https://www.jscity.ir/ Sustainable city en daily 1 Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.jscity.ir/article_229456.html 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. https://www.jscity.ir/article_243696.html A B S T R A C TAs 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 AbstractIntroductionThis 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.MethodologyThe 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 DiscussionsFindings 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.ConclusionAnalyzing 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.FundingThere is no funding support. Authors’ ContributionAuthors 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 InterestAuthors declared no conflict of interest. AcknowledgmentsWe are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper. https://www.jscity.ir/article_243998.html 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. https://www.jscity.ir/article_243999.html A B S T R A C TThe 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 AbstractIntroductionThe 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. MethodologyThe 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 DiscussionThe 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. ConclusionThis 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. FundingThere is no funding support. Authors’ ContributionAuthors 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 InterestAuthors declared no conflict of interest. AcknowledgmentsWe are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper. https://www.jscity.ir/article_237012.html A B S T R A C T Langarud County, due to its specific geographical location, is exposed to various risks such as earthquakes, floods, and climatic instability. Unregulated construction, rapid population growth, and weaknesses in governance structures have posed serious challenges to the region’s resilience in the face of crises. The need for a scientific and multidimensional framework to assess and analyze the existing conditions is one of the primary concerns of urban planners. This study adopts an analytical approach and focuses on the five dimensions of urban resilience in order to evaluate the status of Langarud County in relation to natural hazards, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and propose practical strategies to enhance structural coherence and improve resilience. The research is applied in nature and follows a descriptive–analytical methodology. Data were collected using valid questionnaires, and analytical tools such as the one-sample t-test, multiple regression analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were employed. The statistical population consisted of 388 citizens aged over 18, selected through stratified random sampling. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS software. The results indicate that the institutional, infrastructural, and planning dimensions are at a relatively acceptable level. However, in the social and economic dimensions, indicators such as public participation, crisis awareness, and livelihood sustainability require significant improvement. Moreover, the causal relationships among the resilience dimensions demonstrate that integrated and participatory policymaking can substantially contribute to improving urban conditions. Enhancing urban resilience in Langarud requires strengthening institutional capacities, expanding crisis education and training, increasing managerial transparency, and designing participatory structures that ultimately lead to sustainable development and long-term urban safety. Extended Abstract Introduction Langarud County, located in northern Iran, due to its distinctive geographical position in a vulnerable region, has consistently been exposed to multiple natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, and climate change impacts. Unregulated and compact urban development, rapid population growth, and weaknesses in institutional and planning structures have posed serious challenges to the county’s resilience in coping with crises. These complex conditions highlight the growing necessity for the formulation and application of a comprehensive, multidimensional, and integrated framework for the accurate assessment and enhancement of urban resilience. This study is primarily aimed at assessing and modeling urban resilience in Langarud County with an emphasis on natural hazards across five dimensions: social, economic, infrastructural, institutional, and planning. The objective is not only to describe the current situation, but also to identify strengths and weaknesses, explain the causal relationships among the resilience dimensions, and ultimately propose practical strategies to improve the overall resilience of the county. The central research question addresses the level of resilience in Langarud County across each of these dimensions and seeks to determine which strategies can effectively enhance the county’s overall urban resilience. Methodology This research is applied in terms of purpose and adopts a descriptive–analytical approach with respect to data collection and analysis. The required data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire designed based on theoretical foundations and validated national and international indicators in the field of urban resilience. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts in urban planning and crisis management, and its reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, which was calculated to be above 0.7 for all dimensions.The statistical population of the study consisted of residents of Langarud County aged 18 and above. Using stratified random sampling and Cochran’s formula, a sample of 388 respondents was selected. The demographic composition of the sample indicated a substantial participation of women (65.7%) and a high level of university education (over 80%), reflecting an appropriate analytical capacity of the sample. Data analysis employed a range of statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics, a one-sample t-test to compare the status of each dimension with a reference value (theoretical mean of 3), multiple regression analysis to assess the contribution and predictive power of each dimension in explaining overall resilience, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine causal relationships, correlations, and impact pathways among the dimensions. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS software. Result and Discussion The findings of the study indicate that urban resilience in Langarud follows a heterogeneous and unbalanced pattern. Based on the results of the one-sample t-test, the social and economic dimensions of resilience are significantly below the desirable and baseline levels. In the social dimension, key indicators such as voluntary participation, citizens’ awareness of preventive measures and preparedness, skills and knowledge related to post-disaster recovery, and the effectiveness of local institutions in education and training recorded low mean values. This reflects serious weaknesses in social capital, public awareness, and the empowerment of the local community. Similarly, in the economic dimension, indicators including economic structural flexibility, the effectiveness of economic measures adopted by managerial institutions, and the sustainability of the local economy exhibited unfavorable conditions, pointing to the fragility of the local economy and the inefficiency of financial mechanisms in times of crisis. In contrast, the infrastructural, institutional, and planning dimensions demonstrated relatively favorable conditions and mean values above the average level. For instance, indicators such as the overall performance and impact of urban infrastructure, attention to housing resistance against hazards, inter-organizational cooperation and coordination among urban institutions, and the efficiency of the planning process for crisis management showed higher mean scores. The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that the institutional (β = 0.531), planning (β = 0.528), and economic (β = 0.528) dimensions, respectively, have the greatest influence and predictive power in explaining the overall resilience of the county. Furthermore, the SEM confirmed strong and statistically significant causal and correlational relationships among the five dimensions, emphasizing the importance of systemic synergy among them and highlighting the necessity of integrated and participatory policymaking to enhance urban resilience. However, the relatively weak performance of the social dimension (β = 0.335) in the regression model indicates an urgent need to strengthen social infrastructures, increase public awareness, promote genuine community participation, and invest in local community empowerment. These findings are consistent with well-established theoretical frameworks such as the Integrated Urban Resilience Model and Adaptive Governance, which emphasize participatory governance, institutional transparency, collective learning, and flexibility-oriented policy models. The results also caution that focusing solely on strengthening physical infrastructure, without strong institutional support and resilient social capital, cannot lead to effective and sustainable urban resilience. Conclusion Urban resilience in Langarud is a multidimensional and systemic phenomenon, and its enhancement requires simultaneous attention to all dimensions and the strengthening of synergy among them. Despite notable strengths in the infrastructural and institutional dimensions, serious weaknesses in the social and economic dimensions pose a significant threat to the county’s overall resilience. Accordingly, this study proposes the following key strategies to enhance resilience in Langarud and move toward a model of “transformative and responsive resilience: · Redefining the urban governance model: with an emphasis on strengthening horizontal and vertical coordination among institutions, institutionalizing transparency and accountability, establishing organizational learning mechanisms, and reinforcing local dialogue. · Empowering the local community and strengthening socio-economic dimensions: through the design and implementation of targeted and continuous hazard-related education programs, promoting genuine public participation across all stages of crisis management, advancing urban financial development, and improving equitable access to services and financial resources for vulnerable groups. · Enhancing the quantity and quality of infrastructure: with particular attention to housing retrofitting and strengthening, increasing the capacity and efficiency of green and open spaces as multifunctional emergency shelters, and reinforcing early warning systems and crisis communication networks. · Integrating institutional policies with physical interventions in a strategic manner: to facilitate the transition from passive and reactive resilience toward active, proactive, responsive, and transformative resilience. · 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. https://www.jscity.ir/article_245764.html A B S T R A C T The primary objective of this study is to identify and meticulously analyze corruption-prone contexts within the municipalities of Bushehr Province. