https://sppl.ui.ac.ir/ Spatial Planning en daily 1 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://sppl.ui.ac.ir/article_29877.html AbstractEnvironmental challenges in Isfahan Metropolis have emerged as a significant concern for the city. This research aimed to assess the current state of environmental governance within Isfahan. By employing a descriptive-analytical and applied approach, the study utilized a researcher-developed questionnaire. The statistical population comprised experts in urban planning and management in Isfahan, from whom 43 valid questionnaires were collected through a snowball sampling method. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.978. Data analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test. The findings indicated that the state of environmental governance across the studied indicators required improvement. In terms of public participation, both the level of engagement and the number of active environmental organizations fell short of ideal standards. The performance of institutions in addressing environmental issues was rated as weak regarding responsibility and accountability. Furthermore, the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental measures varied across different areas, indicating a need for enhancement. With respect to lawfulness and transparency, compliance with regulations and provision of information to citizens were inadequate. Additionally, distribution of environmental services at the city level was inequitable. To improve environmental governance in Isfahan, the results suggested a comprehensive and integrated approach that emphasized strengthening public participation, enhancing transparency and accountability, as well as prioritizing environmental justice. Keywords: Environmental Governance, Urban Management, Participation, Accountability, Isfahan Metropolis. IntroductionIn recent decades, emergence and intensification of environmental challenges have been recognized as some of the most serious security threats facing humanity. Scholars argue that the environment has evolved from being merely a backdrop to human activity to becoming a central determinant of global, national, and local security (Ndubuisi-Okulu, 2020). Issues, such as global warming, ozone layer depletion, biodiversity loss, species extinction, and desertification (Dehghani Firouzabadi & Shokri, 2022), are no longer abstract phenomena; they have direct and tangible effects on human life, economic productivity, social stability, and sustainable development. Unsustainable human activities—ranging from overexploitation of natural resources to uncontrolled urbanization—have exacerbated these crises. Together, they undermine opportunities for intergenerational justice and long-term sustainable development (Busby, 2018).In this context, metropolitan regions are particularly vulnerable due to the concentration of population, infrastructure, industries, and socio-economic activities within a limited geographical area. Isfahan as one of Iran’s historical and industrial metropolises exemplifies this vulnerability. Its arid and semi-arid climate makes it highly susceptible to climatic fluctuations and hydrological stress. Recurrence of droughts in recent decades, stagnant air on nearly half of the days each year, ongoing demands for residential and industrial expansion, tourism pressures, rapid physical development, and the presence of heavy industries both within and around the city have exacerbated ecological stress. These factors have manifested in severe urban environmental issues, such as persistent air pollution, declining groundwater levels, deteriorating surface and subsurface water quality, soil erosion, land subsidence, and a declining urban ecosystem (Mohammadi & Kanani, 2016). Given that the urban environment directly impacts the quality of life for residents, the governance of environmental resources in such a metropolis is not merely a technical or managerial challenge; it is also a fundamental social, political, and developmental issue. The increasing recognition that environmental degradation undermines both livability and long-term economic prosperity has made the enhancement of urban environmental governance a strategic imperative. This research was driven by the observation that structural weaknesses in the environmental governance framework of Isfahan could lead to irreversible consequences if left unaddressed. The absence of effective institutional arrangements, insufficient transparency, weak accountability mechanisms, and inadequate citizen participation had created significant barriers to sustainable solutions. By identifying the key components of environmental governance and proposing strategies grounded in participatory and transparent decision-making, this research aimed to contribute not only to local environmental improvements in Isfahan, but also to the broader discourse on urban governance in other Iranian metropolises facing similar challenges. Materials & MethodsThis research employed a descriptive-analytical approach with a practical orientation. Its objective was not only to provide an academic assessment of the current state of environmental governance, but also to offer actionable insights for urban management. The statistical population consisted of experts in urban planning, environmental management, and urban governance within Isfahan Metropolis. These individuals were selected for their familiarity with local governance structures and their professional experience with environmental issues. Initially, based on prior research and the supervisor’s recommendations, a minimum sample size of 30 experts was deemed necessary for significant results. However, to enhance the generalizability and robustness of the study, 100 questionnaires were distributed. Ultimately, 43 valid and error-free responses were collected, representing a satisfactory sample given the specialized nature of the population.The sampling method used was snowball sampling, particularly effective for reaching specialized and hard-to-access populations. Since direct access to all relevant experts was not feasible, the process began by contacting a few key informants willing to participate. These individuals were then asked to refer to other qualified experts, who met the research criteria and were open to engaging in the process. This chain-referral method enabled the researcher to build a reliable network of experts while ensuring a diversity of perspectives. To ensure validity and reliability, several measures were implemented. Content validity was established by submitting the questionnaire to the supervisor and advisor for review and approval prior to implementation. