An analytical and problem-oriented study of the missions, position, and structure of the Supreme Council of Urban Planning and Architecture of Iran toward aligning its sectoral interests with the public interest

Motahar, Reza; Shokouhibidhendi, Mohammadsaleh; Yousefi, Amirmohammad; Alizadeh, Reza

doi:10.22034/uep.2026.583584.1903

An analytical and problem-oriented study of the missions, position, and structure of the Supreme Council of Urban Planning and Architecture of Iran toward aligning its sectoral interests with the public interest

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Reza Motahar ¹

Mohammadsaleh Shokouhibidhendi ²

Amirmohammad Yousefi ³

Reza Alizadeh ⁴

¹ Ph.D. in Urban Planning, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

² Assistant Professor of Regional and Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

³ M.Sc. in Urban Management, College of Fine Arts, Faculty of Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Ph.D. Candidate, Urban Planning, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

10.22034/uep.2026.583584.1903

Abstract

The Supreme Council of Urban Planning and Architecture, as the highest authority for land-use policy and urban development regulation, plays a crucial role in shaping urban growth through determining land uses, construction boundaries, and density regulations. This study examines which components of the council’s missions, position, and institutional structure require reconsideration to enhance its effectiveness in promoting the public interest within the urban governance system. From a paradigmatic perspective, the research is situated within an interpretive–critical framework. Methodologically, it is a qualitative, problem-oriented, explanatory–analytical study. Its reasoning logic is based on deductive, inductive, and interrogative approaches. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with experts and stakeholders, together with document and policy analysis, and analyzed by applying thematic analysis through coding, categorization, and theme extraction. Purposeful sampling was employed, and theoretical saturation was achieved at the twelfth interview. The findings indicate that the gap between the council’s mandates and its accountability mechanisms, within an institutional structuralist framework, has contributed to conflicts of interest among members and participating institutions. Through positive feedback loops and path dependence, these conflicts have reinforced sectoral and fragmented decision-making patterns, weakening the alignment of decisions with the public interest and public rights. Consequently, inefficient urban development patterns have persisted, and pressure on the land market has increased. The results highlight the need for institutional restructuring and stronger conflict-of-interest control mechanisms to break reinforcing feedback cycles, improve accountability, strengthen coherence, and support transparent, effective, and public interest-oriented urban governance in planning and policymaking processes.

Keywords

conflict of interest

institutional structure

positive feedback loop

public interest

public rights

Supreme Council of Urban Planning and Architecture

20.1001.1.28212118.1405.7.11.3.9

Subjects

Urban planning

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