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research aimed to delineate the prerequisites for achieving good governance and sustainable urban development. The statistical population comprised all managers, deputies, and expert staff with over 15 years of service across seven selected municipalities in Bushehr Province (including Bushehr, Borazjan, Khormuj, Deyyer, Asaluyeh, Deylam, and Ganaveh), constituting an aggregate population size of 470 individuals. From this population, 15 key experts in urban management were selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using qualitative content analysis techniques facilitated by MAXQDA 2022 software. The findings revealed six major corruption-prone domains within the province’s urban management, ranked by significance: Economic-Financial (e.g., inadequate salaries and heavy reliance on unsustainable revenues), Administrative (complex bureaucratic processes and the phenomenon of “golden signatures”), Political (arbitrary interference by city councils and frequent managerial turnovers), Social (nepotism, ethnic pressures, and the precedence of personal relations over regulations), Cultural (normalization of misconduct and the justification of illicit payments), and Technical (weak supervisory systems and the issuance of fraudulent certificates). The near-unanimous consensus among experts on these factors indicates a deep systemic entanglement within the municipal structures. The study concludes that without simultaneous structural reforms in the “primary triangle” (economic, administrative, and political domains) and dedicated attention to reinforcing factors, ad-hoc anti-corruption measures will remain ineffective Extended Abstract Introduction Administrative corruption is one of the most complex and persistent challenges facing contemporary systems of governance, with consequences that are evident across economic, social, political, and cultural dimensions. This phenomenon not only leads to the diversion of public resources and a decline in the efficiency of governmental organizations, but also undermines social capital, public trust, and institutional legitimacy. In the field of urban management, administrative corruption becomes even more sensitive, because municipalities, as the closest executive institutions to citizens, are responsible for providing essential and everyday services, and their decisions directly affect the quality of urban life. Issuing building permits, land-use changes, implementation of urban development projects, contracting with private contractors, collecting municipal charges, managing public properties, and enforcing urban planning regulations are among the areas that involve both substantial financial flows and broad decision‑making authority. In the absence of strong oversight mechanisms and institutional transparency, such characteristics can create fertile ground for various forms of misconduct, including bribery, collusion in tenders, abuse of legal authority, issuance of illegal permits, and non‑merit-based recruitment. From the perspective of sustainable urban development, administrative corruption constitutes a serious obstacle to achieving spatial justice, economic efficiency, and social cohesion, because it diverts the distribution of urban resources and services from rational and equitable paths and places public interests at risk. Therefore, the accurate identification of corruption‑prone contexts within municipalities is not only a managerial necessity but also a prerequisite for achieving accountable and sustainable urban governance. Bushehr Province, due to its geographical position, economic structure, and distinctive social characteristics, represents a notable case for studying corruption in urban management. The province includes seven active municipalities in the cities of Bushehr, Borazjan, Khormuj, Dayyer, Asaluyeh, Deylam, and Genaveh. In recent years, these cities have experienced significant economic transformations driven by the expansion of oil and gas industries, port activities, and the rapid growth of urban construction. At the same time, the revenue structure of municipalities in the province largely relies on unstable sources, particularly fees generated from issuing building permits and penalties imposed by commissions dealing with construction violations. Such a structure can strengthen financial dependence on construction activities and encourage revenue‑oriented decision‑making. Moreover, the social fabric of the region, which is partly shaped by ethnic and kinship relations, may in some cases influence recruitment, appointment, and supervision processes and can contribute to the formation of informal networks of power. Frequent managerial changes resulting from municipal council cycles and political interventions in managerial appointments further reduce organizational stability and encourage short‑term and non‑strategic decision‑making. Despite these conditions, no comprehensive study has yet examined the corruption‑prone contexts across all municipalities of Bushehr Province in a simultaneous and comparative manner. Most existing studies have either focused on national‑level analyses or concentrated on large metropolitan areas, and many have adopted quantitative approaches that are often unable to reveal the hidden and context‑dependent dimensions of administrative corruption. Accordingly, the present research adopts a qualitative approach and draws upon the lived experiences of experienced managers and experts in order to identify, classify, and analyze the structural, institutional, and cultural contexts that contribute to the emergence of corruption in the municipalities of Bushehr Province, and to provide an analytical framework for anti‑corruption policymaking in urban governance. Methodology In terms of purpose, this study is applied, and in terms of nature it adopts a qualitative design based on an inductive content analysis approach. The choice of a qualitative method was motivated by the complex, multidimensional, and often hidden nature of administrative corruption, as understanding such phenomena requires access to the deep experiences of organizational actors and insight into institutional and cultural contexts. The statistical population consisted of all managers, deputy managers, and experts with more than fifteen years of work experience in the seven municipalities of Bushehr Province, whose number was estimated at approximately 470 individuals. Sampling was conducted using a purposive approach based on the principle of maximum variation in order to include perspectives from different managerial levels and cities within the province. The selection process continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, meaning that after fifteen interviews no new concepts or categories emerged and the extracted patterns began to repeat. The final sample included two former municipal managers, two former deputy managers, and eleven senior experts with extensive professional experience. The main data collection tool was semi‑structured interviews designed on the basis of the preliminary theoretical framework and a review of the relevant literature. These interviews included one general question regarding the factors shaping corruption and six specific questions related to social, cultural, economic‑financial, administrative, political, and technical contexts. Interviews were conducted either face‑to‑face or online after obtaining informed consent from participants and ensuring the confidentiality of their information. All interviews were recorded and fully transcribed, with an average duration of approximately seventy‑five minutes. Data analysis was carried out using MAXQDA 2022 software. In the first stage, open coding was performed to extract initial concepts, which resulted in the identification of 487 codes. These codes were subsequently organized into subthemes based on conceptual similarities and ultimately categorized into six main contexts. To enhance the credibility of the findings, validation strategies such as source triangulation, member checking, and peer review were employed to ensure analytical coherence and the reliability of the results. Result and Discussion The analysis of interview data revealed that administrative corruption in the municipalities of Bushehr Province is the result of the interaction of several structural and contextual conditions that operate in an interconnected network. Among these contexts, the economic‑financial context received the highest level of importance, with an average score of 4.73 out of 5. Participants emphasized that the relatively low salaries and benefits of municipal employees compared with their level of responsibility and work pressure strengthen economic incentives for accepting informal benefits. In addition, the heavy dependence of municipalities on revenues derived from building permits and construction‑related penalties encourages decision‑making structures oriented toward short‑term revenue generation. Under such conditions, increased construction activity or even construction violations may become sources of income, creating a conflict of interest between the municipality’s supervisory role and its revenue‑generating function. The presence of intermediaries and brokers in licensing processes and collusion in some procurement procedures were also identified as components of this context. The administrative context ranked second with an average score of 4.60 and included factors such as lengthy bureaucratic procedures, the existence of multiple “golden signatures,” concentration of authority at limited levels, and incomplete implementation of e‑government systems. The complexity of procedures creates decision‑making bottlenecks that increase the possibility of informal bargaining and the receipt of payments outside the legal framework. The political context ranked third with an average score of 4.47 and included the intervention of city councils in executive affairs, pressure to appoint specific individuals, and frequent managerial changes. Such managerial instability weakens long‑term planning and reinforces informal relationships. The social context referred to the influence of nepotism, ethnic pressures in recruitment processes, and silence in the face of wrongdoing by acquaintances or relatives. The cultural context involved the normalization of informal payments, traditional justifications for such practices, and reduced ethical sensitivity toward administrative misconduct. Finally, the technical context included weak field supervision, the issuance of nominal or formal compliance certificates, and the exploitation of legal capacities for revenue generation. Overall, the findings indicated that the economic‑financial, administrative, and political contexts constitute the core drivers of corruption, while the remaining contexts function as facilitating and reinforcing factors. This interconnection highlights the structural nature of corruption within the municipalities of the province. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that administrative corruption in the municipalities of Bushehr Province cannot be explained as a single‑cause or purely individual phenomenon. Rather, it has a structural, institutional, and multilayered nature that emerges from the simultaneous interaction of economic motivations, administrative opportunities, and political interventions, and is further reinforced and reproduced within social and cultural contexts. This finding suggests that corruption within these municipalities is not merely a sporadic deviation but rather a pattern that has become embedded in certain organizational processes. The dependence of municipalities on unstable financial resources—particularly revenues from construction permits and penalties related to building violations—has created a structural conflict of interest, whereby the institution responsible for monitoring violations may simultaneously benefit from their occurrence. This situation places economic incentives alongside administrative opportunities and political facilitation, generating a dysfunctional cycle that reproduces corruption. Under such circumstances, focusing solely on disciplinary actions, managerial replacements, or stricter punishments is unlikely to produce sustainable reduction in corruption, because the roots of the problem lie within institutional structures and decision‑making mechanisms. The findings indicate that unless simultaneous reforms are undertaken in the economic, administrative, and political domains, anti‑corruption measures will largely remain reactive and symbolic. From an analytical perspective, the economic‑financial, administrative, and political contexts were identified as the core pillars of corruption in the municipalities of the province. The economic‑financial context provides motivation, the administrative context creates opportunities, and the political context provides a form of informal protection or justification for the continuation of certain practices. Alongside these three main pillars, social and cultural contexts further reduce ethical sensitivity toward misconduct by normalizing certain informal practices. When unofficial payments are redefined through concepts such as “gratitude,” “appreciation,” or “facilitating