Evaluation of social sustainability components of urban squares from the perspective of elderly happiness (case study: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan)

Doozdoozani, Yasmin

doi:10.22034/uep.2026.590370.1947

Evaluation of social sustainability components of urban squares from the perspective of elderly happiness (case study: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Yasmin Doozdoozani

Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Azarshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

10.22034/uep.2026.590370.1947

Abstract

Demographic transformations in recent decades and the growing elderly population in Iranian cities have made redesigning public spaces with a human-centered approach a primary concern. Urban squares, as the beating heart of collective life, play a decisive role in enhancing happiness and social sustainability for this group. This study aims to evaluate the components of social sustainability in urban squares from the perspective of elderly happiness, with a case study of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan. The research employs a sequential exploratory mixed-method approach, utilizing field observations, interviews with 12 key informants, and a questionnaire survey of 400 elderly individuals aged 60 and above. Instrument reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.83. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Findings indicate that among 25 items across five components of social sustainability and happiness, “architectural identity and authenticity” (mean=4.81), “memorability of space” (mean=4.62), and “sense of place attachment” (mean=4.45) received the highest scores. Conversely, “adequate resting furniture” (mean=2.67), “universal accessibility” (mean=2.84), and “access to restrooms” (mean=3.02) were identified as the most significant shortcomings. Pearson correlation results show that all five components of social sustainability positively and significantly relate to elderly happiness. The “sensory-psychological” component (r=0.92) shows the strongest correlation, while “accessibility and transportation” (r=0.69) shows the weakest. Despite its deficiencies, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, through its immense semantic and historical capital, provides a worthy setting for elderly happiness.

Keywords

Elderly

happiness

Isfahan

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

social sustainability

urban squares

Subjects

Urban Studies

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