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Volume 39, Issue 3 (2024)                   GeoRes 2024, 39(3): 319-327 | Back to browse issues page
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Ahmadi Bonakdar M, Saghatoleslami A, Seyedolhoseini S, Daneshvar M. Effect of Urban Planning Components of Social Housing on Social Sustainability. GeoRes 2024; 39 (3) :319-327
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1- Department of Urban Planning, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
* Corresponding Author Address: Department of Urban Planning, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Emamiye Boulevard, Mashhad, Iran. Postal Code: 9187147578 (saghatoleslami@mshdiau.ac.ir)
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Background:
The rapid urbanization and migration from rural to urban areas have significantly altered settlement patterns, transitioning from extended family structures to independent households. Addressing the housing needs of low-income groups has become a critical challenge for governments worldwide. Inadequate attention to urban planning in social housing projects has resulted in unsuitable living conditions and unmet resident needs, exacerbating social instability, inequality, and reduced quality of life.
Previous Studies:
Social housing initiatives have a historical backdrop tied to the post-industrial and post-war eras, emphasizing affordable housing to alleviate social challenges. Research by Salavrazizadeh et al. (2021) identified urbanization growth and inflation as critical factors in developing social housing, while Safari et al. (2023) emphasize equitable location selection and management strategies for housing projects. Studies by Kiani Salami et al. (2019) revealed dissatisfaction with the social and physical attributes of housing units, and Saghaei et al. (2020) highlight that policies often fail to meet the housing needs of low-income groups effectively.
Internationally, Lopes et al. (2023) have explored the impact of accessibility improvements in social housing projects in Lisbon, finding a direct correlation between housing location and residents' quality of life. Manzo and Grove (2024) have discussed inadequate maintenance in social housing and its negative implications for health in Dublin, emphasizing the need for policy adjustments. Similarly, Kutsalo (2024) examine how Spain’s policies for integrating environmental sustainability into social housing improved community cohesion.
Despite this body of work, existing research has seldom evaluated urban planning components’ direct influence on social sustainability using mixed quantitative approaches. This study addresses this gap by focusing on practical urban planning parameters, including housing sustainability, spatial efficiency, and social inclusion, within the context of the Mehr Housing Project in Torbat Jam.
Aim(s):
This study aims to evaluate the impact of urban planning components in social housing on enhancing social sustainability, focusing on the Mehr Housing Project in Torbat Jam. The study investigates key factors, such as housing sustainability, spatial efficiency, and social inclusion, and their effects on creating sustainable social environments.
Research Type:
This applied research employed a descriptive-analytical approach using quantitative methods to assess the relationships between urban planning parameters and social sustainability.
Research Society, Place and Time:
The research targeted the residents of Torbat Jam district, comprising a population of 267,671 individuals according to the latest census. The study focused on the Mehr Housing Project in Torbat Jam, a town in the Khorasan Razavi province of Iran. Data collection and analysis were conducted in 2024.
Sampling Method and Number:
Using Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 383 respondents was determined. Participants were randomly selected from the available population. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire validated by experts, achieving a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.989.
Used Devices & Materials:
The study utilized a Likert-scale questionnaire to measure perceptions of urban planning components. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and the Dimetel technique for pairwise comparison of parameters. Geographic and demographic data of Torbat Jam were referenced for contextual analysis.
Findings by Text:
The study identified four major urban planning parameters positively influencing social sustainability: Housing sustainability, social inclusion, access to adequate housing, and spatial efficiency. Negative impacts were associated with modern technology adoption and poor participation in housing construction.
Dimetel analysis revealed varying degrees of influence among components. For instance, recycled material usage showed a high positive effect on sustainability (D-R = 0.84), while environmental compatibility scored negatively (D-R = -0.33). Spatial productivity parameters, including optimal land use, indicated significant impacts (D-R = 1.23; Table 1).

Table 1. Dimetel Analysis of FacAtors and Indicators


Statistical analysis using single-sample T-tests affirmed the significance of all urban planning parameters in enhancing social sustainability, with p-values < 0.05 across indicators (Table 2).

Table 2. Single-Sample T-Test for Significance of Differences in Research Indicators


Main Comparisons to Similar Studies:
Unlike previous research focused on qualitative assessments or specific regions, this study integrates quantitative Dimetel and T-test methods to evaluate social housing’s sustainability factors comprehensively. While Salavrazizadeh et al. (2021) emphasize broader urbanization trends, the current research prioritized actionable urban planning components, distinguishing its approach. Safari et al. (2023) focuse on sociological and qualitative policy assessments, differing in methodological and analytical scope. Studies by Kiani Salami et al. (2019) and Saghaei et al. (2020) center on resident satisfaction within specific housing projects, without broader sustainability analyses. International comparisons, such as those by Manzo and Grove (2024), highlight the health implications of inadequate housing, while Lopes et al. (2023) assess accessibility impacts in urban Lisbon. By incorporating mixed-method quantitative approaches, the present research provided a robust evaluation framework not previously applied in this context.
Suggestions:
  • Establish diverse recreational spaces such as parks and local plazas.
  • Enhance housing quality through modern construction standards, incorporating green spaces.
  • Introduce community-centric urban spaces like marketplaces and plazas to foster social interaction.
  • Implement safety measures to enhance residents' psychological and social security.
  • Develop educational and cultural centers within proximity to housing units.

Conclusion:
Key urban planning components such as housing sustainability, location, and land use significantly enhance social sustainability in social housing projects. However, challenges such as inadequate spatial efficiency and reliance on modern technology without proper integration hinder progress.

Acknowledgments: The authors extend their sincere gratitude to the experienced urban planners and city managers who supported them during this study.
Ethical Approval: No ethical concerns were reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Author Contributions: Ahmadi Bonakdar MA (First Author), Introduction Writer/discussion Writer/Methodologist (45%); Saghatoleslami A (Second Author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (20%); Seyedolhoseini SM (Third Author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (20%); Daneshvar M (Fourth Author): Introduction Writer/ Methodologist (15%)
Funding: This article is derived from the doctoral dissertation of the first author, titled "Developing Influential Components in Urban Planning and Design for Social Housing to Enhance Social Sustainability: A Case Study of Mehr Housing Project in Torbat Jam." The research costs were fully covered by the first author.

 
Keywords:

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