services,” the boundary between legal and illegal behavior becomes blurred in the minds of both employees and citizens. Moreover, kinship and ethnic pressures can decline oversight mechanisms and discourage the reporting of misconduct. Consequently, combating corruption requires a systematic approach that addresses not only formal institutional arrangements but also informal and cultural dimensions. Based on the study’s findings, three major strategies are proposed to achieve a sustainable reduction of corruption in the municipalities of Bushehr Province. The first strategy involves reforming the municipal revenue structure by creating stable sources of income and reducing dependence on volatile construction‑related revenues. Establishing compensation funds for employees, aligning salaries and benefits with levels of responsibility, and introducing performance‑based incentive mechanisms can reduce economic pressures and limit financial motivations for engaging in unhealthy interactions. In addition, diversifying urban revenue sources through the development of service‑based municipal charges, efficient management of municipal assets, and transparent investment attraction can strengthen the financial independence of municipalities. The second strategy involves reforming administrative processes in order to increase transparency and eliminate corruption‑prone bottlenecks. Reducing the number of signatures required for issuing permits, standardizing case‑handling procedures, establishing clear response timelines, and fully implementing e‑government systems can reduce face‑to‑face interactions and increase systemic oversight. The establishment of integrated information systems that record and track all stages of licensing, payments, and contracts can play an important role in reducing opportunities for abuse. The third strategy involves revising oversight mechanisms and strengthening the managerial independence of municipalities. Relative stability in urban management, transparent criteria for appointing managers, and limiting political interference in executive decisions can help prevent the formation of influence networks. Strengthening both internal and external oversight institutions, establishing independent committees for investigating misconduct, and publicly disclosing financial and contractual performance reports can enhance organizational accountability. Structural reforms must be complemented by cultural change and professional ethics promotion. Continuous training of employees on issues such as conflicts of interest, transparency, and accountability, the development of organizational codes of ethics, and the institutionalization of safe and confidential whistleblowing mechanisms can help reduce social tolerance for corruption. Legal protection for whistleblowers and the creation of channels for citizen participation in monitoring municipal performance are also imperative complementary measures. In conclusion, achieving sustainable urban development in Bushehr Province requires simultaneous reforms in the economic, administrative, political, and cultural dimensions of urban governance. Administrative corruption not only wastes financial resources but also erodes public trust, and without trust the implementation of development policies becomes highly challenging. Therefore, anti‑corruption policymaking should be comprehensive, gradual, and evidence‑based. By identifying six corruption‑prone contexts, this study provides an analytical framework for understanding the relationships among these factors and demonstrates that effective anti‑corruption efforts are possible only through an integrated and structural approach. If the proposed strategies are implemented simultaneously, it can be expected that the conditions facilitating corruption will diminish, organizational efficiency will improve, and the path toward transparent and accountable urban governance will become more attainable. 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. https://www.jscity.ir/article_245763.html A B S T R A C TThe present study was conducted with the aim of identifying the constituent components of a smart city in the metropolitan city of Isfahan. In terms of purpose, the study was applied and in terms of data type, it employed a mixed-methods approach. It was based on a systematic grounded theory in the qualitative phase and a descriptive-analytical survey/correlational design in the quantitative phase. In the qualitative part, the statistical population of the research consisted of 10 experts from the Isfahan Municipality as well as academic experts in the field of smart cities and sustainable development. Quantitatively, it relied on Isfahan Municipality employees and managers. Based on simple random sampling method, 213 people were selected as a sample. The data analysis method in the qualitative part was theoretical coding derived from the grounded theory method, and Spss-21 software was used in the quantitative part. The results indicated that the value for the main model constructs - smart city - was calculated as 0.317 and for sustainable development as 0.310. The model’s predictive relevance is desirable, as indicated by positive Q2 values for smart city (0.295), sustainable development (0.236), causal conditions (0.241), background conditions (0.278), intervening conditions (0.269), and strategies (0.278). Accordingly, the analysis of the model’s predictive efficacy reveals its desirability concerning the variables under investigation. The Goodness of Fit (GOF) index, assessed for the surveyed sample, registered at 0.469. This particular value signifies a large effect size, substantiating the model’s robust fit within the context of the investigated sample.Extended AbstractIntroductionUrban growth is occurring globally at an unprecedented rate and its external impacts are evident on the environment and society. Cities and metropolises generate a new set of problems; waste management, resource scarcity, air pollution, human health concerns, traffic, and dilapidated infrastructure are the most significant issues among the technical, physical, and material challenges. These crises are primarily driven by rapid population growth, the increasing consumption of natural resources alongside industrialization, urbanization, globalization, the expansion of agriculture, and a overconsumption lifestyle. A technological solution to address the challenges of management and settlement in metropolitans is the utilization of the smart city concept, which has garnered significant attention of urban management specialists. However, its implementation necessitates the establishment of various infrastructure across multiple dimensions, including human resources, communication infrastructure, urban culture, and so forth.For Isfahan to transform into a smart city, it benefits, on one hand, from a significant level of social cohesion and civic pride owing to its rich historical background, authentic urban identity, and high symbolic capital. Such factors can enhance the adoption of technological innovations and citizen participation in smartization projects. On the other hand, the presence of academic institutions, scientific centers, educated populace, and rich experience in urban management provides a suitable capacity for generating indigenous knowledge and fostering a connection between technology and societal needs. Isfahan, like numerous metropolises, is characterized by class, generational, and spatial diversity. Consequently, if smart city initiatives concentrate exclusively on technical infrastructure and neglect social justice, public participation, institutional trust, and digital literacy, they may exacerbate social inequalities. Thus, the foundations for a smart city in Isfahan are fully established only when technology is employed to enhance quality of life, transparency, civic engagement, and equity, while also aligning with urban culture and the actual needs of residents. In Isfahan, the utilization of intelligent transportation systems possesses the potential to alleviate traffic congestion, consequently reducing air pollution.Despite the substantial volume of data generated by integrated urban management platforms and the city’s increasing computational power, relatively limited activities have been undertaken in the city to explore the use of this data for developing quantitative tools for integrated smart city management and planning. Furthermore, the outcomes and achievements that the implementation of a smart city can bring to urban management in Isfahan, and more broadly to the sustainable development of the city, are subjects that can foster a comprehensive and practical perspective in this domain. In this regard, the main research question is: How is the smart city model for the metropolitan of Isfahan based on sustainable development?MethodologyFrom the perspective of research purpose, the study is classified as applied. Methodologically, it adopts a mixed-methods approach. In terms of research design, the qualitative phase is grounded theory (systematic), while the quantitative phase is descriptive-analytical and specifically survey-correlational. In the qualitative section, the statistical population of the research consisted of 10 experts from the Isfahan Municipality, as well as academic experts in the fields of smart cities and sustainable development. In the quantitative section, employees and managers of the Isfahan Municipality were utilized. Based on a simple random sampling method, 213 individuals were selected as the sample. The data analysis method in the qualitative section involved theoretical coding derived from the grounded theory method, and in the quantitative section, SPSS-21 software was used.Result and DiscussionThe results indicate that technology-oriented and human-centric factors can encompass the dimensions of the core phenomenon of a ‘smart city,’ such that each set comprises indicators derived from expert interviews. Alongside this core phenomenon, sustainable development in its three dimensions - social, economic, and environmental - can be highlighted as the outcome achieved through the implementation of a smart city. It is also possible to reflect on the causal, contextual, and intervening conditions in the central phenomenon of the smart city and the set of strategies for its creation and consequences in the form of components of the theoretical model of the research. In this study, the ‘smart city’ comprises two components: technology-oriented and human-centric factors. ‘Sustainable development’ includes three components: social, economic, and environmental. ‘Influencing factors’ consist of three components: technological, social, and managerial factors. ‘Contextual conditions’ (or settings) include two components: infrastructure and management. ‘Barriers’ encompass three components: technical/technological, economic, and human factors. Finally, ‘strategies’ comprise two components: empowerment and management. The results of open, axial, and selective coding of identifying the factors constituting a smart city in the Isfahan metropolitan exhibit that the aforementioned structure had 73 indicators, 15 components in 6 dimensions of smart city, sustainable development, effective factors, platforms, barriers, and strategies.ConclusionIn explaining the research findings, it can be stated that the urban structure of Isfahan, as a smart city, is divided into two primary components: (a) Technology-oriented factors, which refer to the integration of information technology with infrastructure, networks, and high-speed communications. This integration facilitates the intelligent management of urban resources, such as water, energy, traffic, and waste. By employing intelligent systems, it becomes possible to update documentation and develop programs aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of urban infrastructure. Information technology also facilitates public communication within the city and, by establishing communication networks, promotes interaction between citizens and public authorities. (b) Human-centric factors include social capital, concentration on human capital, and active citizen participation in decision-making processes. Human capital assets such as education and skills help citizens respond to urban issues