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The questionnaire included 61 specialized questions addressing various aspects of environmental governance and the calculated Cronbach’s alpha was 0.978, significantly exceeding the commonly accepted threshold of 0.7. This indicated excellent internal consistency, high correlation among the items, and strong reliability of the instrument, allowing for confident generalization of the results to the broader expert population. For data analysis, the chi-square test was employed to evaluate the relationship between governance indicators and their actual performance levels in Isfahan Metropolis. This test is suitable for assessing the extent to which observed results deviate from expected norms related to good governance principles. Research FindingsThe findings of this study indicated that key environmental governance indicators—including participation, transparency, rule of law, and justice—were not functioning at the desired level in Isfahan. Participation: Citizen engagement in environmental decision-making was limited. Existing consultation mechanisms were often fragmented or merely symbolic, leading to a lack of significant participation and diminished public trust in environmental policies. Transparency: Significant weaknesses in information disclosure and a lack of accessible data were identified as major barriers. Experts emphasized that without transparent flows of information, citizens could not effectively engage in governance processes, nor could institutions be held accountable. Rule of Law and Justice: Enforcement of environmental laws was inconsistent and, in some cases, selective. There was evidence of an unequal distribution of environmental services, with certain urban areas benefiting disproportionately while marginalized communities facing greater risks of environmental degradation. Accountability: Regarding responsibility and responsiveness to environmental crises, institutional performance was found inadequate. Overlapping jurisdictions and fragmented institutional structures hindered coordinated responses. Collectively, these findings highlighted a systemic governance deficit. The identified weaknesses were not merely technical inefficiencies; they were deeply rooted in institutional culture, political structures, and mechanisms for societal engagement. Experts argued that unless transparency was enhanced, participation was broadened, and accountability was strengthened, piecemeal interventions would continue to be ineffective. Discussion of Results & ConclusionThis research concluded that enhancing environmental governance in Isfahan Metropolis necessitated a comprehensive and integrated governance model. Several strategic priorities were identified: Strengthening Public Participation: Citizens should be actively engaged through institutionalized mechanisms, such as participatory councils, environmental NGOs, and digital consultation platforms. Increasing Transparency and Accountability: Open access to environmental data, clear reporting on policy outcomes, and independent monitoring mechanisms are essential. Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness: Reducing institutional fragmentation by creating coordinated frameworks will facilitate effective policy implementation. Reinforcing the Rule of Law: Stronger enforcement of environmental laws free from political or economic interference is critical to ensuring fairness and justice. Promoting Environmental Justice: Equitable distribution of environmental services and protection from environmental risks should be the guiding principles. Fostering Interdisciplinary Cooperation: Given that environmental governance encompasses ecology, planning, economics, and social sciences, effective collaboration across disciplines and institutions is vital. Empowering Environmental Organizations: Both governmental and non-governmental organizations should play a more significant role in shaping, monitoring, and evaluating policies. By embedding these principles into the urban governance framework of Isfahan, the metropolis can transition toward a more sustainable trajectory. Furthermore, the strategies proposed here can serve as a model for other Iranian cities, particularly those facing similar ecological challenges and governance deficiencies. Ultimately, this study underscores that urban environmental governance is not solely a technical responsibility of experts; it is a collective societal endeavor that requires transparency, justice, and citizen empowerment. The future resilience and sustainability of Isfahan—and indeed other metropolises—depend on adopting this integrated and participatory approach.  