انجمن جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی شهری ایران مجله شهر پایدار 2476-6631 9 1 2026 05 10 An Analysis of Citizens' Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Urban Management: A case study of Mashhad city تحلیلی بر ادراک شهروندان از کاربردهای هوش مصنوعی در مدیریت شهری مطالعه موردی: شهر مشهد 1 15 229456 10.22034/jsc.2025.525145.1848 FA سیدعلیرضا سجادی گروه شهرسازی، دانشکده معماری و شهرسازی، دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد، مشهد، ایران 0009-0004-5111-2368 امیررضا خاوریان گرمسیر گروه جغرافیا و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشکده علوم جغرافیایی و برنامه‌ریزی، دانشگاه اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران 0000-0001-8609-1748 Journal Article 2025 12 26 A B S T R A C T Artificial intelligence (AI), as a key technology of the digital era, offers extensive capacities to enhance the quality of urban services and improve crisis-management processes. Through big-data analytics, real-time processing, and accurate predictive modeling, AI can reduce costs, accelerate decision-making, and increase the efficiency of public services. Nevertheless, concerns such as privacy violations, data security risks, overreliance on intelligent systems, and job displacement introduce new socio-cultural challenges. This study was designed and conducted to examine the public perceptions of residents of the metropolis of Mashhad regarding AI applications in two domains—urban services and crisis management. The analysis focused on four principal constructs: “perceived risks,” “user comfort and trust,” “application in urban services,” and “role in crisis management.” Data were collected in 2024 through a cross-sectional survey using a seven-point Likert-scale questionnaire; after screening, 380 valid responses were analyzed. Instrument validity was supported by a review of the theoretical literature, and reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha exceeding 0.80. Factor analysis and multivariate regression indicated that these four constructs jointly explained 68% of the variance in public perceptions. The findings show that, although AI applications in urban services and crisis management were received favorably, serious concerns persist regarding privacy breaches, potential medical errors, and system robustness. Moreover, hands-on experience with AI increased user trust but reduced satisfaction with urban services, and demographic variables exhibited no significant effects. We conclude that the sustainable adoption of AI requires strengthening technical infrastructure, enhancing algorithmic transparency, providing technology-literacy training, and enacting equitable policies aligned with social justice. Exended Abstract Introduction The accelerating integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into urban management has redefined the dynamics of service delivery, crisis response, and citizen–government relations. As a transformative technology, AI enables predictive analytics, automation, and real-time decision-making that can enhance the efficiency of public services, optimize resource use, and improve urban resilience. However, it also introduces concerns regarding privacy, ethical accountability, algorithmic bias, job displacement, and overreliance on automated systems. The duality of opportunities and risks makes public perception a decisive factor in AI adoption within urban contexts. The present study situates this debate within Mashhad, Iran’s second largest metropolis, which is characterized by high population density, substantial urban infrastructure challenges, and a rapidly expanding smart city agenda. Mashhad’s recent investments in digital infrastructures, smart governance initiatives, and fiber optic expansion provide a fertile ground for examining citizen perspectives. The research is driven by the recognition that while technological capacity is growing, the sustainability and legitimacy of AI integration depend upon citizen acceptance, trust, and perceived benefits. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and ethical AI principles (AI4People), the study conceptualizes citizen perception along four principal dimensions: (1) perceived threats, including privacy violations and misuse; (2) comfort and trust, reflecting confidence in institutions and AI providers; (3) applications of AI in urban services, such as transportation, safety, and efficiency improvements; and (4) the role of AI in crisis management, encompassing disaster preparedness and emergency response. By exploring these dimensions, the study provides insights into how citizens negotiate between optimism about efficiency gains and caution regarding social risks. Methodology The research employed a quantitative survey-based design, focusing on Mashhad’s residents as the target population. Using Cochran’s formula for indeterminate populations, a sample size of 385 was estimated; 380 valid responses were ultimately collected in 2023. The sample consisted of residents aged 18 and above, distributed through online questionnaires. The survey instrument was carefully developed through literature review and validation by urban studies experts. It included structured items measuring the four key constructs: perceived threats, comfort/trust, urban service applications, and crisis management roles of AI. Items were designed on a 7-point Likert scale, ranging from strong disagreement to strong agreement. The questionnaire also included demographic variables (age, gender, education, employment, and income), along with self-assessed AI knowledge and experience. Reliability tests confirmed high internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.80 across dimensions. Validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using SPSS, supported by the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO = 0.879) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity (χ² = 4059.70, p < 0.001). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation extracted the four anticipated factors, which together explained 68% of the total variance. This robust methodological approach ensured that the constructs accurately reflected citizens’ cognitive and affective orientations toward AI. The data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation matrices, and regression modeling to explore relationships between perceptions and demographic or experiential predictors. Results and discussion The results reveal a nuanced and ambivalent perception of AI among Mashhad’s citizens. Perceived threats emerged as a salient concern. Respondents expressed apprehension regarding privacy breaches, unauthorized surveillance, misdiagnosis in medical AI applications, and the potential for widespread unemployment due to automation. The mean scores for threat items were relatively high (around 3.9 on a 7-point scale), indicating a cautious or skeptical orientation. Concerns about misuse in terrorism, biased decision-making, and even existential risks such as “machines surpassing humans” further reflected anxiety about uncontrolled technological expansion. Comfort and trust showed moderate levels. While some citizens expressed confidence in governmental and private sector use of AI, trust remained fragile, averaging just above the mid-point (mean ≈ 3.9). Factors such as familiarity with AI and prior experience correlated positively with trust, suggesting that exposure mitigates fear. Conversely, older age correlated negatively with trust, reflecting generational divides. Gender differences were also noted, with men reporting slightly higher trust levels than women, though not statistically significant. Applications in urban services generated comparatively more optimism. Citizens acknowledged AI’s potential to reduce costs, optimize resource allocation, enhance transportation systems, and improve safety monitoring. The mean scores in this dimension exceeded 4.2, highlighting relative acceptance. However, regression analysis revealed a paradox: practical experience with AI was negatively associated with perceived usefulness in urban services. This suggests that unmet expectations or skepticism about AI’s readiness may temper enthusiasm among experienced users. Crisis management roles of AI were widely endorsed. Respondents valued AI for disaster prediction, emergency response, rescue operations, and dissemination of accurate crisis information. Items such as AI’s ability to issue early warnings and identify high-risk areas scored above 4.0, reflecting strong agreement. Nearly half of respondents “strongly agreed” that AI could significantly improve emergency response efficiency. Interestingly, despite limited firsthand experience, citizens were willing to place trust in AI during high-stakes scenarios, demonstrating reliance on its perceived objectivity and rapid analytical capabilities. Regression models further indicated that AI knowledge and practical familiarity significantly influenced perceptions. Knowledge positively affected trust and comfort, while experience had dual effects—enhancing trust but lowering optimism about urban service applications. Demographic variables such as education and income showed negligible impact, underscoring the cross-cutting nature of perceptions. Conclusion The study highlights a complex blend of optimism and skepticism among Mashhad’s citizens toward AI in urban management. On one hand, there is clear recognition of AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, improve public services, and strengthen disaster resilience. Citizens appear especially receptive to AI applications in crisis management, perceiving them as life-saving tools with tangible societal benefits. On the other hand, apprehensions about privacy invasion, job displacement, and opaque decision-making remain prominent. The negative relationship between perceived threats and trust underscores the necessity of transparent governance, accountability frameworks, and public education. Citizens’ mixed attitudes suggest that acceptance of AI is conditional upon safeguarding social justice, ensuring fairness, and aligning technological innovation with ethical principles. The findings carry important policy implications. Urban managers and policymakers must prioritize transparent communication, participatory design, and equitable access to AI-enabled services. Building trust requires not only technical reliability but also visible efforts to address ethical, social, and cultural concerns. Education campaigns to raise technological literacy can reduce uncertainty, while pilot projects demonstrating concrete benefits can bridge the gap between expectations and lived experiences. Ultimately, the Mashhad case reveals that the success of AI in urban management depends less on technical capabilities and more on cultivating trust, mitigating risks, and embedding AI within a framework of inclusive governance. AI can indeed become a catalyst for sustainable and resilient urban futures, but only if its deployment is socially responsive, ethically grounded, and transparent to the citizens whose lives it seeks to transform. Funding There is no funding 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. هوش مصنوعی به‌عنوان یکی از فناوری‌های کلیدی عصر دیجیتال، ظرفیت‌های گسترده‌ای برای ارتقای کیفیت خدمات شهری و بهبود فرآیندهای مدیریت بحران فراهم ساخته است. این فناوری با قابلیت تحلیل کلان داده‌ها، پردازش لحظه‌ای و پیش‌بینی دقیق، می‌تواند به کاهش هزینه‌ها، افزایش سرعت تصمیم‌گیری و کارآمدی خدمات عمومی منجر شود. بااین‌وجود، نگرانی‌هایی نظیر نقض حریم خصوصی، امنیت داده‌ها، وابستگی بیش‌ازحد به سامانه‌های هوشمند و تهدیدات شغلی، ابعاد تازه‌ای از چالش‌های اجتماعی و فرهنگی را پدید آورده است. پژوهش حاضر با هدف بررسی ادراک عمومی شهروندان کلان‌شهر مشهد نسبت به کاربردهای هوش مصنوعی در دو حوزه خدمات شهری و مدیریت بحران طراحی و اجرا گردید. مطالعه بر چهار سازه اصلی شامل «تهدیدات ادراک‌شده»، «راحتی و اعتماد»، «کاربرد در خدمات شهری» و «نقش در مدیریت بحران» متمرکز شد. داده‌ها در سال ۱۴۰۳ از طریق پیمایش مقطعی و با بهره‌گیری از پرسش‌نامه لیکرت ۷ درجه‌ای گردآوری شد و پس از غربال‌گری، ۳۸۰ پاسخ معتبر مورد تحلیل قرار گرفت. روایی ابزار از طریق مرور مبانی نظری و پایایی آن با آلفای کرونباخ بالای 8/0 تأیید گردید. نتایج تحلیل عاملی و رگرسیون چند متغیره نشان داد که چهار عامل مذکور توانستند ۶۸ درصد از واریانس ادراک عمومی را تبیین کنند. یافته‌ها نشان دادند که هرچند کاربردهای هوش مصنوعی در خدمات شهری و مدیریت بحران با استقبال مثبت همراه بوده است، اما نگرانی‌های جدی در زمینه نقض حریم خصوصی، خطاهای احتمالی پزشکی و پایداری سامانه‌ها همچنان برجسته‌اند. همچنین، تجربه عملی با هوش مصنوعی، اعتماد کاربران را افزایش داد اما رضایت از خدمات شهری را کاهش داد و متغیرهای دموگرافیک اثر معناداری نداشتند. در نتیجه، برای تقویت پذیرش پایدار هوش مصنوعی، ارتقای زیرساخت‌های فنی، شفاف‌سازی الگوریتم‌ها، آموزش‌های ارتقادهنده سواد فناورانه و سیاست‌گذاری عادلانه متناسب با عدالت اجتماعی ضروری است.