through the use of new technologies and strengthen the labor market. This economic development contributes to enhanced urban sustainability and the improvement of socio-economic conditions. Furthermore, social capital fosters the communication networks and interpersonal interactions essential for the initiation and development of smart projects. Active participation in social networks, combined with the utilization of smart tools, facilitates access to urban information and services while actively involving citizens in urban decision-making processes.Sustainable development is one of the core categories in this study. The findings indicate that sustainable development is also divided into three components: social, economic, and environmental. (a) The social component includes work practices and appropriate working conditions, improved quality of life, increased social capital, and active citizen participation in decision-making processes. (b) The economic component refers to improved quality, greater flexibility, reduced costs, and enhanced financial performance. The use of smart technologies in economic infrastructure, such as transportation and waste management, assissts maximize efficiency and productivity, thereby reducing costs and strengthening the economy. Investment in innovative technologies stimulates the growth of related industries and generates greater value for both citizens and the government. The environmental component includes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the optimization of resource consumption. By employing intelligent systems, urban resources can be managed more precisely and pollutants can come under control. The findings indicate that the causal conditions governing the development of a smart city in Isfahan consist of three components: technological, social, and managerial. (a) The technological aspects of the urban environment include the integrated use of information and communication technology, cloud computing, smart infrastructure, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which facilitate smart connectivity throughout the city. Such infrastructure, utilizing novel technologies such as 5G internet and sensors, gather information and enhance services like intelligent traffic systems, smart lighting, and waste management. (b) Social conditions encompass smart education, democracy, participatory urban planning, and public awareness, which contribute to increasing social participation in urban decision-making processes.The contextual conditions and barriers identified in this study include infrastructure and management, as well as technical/technological, economic, and human factors. Integrated urban infrastructures, such as intelligent transportation systems and communication networks, can reduce traffic and air pollution, thereby aiding in the smart management of the city. Many interviewees and stakeholders react negatively to any management decisions, stemming from past incorrect decisions by urban management that excluded the opinions of citizens and stakeholders. In urban smartification, data collected from smart systems and sensors are vital for effective decision-making and optimization of urban management. Urban smartification can contribute to improving economic productivity and creating new jobs, leading to sustainable growth. On the other hand, the human component includes a lack of understanding regarding the necessity of e-cities and resistance to technological changes. If the benefits of these changes are not adequately explained to the public, they may refuse to adopt new technologies, and security concerns can also pose a barrier to the implementation of smart projects.The strategies identified in this study include empowerment and management. The empowerment component includes academic entrepreneurship, research and development, and rethinking education for the smart city, which strengthens the skills and perspectives of employees, making them active members in the process of city's smartification. This interaction and collaboration result in the provision of innovative solutions for urban challenges and the creation of a smarter city. Training related to emerging technologies, such as programming and data management, assists employees in acquiring the necessary knowledge and capabilities, enabling them to gain new perspectives on the process by becoming aware of the possibilities offered by smartification. Based on the research findings and results, the following recommendations are proposed:Advanced communication networks encompass fiber optic communications, wireless networks, and the Internet of Things. By establishing these networks, the possibility of fast and stable communication between citizens and organizations is facilitated, which leads to the enhancement of commercial and economic activities. Furthermore, creating a supportive ecosystem for innovative businesses and startups can facilitate economic development. Successful startups can be attracted through the establishment of co-working spaces, training and guidance centers, organizing relevant events, and providing guaranteed investments.The utilization of smart waste collection and management systems can contribute to better resource management and waste reduction. For instance, intelligent systems can detect the available space in trash bins and signal for collection services whenever needed, thereby reducing costs and time required for waste collection. Additionally, the application of smart technologies in agriculture can lead to improved irrigation water efficiency, reduced use of chemical pesticides, and controlled soil recovery. This can help preserve agricultural lands and water resources, exerting a more positive impact on the environment.The implementation of IoT-based systems for smart waste management can help reduce the amount of waste generated nationwide and increase the recycling of natural resources. These systems comprise sensors and smart containers that collect data on waste consumption, and intelligent systems provide economically viable and efficient management solutions. Furthermore, IoT-based smart parking systems can contribute to optimizing parking resources and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. These systems include sensors and smart displays that gather real-time information on parking availability, assisting drivers in easily locating empty parking spaces.● Smart Traffic Management: Intelligent adjustment of traffic lights, guiding traffic flow to less congested routes, and providing citizens with real-time traffic status updates.● Transportation planning: Analyzing citizens’ travel patterns to improve public transportation routes, determine suitable locations for stations and terminals, and predict future transportation needs.● Reducing Travel Time and Fuel Consumption: By optimizing traffic flow, travel time is reduced, and consequently, fuel consumption and air pollution are also decreased.● Integrated Transportation Applications: Providing platforms that enable trip planning through a combination of transport modes, such as bicycles, buses, subways, and shared vehicles.● Smart Parking Management: Guiding vehicles to available parking spaces and reducing unnecessary vehicle circulation in search of parking.● Smart Payment Systems: Facilitating the payment of public transportation and parking fees through mobile devices and reducing the need for cash transactions.Overall, Smart Isfahan city, by integrating technological innovations with a deep understanding of the cultural values and the needs of citizens and tourists, provides a secure, enjoyable, and sustainable foundation for the future of its tourism and cultural heritage. FundingThere is no funding support. Authors’ ContributionAuthors 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 InterestAuthors declared no conflict of interest. AcknowledgmentsWe are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper. https://www.jscity.ir/article_241143.html A B S T R A C T Designing high-density residential developments in temperate and humid climates, such as Rasht, poses significant challenges in ensuring sufficient access to natural daylight. Inadequate exposure to natural light adversely affects residents’ mental well-being and overall comfort, potentially leading to reduced concentration, elevated stress levels, and impaired visual comfort. Such conditions cannot be fully mitigated through artificial lighting alone and therefore require careful consideration within architectural design processes. This study examines the influence of natural daylight utilization on residents’ quality of life in high-density residential settings and proposes architectural strategies to enhance health and comfort outcomes. In addition, the research explores the relationship between residents’ satisfaction with natural daylight and perceived improvements in quality of life. Adopting a descriptive–analytical research design and a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through a systematic literature review and structured questionnaires. The study population comprised residents of Phases 1 and 2 of the Abrisham residential development in Rasht. Using random sampling techniques, 96 valid questionnaires were completed and analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The findings indicate a strong positive correlation (R = 0.71) between satisfaction with natural daylight and overall quality of life. Access to natural daylight supports the regulation of circadian rhythms, reduces stress, and promotes mental well-being, thereby enhancing cognitive performance and residential comfort. Architectural design interventions, such as optimized window-to-wall ratios and adjustable shading devices, can enhance daylight penetration under Rasht’s predominantly cloudy climatic conditions. The study proposes a daylight-oriented architectural framework that harnesses natural light to enhance environmental sustainability and quality of life in high-density residential developments, offering a conceptual foundation for the formulation of practical, context-responsive design strategies. Extended Abstract Introduction Designing mid-rise residential developments in temperate and humid climates, such as Rasht, presents persistent and multifaceted challenges, particularly in achieving adequate access to natural daylight. Daylight is not merely an architectural aesthetic factor; it is a fundamental determinant of human health, well-being, and cognitive functioning. Inadequate daylight penetration in residential buildings can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, including visual discomfort, impaired concentration, mood disturbances, and disruptions to circadian rhythms. These deficiencies are particularly significant in urban environments where dense construction patterns often reduce access to unobstructed daylight. While artificial lighting can partially compensate for lack of daylight, it cannot replicate the full spectrum of natural light, its subtle changes throughout the day, or its biological and psychological benefits. In recent decades, Rasht has experienced rapid urban growth and densification, driven by rising population pressures and increasing demand for housing. Mid-rise residential developments, typically four to six stories in height, have emerged as a predominant housing typology due to their relative efficiency in land use, adaptability to the urban fabric, and lower shadowing impacts compared to high-rise towers. Despite these advantages, the rapid expansion of such developments has frequently overlooked critical environmental considerations, such as daylighting, natural ventilation, and appropriate block spacing. The consequences of these oversights are tangible: residents often experience environmental discomfort, reduced visual and thermal comfort, and a range of symptoms commonly associated with sick building syndrome, including fatigue, headaches, and diminished concentration. Rasht’s climatic context intensifies these challenges. The city is characterized by predominantly cloudy skies, high humidity, and frequent precipitation, all of which limit the penetration of daylight into residential units. Under these conditions, daylight availability becomes a crucial design parameter, requiring careful attention