https://sppl.ui.ac.ir/article_30140.html AbstractTabriz, one of Iran's largest metropolitan areas with a population of approximately 1.6 million people, faces significant seismic vulnerability due to its location on active faults, insufficient emergency response systems, and inadequate disaster management capacity. Enhancing seismic resilience is therefore critical for the city's sustainable development. This study employed a quantitative framework based on the Resilience Measurement Index (RMI) to evaluate the urban seismic resilience of Tabriz. Data were synthesized from semi-structured interviews with local experts, GIS datasets, official statistics, refereed literature, and internal documents from the East Azerbaijan Province Management and Planning Organization. These inputs were systematically weighted and calibrated by using entropy and CRITIC methods to develop a set of context-specific resilience indicators. The results revealed a total urban resilience index of 0.343 for Tabriz. A comparative analysis with Tehran—where District 2 scored 0.513 and District 19 scored 0.356—highlighted significant structural inequalities. The higher resilience observed in parts of Tehran was attributable to greater infrastructure investment and more robust urban planning. This research contributed an innovative methodological approach by integrating Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) with localized expert knowledge, enhancing the model's accuracy and adaptability for application in other urban contexts. Unlike prior studies, this assessment provided a comprehensive, city-wide evaluation of all regions within Tabriz. Key recommendations for reinforcement focused on strengthening community engagement, advancing urban planning practices, and leveraging technological innovations to build more effective resilience strategies against seismic threats. Keywords: Seismic Resilience, Quantification, Resilience Measurement Index, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, Tabriz. IntroductionUrban seismic resilience is a critical determinant of a city's long-term sustainability and safety against natural hazards like earthquakes. Defined as the capacity of an urban system to anticipate, absorb, recover from, and adapt to seismic impacts while maintaining essential functions, resilience extends beyond physical infrastructure to encompass social, economic, and governance dimensions. A modern, comprehensive understanding of these interactions is fundamental for developing effective risk reduction, recovery, and adaptation strategies within urban planning (Jafari et al., 2025; Javadpoor et al., 2021). Integrating the multifaceted components of resilience into a cohesive framework remains a central challenge. Resilience is not merely an infrastructural quality or a mathematical index; it is a holistic property that synthesizes physical vulnerability, social fragility, and a community’s inherent capacity for recovery. Recent studies emphasize the necessity of such integrated, city-scale assessments over analyses focused solely on individual structures (e.g., Baldassarre et al., 2024). Spatial assessments further reveal intra-urban disparities while identifying zones of high physical vulnerability and correlating them with social resilience factors—such as cohesion and adaptive capacity—that critically influence post-disaster outcomes. To operationalize this comprehensive view, methodologies like Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) are increasingly employed. MCDA provides a structured approach to prioritize diverse criteria, characteristics, and indicators based on their relative importance to overall resilience (Mirzajani, 2025). This study adopted such an integrated approach, combining the Resilience Measurement Index (RMI) framework with MCDA. Specifically, we utilized a hybrid weighting method, integrating Entropy and Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) techniques to ensure a robust and objective quantitative assessment. The primary aim of this research was to develop and apply a comprehensive, quantitative framework for assessing urban spatial seismic resilience by using Tabriz, Iran, as a critical case study. To this end, we identified and weighted key criteria and indicators across multiple dimensions—including scale, structure, form, function, and network—tailored to the city's specific context. This paper detailed the methodological integration, presented the application and results for Tabriz, and discussed the implications for targeted resilience planning. Materials & MethodsThis study developed an index system for assessing urban seismic resilience grounded in the principles of the Sendai Framework. The system employed a hierarchical structure, organizing the city into 5 main sections and further subdividing them into specific thematic areas. Each resilience indicator was selected to be measurable with an emphasis on data availability and accessibility. To determine the relative importance of these indicators, a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach was applied. Specifically, the Entropy and Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) weighting methods were used to calculate objective indicator weights for the primary case study of Tabriz. For comparative context, the weights for the cities of Tehran and Zanjan were also computed using the same methodology. The quantification of seismic resilience followed an index-based model that integrated the defined indicators with the calculated weights. The model’s conceptual foundation was that a city’s overall resilience to seismic shocks functioned analogously to a series of springs, where the system’s total performance was a cumulative outcome of its interconnected parts. A central challenge in this process was the quantification of inherently complex indicators, which was compounded by a frequent lack of directly validated, reliable data. To address this, a standardized 5-level scale was implemented, assigning each indicator a normalized value between 0 and 1. Wherever possible, the existing reliable data were used for direct