Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Planning Based on the Approach of Inclusive Cities Case Study: The Qasr-Heshmatiyeh Neighborhood in District 7 of Tehran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Zahra Bozorgi 1
Maliheh Babakhani 2
Zeinab Adeli 2
1 Master’s in Urban Planning, Department of Urban Development Engineering, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Development Engineering, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
10.22034/uep.2025.519965.1635
Abstract
Introduction 
In today’s world, the concept of “inclusive cities” has emerged as a central approach in urban theory and policymaking. This approach goes beyond merely providing physical access and focuses on creating the conditions for presence, participation, and equal enjoyment of urban spaces and services for all people. An inclusive city is one where no one is excluded from public spaces and services, regardless of gender, age, physical or mental ability, economic status, or cultural background. With the growing diversity of urban populations, this approach aims to shape structures, policies, and spatial designs in a way that fairly and effectively addresses the needs of different groups, including the elderly, children, people with disabilities, women, and social minorities. Inclusion helps reduce spatial and social inequalities and plays a key role in improving quality of life, strengthening social cohesion, enhancing the sense of belonging, and reducing marginalization. From this perspective, an inclusive city can be seen as a human-centered, fair, and responsive urban environment where differences are not seen as obstacles but as a foundation for planning and design. In this context, the Qasr-Heshmatiyeh neighborhood in District 7 of Tehran has been selected as a case study to assess the inclusiveness of its urban spaces. This neighborhood, with its diverse population, historical fabric, and central location, also faces serious challenges, such as the presence of the Sayyad Shirazi highway and a lack of inclusive public spaces. These issues hinder equal access, usability, and spatial experience for various groups, particularly vulnerable populations. This situation highlights the need to rethink the design and planning of public spaces through an inclusive lens. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to evaluate and plan the public spaces of the Qasr-Heshmatiyeh neighborhood based on the principles of inclusive urban development. The study seeks to identify and define the key elements of inclusive urban spaces and to offer practical solutions for improving the quality of public spaces in the neighborhood. Accordingly, the research aims to answer two main questions:
1. What are the planning strategies for public and urban spaces in Qasr-Heshmatiyeh based on the inclusive city approach?
2. What are the key components that define inclusive urban spaces?
Materials and Methods
This research is an applied study that uses a mixed-method approach (both quantitative and qualitative) to evaluate the public spaces in the Qasr-Heshmatiyeh neighborhood. Data was collected through two methods: a review of library and documentary sources, and fieldwork, including observation and the distribution of questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of 30 questions, and 375 local residents participated by responding. Data analysis used a five-point Likert scale and the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. The questionnaire data were entered into the Smart PLS software, where factor loadings, correlation coefficients, and model fit indices were analyzed. The SEM model examined the relationships between variables across five dimensions: socio-cultural, physical-functional, economic, environmental, and managerial. A SWOT analysis assessed the neighborhood’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Based on this analysis, proposed strategies were prioritized using the QSPM (Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix) method.
Findings
The study’s results indicate that all the different dimensions of urban spaces significantly impact the quality of life for the residents of the Qasr-Heshmatiyeh neighborhood. Among these dimensions, the economic dimension was identified as the most critical factor influencing the improvement of public spaces in the neighborhood. There is a clear need for both physically suitable spaces and socially and culturally accessible spaces for all groups in the neighborhood. In this context, developing multifunctional green spaces and public parks that can meet the recreational, health, and social needs of residents, especially vulnerable groups, is highly important. According to the structural equation model analysis, the managerial and environmental dimensions ranked fourth and fifth in the current state of the Qasr-Heshmatiyeh neighborhood. This suggests that less attention has been given to these dimensions in the design of public spaces in the neighborhood. However, to achieve an inclusive neighborhood, it is essential to incorporate these dimensions into urban planning.
Conclusion
This study showed that to achieve an inclusive neighborhood and improve the quality of life for residents, the design and planning of urban spaces must ensure that all age groups and social categories—such as children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and women—can equally and appropriately benefit from the available facilities and services. In this regard, the Qasr-Heshmatiyeh neighborhood requires thoroughly reconsidering how its public spaces are organized. One key step is to improve and expand the sidewalks and communication paths network, especially the complete streets, to enhance accessibility and reduce existing spatial gaps. These paths should be designed with the movement conditions of the elderly and people with physical limitations in mind and include features such as ramps, warning surfaces, and appropriate signage. Supporting small and home-based businesses, creating local markets, and providing skills training can empower disadvantaged groups, including women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, while promoting job creation and reducing economic inequality in the neighborhood. Alongside these efforts, developing multifunctional green spaces with special facilities for various age groups and abilities, especially for children, the elderly, and people with limited mobility, can improve the neighborhood’s livability. These spaces should include playgrounds, accessible parks, and safe walking and cycling paths. Other proposed strategies include the regeneration of abandoned and defenseless urban spaces. Transforming these areas into social and cultural centers could help improve security, increase social interactions, and strengthen the sense of belonging among residents. The design of cultural and recreational centers should also be inclusive, meeting the needs of diverse groups, particularly marginalized ones. Finally, structural reforms in urban management and increased resident participation in decision-making processes are essential to realize these goals. We can only move toward creating an urban environment where no one is overlooked by embedding principles of spatial justice and equal access into policymaking and implementation.
Keywords
Inclusive Cities
Qasr-Heshmatiyeh Neighborhood
QSPM Matrix
Structural Equation Modeling
SWOT Analysis
Tehran District 7

Subjects

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Urban Economics and Planning
Volume 6, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 30-51

  • Receive Date 29 April 2025
  • Revise Date 13 May 2025
  • Accept Date 17 May 2025