https://www.jscity.ir/article_229456_ae09f1ef8e66fe3b22ba9832de96731d.pdf

انجمن جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی شهری ایران مجله شهر پایدار 2476-6631 9 1 2026 04 21 Measuring Urban Prosperity from the Perspective of Functional Distribution Patterns Within the Urban Spatial Structure: A case study of Sahand New City سنجش شکوفایی شهری از منظر الگوی توزیع عملکردها در ساختار فضایی شهر مطالعه موردی: شهر جدید سهند 17 34 243696 10.22034/jsc.2026.573859.1908 FA حسین محمدی قاضیجهانی گروه شهرسازی، واحد مرند، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، مرند، ایران 0009-0002-2530-808X حسین نظم فر گروه جغرافیا و برنامه ‌ریزی روستایی، دانشکده برنامه‌ریزی و علوم محیطی، دانشگاه تبریز، تبریز، ایران 0009-0004-6804-4517 علی آذر گروه شهرسازی و معماری، واحد مراغه، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، مراغه، ایران 0000-0002-1085-833X Journal Article 2025 12 26 A B S T R A C T As a new sustainability paradigm introduced by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in 2012, urban prosperity is influenced by multiple factors. Chief among these is the city’s spatial structure, examined from the Perspective of balanced functional distribution. The objective of this study is to assess urban prosperity based on the pattern of functional distribution within the spatial structure of Sahand New City. This research adopts a quantitative approach for applied purposes, involving spatial analysis. Data analysis was performed using the Location Quotient (LQ) model, complemented by GIS tools such as buffer analysis, standard deviation ellipse, mean center, nearest neighbor index, and geographically weighted regression (GWR). The research findings indicate that the built-up area in Sahand City is 8,269,847 square meters. Based on accessibility to main functions, 21.14% of this area is in favorable conditions, 26.05% is in relatively favorable conditions, 24.85% is in moderate conditions, and 34.89% is in unfavorable conditions. Moreover, the Nearest Neighbor Index test results point to a clustered spatial organization of functions within Sahand New City. The analysis using the Location Quotient further highlights a significant degree of centralization, primarily focused on Phase 1 and its sub-district 1-1. According to the Geographically Weighted Regression model, District 1-1 exhibits the most favorable correlation between urban functions and population. Finally, the study concludes that Sahand’s spatial structure, characterized by its current pattern of functional distribution, is not optimally suited for the realization of urban prosperity. Extended Abstract Introduction This study, by concentrating on evaluating urban prosperity from the perspective of functional distribution patterns within the spatial structure of Sahand New City, aims to provide a practical tool for improving the current situation. The primary objective of this study is to measure urban prosperity in terms of functional distribution patterns within the spatial structure of Sahand New City. In line with achieving this goal, the following specific objectives are pursued: assessing the urban functional status; identifying the prevailing pattern of functional distribution and determining its alignment with the paradigm of urban prosperity, spatial justice principles; and finally, providing practical solutions and recommendations based on the research findings to improve the spatial distribution of functions, reduce access inequalities, and achieve urban prosperity in Sahand New City. In pursuit of the aforementioned objectives, this study aims to address the following research questions: how are the various urban functions of Sahand New City positioned regarding their spatial dispersion, functional reach, spatial correlation, and spatial clustering, viewed from the perspective of the urban prosperity paradigm? what is the nature of the association between the spatial distribution of functions and population across the various districts of Sahand New City, in the context of achieving urban prosperity? By employing quantitative and analytical techniques within Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and utilizing a range of statistical and spatial indices, this research addresses the preceding questions. The Results are expected to yield a thorough and nuanced understanding of Sahand New City’s spatial structure, thereby creating a scientific blueprint for urban planning and management that champions the principles of prosperity, sustainability, and spatial justice. Methodology The research method employed in this study is quantitative, applied in purpose, and spatial-analytical in nature, with data collected through documentary methods. Aiming to assess urban prosperity from the perspective of functional distribution patterns in Sahand New City, this research adopts a multi‑level analytical framework based on a set of interrelated indicators and sub‑indicators. The core indicator employed in this research is urban prosperity, conceptualized as the aggregate dependent variable. Its assessment is carried out through an examination of spatial structures and the distribution of urban functions. This overarching indicator encompasses five subsidiary dimensions, each composed of distinct sub‑indices. Indicator 1: Spatial Structure of the City. This dimension investigates the interplay among four principal determinants shaping the city’s spatial organization. The associated sub‑indicators comprise: Morphological factors, Economic factors, Socio‑cultural factors, Environmental factors, Indicator 2: Functional Distribution. This indicator measures the pattern of dispersion and concentration of urban land uses. Indicator 3: Spatial Equity. This indicator assesses the equality in the distribution of urban services and facilities. Indicator 4: Quantitative Analytical Tools of the Methodology. These comprise the quantitative instruments utilized within the research framework. Indicator 5: Key Measurement Tools. These are specific tools for measurement, including: Location Quotient (LQ) to observe how concentrated or specialized functions are; Nearest Neighbor analysis to understand how close things are to each other; Infrastructure assessment to evaluate the quality and spread of city infrastructure; Statistical and spatial measures for quantitative evaluations. Results and Discussions Findings illustrate that Sahand New City struggles with major structural issues in becoming a thriving city, particularly when it comes to fairly distributing different urban functions. The analysis highlights a pattern where functions are clustered in a few districts, with a heavy concentration of services in neighborhoods 1-1 and 2-1, while other neighborhoods lack these services or have very few. This clearly indicates unequal access across the city. Such a pattern is in diametric opposition to the urban prosperity paradigm, predicated upon spatial equilibrium, equitable accessibility, and the balanced providing of facilities. A profound disparity between population distribution and service provision emerges as another pivotal finding of this investigation. The diminutive coefficient of determination (24%) within the spatial regression model, coupled with the inverse correlation observed between cultural, recreational, and sports functions and population density, signifies a deficiency in the synergy between land-use planning strategies and demographic