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Volume 40, Issue 2 (2025)                   GeoRes 2025, 40(2): 103-113 | Back to browse issues page
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Mirsayedi Anbaran S, Hataminejad H, Pourahmad A. Urban Regeneration Process with a Compensatory Justice Approach in Shahid Bahonar Neighborhood, Mashhad. GeoRes 2025; 40 (2) :103-113
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1- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran
2- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
* Corresponding Author Address: Faculty of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Corner of Zarrin Alley, Enqelab Street, Tehran, Iran. Postal Code: 1417853933 (hataminejad@ut.ac.ir)
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Background
The rapid and unplanned growth of urbanization, especially in developing countries like Iran, has led to the emergence of informal settlements and inefficient urban fabrics. This phenomenon is often accompanied by poverty, inequality, and social injustice, highlighting the need for new approaches such as urban regeneration. Such approaches aim to enhance spatial justice, quality of life, and social empowerment. The city of Mashhad, due to its high rate of in-migration and rapid population growth, faces challenges such as the expansion of marginal settlements and unequal access to urban services.
Previous Studies
Following the Industrial Revolution, urbanization, especially driven by uncontrolled rural-to-urban migration led to the formation of informal settlements and unplanned urban expansion [Liu et al., 2007; Kazemizade et al., 2014; Ghasemi & Javan, 2015]. This unbalanced development has resulted in numerous challenges such as urban poverty, spatial inequality, and difficulties in providing public services [Dadashpoor et al., 2015; Zebardast et al., 2020]. Over time, urban intervention approaches shifted from reconstruction and renovation toward comprehensive urban regeneration [Pourahmad et al., 2011]. Urban regeneration aims to improve quality of life, spatial justice, and socio-economic empowerment of residents through integrated strategies [Roberts & Sykes, 2008; Izadfar et al., 2021]. In the Iranian context, unbalanced urban development and centralized planning since the 1960s have deepened urban poverty and inequality in access to services [Taleshi, 2019; Farhadikhah et al., 2018]. This trend is particularly evident in Mashhad, a city experiencing rapid population growth [Yaghfoori et al., 2017].
Aim(s)
The present study was conducted to explain the process of sustainable urban regeneration with an approach focused on evaluating spatial justice in informal settlements of the Shahid Bahonar neighborhood, located in the city of Mashhad.
Research Type
This study was applied in nature.
Research Society, Place and Time
This applied study was conducted in the Shahid Bahonar neighborhood of Mashhad, Iran, during the years 2024-2025. The research society consisted of three main groups: First, local residents of the neighborhood, which had an estimated population of 33,937 people based on the 1402 Statistical Yearbook. Second, urban development and spatial justice experts were included in the study, based on their professional expertise and a minimum of five years of experience in the field. Finally, key informants (experts)were interviewed, each lasting approximately 15 minutes, to support the design of an urban regeneration process tailored to the principles of compensatory justice.
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling in this study was conducted using two distinct methods tailored to different target groups. For the local residents of Shahid Bahonar neighborhood in Mashhad, a simple random sampling method was employed. Based on a total population of 33,937 (according to the 1402 Statistical Yearbook), the sample size was calculated to be 195 individuals using Cochran’s formula at a 95% confidence level.
In contrast, for expert participants, a purposive (judgmental) sampling method was used. 21 experts in urban regeneration and compensatory justice, each with over five years of professional experience were selected to evaluate the questionnaire’s content and structure. Additionally, 31 specialists were interviewed in-depth to provide qualitative insights into the urban regeneration process.

