Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

Strategic Analysis of the Socio-Semantic System of Space Towards Enhancing Collective Identity and Revitalizing the Kan River Valley and Javanmardan Park, Tehran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Dep. of Reclamation of Arid & Mountain Provinces, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran.
2 Dep. of Reclamation of Arid & Mountain Provinces, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Urban river-valleys, as interfaces where natural elements, social activities, and historical–cultural layers converge, hold significant potential for strengthening collective identity and enhancing the quality of public spaces. However, experiences from numerous urban river restoration projects show that the dominance of physical and engineering-oriented approaches often leads to a disconnection among the spatial, social, and perceptual dimensions of place. This study aims to analyze the socio-spatial mechanisms influencing the regeneration of collective identity in the Kan River-valley restoration project, with an emphasis on Javanmardan Park. The theoretical framework is grounded in Lefebvre’s concept of the “production of space” and incorporates notions of sense of place, sense of belonging, and collective identity. Accordingly, the socio–semantic structure of space is examined through a three-layer model comprising physical–spatial, social–activity, and perceptual–meaningful dimensions. The research is applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical in method. Data were collected through documentary studies, field observations, and an expert survey. The main research instrument was a questionnaire containing 24 indicators based on the four components of SWOT analysis, rated on a five-point Likert scale. The statistical population consisted of experts in urban planning, urban design, and urban management, among whom 30 individuals were selected as the sample. The questionnaire’s reliability was confirmed through a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0/70, and the data were analyzed using the SWOT framework. The findings reveal that the river’s ecological dynamism and the historical–cultural background of the Kan district are among the key strengths, whereas the concrete channelization of the riverbed, spatial discontinuity, and formation of unsafe urban pockets constitute the main weaknesses. The development of green corridors and nature-based tourism emerges as the principal opportunities, while flood risks and social vulnerabilities represent major threats. Strategic analysis indicates that the study area falls within an aggressive (SO) strategy position, enabling active leverage of existing strengths to capitalize on development opportunities. Consequently, the core strategy emphasizes the creation of a cultural–ecological corridor along the Kan River-valley, connecting it to Javanmardan Park, in order to reinforce the linkage between nature, social activities, and the perceptual–meaningful layers of space and ultimately regenerate collective identity.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 May 2026

  • Receive Date 17 February 2026
  • Revise Date 09 May 2026
  • Accept Date 18 May 2026