trajectories. This situation, particularly considering that over one-third of the city’s built-up environment (34.89%) suffers from unfavorable conditions regarding accessibility to essential services, challenges equitable access as a cornerstone of urban prosperity. Overall, the spatial structure of Sahand New City, in terms of functions\al distribution, is not on the path to achieving urban prosperity. The extreme concentration, the uneven spread of services, and the lack of adequate access for large parts of the city mean that we urgently need to rethink our strategies for choosing locations and distributing services. Moving towards a model with multiple centers, or a spread-out yet connected system with a fairer distribution of functions across different neighborhoods, could be a significant step in reducing unevenness, making the city more adaptable, and building a stronger foundation for urban prosperity. Conclusion Analyzing the spatial structure of the city from the perspective of functional distribution reveals that the arrangement of urban land uses plays a fundamental role in shaping spatial patterns, functional efficiency, urban living quality, and ultimately, urban prosperity. In this regard, studies in the Sahand New City demonstrate, it is monocentric in terms of functions, with a focus on Phase 1 and district 1-1. In other words, polarization of functions is observable in this city. In terms of the suitability of functions with the population, the most desirable relationship pertains to district 1-1 and to some extent district 2-1. In other areas, there isn’t a good balance between functions and population, and they are in a dire situation. Also, in terms of accessing these functions, only about 14% of the city’s built-up area is in a good condition, and around one-third (about 35%) of the built-up area is outside the range where these functions are accessible. Ultimately, it can be said that the distribution of these functions exhibits a clustered pattern, centered around the city’s formation core, which is Phase 1. Consequently, a spatial imbalance in the distribution of the city’s functions is evident. Therefore, the distribution of functions in Sahand New City is in contrast with the paradigm of urban prosperity. Funding There is no funding 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. شکوفایی شهری یکی از پارادایم‌های جدید پایداری است که برنامه اسکان بشر سازمان ملل متحد در سال 2012 مطرح کرده است. عوامل مختلفی تبیین‌کننده مفهوم شکوفایی شهری می‌باشند که یکی از مهم‌ترین این عوامل ساختار فضایی شهر از منظر الگوی توزیع متعادل عملکردها می‌باشد. پژوهش حاضر با هدف ارزیابی شکوفایی شهری از منظر الگوی توزیع عملکردها در ساختار فضایی شهر جدید سهند نگارش شده است. روش تحقیق در مطالعه حاضر کمی با هدف کاربردی و ماهیت تحلیل فضایی می‌باشد که در راستای تجزیه‌وتحلیل اطلاعات از مدل ضریب مکانی (LQ) و همچنین ابزار بافر، بیضی انحراف معیار، مرکز متوسط، شاخص نزدیک‌ترین همسایه و رگرسیون جغرافیایی وزنی در نرم‌افزار GIS استفاده‌شده است. یافته‌های تحقیق حاکی از آن است که مساحت محیط ساخته‌شده در شهر سهند 8269847 مترمربع می‌باشد که از این مقدار بر اساس دسترسی به عملکردهای اصلی، 21/14 درصد در شرایط مطلوب، 05/26 درصد در شرایط مطلوبیت نسبی، 85/24 درصد در شرایط متوسط و 89/34 درصد در شرایط نامطلوب قرار داشته‌اند. همچنین نتایج حاصل از آزمون شاخص نزدیک‌ترین همسایه نشان از توزیع خوشه‌ای عملکردها در سطح شهر جدید سهند دارد. بر اساس رویکرد ضریب مکانی نیز تمرکزگرایی شدید با محوریت فاز 1 و ناحیه 1-1 در شهر جدید سهند حاکم می‌باشد. بر مبنای مدل رگرسیون جغرافیایی وزنی می‌توان گفت که مطلوب‌ترین رابطه بین عملکردها با جمعیت مربوط به ناحیه 1-1 1 است. در نهایت می‌توان عنوان کرد که ساختار فضایی سهند از منظر الگوی توزیع عملکردها چندان متناسب تحقق شکوفایی شهری نمی‌باشد.

https://www.jscity.ir/article_243696_2e5db3b74834888fbd03a6e8cac59e31.pdf

انجمن جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی شهری ایران مجله شهر پایدار 2476-6631 9 1 2026 05 11 Determining the Drivers of Culture-led Regeneration of Bushehr's Historic Fabric: A case study of Khayyam-Khani تعیین پیشران‌های بازآفرینی فرهنگ- مبنا بافت تاریخی بوشهر مطالعه موردی: آیین خیامی 35 51 243998 10.22034/jsc.2026.544099.1875 FA مهسا چیزفهم دانشمندیان گروه شهرسازی، دانشکده هنر و معماری، دانشگاه خلیج‌فارس، بوشهر، ایران 0000-0001-5824-6060 سمیه شرونی گروه زبان و ادبیات فارسی، دانشکده ادبیات و علوم انسانی، دانشگاه خلیج‌فارس، بوشهر، ایران Journal Article 2025 12 27 A B S T R A C T Despite its distinctive architecture and valuable cultural assets, the historic fabric of Bushehr is experiencing substantial physical deterioration and profound social stagnation. Under these conditions, the Khayyami Ritual, as an important form of intangible cultural heritage—holds considerable potential to serve as a catalyst for the area’s cultural and spatial revitalization. This study aims to identify and prioritize strategies for culture-led regeneration, with particular emphasis on the potential of Khayyami performances. Methodologically, the research adopts a mixed-methods design and is applied in its purpose. Relevant culture-led regeneration strategies were first identified through an extensive literature review and subsequently prioritized by local experts. The MICMAC structural cross-impact analysis was then used to assess the influence and dependence of each strategy, enabling the identification of key driving variables. The findings show that three strategies, expanding cultural events, reconstructing and rehabilitating historic buildings, and strengthening the creative industries, exert the greatest influence and thus constitute the principal drivers of Bushehr’s regeneration. As such, major investments and policy initiatives should be concentrated in these domains. In parallel, the careful management of urban image and branding is essential. Other strategies hold secondary priority and are likely to become operational once the primary drivers have been successfully established. Nevertheless, ensuring long-term sustainability requires dedicated attention to social participation and institutional collaboration. Overall, the proposed analytical framework provides a strategic roadmap for policymakers and urban planners seeking to guide the sustainable and culturally grounded regeneration of Bushehr’s historic fabric. Extended Abstract Introduction The historic fabric of cities, despite its rich architectural qualities, is today facing a set of interrelated challenges, including declining social vitality, economic stagnation, and the growth of underutilized areas. These valuable urban cores, which embody cultural heritage and urban identity, have been unable to participate effectively in the process of urban development due to residents’ economic difficulties and the lack of adequate governmental programs. As a result, a wide range of physical, social, and cultural assets within these areas are gradually deteriorating and, in some cases, being completely lost. Addressing these conditions necessitates an approach that extends beyond conventional conservation practices and instead seeks to activate the endogenous potentials of historic districts while maintaining their heritage values. Within this perspective, culture-based regeneration has emerged as a conceptual framework that links heritage preservation with social revitalization and economic development.This approach treats culture not merely as an intrinsic value but as a strategic instrument for stimulating economic development and revitalizing historic