Model for assessing the level of Pedestrianism Livability in neighborhood units Case study: (Madi Niasram, Isfahan metropolis).

Document Type : Extracted from the dissertation

Authors

1 PHD Student of Urban Planning, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of geographical sciences and planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Urban Planning, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of geographical sciences and planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

10.22059/jhgr.2025.392216.1008801

Abstract

Introduction

Cities around the world today are facing problems such as various pollutions, resource depletion, species extinction, class differences, poor housing, insecurity, economic problems, etc. that did not exist before and have led to their destruction, erosion and unlivability. The presence of cars has led to a decrease in the presence of citizens in public spaces and a lack of attention to pedestrians, and has transformed a city serving humans into a city dominated by cars. The main question that arises is how to make cities more livable and environmentally healthier. In order to achieve sustainability, various theories have been proposed, the most comprehensive of them is the livability theory. The present study, by combining the two theories of livability and pedestrianization, seeks to provide a new tool entitled " Pedestrianism Livable Pattern" in order to assess the quality of life in neighborhood units. Therefore, the objectives of the present study are primarily to combine the two theories of livability and pedestrianization and to present indicators of the Pedestrianism Livable Pattern. Then, the presented models will be examined in the margin area of Niasarm, and finally, the development strategies of the studied area will be presented based on the defined model.



Methodology

The study is of a fundamental-developmental type with a descriptive-analytical approach, and combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and a correlational type, which uses library studies and document reviews in the qualitative part and field methods, questionnaire completion, and statistical analysis in the quantitative part. The research population includes citizens living in the margin of Niasarm, from whom 390 people were selected to complete the questionnaire based on the Cochran formula. The collected data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method with the partial least squares approach. In the next step, in accordance with the nature of the research, which is based on two fundamental theories of viability and implementation, the partial least squares modeling method was used using Smart PLS 4 software. The reasons for choosing this method are primarily the nature of the research, which is based on theory, as well as the high statistical power of this method, higher efficiency in parameter estimation, better performance than classical methods, use of classified variables, theory development convergence examination, and finally testing the efficiency of the designed model.

Results and discussion

The Pedestrianism Livable Pattern was examined in the form of four social, physical, environmental and eco-manageral models in the area, and the results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the defined model has a good fit in the area.

The use of structural equation modeling allowed for a comprehensive study of the issue, providing a suitable opportunity for comprehensive planning and determining priorities for future programs based on assigned importance. Components that are ranked higher are of greater importance and should be at the forefront of planning and policymaking.

Considering these priorities will enable greater success in a shorter time, and if the plan is fully implemented on track, it can be used as an implementation model for other axes.

Conclusion

The network of Madies in Isfahan city, due to their linear nature, suitable climatic conditions, and desirable vegetation, is a suitable option for becoming a sidewalk for use of people and tourists and creating a space for citizens to spend their leisure time. In the present study, we investigated the feasibility of implementing a Pedestrianism Livable Pattern in the Niasarm area of the streets and evaluated this area in terms of the level of defined indicators.

Based on the results, the presented model can be used in other urban spaces. Also, the planning priorities for the full realization of the model in the physical area of Niasarm include the development of public spaces, urban self-reliance, culture and education, public transportation, environmental sustainability, physical quality, social factors, management factors, pedestrianization, urban landscape, safety and security, and economic factors, respectively. As executive suggestions, conduct a comprehensive study on the deficiencies and potentials in the social, physical, environmental and economic management sectors, identify responsible organizations, delegate responsibilities and achieve integrated management to achieve project goals, implement the model based on the priorities defined in the Niasarm axis, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the project to complete it, conduct similar studies in other axes, and try to create a continuous network of sustainable pedestrian paths in the city, equip the path with the infrastructure needed by pedestrians and design pocket parks and diverse and attractive stopping points at intervals of 10-15 minutes walking, quantitative and qualitative development of recreational, tourism and residential facilities in the region, special protection of existing green spaces, eliminate deficiencies and try to strengthen them, develop a comprehensive and timely plan to deal with wear and tear, provide appropriate financial and credit facilities for renovation, proper guidance and management of traffic on the Madi axis and communication streets with priority for pedestrian traffic, increase safety and security in the region, and A satisfactory level of presence for specific groups at all hours of the day and night, the use of public participation and the assignment of responsibility to citizens to achieve good urban governance, and support for the development of retail and service businesses along the route in a mobile manner are proposed to create employment, increase the attractiveness of the route, and develop economic development.

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