validation. In the absence of such data, quantification was achieved through a synthesis of findings from published literature and expert judgment, ensuring a consistent and justifiable basis for measurement across all indicators. Research Findings The overall seismic resilience index for Tabriz was calculated at 0.343. This value indicated a moderate-to-low level of urban resilience. While the results suggested that awareness of seismic resilience existed among both citizens and officials and some initial efforts toward safety enhancement were evident, these measures remained insufficient to achieve a robust level of preparedness. Discussion of Results & ConclusionThis study addressed a significant gap by providing the first comprehensive assessment of seismic resilience for a major non-capital city in Iran. The analysis yielded a total seismic resilience index of 0.343 (on a 0-1 scale) for Tabriz metropolis, classifying its current state as moderate-to-low. This result indicated that while there was a foundational awareness of resilience among officials and citizens, practical efforts and regulatory enforcement remained critically insufficient. Spatial analysis revealed pronounced intra-urban disparities. Districts 1 (0.314) and 10 (0.250), along with parts of Districts 4, 5, and 6 (all below 0.31), were identified as the most vulnerable zones. Key contributing factors included proximity to the North Tabriz Fault, irregular urban development, a high prevalence of vulnerable steel-1 structures (84% in District 4), elevated population density, and limited access to emergency services. In contrast, District 2 exhibited the highest resilience (0.412) attributable to coherent urban planning, high-quality reinforced concrete construction, sufficient open space, and a robust road network. These findings aligned with both historical and contemporary evidence. They were consistent with damage patterns from the major 1721 and 1780 earthquakes, which devastated marginal areas near the fault. Domestically, the results corroborated studies from Tehran (Haghighi Fard & Doratli, 2022) and Mashhad (Bastani et al., 2024), reinforcing the established link between physical vulnerability and socio-spatial marginalization. Internationally, the assessment framework was comparable to advanced seismic models developed for European contexts (Danciu et al., 2024). A key methodological innovation of this research was the development of a localized weighting framework that integrated two objective methods—Entropy (handling uncertainty) and CRITIC (addressing inter-criteria correlation). This hybrid approach achieved higher accuracy than traditional methods like AHP and served as a replicable benchmark for similar Iranian cities (e.g., Karaj, Qom, and Kerman). The Python codes developed for this process (provided in the attachments) enabled the rapid calculation of weights for future applications. Based on the findings, the following actionable measures are proposed:Implementing a large-scale program to retrofit vulnerable steel-1 structures estimated at a cost of approximately 15% of the building valueEstablishing an IoT-based early warning network along the North Tabriz FaultConducting annual community-participation disaster response maneuvers, particularly in high-risk Districts 1 and 10Suggestions for Future Research & Limitations:Future work should utilize tools like HAZUS-MH to simulate specific earthquake scenarios, providing more precise estimates of how proposed interventions could improve the resilience index (potentially by up to ~0.15 units). While this study mitigated reliance on expert judgment through interviews with 18 relevant organizations, a degree of subjectivity remained a limitation compounded by a lack of real-time data. Subsequent research should explore dynamic modeling integrated with AI and expand the framework to multi-hazard assessments. Ultimately, this study provided a transferable model for enhancing urban sustainability in seismic zones across Iran. A detailed comparison of this research with previous studies is presented in Table 1.  https://sppl.ui.ac.ir/article_30142.html  AbstractThis study employed a methodology of future studies to identify the key drivers of sustainable rural development in Ardabil County with a specific focus on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As an exploratory and applied analytical study, it utilized a mixed-methods approach. Following a review of library and documentary sources, qualitative data were collected through open-ended questionnaires and document analysis, while quantitative data were gathered via a weighted Delphi survey. A set of rural development indicators was presented to a panel of 25 experts. Using a cross-impact matrix (scaled 0–3), they evaluated the impact and susceptibility of each factor to identify the most influential drivers. The analysis of factor dispersion revealed a currently unstable system with most variables scattered around the diagonal axis of the matrix. From an initial set of 22 factors, 12 AI-related drivers were identified as the most critical for the future of sustainable rural development in Ardabil County based on their high direct impacts and influence scores. Among these, 6 were found to be of paramount significance: 1) development of technological infrastructure; 2) implementation of pilot projects; 3) AI-enabled good rural governance; 4) allocation of dedicated research budgets; 5) alignment with global AI standards; and 6) promotion of AI-based startups in agriculture and related sectors. The study concluded that AI-driven rural development is a multifaceted phenomenon. Its realization depends not merely on technological investment but on a holistic ecosystem. This ecosystem must include robust hardware and software infrastructure, enhanced institutional capacity, smart governance models that foster inter-sectoral coordination, data transparency, targeted research funding, human capital development, and cultivation of social trust in technology. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sustainable Rural Development, Future Studies, Driver, Ardabil County. IntroductionArtificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming key sectors with an undeniable potential to reshape rural development. By driving revolutionary changes in healthcare, agriculture, education, tourism, and entrepreneurship, AI is poised to significantly enhance the quality of life in rural communities. However, harnessing this potential in the rural areas of Ardabil County requires a fundamental transition from traditional structures to intelligent, digitally-enabled platforms. This transition faces distinct challenges as rural regions typically encounter greater infrastructural and capacity-related obstacles in digital and AI adoption than their urban counterparts. Consequently, it is essential to identify and understand the critical factors and drivers that will influence its future trajectory to ensure that AI development proceeds on a suitable foundation. This study aimed to analyze these key drivers affecting the future of sustainable rural development with a specific emphasis on AI. In this context, raising awareness among policymakers, officials, and rural communities about the tangible benefits of AI is a vital step. Such understanding is crucial for fostering the necessary support and facilitating effective implementation across various fields of rural development.This study was conducted to analyze these drivers affecting the future of rural development with a specific focus on artificial intelligence. Raising awareness among officials and the rural community about the benefits of leveraging AI is essential as it can effectively promote development across various rural sectors. Materials & MethodsThis applied study adopted an exploratory and analytical design by utilizing a mixed-methods approach within a futures research framework to identify the key drivers of sustainable rural development with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The study’s expert panel consisted of 25 specialists and professionals in the field of rural development in Ardabil County. Data collection and analysis proceeded in 3 stages:Stage 1: Factor Identification: To compile an initial list of key factors, structured interviews were conducted with the panel using a Delphi method. Indicators and components related to rural development across various dimensions were first compiled from a literature review and then presented to the experts. Based on their assessment, an initial set of 26 influential variables was identified.Stage 2: Factor Refinement: Following a review of expert feedback in a subsequent Delphi round, this list was refined to a final set of 22 consensus-based variables.Stage 3: Cross-Impact Analysis: These 22 factors were then incorporated into a cross-impact matrix. Experts were asked to score each pair of factors on a scale from 0 to 3, representing the perceived degree of direct influence and susceptibility between them. This quantitative data derived from the weighted Delphi questionnaire responses formed the basis for determining the relative impact and influence of each driver. Research FindingsThis study analyzed the opinions of 25 specialists to identify the key drivers affecting the future of sustainable rural development with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ardabil County. Based on the 22 final factors determined through the Delphi process, a 22x22 cross-impact matrix was constructed.The results demonstrated strong methodological validity. After 3 iterations of data rotation, the analysis achieved 100% desirability. Furthermore, the matrix filling rate was 92.14%, indicating a high degree of perceived interdependence among the factors.The dispersion of the 22 factors on the coordinate plane revealed that the future state of AI-based rural development at the county level was unstable. The majority of factors were scattered near the diagonal axis, suggesting they shared a similar systemic status while differing in their relative intensity of influence.The distribution of variables across the matrix quadrants was as follows: 12 factors were classified as key, two-dimensional drivers; 1 factor was an influencing variable; 4 were influenced; 3 were independent; and 2 were regulatory. Following scoring and analysis using the MicMac model, 12 factors were ultimately selected as the key drivers. Among these, the following six were identified as the most significant:Development of technological infrastructureImplementation of pilot projectsAI-enabled development of good rural governanceAllocation of dedicated research fundsAlignment with and adherence to global standardsPromotion of AI startups in agriculture, handicrafts, and related sectors. Discussion of Results & ConclusionThe findings indicated that multiple initiatives and projects were actively seeking to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) for rural development in Ardabil County. The primary objective of these efforts was to empower rural communities by facilitating access to AI technologies and equipping residents with the necessary skills and knowledge for their effective application. This focus on capacity-building was designed to enhance local competencies and create opportunities for skill development directly relevant to emerging industries and regional challenges. Notably, experts emphasized the importance of providing practical hands-on training to the rural community prior to the widespread adoption of AI technology. Such preparatory education was essential for fostering an informed understanding of AI’s practical applications