districts. By emphasizing local scales and the dynamics of human–place interaction, culture-led regeneration aims to cultivate distinctive, attractive urban environments capable of drawing the talent and investment associated with creative industries. Within this context, the recent emergence of the Khayyam-Khani, musical performances based on Khayyam’s quatrains, has played a notable role in activating cultural spaces, reinforcing social vitality, and attracting both domestic and international visitors. This phenomenon presents a distinctive opportunity to formulate integrated strategies that simultaneously advance social revitalization and economic development. Nevertheless, conservation efforts in Bushehr have predominantly been limited to isolated, single-building interventions. These fragmented actions have not succeeded in reconstituting the social networks or establishing the sustainable economic mechanisms required for long-term regeneration. To address this gap, the present study identifies, analyzes, and prioritizes culture-led regeneration strategies tailored to Bushehr’s historic fabric, with particular emphasis on the transformative potential of the Khayyam-Khani. The research is guided by two principal questions: Given the endogenous capacities of Bushehr’s historic fabric, which culture-led regeneration strategies are most effective? How can these strategies be prioritized through an examination of their interrelationships? Methodology This study adopts a mixed-methods and applied research design, with the overarching aim of developing a practical framework for selecting effective regeneration strategies. The research was implemented in two principal stages. First, an extensive review of the literature, supported by exploratory desk-based research, was conducted in order to identify culture-based regeneration strategies. Second, the Delphi technique was applied to contextualize and prioritize these strategies for the case of Bushehr. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire administered to a purposive sample of 15 experts, including university academics, urban planners, tourism specialists, and local music practitioners, all with a minimum of five years of professional experience. Content validity was ensured through the preliminary review and confirmation of the questionnaire by selected academics and subject-matter specialists before the formal commencement of the Delphi rounds. Reliability was established by attaining theoretical saturation and achieving statistical stability in expert responses during the final round. Finally the resulting data were analyzed and classified using the MICMAC method (Matrix of Cross-Impact Multiplications Applied to Classification). This structural-analysis approach evaluates the interrelationships among key variables within a complex system to identify the most influential “driving” variables that guide future development pathways. A direct-influence matrix was employed to score pairwise relationships on a scale ranging from 0 (no relationship) to 3 (strong relationship). Results and Discussion Following the review of theoretical foundations, eight core culture-based regeneration strategies were identified. These strategies comprise: (1) strengthening cultural and creative industries; (2) event-based urbanism; (3) fostering the presence of artists and the broader creative class; (4) enhancing social participation and institutional collaboration; (5) reconstructing and rehabilitating historic buildings; (6) improving urban spaces and advancing placemaking; (7) cultivating a distinctive urban image and brand; and (8) developing cultural tourism. To examine the feasibility of these strategies within the specific contextual conditions of Bushehr’s historic fabric, a structured questionnaire was developed and administered among experts. Following the criteria established in the research methodology, a purposive sample of 15 specialists was selected, including 5 university academics in urban planning and architecture, 3 experts from the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization, 5 municipal managers and planners, and 2 professionals in tourism and urban tour operations. The findings from several successive rounds of the Delphi method, after achieving consensus among experts, served as the basis for structural analysis using the MICMAC software. To describe the relationships, a Direct Influence Matrix (MDI) was employed. In this matrix, influence scores ranged from 0 to 3, where 0 indicates no relationship, 1 indicates a weak influence, 2 indicates a moderate influence, and 3 indicates a strong influence. Additionally, the symbol P denotes potential influence, which cannot be determined through consensus. Data from the statistical rounds were analyzed in an 8×8 matrix corresponding to the selected indicators. Out of the 64 evaluated relationships (influence and influenced), 27 relationships scored 0 (no effect), 11 scored 1 (low effect), 10 scored 2 (moderate effect), and 16 scored 3 (strong effect). The table’s fill coefficient was 57.8%, indicating a good distribution of indicators within the matrix. The MICMAC analysis grouped the eight regeneration strategies into four distinct clusters according to their respective levels of influence and dependence. 1.Independent variables, which exhibit high influence and low dependence, constitute the principal drivers of the system. Three strategies fall within this cluster: cultural and social events, the reconstruction and rehabilitation of historic buildings, and the development of cultural and creative industries. Experts identified the expansion of cultural events, particularly the successful annual Koucheh Festival, as the most influential and highest-priority driver. The Koucheh Festival is held every year in March at Café Haj Raees, located in the historic Shenbadi neighborhood of Bushehr. During this event, various local music groups gather to present their indigenous melodies in a friendly competitive format, with Khayyam-Khani serving as the festival’s central feature. This element appears to be the main reason why the variable was considered the most significant by the study’s target community. Following the popularity of this annual event, additional cafés and workshops for producing musical instruments have been established in the Shenbadi neighborhood, where Khayyam-Khani has become a recurring activity throughout the year. Consequently, the development of such events appears to constitute a key lever for the regeneration of Bushehr’s historic fabric. The introduction of music-related industries and multifunctional spaces—including music halls, recording studios, educational spaces, cinemas, cafés, and retail outlets, as exemplified in Omaha—represents a second key lever for regeneration. At present, workshops for making musical instruments (such as ney-anban) and art galleries exist only on a limited scale in Shenbadi. Implementing this strategy and expanding these spaces could create opportunities for new industries such as music education, recording studios, and content production, potentially acting as a strong catalyst for other dimensions of regeneration. The “reconstruction and rehabilitation” of individual buildings represents another factor that is partially being realized. For instance, the Haj Raees Mansion was restored and converted into a traditional hotel that hosts the Koucheh Festival. Conducting performances in these rehabilitated historic spaces has enhanced cultural attractiveness and reinforced heritage preservation.Nevertheless, substantial potential remains for implementing rehabilitation projects for other historic buildings and for development-stimulating initiatives. Such initiatives could have a highly positive impact on the functional revival of decayed urban fabrics. 