to architectural detailing and spatial configuration. The role of daylight extends beyond visual comfort; it is a key regulator of human circadian rhythms, influencing sleep quality, hormonal balance, mood, and stress levels. Empirical research demonstrates that adequate exposure to daylight contributes to enhanced cognitive performance, greater social interaction, and overall improvements in mental and physical health. Moreover, daylight-oriented design supports sustainable architectural practices by reducing dependence on artificial lighting, lowering energy consumption, and minimizing associated carbon emissions. Previous studies have highlighted the multidimensional benefits of natural daylight. For instance, research has linked regular exposure to daylight with reduced symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, improved sleep patterns, and higher levels of productivity and creativity. In densely populated urban environments, access to daylight also fosters social cohesion by encouraging residents to spend time in common spaces and interact with neighbors. Despite these well-documented advantages, many mid-rise developments in Rasht have prioritized maximizing floor area and density over environmental quality, resulting in compromised daylight access and reduced livability.The present study addresses these gaps by investigating the relationship between residents’ satisfaction with natural daylight and their perceived quality of life in high-density residential settings. Furthermore, the study seeks to develop climate-responsive architectural strategies tailored to Rasht’s specific environmental conditions. By integrating evidence from environmental psychology, sustainable design, and architectural practice, this research emphasizes the necessity of daylight-oriented design as a central component of healthy, sustainable, and livable mid-rise residential developments. It also seeks to contribute to the global discourse on sustainable housing by providing locally grounded solutions that respond to the specific climatic challenges of Rasht, while remaining applicable to other humid-temperate urban contexts around the world. Methodology This research employed a descriptive–analytical approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues under investigation. The study was conducted in two sequential stages. The first stage involved a thorough literature review to establish the theoretical and empirical foundations of the study. The review covered previous research on daylighting in residential buildings, environmental psychology, sustainable housing, and the relationship between natural light and quality of life. This phase allowed for the identification of key variables, design strategies, and analytical frameworks relevant to the Rasht context. Particular attention was given to studies conducted in similar climatic zones, enabling a more precise understanding of how humidity, cloud cover, and urban density affect daylight penetration. In the second stage, a field survey was conducted within the Abrisham residential development, comprising Phases 1 and 2, which represent typical mid-rise housing in Rasht. A structured questionnaire was developed to assess residents’ satisfaction with natural daylight, perceived health, comfort, and overall quality of life. The questionnaire included multiple dimensions: visual comfort, psychological well-being, stress reduction, social interaction, and general satisfaction with housing. Questions were designed to capture both subjective perceptions and observable behavioral patterns, such as time spent in daylight-exposed spaces and frequency of engagement with communal areas. Additionally, residents were asked to describe specific design features they felt contributed to or hindered daylight access, providing qualitative insight into practical interventions. Random sampling was employed to ensure a representative selection of respondents, yielding 96 valid responses from residents across various floors, apartment orientations, and household types. The sample included diverse demographic groups in terms of age, gender, occupation, and length of residence, which allowed for nuanced analysis of how daylight affects different population segments. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to determine the strength and nature of relationships between daylight satisfaction and indicators of quality of life. Specific attention was given to the correlation between daylight exposure and psychological well-being, including stress levels, mood, cognitive performance, and social interaction. Qualitative data from open-ended questionnaire responses were analyzed thematically to capture residents’ subjective experiences and perceptions of daylight as a determinant of residential comfort and livability. Results and Discussion The findings reveal a strong positive correlation (R = 0.71) between residents’ satisfaction with natural daylight and overall quality of life. Residents who reported higher satisfaction with daylight exposure also demonstrated enhanced psychological well-being, including lower levels of stress, improved mood, and greater cognitive performance. Notably, residents with access to well-lit spaces reported better sleep quality, fewer symptoms of fatigue and headaches, and a greater sense of safety and comfort within their apartments. Social interactions were also positively influenced: participants indicated that increased daylight exposure encouraged use of communal spaces, fostering social cohesion and neighborly engagement. These results highlight that daylight not only affects physical and mental health but also plays a significant role in shaping social dynamics within residential environments. The study identified several architectural strategies as particularly effective in maximizing daylight penetration under Rasht’s predominantly cloudy conditions. These include: · Optimized window-to-wall ratios: Appropriately sized and strategically positioned windows allow maximum daylight entry without compromising thermal comfort or privacy. The study suggests a careful balance between large glazed areas and shading to avoid glare and overheating. · Adjustable shading devices: The use of louvers, blinds, and external shading devices allows residents to control glare and direct sunlight while maintaining daylight access. This flexibility was particularly valued by residents for adapting indoor lighting conditions to daily and seasonal changes. · Reflective surfaces and light shelves: Interior and exterior reflective surfaces enhance the distribution of daylight, allowing deeper penetration into residential units. Light-colored finishes and reflective flooring surfaces were cited by residents as improving visual comfort and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. · Atriums and skylights: Central atriums, light wells, and skylights provide daylight to internal areas that would otherwise remain dim. These features also contribute to natural ventilation, creating a dual benefit of improved daylighting and indoor air quality. · Articulated façades and building orientation: Façade articulation, including setbacks and varied elevations, allows better light penetration and reduces shadowing effects between units. Orientation of buildings along east-west or north-south axes was highlighted as a critical factor in maximizing daylight exposure while controlling heat gain. · Block spacing and urban layout: Adequate spacing between mid-rise blocks ensures that daylight reaches lower floors and reduces the shading impact of neighboring structures. Residents emphasized the importance of open spaces and courtyards for both visual and social benefits. Strategic planning of communal green spaces further enhanced the perceived quality of residential life. The results highlight the critical role of daylight as a determinant of both individual well-being and broader residential livability. The strong correlation between satisfaction with daylight and quality-of-life indicators confirms the importance of integrating daylight considerations into architectural and urban planning processes, particularly in temperate and humid climates such as Rasht. The findings emphasize that mid-rise residential developments can achieve a balance between density and environmental quality through informed design interventions. From a sustainability perspective, daylight-oriented strategies contribute to energy efficiency by reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Given that lighting accounts for a significant portion of residential energy consumption, improving natural daylight penetration has a measurable impact on greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental sustainability. Furthermore, such strategies support broader urban livability objectives, enhancing social interaction, visual comfort, and mental health. The findings suggest that urban planners and policymakers should consider daylight access as a key metric in evaluating the quality and sustainability of residential developments. Comparative analysis with international studies reveals that the challenges faced in Rasht are consistent with those observed in other humid climatic regions. Similar interventions, including the use of atriums, reflective surfaces, and optimized window configurations, have been successfully implemented in cities with comparable environmental conditions. This confirms the broader applicability of the proposed strategies and reinforces the need for context-specific design solutions that address both climatic and cultural factors. In addition, the study provides evidence that design solutions must be integrated at both the building and urban scale to ensure maximum effectiveness, highlighting the interplay between micro-scale architectural detailing and macro-scale urban planning. The study also underscores the complex trade-offs inherent in daylight-oriented design. While maximizing daylight is essential, it must be carefully balanced against thermal comfort, privacy, and potential glare. Adjustable shading devices, façade articulation, and selective glazing are critical in achieving this balance. Urban designers and architects must also consider building orientation and block spacing, ensuring that the benefits of daylight extend to all floors and units without compromising other aspects of environmental performance. Integrating community feedback into the design process further ensures that interventions are aligned with residents lived experiences and daily routines. In addition, the psychological dimension of daylight exposure merits further attention. Residents consistently reported that well-lit spaces fostered feelings of safety, enhanced social engagement, and contributed to overall satisfaction with housing. This emphasizes that daylight is not merely a physical or energy-related factor; it is a key component of social and psychological well-being in residential environments. These insights highlight the value of participatory design approaches in which residents’ perceptions inform the development of sustainable, human-centered architectural solutions. Conclusion This study demonstrates that access to natural daylight is a fundamental determinant of environmental quality and residents’ quality of life in mid-rise residential developments. The identified strong correlation between daylight satisfaction and quality-of-life indicators underscores the necessity of prioritizing daylight-oriented strategies in both architectural and urban planning processes, particularly in temperate and humid climates such as Rasht. The proposed daylight-oriented architectural framework includes the following key considerations: · Optimization of window-to-wall ratios to ensure maximum daylight penetration while controlling heat gain and glare. This strategy could help to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission in built environment. · Incorporation of adjustable shading devices to allow residents to regulate light and privacy according to personal preferences and seasonal changes. · Use of reflective surfaces, light shelves, and atrium spaces to enhance daylight distribution within deeper building zones. · Careful consideration of building orientation and block spacing to prevent mutual shading, maximize exposure, and support ventilation. · Façade articulation and skylights to create dynamic light conditions, improve indoor environmental quality, and promote social engagement in shared spaces. · Integration of community spaces and landscape elements to complement daylight-oriented designs and enhance overall quality of life. Implementing these strategies can create healthier, more sustainable, and more livable residential environments. Beyond their immediate architectural implications, these findings highlight the broader role of natural daylight in promoting urban livability, reducing environmental stressors, and supporting wider sustainable development objectives. By integrating daylight as a central component of design, mid-rise residential developments in Rasht and similar climatic contexts can achieve a balance between density, environmental quality, and human well-being. Funding There is no funding support. Authors’ Contribution First author: Literature review, Data collection and investigation, Second autor: Literature review, data analysis and writing, Thrid Author: statistical test and data analysis Conflict of Interest Authors declared no conflict of interest. Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank all respondents who are living in Abrisham Residential building complex in city of Rasht, Iran. https://www.jscity.ir/article_195914.html Measuring the effects of scenarios and drivers on the key indicators of Karaj's urban development is a fundamental step in explaining the scenarios of Karaj's urban development. At this stage, it is determined how and to what extent each scenario and each driver will affect the indicators of urban prosperity. Also, by using this method, it will be possible to model different states of drivers and the consequences of these states on the indicators of urban prosperity. Based on the results of the Delphi method and the questionnaire, 16 indicators are known as key indicators of urban prosperity. which were categorized in the form of 6 dimensions: 1-education and educational justice, 2-gender equality, 3-health and life expectancy, 4-satisfaction with job and income, 5-access to energy and municipal services, and 6-access to technology. . After identifying the key dimensions and indicators, based on the fuzzy structural map, the impact of three critical uncertainties and four predetermined factors on the key indicators and dimensions was measured using the Mental Modeler software. In the table below, the dimensions of the fuzzy cognitive map method and the codes of each are shown. Measuring the effects of scenarios and drivers on the key indicators of Karaj's urban development is a fundamental step in explaining the scenarios of Karaj's urban development. At this stage, it is determined how and to what extent each scenario and each driver will affect the indicators of urban prosperity. Also, by using this method, it will be possible to model different states of drivers and the consequences of these states on the indicators of urban prosperity. Based on the results of the Delphi method and the questionnaire, 16 indicators are known as key indicators of urban prosperity. which were categorized in the form of 6 dimensions: 1-education and educational justice, 2-gender equality, 3-health and life expectancy, 4-satisfaction with job and income, 5-access to energy and municipal services, and 6-access to technology. . After identifying the key dimensions and indicators, based on the fuzzy structural map, the impact of three critical uncertainties and four predetermined factors on the key indicators and dimensions was measured using the Mental Modeler software. In the table below, the dimensions of the fuzzy cognitive map method and the codes of each are shown. Measuring the effects of scenarios and drivers on the key indicators of Karaj's urban development is a fundamental step in explaining the scenarios of Karaj's urban development. At this stage, it is determined how and to what extent each scenario and each driver will affect the indicators of urban prosperity. Also, by using this method, it will be possible to model different states of drivers and the consequences of these states on the indicators of urban prosperity. Based on the results of the Delphi method and the questionnaire, 16 indicators are known as key indicators of urban prosperity. which were categorized in the form of 6 dimensions: 1-education and educational justice, 2-gender equality, 3-health and life expectancy, 4-satisfaction with job and income, 5-access to energy and municipal services, and 6-access to technology. . After identifying the key dimensions and indicators, based on the fuzzy structural map, the impact of three critical uncertainties and four predetermined factors on the key indicators and dimensions was measured using the Mental Modeler software. In the table below, the dimensions of the fuzzy cognitive map method and the codes of each are shown. Measuring the effects of scenarios and drivers on the key indicators of Karaj's urban development is a fundamental step in explaining the scenarios of Karaj's urban development. At this stage, it is determined how and to what extent each scenario and each driver will affect the indicators of urban prosperity. Also, by using this method, it will be possible to model different states of drivers and the consequences of these states on the indicators of urban prosperity. Based on the results of the Delphi method and the questionnaire, 16 indicators are known as key indicators of urban prosperity. which were categorized in the form of 6 dimensions: 1-education and educational justice, 2-gender equality, 3-health and life expectancy, 4-satisfaction with job and income, 5-access to energy and municipal services, and 6-access to technology. . After identifying the key dimensions and indicators, based on the fuzzy structural map, the impact of three critical uncertainties and four predetermined factors on the key indicators and dimensions was measured using the Mental Modeler software. In the table below, the dimensions of the fuzzy cognitive map method and the codes of each are shown. https://www.jscity.ir/article_233447.html Over the past few decades, global city rankings have evolved into a critical tool for assessing urban competitiveness, attracting investment, and positioning cities in the international landscape. These rankings evaluate cities based on diverse indicators, including quality of life, sustainability, economic strength, governance efficiency, innovation capacity, and global influence. The increasing interconnectedness of cities has intensified global urban competition, where cities are not only inspired by each other but are also measured and compared against one another. Accordingly, international city rankings have become a significant metric for governments, investors, businesses, and policymakers, shaping urban development strategies worldwide.Tehran, as one of the major metropolitan areas in the Middle East, plays a crucial role in Iran’s national economy, social development, and urban policy landscape. However, despite its regional significance, Tehran has consistently performed poorly in global rankings, often falling behind regional competitors such as Istanbul, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. This low ranking reflects structural weaknesses in various aspects of the city, particularly in governance, economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure quality. While global city rankings serve as valuable benchmarking tools, Tehran's low participation in these rankings and its generally poor performance raise concerns about its ability to integrate into the global urban system.The main objective of this study is to analyze the key factors influencing Tehran’s position in global city rankings and to identify strategies that can improve its competitiveness and international standing. By examining major global ranking indices and employing a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) methodology, this study aims to provide a structured approach to understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for Tehran in the context of global urban competitiveness. This study utilizes Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to identify the necessary and sufficient conditions for Tehran to improve its global city ranking. QCA is a robust methodological approach that allows for the examination of multiple causality relationships by identifying key combinations of factors that contribute to a specific outcome. By applying QCA, this study aims to determine which policy and structural interventions are critical for enhancing Tehran’s global standing. Data were collected from four major international city ranking indices, namely: 1. The Global Cities Index (GCI) – which measures cities based on business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement. 2. The Global Cities Outlook (GCO) – which evaluates the future potential of cities based on innovation, governance, economic sustainability, and quality of life. 3. The Global Urban Competitiveness Report (GUCR) – which ranks cities based on economic strength, knowledge-based industries, and governance efficiency. 4. The Global Liveability Index (GLI) – which assesses cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. The analysis compared Tehran’s performance in these indices with cities that have successfully improved their rankings, identifying key success factors and areas requiring intervention. The study also incorporated historical trend analysis to examine how Tehran’s position has changed over time in response to economic, social, and political dynamics. The findings indicate that governance efficiency, economic stability, human capital development, innovation capacity, and infrastructure quality are critical determinants of global city rankings. However, Tehran underperforms in most of these dimensions, which has resulted in its consistently low ranking across various indices. The study highlights the following key issues: 1. Weak governance and regulatory inefficiencies: • Tehran received a governance score of 0.00 in GUCR, indicating a severe lack of transparency, institutional effectiveness, and policy coherence. • Weak governance structures limit the city’s ability to implement strategic urban policies, attract foreign investment, and ensure regulatory stability. 2. Economic instability and lack of global integration: • Tehran’s economic performance in the GCI and GUCR indices remains significantly below global standards, with a score of 0.67 in economic strength. • High inflation rates, market unpredictability, and restrictive business regulations have discouraged investment and hindered economic diversification. • The city lacks a well-developed knowledge-based economy, which is a crucial factor for global urban competitiveness. 3. Deficiencies in environmental sustainability and urban resilience: • Tehran ranked 163rd out of 172 cities in the GLI, primarily due to environmental challenges such as air pollution, water scarcity, and poor waste management. • The city’s environmental sustainability score of 0.167 highlights critical concerns regarding urban resilience and ecological well-being. 4. Limited innovation and digital transformation: • In the GCO index, Tehran’s innovation score of 0.33 demonstrates a lack of investment in technology-driven urban development. • While leading global cities have embraced smart city initiatives, digital governance, and AI-driven urban management, Tehran remains behind in adopting these strategies. 