Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

Empowerment and spatial justice through urban acupuncture: testing a participatory model in the informal settlement of Shahid Bahonar, Mashhad

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Ph.D. Candidate in Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Rapid urbanization in developing countries has expanded informal settlements as a manifestation of spatial inequality, demonstrating the need for practical and low-cost intervention strategies. This study aims to design and validate an operational model for implementing “Urban Acupuncture” to foster community empowerment and achieve spatial justice in the Shahid Bahonar neighborhood of Mashhad, through an applied, mixed-methods study. Data were collected from 375 residents (via cluster sampling) and 20 experts (via purposive sampling) using a questionnaire (reliability: 0.87), interviews, and focus group discussions. Data analysis was performed by integrating AHP-TOPSIS methods and inferential statistics. The findings indicated that the AHP-TOPSIS model, which prioritized problem density (0.42), is an effective tool for prioritizing critical intervention points. A strong and significant relationship was found between the physical-environmental condition and the perception of spatial justice (r = 0.73), with the physical indicator identified as the strongest predictor of spatial justice (β = 0.52). Furthermore, the neighborhood’s relatively strong social capital (mean= 3.65) and its positive correlation with the willingness to participate (r = 0.55) provided a suitable foundation for participatory interventions. Finally, low-cost and participatory operational plans were designed for the prioritized points. The findings suggested that urban acupuncture, within the framework of a scientific-participatory model, can act as a catalytic strategy to initiate the empowerment process and advance toward spatial justice in such contexts.
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Volume 7, Issue 4
July 2026
Pages 66-85

  • Receive Date 02 November 2025
  • Revise Date 04 December 2025
  • Accept Date 04 December 2025