2. Linkage variables demonstrate both high influence and high dependence. Cultivating a strong urban image and brand is situated within this volatile cluster, as it possesses the capacity to generate significant and at times unpredictable effects. Although branding plays a critical role in attracting tourists and creative professionals, its success is strongly contingent upon the overall performance of broader regeneration processes. Effective management of this strategy requires careful and precise planning to preserve coherence between the projected urban image and on-the-ground realities. In Bushehr, Khayyam-Khani is recognized as a cultural symbol among artistic and educated communities, particularly the younger generation. However, this phenomenon has not yet achieved widespread adoption among the general public, especially among older generations who have less exposure to modern media. Consequently, the strategy of “cultivating an urban image” is still in a gradual stage of realization. 3. Dependent variables are characterized by low influence and high dependence. This cluster comprises the enhancement of urban spaces and placemaking, tourism development, and strengthening the presence of artists and the creative class. These strategies function largely as outcomes of other interventions and are shaped primarily by the driving and linkage variables. Because they exert limited influence in their own right, direct investment in these dependent areas, without first reinforcing the main driving factors, may represent an inefficient allocation of resources. New cultural events, such as the Koucheh Festival and Bushehr Day Festival, along with Khayyam-Khani performances in historic cafés, annually attract both domestic and international tourists. Nevertheless, accommodation and recreational services in the historic fabric remain underdeveloped. In terms of placemaking, the area hosting the Koucheh Festival has become a cultural hub for the younger generation, enhancing vitality and public space activity in the Shenbadi neighborhood. 4. Finally, autonomous variables, displaying both low influence and low dependence, remain relatively detached from the system’s core dynamics. Social participation and institutional collaboration were assigned to this category. This situation indicates that strengthening cooperation among various executive sectors and supporting community participation, despite their inherent importance, alone does not induce significant systemic change and is less affected by other variables. This finding contrasts with the global literature, where local community participation is often identified as a “critical lever” for culture-based regeneration. The discrepancy can be attributed to the particular social characteristics of Bushehr’s historic fabric, where cultural and urban policies are still in the early stages of building trust and collaboration with the local community, and local stakeholders have not yet had sufficient opportunity or motivation for active engagement. These findings also allow for a reinterpretation of global strategies. Many successful regeneration models initially emphasized physical interventions, such as building rehabilitation, event creation, and the development of creative industries. However, it has later been observed that without support and participation from the local community, the long-term social and economic impacts remain limited. The case of Bushehr mirrors this cycle: the implementation of driving strategies is necessary first, while community participation is still at an early stage, and its role is expected to grow over time through trust-building and local education. Moreover, these results highlight the importance of sequencing and timing in strategy implementation. Driving strategies can provide the necessary initial stimulus for the regeneration process of historic fabrics, but sustainable success requires a long-term plan for actively engaging the community and developing local capacities. In light of the global literature, the situation in Bushehr suggests that social participation, as a determinant factor, is not yet fully capable of exerting its influence, but with the progression of projects and the cultivation of social trust, it has the potential to become a central and pivotal element in the regeneration process. Conclusion This study identified and prioritized the key strategies that underpin culture-led regeneration in Bushehr’s historic fabric. The analysis suggests that achieving meaningful regeneration outcomes requires prioritizing three core strategies: expanding cultural events, reconstructing historic buildings, and strengthening the creative industries. Concurrently, the management of urban branding and image-making functions as a critical linkage variable, necessitating sustained and coordinated oversight. The remaining strategies hold secondary priority and are expected to become more effective once the primary driving variables have been firmly established. Nevertheless, the long-term sustainability of the regeneration process depends on giving deliberate attention to social participation and institutional collaboration. Overall, the analytical model developed in this study offers a strategic roadmap for policymakers and urban planners, enabling them to make informed decisions that foster the sustainable and culturally grounded regeneration of Bushehr’s historic fabric. Funding There is no funding 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. بافت تاریخی شهر بوشهر با وجود برخورداری از معماری منحصربه‌فرد و سرمایه‌های فرهنگی ارزشمند، با فرسایش کالبدی و رکود اجتماعی شدید مواجه است. در چنین شرایطی، ظرفیت آیین خیامی به‌عنوان یک میراث فرهنگی ناملموس می‌تواند محرک بازآفرینی این محدوده باشد. پژوهش حاضر با هدف شناسایی و اولویت‌بندی استراتژی‌های بازآفرینی فرهنگ ـ مبنا با تأکید بر ظرفیت‌های خیام خوانی انجام‌شده است. این پژوهش از حیث هدف، کاربردی و از حیث روش‌شناسی، در دسته پژوهش‌های آمیخته قرار می‌گیرد. ابتدا با مرور ادبیات موضوع، استراتژی‌های مرتبط با بازآفرینی فرهنگ-مبنا شناسایی شدند. سپس، استراتژی‌ها توسط خبرگان بومی اولویت‌بندی شدند. در ادامه، به کمک تکنیک تحلیل ساختاری اثرات متقابل میک مک (MICMAC)، میزان تأثیرگذاری و تأثیرپذیری استراتژی‌ها بررسی شد و شناسایی پیشران‌ها بر این اساس انجام گرفت. یافته‌های تحقیق نشان می‌دهد که سه استراتژی اصلی شامل: «توسعه رویدادهای فرهنگی»، «بازسازی و بهسازی بناهای تاریخی» و «توسعه صنایع خلاق» دارای بیشترین میزان اثرگذاری بوده و به‌عنوان پیشران‌های کلیدی در بازآفرینی بافت تاریخی بوشهر مطرح‌اند. در نتیجه لازم است سرمایه‌گذاری‌ها و برنامه‌های اصلی با تمرکز بر این سه حوزه صورت گیرد. به‌موازات این اقدامات، مدیریت دقیق «تصویر ذهنی و برند سازی» ضروری است. سایر استراتژی‌ها در اولویت‌های بعدی قرار می‌گیرند و زمینه‌های اجرایی آن‌ها در پی تحقق پیشران‌ها محقق خواهد شد. بااین‌حال، تضمین پایداری پروژه در بلندمدت، نیازمند توجه ویژه به استراتژی «مشارکت اجتماعی و پیوند نهادها» است. به‌طورکلی، روش ارائه‌شده در این پژوهش می‌تواند به‌عنوان یک نقشه راه استراتژیک برای سیاست‌گذاران و برنامه‌ریزان شهری جهت احیای بافت تاریخی بوشهر به کار گرفته شود.