and benefits. The strategic implementation of new AI infrastructure and technologies was poised to serve as a foundational platform for county-wide rural development.Beyond spurring local growth, this integration has the potential to reduce the development gap between urban and rural areas. With appropriate policy and planning, these advancements can significantly increase the attractiveness and vitality of rural centers. Furthermore, AI presents transformative opportunities for rural businesses, enabling them to develop, grow, and access new markets. The analysis highlighted the emergence of AI-enabled smart governance as a next-generation model for the study area. This approach termed good rural governance under AI offers a framework for ensuring equitable and sustainable prosperity. It provides a mechanism to systematically address and secure the interests of villagers, businesses, and rural management, thereby fostering a more holistic and resilient development pathway.  https://sppl.ui.ac.ir/article_30038.html AbstractClimate change and rapid urbanization have presented significant challenges to urban livability, particularly in cold and arid climates. Despite numerous studies examining the impacts of urban form and spatial characteristics on climatic conditions, this topic remained underexplored in the context of Iran’s cold and arid microclimates. This study aimed to analyze the influence of urban form indices on outdoor climatic comfort in cold climates, focusing on a deteriorating urban area in Shahrekord. Using ENVI-met software, 3 scenarios—existing conditions, detailed plan, and proposed plan—were simulated and analyzed. The results indicated that macro-scale design, which preserved the organic urban fabric while minimizing extensive interventions, optimizing the Height-to-Width (H/W) ratio of streets, aligning pathways perpendicular to prevailing cold winds, and regulating building height patterns, significantly enhanced thermal comfort. The proposed model featuring reduced linear pathways and adjusted building heights demonstrated superior heat retention during midday and evening hours, while the detailed plan created more favorable conditions in the morning and nighttime. These findings underscore the importance of climate-responsive design and can serve as a valuable guide for urban planning in cold climates. Keywords: Climatic Comfort, Cold Climate, Urban Space, Urban Design.IntroductionRapid urbanization and intensified climate change in recent decades have significantly impacted the livability of cities, particularly in cold regions where harsh weather conditions restrict the effective use of outdoor public spaces. Urban microclimates, which play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of public life, are heavily influenced by elements of urban form. In cold climates, thermal discomfort deters pedestrian activity and social interactions, thereby undermining the vitality of public life. In this context, climate-sensitive urban design emerges as a vital strategy for improving Outdoor Thermal Comfort (OTC), especially in Iranian cities, such as Shahrekord. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of key urban form indicators on outdoor thermal comfort in cold climates. The central research question was: Which urban form components at the macro scale have the greatest potential to enhance thermal comfort in cold-climate urban spaces? To explore this, a case study was conducted in the deteriorating urban fabric of Shahrekord, a high-altitude city nestled in Iran’s cold mountainous region. Materials & MethodsThis applied research adopted a quantitative-comparative methodology. The study began with a review of theoretical and empirical literature to identify critical urban form variables, including the Height-to-Width ratio (H/W) of streets, street orientation, and building massing. These variables were integrated into 3 urban scenarios: the current condition (MAC1), the approved detailed plan (MAC2), and a proposed intervention (MAC3). Simulations were conducted by using ENVI-met 5.6.1 microclimate modeling software. A 200×400-meter area was modeled, utilizing 30 years of climate data for Shahrekord with February 2 chosen as the coldest day of the year. Environmental and meteorological data were obtained from Ladybug Tools. The thermal comfort indices employed in the analysis were the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), both widely recognized in studies of outdoor comfort. These indices were simulated at a height of 1.5 m above ground level to accurately represent the pedestrian experience. Research FindingsThe findings indicated that the proposed design (MAC3) outperformed the other two models during midday and afternoon periods by reducing direct wind exposure and optimizing solar gain in central public spaces. Specifically, lowering building heights around central areas to 6 m enhanced solar access in winter, creating a thermally favorable environment for pedestrian activity. In contrast, the detailed plan (MAC2) featured orthogonal street layouts that improved natural ventilation and increased comfort during the morning hours. Comparative analysis based on PET revealed that MAC3 performed best at 2 PM, when heat retention was most critical, while MAC2 was more effective in the early morning and evening due to its superior airflow and shading patterns. Street orientation also had a significant impact; streets aligned along east-west and north-south axes facilitated optimal sunlight exposure and wind control in MAC2, whereas the more irregular but strategically oriented layouts in MAC3 allowed for localized heat retention. Additionally, building massing strategies varied considerably across the three scenarios. MAC2 employed a stepwise height transition from 9 to 18 m across the site, which effectively