Analysis of the Urban Liveability Situation with Emphasis on Housing Indicators (Case Study: Sixteen Neighborhoods of Jiroft City)

Abstract
The rapid growth of the global population in recent decades, coupled with the increasing demand for basic human needs such as food, education, employment, and healthcare, has made housing one of the most significant global challenges. This issue is particularly acute in developing countries and large cities, where limited resources, social inequality, and poverty exacerbate the housing crisis. Housing is not simply a physical structure; it is a multifaceted concept that encompasses economic, social, environmental, and spatial dimensions. As a result, housing plays a central role in enhancing the overall quality of life, promoting social cohesion, and contributing to the sustainable development of urban communities.

Livability is a core concept in urban planning and studies, which has gained considerable attention in recent years. It refers to the ability of a place to meet the essential needs of its residents, creating an environment conducive to living, working, socializing, and individual development. Housing, as a fundamental element of urban livability, has a significant impact on the quality of life by improving the living environment, promoting social security, supporting mental health, and fostering a sense of belonging and attachment to a place. As such, assessing housing livability can be an effective tool for identifying spatial disparities and inequalities in urban neighborhoods, guiding urban planning and policymaking toward more balanced and equitable development.

This study aims to assess the livability status with a particular focus on the housing index across the sixteen neighborhoods of Jiroft city. The research is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical methodology. Initially, a conceptual framework for evaluating livable housing was developed based on an extensive review of the existing literature. This framework incorporates four main dimensions: economic, social, spatial-physical, and environmental, which form the foundation for assessing housing conditions in Jiroft's neighborhoods. A survey questionnaire was then designed to collect data on housing conditions across these neighborhoods.

A total of 390 questionnaires were distributed through random sampling based on Cochran’s formula, targeting households in all sixteen neighborhoods of Jiroft. The questionnaires were designed to gather data on a variety of indicators related to the four dimensions of housing livability. The collected data were subsequently analyzed using the COCOSO (Combined Compromise Solution) method, a modern multi-criteria decision-making approach that integrates multiple indicators and ranks the neighborhoods accordingly. Additionally, the Shannon entropy method was employed to assign weights to each of the criteria, ensuring the analysis was both objective and data-driven.

To visualize spatial disparities and assess the livability status across neighborhoods, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology was utilized. GIS allowed the creation of detailed analytical maps, which visually represented the livability status of each neighborhood based on different indicators. The findings from the analysis revealed that in the first strategy (Ka), Neighborhood 11 ranked as the most livable neighborhood, with a score of 92.5. This was followed by Neighborhood 12 with a score of 54.4, and Neighborhood 13 with a score of 44.4, placing them second and third, respectively. Conversely, in the final strategy (K), Neighborhoods 15, 16, and 8 were identified as the least livable neighborhoods, with scores of -0.87, -1.03, and -1.11, respectively.


The findings of this study highlight significant spatial inequalities and variations in housing conditions and livability across Jiroft’s neighborhoods. If left unaddressed, these disparities could lead to exacerbating social, economic, and environmental problems in the future. As such, it is recommended that urban policymakers and local authorities implement strategies based on spatial justice and balanced development to improve housing conditions and enhance the quality of life in less favorable neighborhoods. Key measures to improve livability include enhancing housing quality, improving local infrastructure, increasing access to public services, and fostering a greater sense of community attachment.

In conclusion, this study provides a practical model for assessing housing conditions and livability, which can be applied to other cities facing similar urban challenges. The results and recommendations from this research offer valuable insights for urban policymakers, planners, and local authorities, helping them make informed decisions aimed at improving housing conditions and enhancing the overall quality of life for urban residents. By addressing these challenges comprehensively and systematically, it is possible to create more livable, equitable, and sustainable urban environments for present and future generations. it is