Abstract

Background and purpose
The present research aims to assess and rank the internal capacities of Varamin city. This study, through the analysis of the urban structure and potentials of Varamin, seeks to propose solutions for achieving sustainable development and optimal utilization of the city's internal capacities. Urbanization, as one of the most influential human activities, has had widespread implications for the quality of urban life and sustainable development. Among the consequences, the fragmentation of urban growth, as a major outcome of population concentration in urban centers, has led to serious challenges in the structure and functioning of cities. In recent decades, due to social and economic transformations, Iran has witnessed the rapid growth of cities, some of which, especially those in metropolitan areas, have experienced a phenomenon known as "metropolitan explosion." This phenomenon has been accompanied by rising land prices, the migration of population and activities to the outskirts of cities, and the formation of scattered structures in surrounding urban areas. Varamin city, as one of the cities in the Tehran metropolitan area, has undergone fragmented and scattered development in recent decades due to migration, population growth, and development policies. This trend, in addition to the destruction of agricultural land and the collapse of the city's fundamental economy, requires in-depth analysis and the development of appropriate strategies to optimally utilize the city's internal capacities.
Methodology
This research was conducted through descriptive and analytical methods with an applied objective of examining the potential for inward urban development in Varamin. Various physical and social indicators were utilized. Data was collected from diverse sources and analyzed using various software such as Excel and ArcGIS Pro. Information was analyzed using the Cocoso model in Excel and ArcGIS Pro. Ultimately, the analysis of inward development indicators was based on the results of expert questionnaires and the Cocoso model.
Findings and discussion
Based on the data analysis in the Cocoso model and the research findings, among the three districts of Varamin city, District 2, with the highest score (2.779), District 1 with a score of (2.042), and District 3 with (1.674) have the highest priority and capacity for the implementation of inward development policies. The latent and hidden capacities for inward development in Varamin city mostly include abandoned and uncultivated lands within the legal boundaries of the city, dilapidated and inefficient urban fabrics, and concrete sewage channels. If urban managers pay attention to these areas, they could shift the urban development direction from peripheral development to inward development. Given the large areas of wasteland and incompatible land uses within the legal boundaries of the city, and the potential for increasing the population in the dilapidated urban fabric, especially in the northern parts of the city, the existence of residential land, old buildings, and land uses in Varamin offers great potential for inward development. There is no need to expand the city limits or build in the outskirts of the city. It is better for the development to occur inwardly to reduce the urban sprawl in Varamin. This approach should be aligned with the sensitive position of Varamin and aim to establish a balance in land use within the city.
Conclusion
In this research, various indicators, models, and statistical-spatial techniques were utilized to answer the research question. The findings indicate that the current fabric and boundary of Varamin city have significant potential in this regard. Given the diversity and variety of the social and economic structure of Varamin, implementing smart growth policies and inner-city development requires extensive studies and further field surveys. This is because inner-city development has various dimensions, and any intervention in the urban fabric requires awareness of other dimensions. Based on existing experiences, utilizing the potential for inner-city development in Varamin, with modern approaches such as the 15-minute city, agile city, compact city, and also leveraging the right to transfer development approach, can lead to the sustainable development of this city and the improvement of the quality of residence, which is the goal of all urban development theories and perspectives.