modulated cold wind flow while maintaining solar access in certain zones. In contrast, MAC3 featured lower heights in the central zone and taller buildings at the periphery, creating a protective enclosure that retained warmth while reducing wind penetration. UTCI-based simulations corroborated the PET findings, indicating that both MAC2 and MAC3 provided enhanced comfort compared to the existing conditions. However, the effectiveness of MAC3 in minimizing thermal discomfort during peak cold periods in public spaces positioned it as a more resilient design solution. These results align with findings from Ahmadi et al. (2019) and Müller et al. (2023), who highlighted the importance of compact design and morphological adjustments in enhancing thermal comfort in cold climates. Despite these advancements, none of the scenarios emerged as a universally optimal solution; each model demonstrated strengths at different times of the day. MAC2 was better suited for morning and evening conditions due to its superior airflow and staggered massing, while MAC3 excelled during midday when solar radiation was at its peak. This underscored the necessity for integrated, context-sensitive urban design that effectively balanced sun exposure, wind flow, and building massing strategies. Discussion of Results & ConclusionIn terms of practical recommendations, this study suggested several strategies to enhance thermal comfort in cold climates:Reducing direct street alignments and implementing curved or staggered street patterns to mitigate cold wind corridorsLowering H/W ratios in central spaces to increase wintertime solar gain without compromising spatial enclosureVarying building heights to create microclimate zones and protect sensitive areasOrienting buildings to maximize passive solar heating while minimizing long winter shadowsAdditionally, this research underscored the potential of ENVI-met and similar tools to support evidence-based urban design in climate-sensitive contexts. It also calls for future studies to incorporate the behavioral, psychological, and socio-cultural dimensions of thermal comfort, areas that were beyond the scope of this analysis due to technical and temporal constraints. The findings from PET and UTCI analyses indicated that both models performed differently according to the time of day and prevailing climatic conditions and they should be used in an integrated approach in the final design to maximize thermal comfort for users. In cold climates, urban design must effectively balance solar radiation, natural ventilation, and heat retention. In the proposed model, adjustments to the H/W ratio of the streets and orientation of the buildings helped achieve a more balanced ambient temperature in the afternoon and evening, while the detailed design offered increased shade, thereby improving comfort during the morning and evening hours. Furthermore, the elevation system in the proposed model maintained heat within the central space, whereas the detailed design model provided better airflow and ambient temperature control through its varied building heights. Consequently, both models had distinct advantages and limitations depending on the time of day and climatic conditions.This study demonstrated that macro-scale urban form variables—particularly H/W ratio, building orientation, and massing—significantly impacted thermal comfort in cold climates. The proposed model achieved greater heat retention during the afternoon, while the detailed plan provided better thermal balance in the colder morning and evening periods. These insights are crucial for policymakers and urban designers seeking to create climate-adaptive, livable, and inclusive public spaces in cold regions. The findings indicated that urban form indices at the macro scale, including the H/W, street orientation, and building elevation systems, decisively influence the climatic comfort of outdoor spaces in cold climates. Analyses conducted with ENVI-met software in the deteriorating urban fabric of Shahrekord revealed that the proposed model, by reducing straight streets and adjusting building heights, created a more balanced temperature during the afternoon and evening hours, thus enhancing thermal comfort. In contrast, the detailed design, which utilized direct streets and varied heights, was more effective in improving thermal comfort in the morning and evening hours. However, limitations like insufficient software data, prolonged simulation times, detailed design requirements, and ownership issues hindered a comprehensive examination of all urban design components. Additionally, the lack of assessment of psychological, social, and cultural factors due to time constraints restricted a more nuanced analysis of climatic comfort. This study emphasized the necessity of climate-responsive design that aligned with local characteristics. It suggested that future research should focus on integrating climate factors into urban planning while examining design, attitudinal, and organizational barriers. Such efforts can lead to a comprehensive framework for designing urban spaces in cold climates that better balances thermal comfort with urban vitality.  