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Volume 39, Issue 2 (2024)
GeoRes 2024, 39(2): 129-138 |
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Received: 2023/07/21 | Accepted: 2023/10/15 | Published: 2024/06/5
Received: 2023/07/21 | Accepted: 2023/10/15 | Published: 2024/06/5
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Gholami M, Saberi H, Toghyani S, Shams M. An Investigation into Desirable Urban Spaces and Its Role on Realization of the Theory of the Right to the City in Ahvaz Metropolis. GeoRes 2024; 39 (2) :129-138
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1- “Tourism Research Center” and “Department of Geography and Urban Planning”, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2- Urban Planning Department, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3- Department of Geography, Malayer Branch, Islamic Azad University, Malayer, Iran
2- Urban Planning Department, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3- Department of Geography, Malayer Branch, Islamic Azad University, Malayer, Iran
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Background
Urban spaces historically serve as centers for social and economic interactions, emphasizing equity in accessibility for all demographics. This aligns with the concept of the "Right to the City," focusing on equal resource distribution and democratic city management.
Previous Studies
Previous research highlights the significance of urban spaces in fostering social interaction and enhancing public life. Soltani and Namdarian (2011) emphasized the historical role of urban spaces as centers for connection and transformation. Rafieian et al. (2008) discussed the necessity of equitable urban planning to accommodate diverse age and gender groups. Moreover, Montazerolhodjah et al. (2018) stressed ensuring inclusivity in urban environments for vulnerable populations. Dogan (2023) and Johnson & Glover (2013) explored how public spaces encourage socialization and community engagement, while Abu-Dayyeh & Johnston (2018) analyzed their physical and social functions. Nabizadeh Zolpirani et al. (2022) further underscored the pivotal role of urban spaces in embodying social values and supporting civic life.
Aim(s)
This study aimed at analyzing urban space quality in Ahvaz and its impact on realizing the Right to the City.
Research Type
The study was a survey-based quantitative research.
Research Society, Place, and Time
The study was conducted in 2021 in Ahvaz, a city with a population of approximately 1,184,788, divided into eight administrative regions.
Sampling Method and Number
Using Cochran's formula, the sample size was calculated to be 375, selected through cluster random sampling from various socioeconomic neighborhoods across eight regions.
Used Devices & Materials
Data were collected via a structured questionnaire comprising 90 items across 12 dimensions for urban space quality and 10 for Right to the City. Statistical reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha >0.7, and construct validity was evaluated using AVE (>0.5).
Findings by Text
To examine and measure the components of urban space desirability and the right to the city, demographic data of the respondents were considered (Table 1).
Table 1. Demographic Characteristics of the Sample
In this study, the relationship between urban space desirability indices and the right to the city indices was analyzed using PLS software. The urban space desirability indices included 12 components (safety, security, readability, accessibility, comfort, diversity, identity, meaning, social interactions, vitality, cleanliness, quality and attractiveness, citizen participation), while the right to the city indices comprised 10 components (safety, communication, recreation, physical share, control and ownership, decision-making, space production, urban organization, social inclusion, justice and transparency). Each component had its subcomponents. Data from the questionnaires were entered into PLS software, and the factor loadings and path coefficients were determined (Table 2).
Table 2. Factor Loadings and Path Coefficients of Urban Space Desirability Indices
The path coefficients for the right to the city indices were also above the standard values, indicating a strong and desirable relationship between the components and their subcomponents. Among the right to the city indices, physical share, control and ownership, and justice and transparency showed the strongest relationships. All right to the city indices had appropriate t-values, indicating significant and positive effects of the variables (Table 3).
Table 3. Factor Loadings and Path Coefficients of Right to the City Indices
This study's path coefficients indicated that urban space desirability had a significant and strong impact on the realization of the right to the city. It was found that as the desirability of urban space increases, the realization of the right to the city also improves (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Path Coefficients of Urban Space Desirability on the Right to the City
The overall t-values calculated for the components of urban space desirability and the right to the city were above the standard value, indicating a meaningful relationship between them (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Significance Levels of Urban Space Desirability in the Right to the City
To evaluate model fit, R², Q², and the overall GOF fit model were used. The R² value indicates the explanatory power of the independent variable. The calculated R² values for all urban space desirability and right to the city indices were appropriate. The lowest R² value was for the communication index of the right to the city, and the highest was for the comfort index of urban space desirability. Additionally, the Q² results showed that the independent variable adequately explained the dependent variable. The overall GOF model fit indicated ideal overall fit, with a value of 0.42 (Table 4).
Table 4. Model Fit
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The findings of this study align with previous research on the role of public spaces in social interactions, particularly the emphasis on design features and their impact. For instance, studies by Gehl (2011) and Whyte (1980) found that spaces with ample seating, shade, and greenery encourage more social interaction, which corroborates the findings here about the importance of shaded seating and green areas. Additionally, similar to studies by Korpela (2003) and Montgomery (2013), this research also suggests that cultural events significantly boost social interaction, especially in parks and community squares, highlighting a common trend across different settings.
Suggestions
Urban spaces historically serve as centers for social and economic interactions, emphasizing equity in accessibility for all demographics. This aligns with the concept of the "Right to the City," focusing on equal resource distribution and democratic city management.
