Identification and Evaluation of Livability Components in Urban Areas (A Case Study: Esfarayen City)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd , Iran

Abstract

Urban livability deals with all aspects and dimensions of urban settlements that seek to create a healthier and more livable urban environment for current and future generations. In line with the importance of livability for cities, in the present study, we have analyzed and evaluated the livability of urban areas within the municipality of Esfarayen. The present study is descriptive-analytical in purpose and applied in research results. First, using the Delphi technique, the dimensions and components affecting urban livability were identified according to the metropolitan area of ​​Esfarayen. Then, after ranking these dimensions, the situation of Esfarayen urban neighborhoods in terms of livability was examined using the ANP method. Finally, the livability of this city in terms of physical, economic, social, and environmental dimensions with a favorable situation was studied and compared. Findings showed that among the most critical factors affecting urban livability in Esfarayen city include components of adequate housing dimensions and identity and sense of place, income level, education and quality, quality of sidewalks and public spaces, access to centers Commercial and service, access to medical centers, parks, and green spaces. The research findings also indicate that the most livable urban areas of Esfarayen include neighborhoods 20, 16, and 14, with the highest livability. The results of the study showed that although the city of Esfarayen is in a favorable condition in terms of environmental viability, which is due to the excellent climate, open and green urban spaces, and beautiful landscapes of the city, In terms of physical and economic dimensions, it is in a moderately downward position.
 
Extended Abstract
1-Introduction
Sustainability refers to a healthy, safe, and well-accessible urban system that provides a high quality of life and an attractive environment for citizens. The basic principles of this concept include accessibility, equality, and participation. They gather and integrate physical and social well-being parameters and characteristics to strengthen and maintain a perspective of human existence in a fruitful and meaningful way. Sustainability is a broad and collective term that embraces similar concepts such as sustainability, quality of life, quality of place, and a healthy city. In its primary and general meaning, it means achieving livability. To the extent of access, residents' quality of life depends on infrastructure, transportation, communications, water and sanitation, food, clean air, adequate housing, satisfying jobs, and green spaces and parks. In line with the importance of livability for cities, this study aims to analyze and evaluate the livability of urban areas in Esfarayen.
 
2-Materials and Methods
The present study is considered applied research. For analuzing the information, the primary components affecting urban livability in Esfarayen were identified by examining the theoretical foundations and theory of research. Then, these dimensions, which include 23 features, were prepared and compiled in the form of a Delphi questionnaire. Delphi panel members then examined these indicators. These members have 35 urban planning specialists in universities and research centers. The selection criteria of these experts are theoretical mastery, scientific experience, willingness, ability to participate in research, and access. Then, the research indicators were determined by removing the indicators that did not score the necessary points. After examining the significance coefficient of each of these indicators by ANP network sequence analysis, these indicators were examined in Esfarayen city. At first, according to the determined dimensions, the viability of each urban area of Esfarayen was determined using the Mabak method. Then, the general situation of Esfarayen city was examined through the indicators selected in the form of 4 physical, economic, social, and environmental dimensions, as well as the total livability with the desired condition. The basis of the desired situation is determined from the average of the lowest and highest points based on the Likert spectrum, and the number 3 is placed. Indicators that crossed the green line (number 3) are in the desired position. Indicators below the green line and above the red line are not in the desired position. In other words, they are in the central place.
 
3- Results and Discussion
 Findings revealed that among the most critical factors affecting urban livability in the city of Esfarayen including components of adequate housing dimensions and identity and sense of place, income level, education and quality, quality of sidewalks And public spaces, access to commercial and service centers, access to medical centers, parks, and green spaces. Also, the results of the Mabak ranking showed that the most livable urban areas of Esfarayen include neighborhoods 20, 16, and 14, with the highest livability. Also, neighborhoods 11, 4, and 13 have the lowest viability rate. Finally, the t-test results showed that Esfarayen city is in a favorable situation regarding environmental viability and economic and social viability indicators. Also, the viability of all indicators is in a low to average condition.
 
4- Conclusion
According to the results of the study, it can be said that although Esfarayen is in a favorable situation in terms of environmental viability, due to the mild climate, open and green urban spaces, beautiful scenery, but in terms of physical, economic, and social dimensions, it is in a moderately low condition. This situation is more evident in the central neighborhoods of the city. Accordingly, results include specific suggestions on the renovation and increase of quality of significant tissues of the town along with decentralization of activities and fair distribution of services, the need to increase livability and move towards social and biological sustainability of Esfarayen. Finally, widespread attention to the key factors is identified. Considering the quantity, shortcomings, and weaknesses of Esfarayen urban neighborhoods, the local study of livability can effectively present strategies and move towards a livable city.

Keywords

References

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