https://sppl.ui.ac.ir/article_30164.html In this regard, social capital, the main component of which is trust, has gained a special place in growth studies. Given the importance of this issue, the present study examined the driving and inhibiting factors affecting social capital case of villages in the central part of Ardabil County. The present study is descriptive-analytical in terms of its applied purpose and research method. The technique required to obtain the required data is library and field (questionnaire) and the statistical population of the present study is the villages in the central part of Ardabil County. SPSS and LISREL software were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the social factor (with an effect coefficient of 0.918), the managerial factor (with an effect coefficient of 0.907), and the economic factor (with an effect coefficient of 0.869) are the most important driving factors, respectively, and the economic factor (with an effect coefficient of 0.960), the managerial factor (with an effect coefficient of 0.903), and the social factor (with an effect coefficient of 0.885) are the most important inhibiting factors affecting social capital, respectively. Also, the results of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the three villages of Tazeh-e-Kand Rezaabad (score 174.05), Aqcheh-e-Kandi (score 162.14) and Hasan-e-Ali-e-Kandi (score 152.25) have the most inhibiting factors, and the villages of Anzab-e-Alia (score 154.17), Gorjan (score 142.36) and Aqbalagh-e-Aghajan Khan (score 130.64) have the most promoting factors of social capital. https://sppl.ui.ac.ir/article_30225.html An Islamic city is a context in which Islamic principles and philosophy are current and applicable.Therefore, paying attention to Islamic rules and ethics in preparing urban plans and programs is a basic need.Therefore, this research aims to explain Islamic rules and ethics in urban planning and design with an emphasis on the jurisprudential rule of hadd al-kafaf in Region 2 of Urmia city.This research is descriptive-analytical in terms of method.And using the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the users, the position of Islamic rules and ethics in urban planning and design was examined.According to quantitative studies, 5 urban uses in Region 2 of Urmia city are facing a shortage in terms of per capita status compared to the upstream plans and have not reached the necessary adequacy in terms of the jurisprudential rule of hadd al-kafaf .In contrast, 8 urban uses are in an acceptable and necessary adequacy in terms of per capita status.An examination of the status of neighborhoods in Region 2 of Urmia city based on an analysis of the jurisprudential rule of per capita housing adequacy, basic urban services, and road network in plans and programs showed that 10 neighborhoods are deficient.An assessment of the qualitative status of land uses using a four-dimensional matrix showed that 3 neighborhoods are in a completely desirable state, four neighborhoods are in a desirable state, and 6 neighborhoods are in an average state.The remaining neighborhoods are in an undesirable and completely undesirable state in terms of qualitative indicators. https://sppl.ui.ac.ir/article_30285.html The rapid growth of urbanization over the past three decades, coupled with increased rural migration to cities, has led to the expansion of spontaneous settlements and informal housing in Iranian cities. These settlements, particularly in the Islamabad neighborhood of Karaj, face challenges such as inadequate welfare facilities, poor environmental conditions, and rising social insecurity. This research aims to identify the key drivers and influential actors affecting social security in Islamabad, with the goal of improving the neighborhood's quality of life. The study is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, utilizing a foresight approach. Factors were initially identified using the Delphi method, and after expert validation, structural analysis was conducted using the MicMac method to extract drivers. The Mactor software was then used to analyze the behavior of key actors influencing these drivers. Findings reveal that economic poverty, lack of urban infrastructure, and absence of planning for organizing these areas are primary factors undermining social security. Enhancing social capital and developing comprehensive programs for organizing spontaneous settlements can improve social security. The critical role of urban institutions and resident participation in implementing these programs are key findings. Improving social security in such settlements requires precise planning, active community involvement, and strengthened urban infrastructure, which can enhance quality of life and reduce social deviations. https://sppl.ui.ac.ir/article_30320.html Population in any country can be a driving force for development when it enjoys equal opportunities for prosperity. Fair distribution of opportunities provides a platform for effective utilization of human capacities and promotion of national progress. In contrast, inequality in access to opportunities causes migration, reduces human capital productivity, and deepens regional gaps. The research examined the role of population migration as an influential factor by examining the Gini coefficient as a criterion for measuring the redistribution of development opportunities in the provinces of our country. The research was quantitative and applied research. For analysis, the Gini coefficient was prepared for the provinces of our country and then population migration information was presented in the form of a pair matrix in Gephi. ArcGIS was used to analyze spatial patterns and models, and SPSS was used to examine statistical relationships. The results of the research indicate that the provinces of our country in the central and southeastern regions have the highest intensity of inequality. Population migration patterns are also mainly concentrated in these regions, making these regions the main centers of migration flows. Examining the relationship between inequality and the values ​​of the population migration centrality model also shows that this relationship is strong. In fact, it can be stated that population migration in our country is not only a response to inequality, but has itself led to the intensification of inequalities. This shows the importance of studying and paying attention to the spatial dynamics of population migration in our country.