5. Low quality of life and urban livability: • The GLI index ranked Tehran 156th out of 156 cities in terms of quality of life, citing weaknesses in public health infrastructure, housing affordability, urban mobility, and cultural vibrancy. • Public safety concerns and social inequalities have further contributed to Tehran’s declining attractiveness as a livable city. These findings align with previous studies on urban competitiveness, which emphasize the importance of governance, innovation, and infrastructure development as key pillars for global city rankings (Giffinger et al., 2010; Chuang & Grant, 2012). The challenges identified in Tehran’s rankings demonstrate that without significant urban policy reforms and structural improvements, the city will continue to struggle in global assessments. Improving Tehran’s position in global city rankings requires comprehensive governance reforms, economic modernization, investment in innovation ecosystems, and substantial improvements in urban infrastructure and environmental resilience. The experiences of leading cities demonstrate that a multi-dimensional approach—encompassing governance efficiency, digital transformation, and sustainable urban planning—is essential for enhancing global competitiveness. To address these challenges, policymakers should prioritize the following strategic actions: 1. Enhancing governance and regulatory frameworks: Establishing transparent and accountable urban governance structures that support sustainable policymaking, attract investment, and foster public trust. 2. Developing a knowledge-based economy: Encouraging entrepreneurship, high-tech industries, and digital economy initiatives to improve Tehran’s economic resilience. 3. Investing in environmental sustainability: Implementing green urban policies, reducing air pollution, and promoting sustainable energy solutions to enhance Tehran’s livability. 4. Advancing smart city initiatives: Accelerating digital transformation and AI-driven governance to improve urban efficiency and global competitiveness. https://www.jscity.ir/article_240695.html Extended Abstract Introduction Traditional Iranian cities have historically been shaped upon principles of morphological harmony, social cohesion, and climatic adaptability. Among the fundamental components of this urban fabric, passageways (gozar) played a multidimensional role, functioning not only as routes of mobility but also as spaces for social interaction, cultural exchange, and economic activities. With their spatial-climatic configuration, these passageways substantially contributed to the thermal comfort of residents. In contemporary times, however, morphological transformations induced by urban expansion, the reduction of vegetative cover, and the intensification of impervious surfaces have triggered severe thermal stresses in urban environments, underscoring the necessity of re-examining historical spatial models. While numerous studies have addressed outdoor thermal comfort, most have focused either on limited thermal indices or on single-dimensional elements, leaving comparative typological studies of historical passageways in relation to microclimate largely unexplored. The present research seeks to analyze and classify the typologies of Shiraz’s historical passageways through the theoretical framework of climatic comfort and microclimatic simulation, and to propose strategies for improving their environmental performance. Methodology The methodology integrates literature review, field analysis, and simulation modeling using ENVI-met. First, the theoretical foundations of outdoor thermal comfort and key indicators—including Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT), Potential Air Temperature (Ta), Relative Humidity (RH), Wind Velocity, and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)—were reviewed, leading to the development of the conceptual framework. The historical fabric of Shiraz within District 8, encompassing 360 hectares with multiple historically significant passageways, was selected as the study area. Within this scope, twelve passageways with diverse morphological and orientational characteristics were identified and classified into four principal typologies. From each typology, one representative passageway (Sang-e Siah, Emamzadeh Zanjiri, Shahzadeh Mansur, and Haft-Pitch) was chosen for microclimatic simulation under extreme summer conditions (1 July, 14:00). Meteorological data were extracted from the 50-year EnergyPlus database, while standardized human and climatic parameters were defined for UTCI calculation. Simulation outputs were generated as climatic maps and numerical datasets, further analyzed through Leonardo and Microsoft Excel. Additionally, several receptors with varying morphological parameters (height-to-width ratio, presence or absence of sabats, pavement materials, and vegetative cover) were embedded in each passageway to allow precise evaluation of individual factors. Results and discussion Findings revealed that morphological and spatial variations across passageways exerted significant and direct impacts on microclimatic indices. Regarding Potential Air Temperature, Sang-e Siah—with its high openness and lack of shading—registered the highest temperatures and lowest comfort levels, whereas Shahzadeh Mansur, benefiting from favorable height-to-width ratios and the presence of sabats, demonstrated cooler and more balanced conditions. Mean Radiant Temperature emerged as the most decisive factor: in Sang-e Siah, MRT peaked at 73°C, indicating severe inefficiency in solar radiation control, while Haft-Pitch—with its twisted geometry and narrow profile—recorded markedly lower values. Relative Humidity analysis indicated that, despite its thermal shortcomings, Sang-e Siah benefited from vegetative cover and openness, performing better than other passageways, though still unable to achieve comfort thresholds. Conversely, Emamzadeh Zanjiri exhibited the poorest RH values. In terms of wind velocity, Emamzadeh Zanjiri, owing to its alignment with prevailing winds, achieved relatively effective ventilation, while Sang-e Siah and Haft-Pitch experienced poor airflow due to blockages. The integrated UTCI analysis—representing human thermal perception—demonstrated that Shahzadeh Mansur offered the most favorable comfort conditions, Haft-Pitch performed moderately, and both Emamzadeh Zanjiri and Sang-e Siah fell within the category of severe heat stress. Comparisons across receptors further underscored the critical influence of morphological parameters. Results showed that increasing the height-to-width ratio (H/W) could lower MRT by several degrees, with taller and narrower passageways yielding more favorable climatic conditions. Vegetative cover, in certain segments, reduced MRT by over 6°C, while the presence of sabats—a vernacular architectural element—proved highly effective in moderating peak summer heat and sustaining pedestrian usability. Pavement material, although less impactful, revealed asphalt to slightly intensify ambient heat due to higher solar absorption. Conclusion Overall, the study emphasizes the decisive role of morphological configuration and spatial design in enhancing outdoor climatic comfort. Shahzadeh Mansur, characterized by effective climatic modifiers such as sabats, shading devices, and optimal height-to-width proportions, performed most successfully, while Sang-e Siah, with excessive openness and absence of climatic mediators, experienced the most critical conditions. Haft-Pitch offered moderate success in controlling radiation and air temperature yet was deficient in ventilation and humidity regulation. Emamzadeh Zanjiri, despite acceptable airflow, provided overall the least favorable comfort levels. These findings highlight that the revitalization of historical passageways and the design of contemporary urban corridors must prioritize proportional street canyons, effective shading structures, integration of vegetation, climatically responsive materials, and facilitation of wind flow. https://www.jscity.ir/article_244183.html Climate change and rapid urbanization have significantly altered the hydrological conditions of cities, making urban flooding and runoff a major environmental hazard. Urban flooding is a multi-dimensional problem with economic, social, and environmental consequences. In response, numerous studies have been conducted in Iran, focusing on hydrological/hydraulic modeling (e.g., SWMM, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS) or GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) for flood hazard zoning. However, most research concentrates on physical dimensions (depth, extent, drainage performance) while neglecting social, economic, and physical vulnerability components. Furthermore, the diversity of models without a coherent analytical framework has led to fragmented knowledge. This systematic review aims to answer: What approaches, models, and analytical frameworks have been used in Iranian urban flood management studies? What input data and validation methods are employed? What are the strengths and limitations of these approaches? This mixed-method (quantitative-qualitative) systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of Persian-language databases (Civilica, IranDoc, Google Scholar) using keywords related to urban flood, runoff, risk management, vulnerability, and GIS was conducted in January 2026 (Dey 1404). The initial search identified 112 records. After removing duplicates (n=10), screening for relevance (n=12), and excluding inaccessible full texts (n=5), 85 records were assessed. Following a full-text review against inclusion criteria (clear thematic relevance, use of hydrological/topographic/land-use data, link to urban planning/flood management), 18 records were excluded, leaving 67 studies for final synthesis. Data were extracted using a coding protocol in Excel. Analysis combined descriptive quantitative statistics (temporal distribution, spatial scales, models) with qualitative thematic analysis to identify conceptual patterns and develop an integrated framework. The 67 sources comprised 50 research articles (74.6%), 10 conference papers (14.9%), 6 master's theses (9.0%), and 1 doctoral dissertation (1.5%). Temporal distribution shows gradual growth from 2007-2008, with a significant increase after 2017. The highest publication year was 2018 (13.4%), followed by 2024 (11.9%). Subject areas were categorized into six themes: quantitative runoff simulation, spatial flood hazard/vulnerability assessment using GIS-MCDM, green infrastructure/Low Impact Development (LID) performance, social/institutional dimensions (limited), remote sensing applications, and data-driven machine learning models (emerging). The city scale was most frequent (32 studies), followed by sub-city (e.g., districts) and beyond-city (e.g., watersheds). Geographically, Tehran dominated, followed by Mashhad, Tabriz, and others, indicating uneven spatial distribution. Five model categories were identified. (1) Hydrological models (SWMM, HEC-HMS, SCS-CN) were widely used for rainfall-runoff simulation. Their strength is quantitative estimation of runoff and peak flow, but accuracy depends on input data quality and calibration. (2) Hydraulic models (HEC-RAS 1D/2D, StormCAD, SewerGEMS) enabled analysis of flow behavior, water depth, and inundation extent, making them essential for hazard zoning. (3) Ecosystem service models (InVEST, regulatory service frameworks) were less common, offering an interdisciplinary view linking floods with ecological structure and resilience, though with lower spatial-physical precision. (4) MCDM models (AHP, ANP, TOPSIS, COPRAS, PROMETHEE II, fuzzy logic combined with GIS) were heavily used for hazard zoning, vulnerability assessment, and site selection. Their strength lies in integrating quantitative and qualitative criteria, but results depend on expert judgment. (5) Machine learning models (Maxent, PLS, Ridge Regression, LSTM) are emerging, capable of representing non-linear patterns, but suffer from lower interpretability and generalization challenges with limited data. Key inputs included topographic data (DEM for slope, flow direction), rainfall/hydrological data (often limited sub-hourly data), drainage network data, observational flood data (rare but crucial for calibration), climate and scenario data (very limited climate scenarios; mostly land-use or LID management scenarios), remote sensing data (Landsat, Sentinel), and integrated datasets for MCDM. Weak validation and lack of observational data were recurring issues. Only 23.9% of studies had full or adequate validation. 