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Volume 39, Issue 3 (2024)
GeoRes 2024, 39(3): 347-353 |
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Received: 2024/07/25 | Accepted: 2024/08/28 | Published: 2024/09/30
Received: 2024/07/25 | Accepted: 2024/08/28 | Published: 2024/09/30
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Ravandoost M, Khademolhoseini A, Saberi H, Abbasi A. The Adaptability of the Physical Expansion of Bushehr City with Multi-Core Growth Pattern. GeoRes 2024; 39 (3) :347-353
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1- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2- Department of Urban Planning, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2- Department of Urban Planning, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
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Background
Rapid urbanization and the physical expansion of cities, especially in recent decades, have led to environmental and social challenges, increasing the need to reconsider urban development patterns and adopt approaches such as the multi-core growth model.
Previous Studies
Previous studies have examined urban expansion, its consequences, and various urban growth patterns. Urban growth typologies and landscape metrics have been used to analyze the composition and configuration of urban spaces to better understand urbanization trends and their underlying mechanisms [Dietzel, 2005; Zhu et al., 2006; Yu & Ng, 2007; Fragkias & Seto, 2009]. Different theories, such as the concentric zone model [Burgess, 2015], cellular automata models, and self-organization theory, have been applied to analyze the structure and function of cities [Dietzel et al., 2005]. Research has also addressed the role of globalization and informatization in the transformation of multi-core urban structures [Hall & Pain, 2006]. Furthermore, the importance of continuously examining physical changes in cities for urban planning has been emphasized [Ravandoost et al., 2023], and the role of multi-core patterns in organizing flows and places in urban and regional spaces has been highlighted [Davoudi & Wishardt, 2005].
Aim(s)
This study examined the conformity of Bushehr city's growth pattern with the multi-core growth model.
Research Type
This research was applied in nature.
Research Society, Place and Time
The research population consisted of urban planning experts, and the study was conducted in Bushehr city, the capital of Bushehr province, located in southwestern Iran. The research was carried out in the year 2024.
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling method in this study was purposeful sampling. The sample consisted of 30 urban planning experts who were selected to participate in semi-structured interviews.
Used Devices & Materials
In this study, data were collected using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data analysis was conducted through primary and secondary coding. To measure the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha coefficient (88%) was used, and quantitative data analysis was performed using the gray ranking method in SPSS version 27.
Findings by Text
The polycentric growth pattern is considered the most desirable model for the development of Bushehr city, with 87% of respondents rating it as "very effective" and 13% as "effective" (Table 1). This model, due to the dispersion of economic, service, and residential activities across several distinct centers, was evaluated as the most suitable spatial structure for the city.
Table 1. Types of optimal growth and development patterns in Bushehr city
Analysis of the factors influencing polycentric growth showed that the establishment of residential clusters in various locations ranked highest in importance (rank 1), while the presence of dormitory suburbs on the city outskirts had the least significance (Table 2).
Table 2. Components of polycentric growth pattern in Bushehr city
Regarding urban structure, components such as the restoration and preservation of old areas and open spaces, reduction of pressure on the central core, and expansion of main communication lines received the highest approval (Table 3). All components had approval rates above 50%, indicating alignment of the city’s structure with polycentric growth characteristics.
Table 3. Characteristics of the polycentric structure of Bushehr City
In examining environmental and military factors affecting growth, results revealed that the city’s enclosure by the sea (0.91) and the presence of military centers along the west-east axis (0.90) had the greatest impact on the city’s growth orientation (Table 4). These natural and human factors led to the city’s development mainly toward the south and southeast, with the northern, southwestern, and southeastern areas emerging as expanding new urban cores.
Table 4. Factors influencing the current growth and expansion of Bushehr city
Overall, the findings indicate that Bushehr’s environmental, spatial, and functional conditions have directed it toward a polycentric growth pattern, which best matches the city’s current status.
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
Compared to similar studies, the findings of this research align with those of Ravandoost et al. (2023), who evaluate the spatial structure of Bushehr city as consistent with the polycentric growth model. Similar to the London case in the polycentric theory, where two historical and specialized cores (the City and Westminster) have formed, Bushehr had also developed into a polycentric city through gradual expansion influenced by environmental and economic factors. This is consistent with Majedi et al. (2012), who analyzed Rasht’s physical growth based on radial transportation routes as an indicator of diverse urban core formation. Moreover, the role of transportation networks in strengthening Bushehr’s new cores corresponds with Batisani & Yamal’s (2009) analyses on the impact of natural features and environmental constraints. Additionally, the presence of oil and gas industries and ports as independent economic cores in Bushehr matches the findings of Mohammadyari et al. (2023), who highlighted the role of industries in forming the polycentric structure of Kermanshah city.
Suggestions
To realize a polycentric structure in Bushehr, residential development should occur in various parts of the city to prevent population concentration. The historic fabric can serve as a cultural and tourist core, industrial areas as economic cores, and ports as commercial centers. Achieving this model requires coordination among institutions, active community participation, and infrastructure development for Bushehr to become a successful polycentric city.
Conclusion
The city of Bushehr follows a polycentric growth pattern, where natural constraints such as the sea and marshlands on one side, and the presence of military centers on the other, have led to the dispersion of residential cores in the northern, southwestern, and southeastern parts of Bushehr.
Acknowledgments: None reported by the authors.
Ethical Permission: None reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: This article is derived from the first author's thesis. There was no conflict of interest in the writing and publication of this article.
