Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

Analysis of the Quality of Life Indicators in the Neighborhoods of Pakdasht City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fazel Pazouki 1
Parvaneh Ziviar 2
Bahman Kargar 3
1 Ph.D. Candidate in Geography and Urban Planning, Imam Khomeini (RA) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e Rey, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Imam Khomeini (RA) Branch, Shahr-e Rey, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/uep.2025.504678.1593
Abstract
Introduction 
Quality of life is a complex concept assessed through both objective and subjective indicators, reflecting individuals’ perceptions of various aspects of their lives. In developed countries, planners work to identify and improve quality of life, but in developing cities like Pakdasht—an immigrant-friendly area near Tehran issues such as population growth, resource inequality, inadequate public spaces, and rising crime rates have led to a decline in residents’ quality of life and a crisis of identity. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing comfort and alleviating urban problems in Pakdasht. The city struggles with numerous urban management issues that inhibit the development of vibrant public spaces, contributing to diminished residents’ sense of place and apathy toward improving their environment. Public spaces lacking cultural and social significance further exacerbate the identity crisis and reduce vibrancy. Additional obstacles include decreased social security, the rise of informal settlements, precarious employment, and crime, all negatively impacting quality of life. Urban changes have also resulted in increased land prices, structural shifts in living patterns, and problems like congestion. In this context, assessing and improving the quality of life could significantly enhance residents’ comfort and mitigate urban challenges. Factors such as inadequate housing, unrealistic job opportunities, insufficient urban facilities, governance inefficiencies, and security concerns have further complicated the situation. Environmental issues also contribute to these challenges, emphasizing the need for effective solutions. This research explores the challenges and quality of life indicators in urban neighborhoods of Pakdasht, analyzing how urban management can enhance citizens’ quality of life.
Materials and Methods
This research is an applied, development-oriented study utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach through surveys. It examines the citizens of Pakdasht city and includes insights from experts and university professors in urban management and planning. According to Tehran Municipality statistics, Pakdasht’s population in 2021-2022 was approximately 330,000, with a sample size of 384 citizens determined using the Cochran formula. For experts, a sample of 35 was selected via the Delphi technique. Simple random sampling was used for citizens, while purposeful sampling was employed for experts. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequency and mean) and inferential statistics to assess attribute significance using the Likert scale. Results were analyzed using MATLAB software and the TOPSIS model, prioritizing Pakdasht based on selected criteria. A numerical taxonomy model was also used to assess similarities and rank various elements.
Findings
This research analyzes key neighborhoods in Pakdasht, focusing on two main areas: Area 1 (Mamazand, Polasht, Qouh, Zeynabiyeh, Khatounabad, Sand and Gravel, Turkabad) and Area 2 (Hisar Amir, Enqelab Town, Allameh, Yabr, and two phases behind the Municipality). The findings reveal that environmental conditions, urban facilities, and transportation significantly affect inequality and quality of life in these peripheral regions. Most evaluated factors, scoring above three on an average scale, contribute to inequality, with housing being the lowest-rated aspect. Major housing issues include poor neighborhood relations and building safety, while access to essential services like electricity, internet, and urban amenities (like shopping and banking) remains inadequate. Transportation was identified as a critical factor impacting quality of life, facing challenges such as poor walkability and cycling infrastructure. Economic conditions showed imbalances between population and resources, alongside dissatisfaction with income levels. Education and health also emerged as vital areas, with access to educational centers and medical facilities highlighting existing gaps. Urban governance and safety concerns were noted, with residents expressing dissatisfaction about citizenship rights and law enforcement performance. Environmental quality issues, such as poor green spaces and a lack of street cleanliness, further diminish living standards in these neighborhoods. Using a numerical taxonomy model, neighborhoods were categorized into four groups based on quality of life indicators, with Mamazand recognized as the only area meeting quality criteria. Other neighborhoods fell into varying classifications from developed to underdeveloped, with Enqelab Town, Hesar Amir, and Torkabad noted for poor conditions, largely due to informal settlements and infrastructural deficits stemming from significant migration. Overall, the decline in quality of life, particularly in Polasht and Allameh, is linked to the pressures of rural-to-urban migration and inadequate infrastructure and living standards.
Conclusion
The analyses conducted in Pakdasht reveal significant challenges concerning the quality of life for its residents. Social and economic inequalities from inadequate access to services have led to neighborhood relations and building safety issues. Poor infrastructure, such as electricity and internet, in underprivileged areas negatively impacts social and cultural well-being. At the same time, limited access to shopping centers and essential services in low-income neighborhoods constrains residents’ ability to meet daily needs. Unsatisfactory economic conditions and income inequality further complicate access to educational and healthcare services, increasing distrust in urban governance. This research focuses on categorizing quality of life at the neighborhood scale, dividing neighborhoods into four classifications: very developed, developed, less developed, and underdeveloped. Mamazand stands out as the only neighborhood with positive indicators. At the same time, Areas 1, Qouh, Phase 2, and Zeynabiyeh exhibit better conditions than the less developed neighborhoods, but still fall short compared to Mamazand. Neighborhoods with limited development, such as Polasht, Allameh, Yabr, Khatounabad, and Sand and Gravel, face shortages in services and infrastructure, while Enqelab Town, Hisar Amir, and Turkabad are not in an adequately developed state. An examination of 67 different indicators indicates that the overall situation in Pakdasht, particularly in the areas of environmental conditions, urban governance, and the economy, is severely unfavorable. Due to informal settlements, Enqelab Town and Hisar Amir experience the lowest per capita service availability, and Turkabad is in a critical state of infrastructure due to extensive migration. These issues highlight the developmental imbalance in Pakdasht and its negative impact on residents’ daily lives.
Keywords
Development
Pakdasht City
Quality of Life
Neighborhood

Subjects

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Urban Economics and Planning
Volume 6, Issue 1
Winter 2025
Pages 208-225

  • Receive Date 05 February 2025
  • Revise Date 31 March 2025
  • Accept Date 06 April 2025