43.3% had limited validation, and 31.3% lacked explicit validation. Validated studies used statistical methods (NSE, RMSE, R²), consistency checks, or spatial mapping against historical events. The absence of validation is a critical flaw, undermining reliability. Most studies (41) made no official reference to ecosystem services. Sixteen implicitly referred to ecosystem functions, 8 made explicit but non-framework references, and only 2 used a formal ecosystem service framework. Attention to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) was similarly low, with most studies not simulating NbS scenarios. Regulating services (flood risk reduction, runoff regulation) dominated, while multi-service approaches and socio-economic integration were rare. Most studies remained purely technical (31), with 13 adopting multi-dimensional approaches. The findings indicate a dominant engineering paradigm with limited integration of ecological and socio-economic dimensions. The literature follows a dominant engineering-technical paradigm, treating floods as a primarily hydrological problem. This conceptual narrowness neglects social, institutional, and ecological complexities. There is a disconnect between physically accurate models (weak in socio-economic integration) and MCDM models (subjective but integrative). Poor validation and scarce observational data create a gap between research and operational application. Compared to international trends (integrated flood management, urban resilience, NbS), Iranian research has not fully transitioned. The concentration of studies in major cities (Tehran) reflects data and infrastructure disparities. Limited access to high-temporal-resolution rainfall data and historical flood records hinders validation. The past two decades have seen growth in Iranian urban flood research, but the field suffers from conceptual and methodological heterogeneity. The dominant engineering-technical paradigm needs to shift toward integrated, multi-dimensional frameworks (social, economic, institutional, ecological). While GIS-MCDM methods are widespread, they often lack validation and transparency. Emerging machine learning and NbS approaches signal a paradigm shift, but it remains immature. Key policy implications include: moving toward integrated risk management, strengthening data infrastructure (high-resolution rainfall, observational flood data), developing model validation standards, and promoting NbS/green infrastructure. Research limitations include the exclusive focus on Persian-language databases, heterogeneity in study quality, and potential interpretive bias. Future research should focus on: integrating physical models with socio-economic analysis; conducting empirically validated studies; applying ecosystem service and NbS frameworks in scenario-based studies; hybridizing machine learning with physical models; and expanding geographic coverage to understudied cities. The persistence of urban flooding in Iran is not due to a lack of studies but to the gap between knowledge production, methodological quality, and urban decision-making processes. https://www.jscity.ir/article_246502.html Introduction The dynamics of urban life, especially in mid-sized cities like Izeh in southwestern Iran, have introduced complex challenges in recent decades. Rapid urbanization, unbalanced physical development, and population migration from rural to urban areas have led to various environmental and social problems such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and weakened community interaction. These issues often diminish the overall quality of life and make the urban experience emotionally and physically draining for residents. Hence, understanding the physical, social, and psychological dimensions of urban environments has become a priority in urban planning. Urban neighborhoods, as the smallest spatial units of cities, play a vital role in shaping residents' identities and sense of belonging. They are no longer just physical territories but rather places infused with meaning, memory, and emotional ties. In this context, the concept of responsive environments—urban spaces that effectively respond to users’ needs and foster interaction, safety, and diversity—has received attention for its capacity to enhance place attachment. This emotional connection is crucial for urban sustainability, social participation, and quality of life. In the case of Izeh, many neighborhoods suffer from poor urban design, lack of diversity in land use, and insufficient public amenities. These deficiencies have weakened residents’ engagement with their environment and reduced their attachment to place. This study, therefore, investigates how citizens perceive the responsiveness of their local environments and how these perceptions influence their sense of place attachment in 15 neighborhoods of Izeh city. Methodology This research is applied in purpose and descriptive-analytical in method, conducted through a field survey. The study population includes all residents of the 15 neighborhoods of Izeh, with a total population of 198,871. A sample of 400 individuals was selected using simple random sampling based on Cochran's formula. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire validated through expert judgment (face and content validity) and tested for reliability using Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.77). The questionnaire evaluated five main constructs based on Bentley et al.'s (1985) theory of responsive environments: 1. Physical and spatial quality 2. Perceived safety and life satisfaction 3. Social participation and responsibility 4. Aesthetic and cognitive urban design 5. Place attachment (dependent variable) Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent t-tests, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via Smart PLS were used to analyze the data. Model fitness was assessed through KMO, Bartlett’s test, and composite reliability (CR). Results and Discussion The findings indicate that citizens generally rate the responsiveness of their neighborhoods as moderate. Among all components, “urban design and aesthetics” received the highest mean (3.33), followed by “safety and life satisfaction” (3.27), and “place attachment” (3.29). The lowest-rated dimension was “physical and spatial quality” (3.18), indicating existing weaknesses in public spaces and urban services. Correlation analysis revealed significant and positive relationships between place attachment and other dimensions, notably: • Safety and satisfaction with life (r = 0.517) • Social participation (r = 0.411) • Urban design and aesthetics (r = 0.610) Path analysis confirmed that: • Safety and life satisfaction had the most substantial effect on place attachment (β = 0.337, t = 6.918) • Social participation also showed a strong effect (β = 0.285, t = 6.208) • Physical and spatial quality had a moderate but significant effect (β = 0.202, t = 3.334) • However, aesthetic design, despite its high descriptive score, did not show a statistically significant direct effect on place attachment (p = 0.055) Gender-based analysis showed that women rated physical quality and aesthetics higher, while men reported higher scores for safety, participation, and place attachment. These differences are attributed to behavioral patterns and gender-specific experiences in urban environments. Furthermore, model fit indices supported the structural validity of the research framework: • R² for place attachment = 0.436, indicating that about 44% of its variance is explained by the independent variables. • GoF = 0.278, demonstrating a good overall model fit. • The AVE and CR values for all constructs were above acceptable thresholds, confirming convergent validity. Conclusion • The study underscores the critical role of responsive urban design in enhancing citizens’ place attachment in mid-sized cities. Among all dimensions, safety and life satisfaction emerged as the strongest predictors of place attachment, highlighting the need for peaceful and secure environments. Social participation was also essential, suggesting that inclusive planning can strengthen emotional bonds with place. • Interestingly, although aesthetic qualities received high ratings, they did not translate into higher levels of attachment unless combined with functional and social dimensions. Therefore, relying solely on beautification without addressing social and psychological needs may not be sufficient for fostering place attachment. • The study recommends that urban management and policy-makers adopt an integrated and participatory approach to urban planning, focusing not only on the visual and physical aspects but also on social interaction, security, and citizen engagement. Future research should employ qualitative methods, such as interviews and ethnographic observation, to deepen the understanding of place attachment and responsive environments, especially in contexts with distinct cultural and socio-economic characteristics like Izeh. https://www.jscity.ir/article_246504.html Historical bazaars in Iran are among the most important contexts for the formation of collective place identity. The Historical Bazaar of Qazvin, through its complex spatial organization, movement system, and physical structure, is considered a prominent example in the reproduction of place identity. This study aims to explain the impact of the formal structure of the Qazvin Bazaar on place identity, focusing on social interactions, territoriality, and visual sensitivity. The research adopts a qualitative, analytical–interpretive approach based on Herdeg’s framework of formal structure. Data were collected through documentary studies, field surveys, plan analysis, and a seven-axis reading of formal structure in four key nodes of the bazaar: Small Chahar Suq, Grand Chahar Suq, Sa’adat Square, and the Central Bazaar. To enhance the validity of the findings, the results were verified using Space Syntax analysis and Visual Graph Analysis (VGA) in Depthmap software, based on Global Integration, Local Integration, Choice, Connectivity, and Visual Integration indices. Findings illustrate that Small Chahar Suq strengthens micro-scale social interactions and local identity, Grand Chahar Suq enhances symbolic centrality and spatial integration, Sa’adat Square organizes urban-scale interactions and legibility, and the Central Bazaar connects the spatial network and maintains continuity of social flows. The results indicate the highest overlap between Herdeg’s framework and syntactic and visual measures in central, functional, movement-accessibility, and visual-spatial axes. In conclusion, place identity in the Historical Bazaar of Qazvin emerges from the interaction of formal structure, spatial organization, movement patterns, and visual perception, through the synergy of form, function, and meaning. https://www.jscity.ir/article_246505.html The rapid growth of urban populations and uncontrolled construction in Iran’s southern cities has increasingly attracted the attentions to social sustainability indicators in residential complexes. Bandar Abbas, as one of the most populous cities in southern Iran, faces challenges such as declining quality of life, social interactions, and resident satisfaction in their communities. This study aims to identify the factors affecting social sustainability in residential complexes and to explore their diverse dimensions initially. In the next step, the study examines those factors in four residential complexes of "Payambare Azam" district - a recently constructed area in Bandar Abbas - in order to propose design strategies for enhancing social sustainability. With this aim in mind, the role of five dimensions based on literature review including: social participation, resident satisfaction, social identity, sense of security, access to services and facilities and sense of security; were examined using a survey methodology. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered in four selected communities in "Payambare Azam" district and in total 384 residents were interviewed. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software utilizing different analyses including Pearson Correlation, ANOVA test, and Regression analysis (by two models). The results indicated that although all five mentioned dimensions indicated meaningful correlation with social sustainability (P-value<0.05) but in the ANOVA test only “sense of security” had a significant difference among respondent groups (sig= 0.12, F=3.72). On the contrary, the regression analysis emphasized on the satisfaction (sig=0.00, T= 0.483) and social participation (sig= 0.00, T= 0.683) as the key predictors for social sustainability.