Authors’ Contributions: Ravandoost M (First author), Introduction writer/Discussion writer/Methodologist/Statistical analyst (25%); Khademolhoseini A (Second author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (25%); Saberi H (Third author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (25%); Abbasi A (Fourth Author): Introduction Writer, Discussion Writer (25%)
Funding: None reported by the authors.
Rapid urbanization and the physical expansion of cities, especially in recent decades, have led to environmental and social challenges, increasing the need to reconsider urban development patterns and adopt approaches such as the multi-core growth model.
Previous Studies
Previous studies have examined urban expansion, its consequences, and various urban growth patterns. Urban growth typologies and landscape metrics have been used to analyze the composition and configuration of urban spaces to better understand urbanization trends and their underlying mechanisms [Dietzel, 2005; Zhu et al., 2006; Yu & Ng, 2007; Fragkias & Seto, 2009]. Different theories, such as the concentric zone model [Burgess, 2015], cellular automata models, and self-organization theory, have been applied to analyze the structure and function of cities [Dietzel et al., 2005]. Research has also addressed the role of globalization and informatization in the transformation of multi-core urban structures [Hall & Pain, 2006]. Furthermore, the importance of continuously examining physical changes in cities for urban planning has been emphasized [Ravandoost et al., 2023], and the role of multi-core patterns in organizing flows and places in urban and regional spaces has been highlighted [Davoudi & Wishardt, 2005].
Aim(s)
This study examined the conformity of Bushehr city's growth pattern with the multi-core growth model.
Research Type
This research was applied in nature.
Research Society, Place and Time
The research population consisted of urban planning experts, and the study was conducted in Bushehr city, the capital of Bushehr province, located in southwestern Iran. The research was carried out in the year 2024.
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling method in this study was purposeful sampling. The sample consisted of 30 urban planning experts who were selected to participate in semi-structured interviews.
Used Devices & Materials
In this study, data were collected using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data analysis was conducted through primary and secondary coding. To measure the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha coefficient (88%) was used, and quantitative data analysis was performed using the gray ranking method in SPSS version 27.
Findings by Text
The polycentric growth pattern is considered the most desirable model for the development of Bushehr city, with 87% of respondents rating it as "very effective" and 13% as "effective" (Table 1). This model, due to the dispersion of economic, service, and residential activities across several distinct centers, was evaluated as the most suitable spatial structure for the city.
Table 1. Types of optimal growth and development patterns in Bushehr city
Analysis of the factors influencing polycentric growth showed that the establishment of residential clusters in various locations ranked highest in importance (rank 1), while the presence of dormitory suburbs on the city outskirts had the least significance (Table 2).
Table 2. Components of polycentric growth pattern in Bushehr city
Regarding urban structure, components such as the restoration and preservation of old areas and open spaces, reduction of pressure on the central core, and expansion of main communication lines received the highest approval (Table 3). All components had approval rates above 50%, indicating alignment of the city’s structure with polycentric growth characteristics.
Table 3. Characteristics of the polycentric structure of Bushehr City
In examining environmental and military factors affecting growth, results revealed that the city’s enclosure by the sea (0.91) and the presence of military centers along the west-east axis (0.90) had the greatest impact on the city’s growth orientation (Table 4). These natural and human factors led to the city’s development mainly toward the south and southeast, with the northern, southwestern, and southeastern areas emerging as expanding new urban cores.
Table 4. Factors influencing the current growth and expansion of Bushehr city
Overall, the findings indicate that Bushehr’s environmental, spatial, and functional conditions have directed it toward a polycentric growth pattern, which best matches the city’s current status.
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
Compared to similar studies, the findings of this research align with those of Ravandoost et al. (2023), who evaluate the spatial structure of Bushehr city as consistent with the polycentric growth model. Similar to the London case in the polycentric theory, where two historical and specialized cores (the City and Westminster) have formed, Bushehr had also developed into a polycentric city through gradual expansion influenced by environmental and economic factors. This is consistent with Majedi et al. (2012), who analyzed Rasht’s physical growth based on radial transportation routes as an indicator of diverse urban core formation. Moreover, the role of transportation networks in strengthening Bushehr’s new cores corresponds with Batisani & Yamal’s (2009) analyses on the impact of natural features and environmental constraints. Additionally, the presence of oil and gas industries and ports as independent economic cores in Bushehr matches the findings of Mohammadyari et al. (2023), who highlighted the role of industries in forming the polycentric structure of Kermanshah city.
Suggestions
To realize a polycentric structure in Bushehr, residential development should occur in various parts of the city to prevent population concentration. The historic fabric can serve as a cultural and tourist core, industrial areas as economic cores, and ports as commercial centers. Achieving this model requires coordination among institutions, active community participation, and infrastructure development for Bushehr to become a successful polycentric city.
Conclusion
The city of Bushehr follows a polycentric growth pattern, where natural constraints such as the sea and marshlands on one side, and the presence of military centers on the other, have led to the dispersion of residential cores in the northern, southwestern, and southeastern parts of Bushehr.
Acknowledgments: None reported by the authors.
Ethical Permission: None reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: This article is derived from the first author's thesis. There was no conflict of interest in the writing and publication of this article.
Authors’ Contributions: Ravandoost M (First author), Introduction writer/Discussion writer/Methodologist/Statistical analyst (25%); Khademolhoseini A (Second author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (25%); Saberi H (Third author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (25%); Abbasi A (Fourth Author): Introduction Writer, Discussion Writer (25%)
Funding: None reported by the authors.
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