Used Devices & Materials
In this study, data were collected using two researcher-made questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide. The first questionnaire, targeting 195 local residents, included 17 validated Likert-scale items measuring satisfaction with spatial justice. The second, designed for 21 experts, initially had 30 items, later refined through expert reviews and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha (0.88 and 0.89, respectively). Additionally, 31 experts participated in in-depth, recorded interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed using open coding. Statistical analyses included Shannon entropy and one-sample t-tests to support indicator evaluation and regeneration process design.
Findings by Text
In this study, compensatory justice in the Shahid Bahonar neighborhood of Mashhad was examined from the perspectives of both residents and urban planning experts. Most of the experts held a master's degree and had 5 to 15 years of experience in urban planning (Table 1). Analysis of residents’ responses revealed considerable dissatisfaction with spatial justice, particularly in areas such as the distribution of public services, access to facilities, and participation in decision-making processes (Table 2). Only indicators like safety and green spaces showed relative satisfaction.

Table 1. Demographic characteristics of the experts


Table 2. Frequency of residents’ responses to the assessment of spatial justice in Shahid Bahonar neighborhood, Mashhad


The results of the one-sample t-test based on expert opinions (Table 3) also indicated significant dissatisfaction with many indicators of urban compensatory justice. The highest levels of concern were related to institutional accountability, citizen participation, and budget transparency, whereas indicators such as credit facilities and access to water and sewage systems were rated relatively better.

Table 3. Evaluation of compensatory justice indicators from the perspective of experts using One-Sample t-Test (df = 30)


Subsequently, ten major indicators and related sub-indicators covering different dimensions of spatial justice were identified (Table 4). Prioritization of these indicators using the Shannon entropy method showed that cultural-identity justice, environmental justice, and equitable urban governance had the greatest impact on urban regeneration (Table 5).

Table 4. Indicators and sub-indicators influencing spatial justice


Table 5. Prioritization of indicators influencing the urban regeneration process in Shahid Bahonar neighborhood, Mashhad


The qualitative data analysis, through coding processes, led to the identification of seven key stages in achieving compensatory justice based on expert interviews (Table 6). These stages included: assessing the current situation, stakeholder analysis, public participation, intervention design, institutional model formulation, program implementation, and justice-oriented evaluation (Table 7).

Table 6. Coding process of extracted concepts from in-depth expert interviews



Table 7. Stages of the urban regeneration process


Overall, the findings indicated that spatial justice in this neighborhood faces serious challenges, yet certain capacities exist that could serve as a foundation for formulating effective compensatory policies.

Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The present study adopted a more comprehensive and multidimensional approach to compensatory justice compared to similar research. Unlike some studies such as Turok & McGranahan (2019), which primarily focus on physical and economic dimensions, this research also placed cultural, identity-related, environmental, and governance aspects at the center of attention. Consistent with the perspectives of Harvey (2009) and Uitermark et al. (2024), the study emphasizes the structural analysis of inequalities. Furthermore, prioritizing cultural-identity justice in this research aligns with findings by Degen & Rose (2012) and Tonkiss (2014) regarding the role of identity in urban spaces. Regarding participation methods, this study emphasized genuine and effective citizen engagement, in contrast to some works such as Patel et al. (2002). Finally, the institutional design in this model followed a bottom-up approach, which is consistent with studies like Deas (2013) and Healey (2006) that highlight flexibility and participatory governance..
Suggestions
Future studies are recommended to expand the analysis to other urban areas to better assess the impact of regeneration policies based on compensatory justice. Using mixed methods or longitudinal research can also provide deeper insights. Moreover, evaluating the long-term effects of interventions and comparing outcomes across different neighborhoods may help develop more effective and inclusive urban regeneration strategies

Conclusion
There is widespread dissatisfaction with spatial justice, particularly regarding the distribution of public services, participation in decision-making, and access to urban infrastructure. However, there is relative satisfaction with indicators such as safety and the quality of public spaces. Cultural-identity justice, environmental justice, and fair urban governance are identified as key factors in achieving compensatory justice.

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 dissertation. There is no conflict of interest regarding the writing and publication of this article.
Authors’ Contributions: Mirsayedi Anbaran SM (First author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer/ Methodologist (50%); Hataminejad H (Second author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (25%); Pourahmad A (Third author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (25%)
Funding: None reported by the authors.
Keywords:

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