Document Type : Articles extracted from Thesis
Authors
Department of Human Geography, Geographical science faculty, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction
The deteriorated urban textures in peri-metropolitan areas have become unsafe and uninhabitable due to the decline of infrastructure and various social and economic challenges. In Varamin, a city with a rich cultural history surrounding Tehran, the necessity of revitalizing these areas to improve the quality of life and enhance the environmental and social conditions for residents is evident. These areas are often referred to as historical and cultural mosaics, and their revitalization can help preserve local identity while creating dynamic public spaces. The aim of this article is to identify the factors affecting the regeneration of these urban textures based on the principles of New Urbanism and to propose solutions such as upgrading urban infrastructure, increasing social interactions, and improving the quality of public spaces. The active participation of residents in the planning and implementation processes of projects is crucial; it can help identify genuine needs and foster a sense of belonging among community members.
Creating suitable public spaces for cultural, social, and recreational activities can significantly enhance residents’ quality of life. Additionally, designing green spaces, parks, and walking paths contributes to the physical and mental well-being of the community. The integration of modern technologies and smart urban management practices can further improve the efficiency of the regeneration process. Establishing effective public transportation networks will facilitate residents’ access to urban services and help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.With this comprehensive approach, we can aspire to the sustainable reconstruction of Varamin’s deteriorated urban textures, ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents. These measures can strengthen local identity, foster a dynamic and participatory community, and serve as a successful model for other similar areas across the country.
Methodology
The present study was conducted in a descriptive-analytical manner and falls within the applied research category in terms of purpose. The collection of research resources and data was carried out through two methods: library research and field surveys (using questionnaires distributed to local residents). By employing factor analysis within the SPSS software environment, the main factors were identified, plotted, and analyzed on relevant maps using GIS software.The study area for this research encompasses the approved dilapidated urban areas of Varamin city, which is located 35 kilometers southeast of Tehran. Varamin covers an area of 2,635 hectares and has a population of 225,628 people. The dilapidated urban areas of Varamin are divided into three distinct sections, covering a total of 417.82 hectares, which constitutes 16 percent of the city’s total area. Approximately 32.1% of the population and 30.4% of households reside in this area. The dilapidated region, measuring 354.84 hectares, accounts for 13.47 percent of the entire city, with the highest percentage associated with the oil extraction area in the central part.
Results and discussion
The results of the study indicate that out of all the measured indicators, 13 factors were identified, accounting for a total of 83 percent of the cumulative variance. These factors, listed in order of importance, include: “urban infrastructure,” “social infrastructure,” “traditionalism,” “housing diversity,” “conflicts,” “safety,” “economic organization,” “cultural promotion,” “social welfare,” “vitality,” “accessibility,” “space-building,” “central neighborhood,” and “affordable housing.” Notably, the first six factors account for 52 percent of the cumulative variance and are deemed the most significant for regeneration efforts. The findings reveal that certain criteria, such as the development of walking spaces, sports activities, and increased residential density, received high scores, indicating success in creating appropriate infrastructure and efficient public spaces. These improvements can enhance the quality of life for residents and foster social interactions. Additionally, well-designed pedestrian spaces encourage the use of non-motorized transportation and promote physical activity.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that the dilapidated urban fabric of Varamin, a significant peri-metropolitan area with historical and political importance, is generally poorly aligned with the principles of New Urbanism. This low compatibility is attributed to several factors, including a lack of diversity in land use, insufficient public spaces, issues within transportation networks, unsustainable urban design, and weaknesses in public transportation infrastructure. The presence of dilapidated and inefficient structures, particularly in historical and older areas, poses significant obstacles to implementing these principles.
In comparison to findings from other studies, such as the work of Kalantari et al. (2022), which demonstrates that New Urbanism can enhance the sense of place and quality of life, the results of the present study similarly highlight that the lack of public spaces and diversity in land use in Varamin hampers the improvement of residents’ quality of life. Additionally, international studies, such as the research conducted by Irvan and Ravu (2019), emphasize the importance of reducing car dependency and increasing public transportation usage, which aligns with the findings of this study. The weak public transportation infrastructure in Varamin has led to a greater reliance on private vehicles, contributing to traffic congestion and pollution, which contradicts Jay Lan’s (2017) findings regarding the positive impact of new suburban development on increasing access to transportation stations.
Overall, the results of this study are consistent with those of other research and indicate that to improve the situation in Varamin and align with the principles of New Urbanism, it is essential to address community needs and enhance infrastructure. These measures can significantly improve the quality of life for residents and transform Varamin into a sustainable and attractive city.
Funding
According to the responsible author, this article has no financial support
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.
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