https://www.jscity.ir/article_243998_85660c7f03d589dfa4d2ec93451c662f.pdf

انجمن جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی شهری ایران مجله شهر پایدار 2476-6631 9 1 2026 04 21 Investigation of Innovative Solutions to Enhance the Efficiency of Bicycle-Oriented Infrastructure: A case study of Sahad Smart Bicycle Sharing System in Urmia City بررسی راهکارهای نوین در جهت افزایش بهره‌وری زیرساخت‌های سیستم دوچرخه محور مطالعه موردی: سیستم هوشمند اشتراک دوچرخه (سهاد) شهر ارومیه 53 70 243999 10.22034/jsc.2026.485746.1813 FA مهدی مقدسی گروه طراحی شهری، دانشکده معماری و شهرسازی، دانشگاه هنر ایران، تهران، ایران 0009-0006-5017-6604 فرشید آ رام گروه شهرسازی، دانشکده معماری، شهرسازی و هنر، دانشگاه ارومیه، ارومیه، ایران 0000-0002-5793-0116 Journal Article 2025 12 27 A B S T R A C T The rapid growth of private automobile use in the city of Urmia has generated a range of urban challenges, including deteriorating air quality, rising fossil fuel consumption, and a decline in social interaction within public spaces. One widely acknowledged strategy for mitigating these challenges is the expansion of non-motorized transportation systems, particularly urban cycling. This study aims to examine the factors influencing the operational efficiency of the SAHAD project (an intelligent bicycle-sharing system) and to propose evidence-based strategies for enhancing its performance. In the first phase of the analysis, differences in the perceived importance of cycling facilities between women and men, as well as the relationship between accident-related concerns and the frequency of bicycle commuting, were examined using statistical tests in SPSS. In the second phase, spatial configuration indicators of the project area were assessed using DepthmapX software to identify urban corridors with the highest potential for the development of cycling infrastructure. The findings indicate no statistically significant gender differences in the perceived importance of cycling facilities; however, women demonstrate greater sensitivity to route quality and safety. Moreover, a negative association was identified between accident-related concerns and bicycle use, whereby higher levels of perceived risk correspond to a reduced propensity for cycling. Spatial configuration analysis further reveals that several urban corridors, most notably Kashani, Shahid Beheshti, and Shahid Soleimani, exhibit strong potential for the expansion of cycling routes. Accordingly, three additional corridors were incorporated into the project’s operational area to enhance the spatial continuity of the bicycle-sharing network. Overall, the findings offer practical insights for optimizing cycling-oriented infrastructure and improving the effectiveness of bicycle-sharing initiatives in cities with comparable urban and socio-spatial characteristics. Extended Abstract Introduction The rapid pace of urbanization over recent decades has generated substantial development opportunities while simultaneously imposing significant social, economic, and environmental pressures on cities. Patterns of dispersed urban development have intensified dependence on private automobiles, resulting in traffic congestion, longer daily travel times, inefficient land use, the conversion of agricultural land and green spaces, and increased emissions of air pollutants. Under these conditions, transit-oriented development (TOD) has emerged as one of the most widely endorsed and sustainable approaches for addressing contemporary urban transportation challenges. A core pillar of this approach is the promotion of sustainable modes of mobility, particularly walking and cycling. Cycling, as an efficient alternative to private automobiles for short-distance urban trips, has long been institutionalized in many developed countries, where it plays a critical role in reducing environmental pollution, improving public health, and enhancing overall urban quality of life. Within this context, the Urmia Traffic and Transportation Organization launched the Intelligent Bicycle-Sharing System (SAHAD) in July 2016, guided by a vision of creating a green and clean city supported by modern technologies. The project was designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve environmental conditions, and promote public health; however, after several years of implementation, a substantial share of its anticipated objectives remains unrealized, and the system has yet to achieve an optimal level of operational efficiency. Methodology The methodological framework of this study comprises two main components: social data analysis and spatial configuration analysis of the urban street network. In the first phase, a structured questionnaire was administered to residents of Urmia to assess the perceived importance of cycling facilities, gender-based perceptions, and the relationship between accident-related concerns and the level of bicycle use. Following questionnaire design, its internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, and the collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests in SPSS. The statistical population corresponded to the total population of Urmia, and, considering the constraints of the study, the sample size was determined as 384 respondents using Cochran’s formula. In addition, 20 experts in urban planning and traffic engineering were purposively selected and surveyed through a separate questionnaire to complement the general survey data. In the second phase, to identify streets with the potential for cycling route development, the urban street network was first digitized in AutoCAD and subsequently transferred to DepthmapX for spatial configuration analysis. Key spatial indicators, including depth, connectivity, integration, and choice, were evaluated as primary measures of movement potential and accessibility to determine the suitability of urban corridors for the implementation of dedicated cycling infrastructure. Result and Discussion The initial analysis of the public survey data indicates that women constituted the majority of respondents (53.1%), while individuals aged 19–30 years represented