Analysis of the socio-economic effects of wide sidewalks on the revitalization of deteriorated neighborhood centers (Case study: Feyzabad neighborhood, Kermanshah)

Toofan, Sahar; Shiroyeh Zad, Behnam

doi:10.22034/uep.2026.562264.1789

Analysis of the socio-economic effects of wide sidewalks on the revitalization of deteriorated neighborhood centers (Case study: Feyzabad neighborhood, Kermanshah)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Sahar Toofan ¹

Behnam Shiroyeh Zad ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Islamic Azad University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

² PhD Student in Architecture, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Islamic Azad University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

10.22034/uep.2026.562264.1789

Abstract

This research analyzes the socio-economic effects of implementing wide sidewalks on the revitalization of the Feyzabad neighborhood center in Kermanshah. As identity jewels of cities, deteriorated urban centers are crucial for social cohesion and the continuity of urban life, with their revival ensuring local economic dynamism and strengthened social capital. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection through a field survey. A researcher-developed questionnaire, completed by 365 residents and local business owners, was used in conjunction with direct observation and document analysis. The instrument’s validity and reliability were confirmed, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.87. Data analysis using SPSS software involved descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation test. Descriptive results highlighted “local business boom” and “increase in real estate value” as the highest-rated economic components, whereas “social life dynamics” and “maintaining neighborhood identity” were paramount in the social dimension. The correlation analysis demonstrated a very strong and statistically significant positive relationship between the wide sidewalk project and overall neighborhood revitalization. The correlation coefficient was 0.91 for economic factors and 0.87 for social factors, both significant at the 0.01 level. In summary, the findings conclusively validate the pedestrianization strategy as a highly effective and integrated measure for driving the socio-economic revitalization of deteriorated urban neighborhoods.

Keywords

Feyzabad neighborhood

revitalization of deteriorated neighborhoods

socio-economic impacts

urban revitalization

wide sidewalks

Kermanshah

Subjects

Urban Studies

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