Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Mara.C., Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Urban smart growth, as a modern approach to urban planning, emphasizes enhancing spatial efficiency, This study aims to explain the relationship between walkability quality and the realization of urban smart growth in the city of Khoy. The research is applied in purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. Required data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising 24 items across eight indicators: network access and connectivity, physical attractiveness, safety and ease of movement, urban vitality, environmental sustainability, urban efficiency, quality of life, and social interactions. The construct validity of the instrument was confirmed through exploratory factor analysis (KMO=0.892; Sig=0.000), and its reliability was established with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.91. Data analysis was conducted using one-sample t-test, Kendall's correlation, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple regression. Results indicated that the mean scores of all indicators were above the moderate level (3.41 to 3.74), and positive, significant relationships were observed between walkability dimensions and urban smart growth components (0.39≤τ≤0.63; Sig=0.000), with the strongest found between urban vitality and social interactions (τ=0.63). The regression model revealed that walkability quality indicators explained 61.4 percent of the variance in urban smart growth (R=0.784; R²=0.614; Sig=0.000), wherein urban vitality emerged as the strongest predictor with a standardized coefficient of β=0.35. Accordingly, enhancing the quality and vitality of pedestrian-oriented spaces, alongside improving accessibility, environmental attractiveness, and safety of movement, can serve as an effective strategy for realizing urban smart growth in the city of Khoy.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In recent decades, rapid urbanization and automobile-oriented development have created major environmental, social, and spatial challenges for cities. In response, the concept of smart urban growth has emerged as an approach to promote sustainable urban development through compact urban form, efficient land use, reduced car dependency, and more livable urban environments. A central element of this approach is walkability, which emphasizes pedestrian-friendly environments that improve accessibility, safety, social interaction, and environmental quality. Walkable environments not only facilitate mobility but also enhance urban vitality, public health, environmental sustainability, and community cohesion. Previous studies have shown that accessibility, urban design quality, safety, and social vitality significantly affect residents’ willingness to walk and interact in urban spaces. However, empirical studies examining the multidimensional relationship between walkability and smart urban growth, especially in medium-sized cities of developing countries, remain limited. In Iran, many cities continue to experience dispersed urban growth, car dependency, and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure. Khoy, an important medium-sized city in northwestern Iran, has undergone significant spatial and demographic changes in recent decades, increasing the need for sustainable mobility and human-centered urban planning. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between walkability quality and the realization of smart urban growth in Khoy city, focusing on dimensions such as accessibility, environmental quality, safety, urban vitality, environmental sustainability, urban efficiency, quality of life, and social interaction.
Methodology
This study adopts an applied research approach using a descriptive–analytical method. The statistical population consisted of residents of Khoy city. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire designed according to theoretical foundations and previous studies on walkability and smart urban growth. The questionnaire contained 24 items measured on a five-point Likert scale and organized into eight indicators: accessibility and connectivity, physical attractiveness, safety and walking comfort, urban vitality, environmental sustainability, urban efficiency, quality of life, and social interaction.
To assess validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value was 0.892, indicating strong sampling adequacy, while Bartlett’s test was statistically significant (Sig = 0.000), confirming the suitability of the data structure. Reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a value of 0.91, demonstrating high internal consistency. Data analysis included one-sample t-tests to evaluate walkability indicators, Kendall’s tau correlation analysis to examine relationships between variables, Kruskal–Wallis tests to identify differences among demographic groups, and multiple regression analysis to determine the predictive power of walkability indicators on smart urban growth.
Results and Discussion
The one-sample t-test results showed that the mean values of all indicators were above the moderate level, ranging from 3.41 to 3.74. This indicates that residents generally perceive the pedestrian environment in Khoy as relatively acceptable, although improvements are still needed in several dimensions.
Kendall’s tau analysis revealed significant positive relationships between all dimensions of walkability and components of smart urban growth (0.63 ≥ τ ≥ 0.39; Sig = 0.000). The strongest relationship was found between urban vitality and social interaction (τ = 0.63), emphasizing the role of vibrant pedestrian environments in strengthening social engagement and community life. This finding supports urban design theories suggesting that lively public spaces encourage informal social encounters and improve urban attractiveness.
Regression analysis demonstrated that walkability indicators significantly predict smart urban growth. The regression model explained 61.4% of the variance in smart urban growth (R = 0.784; R² = 0.614; Sig = 0.000), indicating substantial explanatory power. Among the variables, urban vitality was the strongest predictor (β = 0.35), followed by accessibility, environmental quality, and pedestrian safety. These findings indicate that not only physical infrastructure but also the social and experiential qualities of pedestrian environments are crucial for sustainable urban development.
The results are generally consistent with previous international studies highlighting the importance of walkable environments in promoting sustainable and smart urban growth. However, this study shows that urban vitality has a particularly strong influence in the context of Khoy. Therefore, strategies aimed at enhancing street activity, mixed land use, and attractive public spaces can significantly strengthen walkability-oriented urban policies.
Conclusion
This study examined the relationship between walkability quality and smart urban growth in Khoy city. The findings confirm that walkability is a multidimensional concept involving accessibility, safety, environmental quality, social interaction, and urban vitality, all of which contribute to more sustainable and livable cities. Statistical analyses identified significant positive relationships between all walkability indicators and smart urban growth components. Regression results further showed that these indicators collectively explain a considerable proportion of the variance in smart urban growth, with urban vitality emerging as the most influential factor.
The findings suggest that pedestrian-oriented planning strategies can play an important role in guiding sustainable urban development in medium-sized cities. From a policy perspective, strengthening pedestrian infrastructure, improving accessibility and connectivity, enhancing environmental attractiveness, and ensuring pedestrian safety are essential. In addition, urban planners and decision-makers should focus on creating active and vibrant public spaces that encourage social interaction and community participation. Such integrated approaches can significantly contribute to smart urban growth and improve urban quality of life in Khoy. Overall, the study demonstrates that promoting high-quality pedestrian environments is not only a transportation strategy but also a comprehensive urban development approach that enhances sustainability, social vitality, and urban 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.
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