the dominant age group, accounting for 72.6% of the sample. Analysis of accessibility-related subcomponents revealed that access to everyday land uses, such as residential areas, schools, retail facilities, and workplaces, was rated as the most important factor (82%), whereas the role of cycling routes in connecting different parts of the city received the lowest importance rating (36.4%). This finding suggests that users prioritize practical functionality and direct access in their daily activities over the broader network connectivity of cycling routes. Within the urban design and streetscape component, route maintenance quality was rated as the most important factor (76%), whereas the visual attractiveness of surrounding landscapes received the lowest importance score. This indicates that, for users in Urmia, the physical condition of cycling routes outweighs aesthetic considerations. Similarly, within the safety and security dimension, adequate route lighting emerged as the most important subcomponent (82.2%), while the presence of traffic-calming measures was assigned the lowest priority. Collectively, these findings indicate that users, particularly women, regard the physical quality and safety of cycling routes as the primary determinants of their willingness to engage in cycling. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant negative relationship between accident-related concerns and the level of bicycle use (r = −0.297, Sig = 0.021), indicating that heightened perceptions of traffic-related insecurity constitute one of the most substantial barriers to the wider adoption of cycling in Urmia. By contrast, statistical tests comparing women and men in terms of the importance attributed to cycling facilities revealed no significant difference between the two groups (Sig = 0.244). Nevertheless, mean scores suggest that women exhibit greater sensitivity to route quality and safety. According to expert assessments, infrastructural deficiencies were identified as the most influential factor limiting public uptake of the project (60%), whereas economic constraints faced by responsible institutions were considered the least influential (20%). These findings underscore weaknesses in the physical infrastructure and the lack of network continuity as the primary drivers of the project’s limited effectiveness. Experts further identified the Shahrchai and Shahid Beheshti corridors as the most suitable candidates for the development of dedicated cycling routes. This assessment is consistent with the study’s spatial analyses, which indicate that these corridors exhibit high levels of integration, connectivity, and choice, highlighting their strong potential for transformation into standard cycling corridors. Conclusion This study was conducted to identify the underlying reasons for the limited success of the SAHAD project and to examine both public expectations and expert-defined requirements. The findings indicate that infrastructural deficiencies, insufficient coordination among responsible institutions, and limited consideration of user needs constitute the primary factors contributing to the project’s underperformance. Drawing on the statistical and spatial analyses, a set of practical strategies was proposed to enhance system efficiency, with particular emphasis on improving route quality, strengthening safety conditions, establishing a continuous and well-connected network, and incorporating gender-sensitive considerations. Although these strategies were formulated in response to the specific urban context of Urmia, they also demonstrate applicability to cities with comparable socio-spatial characteristics. To improve project performance, measures such as the implementation of standard cycling infrastructure, enhanced lighting and surveillance, traffic calming along high-volume corridors, public education and awareness-raising initiatives, improved inter-institutional coordination, and continuous performance monitoring are recommended. The implementation of these measures has the potential to increase public uptake, particularly among women and children, and to strengthen the role of cycling within the urban transportation system. Overall, the systematic development of bicycle-sharing systems can contribute not only to reductions in traffic congestion and environmental pollution but also to the realization of sustainable and smart cities. In this regard, the present study offers valuable guidance for the planning and implementation of similar initiatives in other urban contexts. Funding There is no funding 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. افزایش روزافزون خودروهای شخصی در شهر ارومیه موجب بروز مشکلاتی همچون آلودگی هوا، افزایش مصرف سوخت‌های فسیلی و کاهش تعاملات اجتماعی شده است. یکی از راهکارهای مؤثر برای کاهش این معضلات، توسعه سیستم‌های حمل‌ونقل غیر موتوری مانند دوچرخه‌سواری شهری است. پژوهش حاضر با هدف بررسی عوامل مؤثر بر بهره‌وری پروژه سهاد (سیستم هوشمند اشتراک دوچرخه) و ارائه راهکارهای بهبود عملکرد آن انجام‌شده است. در بخش نخست، میزان اهمیت امکانات دوچرخه‌سواری بین زنان و مردان و رابطه «نگرانی از تصادف» با «میزان استفاده از دوچرخه برای رفت‌وآمد» با بهره‌گیری از آزمون‌های آماری در SPSS تحلیل شد. در بخش دوم، شاخص‌های چیدمان فضایی محدوده پروژه با استفاده از نرم‌افزار DepthmapX ارزیابی گردید تا ظرفیت محورهای شهری برای توسعه مسیرهای دوچرخه‌سواری شناسایی شود. نتایج نشان داد که اهمیت امکانات دوچرخه‌سواری میان زنان و مردان تفاوت معناداری ندارد؛ بااین‌حال، زنان حساسیت بیشتری نسبت به کیفیت و ایمنی مسیرها دارند. همچنین بین نگرانی از تصادف و میزان استفاده از دوچرخه رابطه منفی مشاهده شد؛ به‌گونه‌ای که افزایش نگرانی از تصادف موجب کاهش تمایل به استفاده از دوچرخه می‌شود. افزون بر این، تحلیل چیدمان فضایی بیانگر آن است که برخی محورها از جمله کاشانی، شهید بهشتی و شهید سلیمانی پتانسیل مناسبی برای توسعه مسیرهای دوچرخه دارند. بر این اساس، سه محور جدید به محدوده اجرایی پروژه افزوده شد تا پیوستگی شبکه اشتراک دوچرخه ارتقا یابد. یافته‌های پژوهش می‌توانند در بهینه‌سازی زیرساخت‌های دوچرخه محور و ارتقای کارایی پروژه‌های اشتراک دوچرخه در شهرهای مشابه مؤثر باشند.

https://www.jscity.ir/article_243999_e5a35f8441709f342d785b97c66d4598.pdf