in Mehr housing context with SERVQUAL model (perception - waiting) (Case study: Mehr housing in Bijar) Understanding the idea (better house) in Mehr housing context with SERVQUAL model (perception - waiting) (Case study: Mehr housing in Bijar) 121 133 105725 10.48308/sdge.2025.238489.1237 FA Dariuosh Jahani Department of Human Geography, Payam Noor University. Tehran. Iran 0000-0003-4737-3608 Fateme Tilkoy Department of Human Geography and Urban Planning, University of Tabriz, Iran. Ayoob Ahmadpour Department of Human Geography and Urban Planning, University of Tabriz, Iran. Yaghob Haghi Department of Human Geography and Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 01 22 Introduction: Affordable and sustainable housing has long been a major concern for governments and policymakers worldwide. The growing demand for adequate shelter, coupled with rapid urbanization and rising living costs, has made the provision of suitable and affordable housing an essential policy objective. The importance of addressing housing needs and ensuring residential stability has prompted many governments to establish dedicated administrative and political bodies responsible for housing management, with special emphasis on social and low-income housing schemes. In this context, the Mehr Housing Project emerged as one of the largest and most ambitious national programs in Iran, designed to provide affordable housing for low- and middle-income groups nationwide. Despite the extensive efforts and large-scale investments made to support disadvantaged populations through the Mehr Housing Project, research on the degree of residents’ satisfaction and the extent to which these housing units meet their actual needs remains relatively limited. The gap between the intended objectives of the program and the lived experiences of its beneficiaries highlights the need for a more in-depth understanding of residents’ perceptions and expectations. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the satisfaction level of residents living in the Mehr Housing Project of Aftab Town, located in the city of Bijar, Kurdistan Province. The focus is placed on exploring both tangible and intangible dimensions of housing quality and residents’ perceived quality of life, thereby informing future housing policy development. Materials and Methods: This research follows a mixed-method design with employing a descriptive–analytical approach and applied in nature. The study was conducted in September 2024 (Shahrivar 1403). Data were collected using both library and field methods, the latter through structured questionnaires distributed among residents. The field study specifically targeted heads of households residing in Phases 1 and 2 of the Mehr Housing Project in Aftab Town, Bijar, encompassing a total population of 2,300 households. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, resulting in a final sample of 326 participants. The respondents were selected through a simple random sampling method based on a probabilistic sampling technique to ensure representativeness. The questionnaire was designed to measure various dimensions of housing satisfaction and residents’ perceptions of housing quality, including physical environment, accessibility, social interaction, management services, and responsiveness to residents’ needs. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Frequency distributions, mean scores, and correlation analyses were used to assess the relationships between demographic variables, satisfaction levels, and expectation gaps among residents. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that the empathy and need-recognition dimension received the highest score among all the expectation gap indicators. This suggests that, from the residents’ perspective, the level of empathy and understanding demonstrated by housing managers and authorities in the Bijar Mehr Housing Project is relatively acceptable. However, other key indicators such as responsiveness, reliability, and tangible quality showed moderate satisfaction levels, indicating room for improvement. The results also highlight that residents tend to value social cohesion, security, and accessibility to urban services as major factors influencing their overall satisfaction. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that demographic characteristics, including household income and education level, significantly affect satisfaction scores. Residents with higher educational backgrounds exhibited greater sensitivity toward environmental and service quality aspects. These findings underscore the complex interplay between physical infrastructure and social dynamics in shaping residents’ perceptions. The discussion emphasizes that sustainable housing satisfaction extends beyond physical construction alone; it involves effective management, participatory governance, and the fulfillment of social and psychological needs. Conclusion: The study concludes that while the physical and visual aspects of the Mehr Housing Project in Bijar generally meet residents’ expectations, the intangible dimensions—particularly behavioral interactions, sense of belonging, and recognition of citizen rights—have not reached satisfactory levels. To enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of such housing projects, policymakers should adopt a more resident-centered approach that integrates community participation, social support networks, and continuous post-occupancy evaluation. By aligning housing design and management strategies with the actual needs and perceptions of residents, future housing policies can contribute to greater satisfaction, social cohesion, and long-term sustainability Introduction: Affordable and sustainable housing has long been a major concern for governments and policymakers worldwide. The growing demand for adequate shelter, coupled with rapid urbanization and rising living costs, has made the provision of suitable and affordable housing an essential policy objective. The importance of addressing housing needs and ensuring residential stability has prompted many governments to establish dedicated administrative and political bodies responsible for housing management, with special emphasis on social and low-income housing schemes. In this context, the Mehr Housing Project emerged as one of the largest and most ambitious national programs in Iran, designed to provide affordable housing for low- and middle-income groups nationwide. Despite the extensive efforts and large-scale investments made to support disadvantaged populations through the Mehr Housing Project, research on the degree of residents’ satisfaction and the extent to which these housing units meet their actual needs remains relatively limited. The gap between the intended objectives of the program and the lived experiences of its beneficiaries highlights the need for a more in-depth understanding of residents’ perceptions and expectations. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the satisfaction level of residents living in the Mehr Housing Project of Aftab Town, located in the city of Bijar, Kurdistan Province. The focus is placed on exploring both tangible and intangible dimensions of housing quality and residents’ perceived quality of life, thereby informing future housing policy development. Materials and Methods: This research follows a mixed-method design with employing a descriptive–analytical approach and applied in nature. The study was conducted in September 2024 (Shahrivar 1403). Data were collected using both library and field methods, the latter through structured questionnaires distributed among residents. The field study specifically targeted heads of households residing in Phases 1 and 2 of the Mehr Housing Project in Aftab Town, Bijar, encompassing a total population of 2,300 households. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, resulting in a final sample of 326 participants. The respondents were selected through a simple random sampling method based on a probabilistic sampling technique to ensure representativeness. The questionnaire was designed to measure various dimensions of housing satisfaction and residents’ perceptions of housing quality, including physical environment, accessibility, social interaction, management services, and responsiveness to residents’ needs. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Frequency distributions, mean scores, and correlation analyses were used to assess the relationships between demographic variables, satisfaction levels, and expectation gaps among residents. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that the empathy and need-recognition dimension received the highest score among all the expectation gap indicators. This suggests that, from the residents’ perspective, the level of empathy and understanding demonstrated by housing managers and authorities in the Bijar Mehr Housing Project is relatively acceptable. However, other key indicators such as responsiveness, reliability, and tangible quality showed moderate satisfaction levels, indicating room for improvement. The results also highlight that residents tend to value social cohesion, security, and accessibility to urban services as major factors influencing their overall satisfaction. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that demographic characteristics, including household income and education level, significantly affect satisfaction scores. Residents with higher educational backgrounds exhibited greater sensitivity toward environmental and service quality aspects. These findings underscore the complex interplay between physical infrastructure and social dynamics in shaping residents’ perceptions. The discussion emphasizes that sustainable housing satisfaction extends beyond physical construction alone; it involves effective management, participatory governance, and the fulfillment of social and psychological needs. Conclusion: The study concludes that while the physical and visual aspects of the Mehr Housing Project in Bijar generally meet residents’ expectations, the intangible dimensions—particularly behavioral interactions, sense of belonging, and recognition of citizen rights—have not reached satisfactory levels. To enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of such housing projects, policymakers should adopt a more resident-centered approach that integrates community participation, social support networks, and continuous post-occupancy evaluation. By aligning housing design and management strategies with the actual needs and perceptions of residents, future housing policies can contribute to greater satisfaction, social cohesion, and long-term sustainability

https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_105725_2b9f73fb229b87f6f3f9fd3a1511ff9a.pdf