Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

The Effect of Sustainable Environmental Components on Improving the Quality of Urban Public Spaces (Case Study: Commercial Centers of Tehran)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hossein Taheri Rostami 1
Maryam Amanpour 2
1 Master’s Student, Department of Architecture, Saveh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran
2 Assistant professor, Department of Architecture, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran
10.22034/uep.2024.458982.1493
Abstract
Introduction 
Humans have always strived to overcome natural challenges using their innate abilities and intellect, aiming to create a peaceful environment for living. In some cases, these efforts have damaged the natural habitat, such as constructions that deteriorate over time and lose their identity. Historically, architecture was designed to align with nature, establishing a balance between human structures and the environment. However, this harmonious coexistence was disrupted with the onset of the Industrial Revolution and increased urbanization. The demand for construction during this period upset this balance, resulting in numerous environmental crises in the modern world. Furthermore, neglecting the natural context of cities has had irreparable effects on urban life. One of the most effective perspectives in the design process of urban public spaces is the approach of environmental sustainability. Environmental sustainability, emphasizing renewable energies, aids in maintaining livability. The development of Tehran has primarily occurred through substantial increases in construction in recent years. However, another aspect of this development is creating commercial spaces within the city. This research examines environmental dimensions and aims to identify sustainable environmental components that impact the qualitative enhancement of urban public spaces. Additionally, attention to sustainability chains is not limited to developing countries; in recent years, emerging economies have also focused on this concept. This paper will identify sustainable environmental components and analyze their impact on improving the quality of urban public spaces. It will clarify the need to reconsider the concept of urban public spaces concerning the environment. The research aims to find sustainable environmental components and subsequently assess their influence on enhancing the quality of urban public spaces (case study: commercial centers in Tehran).
Materials and Methods
In this study, researchers utilized semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis to explore the views of architecture specialists. The statistical population was determined based on Morgan’s table, and data were collected through five-point Likert questionnaires. Additionally, observation and researcher presence in commercial spaces at various times were employed as supplementary tools for data collection alongside studying maps, aerial photographs, statistics, and internet information. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, including frequency tables to examine the demographic characteristics of samples and research variables’ status. Understanding the demographic characteristics of the population and sample can enhance researchers’ comprehension of the topic and lay the groundwork for future analyses. The research method is applied based on research objectives. The data collection method is descriptive and survey-based, where researchers seek answers regarding how much sustainable environmental components can influence enhancing urban public space quality.
Findings
The findings section presents results derived from applying inferential methods used in the research. Common hypothesis testing methods involve stating statistical hypotheses and then confirming or rejecting them based on results obtained from SPSS software. In this research, a one-sample t-test was utilized for hypothesis testing; thus, each hypothesis’s mean was compared with a value of 3—if the t-test value exceeds 3, it can be concluded that the proposed hypothesis is more confidently accepted. Additionally, the Friedman test was used to rank effective components of environmental sustainability and their impact on urban public spaces (case study: commercial centers in Tehran). Based on library studies and analysis of interview data followed by data analysis, findings indicate that among factors influencing urban public space quality—namely economic factors, social factors, and environmental factors—the component of environmental quality has the most significant impact on enhancing urban public space quality. Also, tests confirmed that all sub-components proposed in the research hypotheses significantly influence urban public space quality.
Conclusion
In summary of research findings, it can be stated that unsustainable urban development over recent decades has resulted in numerous damages and significant environmental pollution in cities. Research conducted on commercial centers in Tehran indicates that none of these centers have paid attention to environmental sustainability parameters. Therefore, introducing sustainable architectural patterns and policies can provide an innovative idea for designing these centers and serve as a criterion for the proper design of commercial complexes. This research investigates the impact of sustainable environmental components on enhancing urban public space quality (case study: commercial centers in Tehran). The research method was descriptive and analytical; data collection tools included questionnaires, observation, and presence in public (commercial) spaces. The researcher was present at various times across different commercial environments in Tehran and collected data through questionnaires designed based on theoretical foundations. The statistical population was specified accordingly. Descriptive statistical techniques like frequency tables were employed to analyze sample demographic data. The majority of research samples were women aged between 37 and 47 years old; most participants held bachelor’s degrees and resided in Tehran. Subsequently, all variables and sub-variables were analyzed using SPSS software; after examining significance levels of sub-criteria, it was determined that all sub-components emphasized by environmental factors significantly influence enhancing urban public space quality.
Keywords
City
Environmental
Quality of Public Spaces
Sustainability

Subjects

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Urban Economics and Planning
Volume 5, Issue 3
Summer 2024
Pages 42-57

  • Receive Date 26 May 2024
  • Revise Date 24 July 2024
  • Accept Date 31 July 2024