Previous Studies
Previous research highlights the significance of urban spaces in fostering social interaction and enhancing public life. Soltani and Namdarian (2011) emphasized the historical role of urban spaces as centers for connection and transformation. Rafieian et al. (2008) discussed the necessity of equitable urban planning to accommodate diverse age and gender groups. Moreover, Montazerolhodjah et al. (2018) stressed ensuring inclusivity in urban environments for vulnerable populations. Dogan (2023) and Johnson & Glover (2013) explored how public spaces encourage socialization and community engagement, while Abu-Dayyeh & Johnston (2018) analyzed their physical and social functions. Nabizadeh Zolpirani et al. (2022) further underscored the pivotal role of urban spaces in embodying social values and supporting civic life.
Aim(s)
This study aimed at analyzing urban space quality in Ahvaz and its impact on realizing the Right to the City.
Research Type
The study was a survey-based quantitative research.
Research Society, Place, and Time
The study was conducted in 2021 in Ahvaz, a city with a population of approximately 1,184,788, divided into eight administrative regions.
Sampling Method and Number
Using Cochran's formula, the sample size was calculated to be 375, selected through cluster random sampling from various socioeconomic neighborhoods across eight regions.
Used Devices & Materials
Data were collected via a structured questionnaire comprising 90 items across 12 dimensions for urban space quality and 10 for Right to the City. Statistical reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha >0.7, and construct validity was evaluated using AVE (>0.5).
Findings by Text
To examine and measure the components of urban space desirability and the right to the city, demographic data of the respondents were considered (Table 1).
Table 1. Demographic Characteristics of the Sample
In this study, the relationship between urban space desirability indices and the right to the city indices was analyzed using PLS software. The urban space desirability indices included 12 components (safety, security, readability, accessibility, comfort, diversity, identity, meaning, social interactions, vitality, cleanliness, quality and attractiveness, citizen participation), while the right to the city indices comprised 10 components (safety, communication, recreation, physical share, control and ownership, decision-making, space production, urban organization, social inclusion, justice and transparency). Each component had its subcomponents. Data from the questionnaires were entered into PLS software, and the factor loadings and path coefficients were determined (Table 2).
Table 2. Factor Loadings and Path Coefficients of Urban Space Desirability Indices
The path coefficients for the right to the city indices were also above the standard values, indicating a strong and desirable relationship between the components and their subcomponents. Among the right to the city indices, physical share, control and ownership, and justice and transparency showed the strongest relationships. All right to the city indices had appropriate t-values, indicating significant and positive effects of the variables (Table 3).
Table 3. Factor Loadings and Path Coefficients of Right to the City Indices
This study's path coefficients indicated that urban space desirability had a significant and strong impact on the realization of the right to the city. It was found that as the desirability of urban space increases, the realization of the right to the city also improves (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Path Coefficients of Urban Space Desirability on the Right to the City
The overall t-values calculated for the components of urban space desirability and the right to the city were above the standard value, indicating a meaningful relationship between them (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Significance Levels of Urban Space Desirability in the Right to the City
To evaluate model fit, R², Q², and the overall GOF fit model were used. The R² value indicates the explanatory power of the independent variable. The calculated R² values for all urban space desirability and right to the city indices were appropriate. The lowest R² value was for the communication index of the right to the city, and the highest was for the comfort index of urban space desirability. Additionally, the Q² results showed that the independent variable adequately explained the dependent variable. The overall GOF model fit indicated ideal overall fit, with a value of 0.42 (Table 4).
Table 4. Model Fit
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The findings of this study align with previous research on the role of public spaces in social interactions, particularly the emphasis on design features and their impact. For instance, studies by Gehl (2011) and Whyte (1980) found that spaces with ample seating, shade, and greenery encourage more social interaction, which corroborates the findings here about the importance of shaded seating and green areas. Additionally, similar to studies by Korpela (2003) and Montgomery (2013), this research also suggests that cultural events significantly boost social interaction, especially in parks and community squares, highlighting a common trend across different settings.
Suggestions
- Enhance urban spaces' comfort, safety, and inclusivity.
- Promote participatory urban planning to ensure fair distribution of resources and access.
- Develop policies addressing specific urban challenges in growing cities like Ahvaz.
Conclusion
There is a direct and significant relationship between urban space desirability and the realization of the right to the city. Among the urban space desirability indices, the comfort index has a strong and significant impact on urban space desirability.
Acknowledgments: The authors express their gratitude to the Tourism Research Center of Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, for their support in this research.
Ethical Approval: No issues have been reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: This research is derived from Mehdi Gholami's doctoral dissertation titled Providing an Appropriate Model for Urban Space Desirability to Achieve the Right to the City: A Case Study of Ahvaz Metropolis, under the supervision of Dr. Hamid Saberi and Dr. Shirin Toghiyani at the Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch. The dissertation advisor is Dr. Majid Shams, a professor at the Islamic Azad University, Malayer Branch.
Authors’ Contribution: Gholami M (First Author), Introduction Writer/Methodologist/Main Researcher (40%); Saberi H (Second Author), Main Researcher/Statistical Analyst/Discussion Writer (40%); Toghiyani SH (Third Author), Assistant Researcher (10%); Shams M (Fourth Author), Assistant Researcher (10%)
Funding: No funding sources to report.
Keywords:
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